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MEET THE WINNERS!
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appy Spring! Hello Willamette Valley! There is nothing in the world like spring in the valley. Watching the whole area wake up from winter is nothing short of spectacular. With all the blossoms and blooms, comes a plethora of family friendly events and celebrations in Salem and the surrounding communities. Be sure to visit the calendar page where you will find out about a Monster Cookie Ride, Earth Day in the Oregon Garden, a movie about a pig, a cherry celebration and a Pow Wow to name a few! Oregon knows how to party! Spring also brings hay fever and allergies, but we have you covered with some great tips from our contributing RN about how you can alleviate the sniffles and sneezes in your house. Are you looking forward to Spring Break? What are your family’s plans? Will you head to the coast? Head to the hills? How about a nice hike or two? Check out page 12 for four family friendly hikes that will be sure to be memorable. As the rain continues to fall ( as it always does in the winter/early spring ) kids can start to get a little squirrelly. And while you may have the patience of a saint, you KNOW those little darlings need to get the wiggles out before you lose your mind. :) Page 18 may just save your sanity! I am currently writing this from a remote town in Wyoming- iced over and windy, so I can care for my mom for a while. The wilderness out here is far different from Oregon, and while I find it exciting- I do feel a bit meloncholy that you all will be celebrating spring without me! The cherry trees and the greenery and the blooms and bushes! Oh, and the blackberries too! Please pick a few for me, will you?
Yvette 5
March/April 2018 PUBLISHER Yvette Tripp
ISSUE 16
EDITOR Yvette Tripp
yvette@willamettekidsandfamily.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Yvette Tripp ADVERTISING Yvette Tripp 307.797.6730
Willamette Kids & Family PO Box 266 Midwest, Wyoming 82643
www.willamettekidsandfamily.com Willamette Kids and Family is a free community bi-monthly publication. We are dedicated to being a central hub for information in the Salem - Keizer area, by providing a variety of current news and resources to help local Oregonians care for their families. We promote neighborhood family-centered businesses by increasing their visibility within their target market. Willamette Kids and Family promotes peace and prosperity and never publish any information that could be construed as harmful or libelous. We never discriminate based on race, sex, religion or favorite brand of macaroni and cheese. No content may be reproduced without written permission of the editor. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved
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Spring Yoga Fun for Kids (& Their
E S I W T N
PARE
Grown-Ups, Too!)
by Jenifer Trivelli M.S.
As parents, many of us desire connection
•
Yoga can be a simple, yet powerful tool anyone can use to invite more connection with their child. Here’s two (maybe surprising!) ways research supports this idea:
Tree Pose
Releases neurochemicals which build safety and trust. (Paul Zak) • Makes pain feel less painful. (Malika Auvray, et al) • Societies high in nurturing touch are low in violence. (James W. Prescott) • Expresses positive emotions between people. (Matthew Hertenstein, et al) If you’re convinced, read on for some fun ways to give it a try!
with our kids. We ask them questions, we help them find happiness in their friendships and their activities. In the busyness of life and the age of information overload, we can use simple ways to be present and work to build connection.
Benefits: Energizes and calms. Develops balance and focuses attention. Strengthens postural muscles. How to do it: You can try this balancing pose either facing towards each other or side by side. Stand with legs and feet together. Imagine yourself as a tall tree, with roots growing down from your feet into the floor. Shift your weight onto the left foot. Slowly bend right knee and draw the right foot up, placing the sole on the inner leg (i.e., ankle, shin, or thigh) without strain. You can also try keeping your toes on the ground and resting your heel against your leg. Activate your body and press
The power of the heart. The Institute of HeartMath (IHM) found that heart rhythms sync up when two people are in a state of appreciation together. Additionally, they discovered that when a mother focused her attention on her baby, her brain waves synchronized to the baby’s heartbeats.
The power of touch. •
Pre-term babies gain more weight when receiving touch therapy. (Tiffany Field)
•
Activates brain regions linked with reward, compassion, cooperation. (Edmund Ross)
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standing leg down, rooting yourself like a tree to the earth. Press palms together in front of heart to help with balance. Then, stretch arms and head up like branches to the sky, while rooting your standing leg. Repeat on the other leg. Fun variations: Dancing Trees - take the right arm back and the left arm forward, then switch, taking the left arm back and right forward. You can also try the pose with your eyes closed.
Tree Partner Game
Benefits: Develops grounding, focus, balance, trust, and teamwork. How to do it: Stand and face each other with right legs up in Tree Pose, right hands touching, and left hand on the hip. Press towards each other gently for support. Choose one person to lead. The leader slowly begins to explore by bringing their hands back and forth, to to the sides, and in different rhythms without causing either partner to lose balance. Keep hands flat (no grabbing!). Switch legs, bringing the left leg up in Tree Pose, and the second person becomes the leader. (If there is a large height discrepancy with you and your child, come on to your knees while they try tree pose.) A nice way to close this time of connection is to sit back to back with one hand on your heart and take three deep, belly breaths together. Share a simple appreciation of your time together, knowing you can draw on this connection anytime you and your kiddo can use it. *Yoga poses adapted from YogaCalm for Children (Gillen & Gillen). Jenifer Trivelli, M.S. is a Certified Youth YogaCalm Instructor & teaches classes for kids & teens in Salem, Oregon. Learn more & find current class offerings at Facebook.com/WiseMindServices Photo Credit: Nikki Kraus
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Do you have a child going to Kindergarten soon? Looking for a workshop to help you and your child feel a little more prepared going into Kindergarten? Try a Ready! For Kindergarten Workshop. Ready! for Kindergar-
ten provides take-home materials (toys) and tools, to empower you to help young children develop strong brain connections and kinder readiness. There are a total of 3 workshops; you can attend one or all. Here are some workshops coming up near you.
LOCATION/PHONE
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
SESSION 3
East Salem Center 3-4 yr olds 503-399-5510
March 7 5:00-7:00
April 4 5:00-7:00
April 11 5:00-7:00
East Salem Center 4-5 yr olds 503-399-5510
March 7 5:00-7:00
April 4 5:00-7:00
April 11 5:00-7:00
Hoover Elementary 503-399-3157
May 31 5:00-7:00
June 21 5:00-7:00
July 12 5:00-7:00
Grant Elementary 503-399-3151
October 25 5:30-7:30
January 31 5:30-7:30
April 25 5:30-7:30
Hayesville Elementary 503-399-3153
February 21 5:00-7:00
March 6 5:00-7:00
April 18 5:00-7:00
Yoshikai Elementary 503-399-3438
March 13 5:00-7:00
April 10 5:00-7:00
May 8 5:00-7:00
Swegle Elementary 503-399-3191
June 25 Jumpstart
June 26 Jumpstart
June 27 Jumpstart
Other Family Educational Events Incredible Years (IY)- Hoover Elementary*
IY is a program designed to give parents, guardians, and caregivers strategies and tools they can use with their kids to help them promote positive and productive reactions to stressful situations. DATES: 1/31/18-3/14/18 & 04/04/18-05/16/18 5:30pm Dinner & 6:00-8:00 class. Call 503 399-3157 to register. Class available in English and Spanish *you do not have to be a Hoover family to attend. Any and all are welcome.
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors- Auburn Elementary*
Abriendo Puertas curriculum strengthens parenting behaviors, leading to better outcomes for parents and caregivers with children ages 0-5. DATES: 4/3/18-6/5/18 5:30pm Dinner and 6:00-8:00 class Call 503 399-3128 to register. Class available in English and Spanish *you do not have to be an Auburn family to attend. Any and all are welcome.
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OPEN HOUSE OPPORTUNITIES: MARCH 13TH, 5-7 PM NEW ADMISSIONS + ROBOTICS DEMO
APRIL 25TH, 5-7 PM
OMSI FRIENDS & FAMILY NIGHT
MAY 22ND, 6 PM
CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
LEARN MORE | ABIQUAACADEMY.ORG 9
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Take A HIKE! Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 2.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Fees: None Distance from Salem: 23 miles This wildlife refuge just south of Salem is home to a wide variety of bird species. Two well kept boardwalk trails wind through the wetlands and covered bird blinds for wildlife viewing. The flat incline makes this a great outing for all ages. Most trails are open year round. The Rail Trail boardwalk is a great opportunity at Wood Duck Pond where Hooded Mergansers, Egrets, and Canada Geese are often spotted in numbers. Pintail & Egret Marsh Boardwalk follows Bashaw Creek. Keep an eye out for Red legged frogs here! The boardwalk ends at an observation blind overlooking Pintail and Egret Marshes. Watch for Osprey, various duck species as well as Tundra Swans and you may even spot Canada Geese. Directions: Ankeny NWR can be found off of Interstate 5, 12 miles south of Salem, Oregon or 10 miles north of Albany, Oregon; take the Ankeny Hill Exit (243). The
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refuge is bordered by Ankeny Hill Road, Buena Vista Road, and Wintel Road. Map it! Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Jefferson, OR 97352
McDowell Creek Falls Loop
Distance: 1.8 miles Difficulty: Easy Fees: None Distance from Salem: 50 minutes Located about an hour from Salem in the Cascade foothills just north of Sweet Home, Oregon, McDowell Creek Falls County Park is a perfect family hike no matter the season. A loop trail takes you past two spectacular waterfalls as well as smaller cascades and there’s even a swimming hole! Stairs, platforms, waterfalls and various greenery keep little minds engaged and excited to discover what’s next. Restroom and Picnic area. Directions: Interstate 5 south - Exit 233 for Lebanon/Sweet Home. Take Highway 20 east for 19 miles, through Lebanon. Turn left onto McDowell Creek Road and follow signs for about 9 miles toward the park. Map it: 43170 McDowell Creek Dr, Lebanon, OR 97355
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Henline Falls Hike
Distance: 1.8 miles Difficulty: Easy Fees: Pick up a permit at the trailhead. Distance from Salem: About an hour. Located in the Little North Santiam River area, this hike also features impressive waterfalls, amazing green tinted pools and the added bonus of an old abandoned Silver mine visable from the trail. While there is a gate across the mine entrance, it is still a good idea to keep a watchful eye on curious kids. Less than 2 miles round trip and only 200 feet of elevation gain makes this a great hike for families with children of all ages. Directions: Head east on Highway 22 for 23 miles. Turn left on North Fork Road for Elk Horn Recreation area. 16.8 miles more and continue through the intersection. The Henline Falls Trailhead is just 0.1 beyond this intersection on the left.
Our favorite route so far is to begin at South Falls and return using the Maple Ridge Trail which is a bit more gradual and not as tough a climb for little hikers. Silver Falls also has a great lodge and gift shop that are always a big hit after a fun hike. Hiking and Oregon go hand in hand. Don’t let the weather stop you- grab your kids and fall in love with the Willamette Valley all over again. Happy Hiking! Have a family friendly hike that you love? Share it with me at yvette@willamettekidsandfamily.com.
Silver Falls State ParkSouth Trail Head
Distance: .9 to 2.6 depending on route Difficulty: Moderate Fees: Parking $5 Distance from Salem: 45 minutes No hiking guide would be complete without Silver Falls State Park. With the Trail of Ten Falls, there are so many amazing sights to see and so many different ways to see it! If you’re willing to hang in for the longer version of this hike it takes you behind South Falls and Lower South Falls.
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March 8-10 and 16-17
Salem-Big Fish, the Musical!
7:00 pm- 10:00 pm Based on the 2003 film by Tim Burton, explore beginnings and endings, love, and adventure. May not be suitable for young children. Tickets can be purchased at nshstheater.com. North Salem High School Auditorium, Salem, www.nshstheater.com
March 9
Salem- March Ceili Mor- Ceili of the Valley Society
7pm-11pm No partner or experience required! All ages welcome. No partner? No problem! $10 general admission, $5 student and $30 family arrive early to learn a few Irish dance steps! VFW Hall 630 Hood St NE www.ceiliofthevalley.org
nied with an adult. Affordable pricing varies per piece. Find ticket links and prices on our website. www.brushesandblessings.net
March 10
Salem- Young Father’s Group
9:30 am Fathers of young children, join us one Saturday a month as we celebrate being dads together. Food, fellowship and the ups and downs of fatherhood. For more information, contact Annie at adudley@salemalliance.org.
March 10
Salem- Willamette University 16th Annual social Pow Wow
March 10
Salem- Kids Paint Free at Shotskis 11 am Brushes and Blessings is now permanent at Shotskis’! Every Saturday we will be hosting a painting party for adults and kids. Kids paint free when accompa-
4:00 Free Admission to Dance Contest This event will take place, and has taken place for the past 15 years, on occupied territory of the Kalapuya people. Sponsored by ASWU, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and Native American Programs. Contact Office of Multicultural Affairs: 503-370-6265 Sparks Athletic Center Cone Fieldhouse at Willamette University. www.willamette.edu
YOU ARE INVITED
CHERRY BLOSSOM DAY in the CAPITOL and STATE PARK Saturday, March 17th 10am-2pm Free Public Event - Rain or Shine Performances – Music - Family Activities Free Parking on Saturdays Event Details: www.oregoncapitol.com or call 503-986-1388
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March 17
March 26
Salem- Cherry Blossom Day
Salem- Spring Break Passport to fun in Downtown Salem
10am-2pm FREE! Kite Flying Demonstrations, Make-your-own kite kits, Taiko Drumming, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Bonsai Display and Demonstration, Ikebana Display and Demonstration, Gyotaku, Koto Music, Japanese Dance and Chorus Performances, Cherry Industry Information. FREE admission and FREE parking www.oregoncapitol.com
8am-5pm Five downtown organizations have joined together to offer a Spring Break Passport to Fun! March 26-30, 2018. Oregon State Capitol, Willamette Heritage Center, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, World Beat Gallery and the Salem Art Association have teamed up to offer families a fun and free way to fill the week with activities.
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The passport is free and available at every stop. Stamps will be given at each location after the activity is completed. Once participants have all five stamps they can enter into a drawing for one of the prize baskets of admission tickets, books and assorted souvenirs.
Salem- Winter Yoga Series for Ages 10-14 with Jennifer
A yoga series just for ages 10-14 by WiseMind Kids Yoga! Come learn more about yourself with yoga that includes games, journaling, and art. Bring a friend along, or meet new ones. For pricing/Ticket info visit our website. Cassandra Rose Belly Dance 495 State Street, Ste B52 Salem. www.squareup.com/store/WiseMindEd
The Capitol will offer free building tours at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. Oregon State Capitol 900 Court St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
March 23
March 31
Salem- The Fab Four presented by OSAS
Salem-Deepwood Easter Hunt
1pm-3pm Bring the children and their baskets out for fun with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games, and egg hunts according to age group. This event is designed for toddlers through age 10. Advanced registration is required. Tickets are available for purchase at the Deepwood office or our website. Call us at 503-363-1825. deepwoodmuseum.org
8 pm- The Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles tribute band due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ songs, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing *The Oregon Symphony will not perform at this concert. 600 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301 For ticket info, visit: www.orsymphonysalem.org
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March 23-25
Albany- Northwest Horse Fair & Expo
9:00am-8:00pm Family-friendly event, with activities for horse enthusiasts of all ages! Exciting equine entertainment, breed demos, and a model horse show, and gigantic trade show. Daily admission purchased at the gate (cash only) $14.00 adults, $12.00 seniors, $7.00 for children ages 6-12, Children ages 5 & under are free. $4 Parking. Linn County Fair and Expo Center, Albany. www.equinepromotions.net
It’s FREE!
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April 1
April 21
10am- FREE.The exhibit features artwork by hundreds of students at the Bush Barn Art Center, which is operated by the Salem Art Association. Bush Barn Art Center 600 Mission St. SE Salem
10am Join us as we celebrate family and give our community a taste of SUMMER. Vendors, giveaways, camp exhibits and more! Sign up for a week of camp at this event and receive a FREE “I AM THE Y” tshirt! Salem Family YMCA 685 Court St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Salem- Young Artist’s Showcase
April 4
Salem-The Incredible Years
5:30 pm Join us for the Incredible Years parenting series. Dinner and childcare is provided. English & Spanish classes available. Wednesdays, Feb.7 – May. 15th5:30 - 8 p.m. The Incredible Years® is a series of interlocking, evidence-based programs for parents, children, and teachers, supported by over 30 years of research. Hoover Elementary School 1104 Savage Rd NE Salem. To sign up call Linda at (503) 399-3157
April 7
Salem-Family Friendly Karaoke
2pm- This is an exciting opportunity to get on the big stage and sing with your family! Shotskis Woodfired Eats 1230 State St, Salem, Oregon 97301
April 8
Salem- Spring Tea Party with Peter Rabbit at the Carousel
11:30- $20/PERSON. By reservation only. *A Variety of Tea Sandwiches, Pastries and Desserts *Storytelling by Mrs. McGregor & Peter Rabbit *Keepsake Photo *Carousel Rides. Slame’s Riverfront Carousel FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 503-5400374
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Salem-Healthy Kids Day!
April 21-22
Salem- Cherry City Comic Con
10am- 5pm Salem’s first, and only comic convention. In the heart and capitol, you will find over an acre of the most Funness in Oregon! Over 130 exhibitors, celebrities and artists. This big little show is 2 totally different days of activities with something for everyone including panels, vendors, celebrities, artists and more! Oregon State Fairgrounds 2330 17th St NE, Salem register.growtix.com/e/cherry_city_ comic_con_2018
April 21
Salem- Kids Firearm Safety 1
Saturday 2pm-3pm This program is designed to take the novelty away and open up dialogue between children and their parents regarding firearms. Basic, lifesaving skills on what they should and SHOULD NOT do if they encounter a firearm. Recommended age: 5 and up Parents must attend with their child (no additional cost). It is the mission of Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation to provide education through community outreach to eliminate accidental shootings. For information regarding upcoming classes, visit https://kidssafefoundation.org
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April 21
April 28-29
10am- 4pm Everyone is invited to enjoy a day of FREE admission to The Oregon Garden to celebrate Earth day. There will be educational exhibitions, activities, Entertainment and Food. This is a free event, with donations encouraged. Parking is $5 on site with free shuttles available from Robert frost elementary and 918 N. First St near Roths. For more info please visit www.oregongarden.com
8:30am -5:30pm Saturday, 10am-5pm on Sunday. Free Admission for kids under 12- $9 ages 13 & up. FREE Parking. Come see the livestock, pet the animals and learn where our food and wool come from! Enjoy Tractor Races, Wagon Rides, Farm Equipment exhibit, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Magicians, Jugglers and more! Oregon State Fairgrounds 2330 17th St NE Salem. www.oragfest.com
Silverton- Earth Day at The Oregon Garden
Salem-Oregon Ag Fest
April 28
April 29
Salem-Asian and Pacific Islander Day
Salem- Monster Cookie Bike Ride
$25 pre Registration via the website. There will be a day of ride registration booth as well. The 42nd annual Monster Cookie Ride starts at the State Capitol Mall in Salem and takes riders over gentle scenic back roads to Champoeg State Park and back to Salem. There will be tons of locall baked cookies and other foot items with friendly volunteers at the rest stops. Your reward at the end of the ride is a Monster Cookie. This is a recreational ride and is open to all bicyclcists who agree to share the road and wear a helmet. www.salembicycleclub.org
10am- FREE! The Oregon State Capitol will be celebrating the second Asian and Pacific Island Day at the Capitol by kicking off National Asian and Pacific Islander Month and offering a gateway to the events happening throughout the state. For more information, call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or go to the event page www.oregoncapitol.com
April 25
Salem- Elsinore Wednesday Film Series- Babe
7pm- Tickets are $6 each and can be purchased at the Elsinore Theatre and at all TicketsWest locations. Box office and doors open at 6:15 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m. Snacks and drinks, including beer and wine, available for purchase at the show. Phone 503-375-3574 for more information. Elsinore Theatre 170 High St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Have an event you would like to share?
April 28
It’s FREE!
Salem- Take a Walk in the Park
9am-12pm FREE! Join us for a family friendly walk in Riverfront Park. Begin at the Rotary Pavilion or at the foot of the Union Street Bridge in Wallace Marine Park. Check in at all 5 stations and return to the pavillion to be entered into the door prize drawing and enjoy a cookie. Cost is free but donations to Salem Parks Foundation will be accepted. Riverfront Park- 200 Water St. NE
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FAMILY HEALTH FEATURE
jump With record rainfall this winter, keeping our Oregon cuties active can be a bit of a challenge. Oregonians are a tough bunch, and a little weather never keeps us down- but on the days you are confined indoors, here are tips to motivate you to get moving and have fun!
finds the most objects in the allotted time, wins!
Kid’s Classes.
Salem and surrounding areas have a variety of classes to keep your kiddo active. From dance classes to karate instruction to bowling leagues and more. There’s lots to do!
Follow the leader.
What better way to slip in some deep knee bends and jumping jacks than a good game of Follow the Leader? Bonus here: you get moving too!
Hoop it Up. Have a hula hoop competition with your older kids. Who can keep it spinning longest? Indoor snowball fight. Crumple up pieces of paper or paired socks and have at it!
Indoor Bowling.
Have some 20 oz soda or water bottles laying around? Grab a soft ball and bowl indoors. Lots of cheering and high fives ups the active factor even more! Or visit a local bowling alley, for some fun out-of-the house time, too!
Lava Pits!
Put the couch cushions on the floor and encourage your kids avoid the lava (carpet).
Walk the mall.
Play I Spy, or count how many of a certain object you see along the way.
Shake your booty!
Crank that music high, and enjoy some silly time with your kids. Heart rate goes up, and the endorphins flow. It also ensures a much needed naptime. Win win!
Snowball Fight.
Using paired socks as snowballs, make a safe but squeal-worthy indoor snowball fight. Dodging snowballs, or counting points for specific goals (2 points for arms, 3 points for legs etc...) can help with math skills too!
Indoor Obstacle Course.
Using couch cushions, chairs, broomsticks and more, create an elaborate obstacle course for your child to master.
Scavenger Hunt.
Create a list of things that you have hidden around the house. Set the timer, and the one who
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Visit our pinterest board for more ideas on keeping kids busy and active this winter! pinterest.com/willamettekidsandfamily
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AH... AAHH...
ALLERGIES
TIPS FOR Helping our kids cope with living in the Willamette Valley this spring
What causes allergies?
Allergies are caused by exposure to particular allergens in the environment. An allergen is an antigen which is able to cause an immune response, and in the case of someone who suffers from allergies, this immune response is hypersening causes of allergy symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing, itching, watering eyes, dark, puffy circles under eyes, cough, sore throat, and rhinorrhea (runny nose).
The Willamette Valley is a truly stunning
place to call home, but unfortunately for those of us with seasonal allergies, living here comes with a price. For some, perennial allergens, such as dust, dander, and mold have year-round effects, while for others irritating allergy symptoms only cause temporary discomfort during spring, summer, or fall. The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about seasonal allergies.
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What can I do to lessen my allergy symptoms?
What are allergy shots? Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are typically indicated when environmental control measures and other allergy medications do not effectively control allergy symptoms, and allergy shots are not generally recommended for children under the age of five years. Small amounts of symptom-causing allergens are administered via injection just below the surface of the skin. The amount of allergen injected is gradually increased over time, allowing the body’s own immune system to develop immunity to the problem allergen. This type of therapy can provide longer lasting allergy relief, but it typically requires formal allergy testing, ongoing evaluation by an allergy specialist, and multiple injections (from one to two per week to once every few weeks depending on whether allergen doses are being increased or maintained) for three to five years on average years. Don’t let seasonal allergies put a damper on your ability to enjoy all that Oregon’s outdoors has to offer. If you would like more information about seasonal allergies, allergy management, or information on allergy testing and immunotherapy, please contact your healthcare provider or allergy specialist today.
The only way to avoid seasonal allergy symptoms is to avoid exposure to allergens. Of course this is very tricky to do, especially as we love to be outdoors enjoying the beautiful Oregon weather. Medications, both over-the-counter and via prescription, are available to help ease symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids are just a few options for relief, and these medications are available in many forms such as pills or liquids, nasal sprays, or eye drops. If you or your child suffers from seasonal allergies, speak to your health care provider about the best medication choice for your specific symptoms. Other non-pharmacological methods of reducing allergy symptoms may include the following: • avoid the outdoors during peak pollen periods • use an air-conditioner indoors • install filters on windows • avoid hanging clothes outside on a drying line • wash your hair before bedtime to avoid contaminating your pillow with aller gens your hair has collected through out the day. • use of saline mist or spray for nasal irrigation
Adrienne Mee, MSN FNP-C, is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with Armstrong Wellness Family Practice in Salem. Adrienne has a passion for children’s health and enjoys working with children and families to achieve optimal health and wellness.
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Portland Air Tram
Portland Streetcar
HOURS: Weekdays: 5:30am to 9:30pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: Closed Closed on some holidays- check website.
HOURS: Streetcar leaves daily7:30am-10:00am (Every 20 Minutes) 10:00am 7:00pm (Every 15 Minutes) 7:00pm-11:30pm (Every 20 Minutes)
The tram operates load-n-go. Including travel and boarding time, cabins typically depart every 6 minutes. A trip is 4 minutes each way. Visit the upper terminal and nearby patios and cafes for as long as you wish. The tram is typically crowded weekdays 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm. COST: Round trip fare: $4.70 Children 6 and under: free Ticket machines at lower terminal accept debit/credit only. www.gobytram.com
Have some old fashioned fun around town on a streetcar. This is a must for your transportation obsessed kiddos.
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Visit their website for interactive maps, a how-to first rider video, closures, tickets and more. COST: Adult $2.00 2.5 hours Kids $1.00 2.5 hours portlandstreetcar.org
Portland Japanese Garden
$5, with cab rides available for $10. ORHC is an ADA accessible facility located at 2250 SE Water Avenue. COST: Free general admission! Donations are greatly appreciated. www.orhf.org
HOURS: Monday: noon-7pm Tuesday-Sunday: Sunday: 10am-7pm Enjoy amazing exhibits, tours, seasonal activities, performances, and demonstrations. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with koto (Japanese harp) or shakuhachi flute, a demonstration on the exquisite Japanese kimono, witness a tea demonstration, or discover the delicate beauty of ikebana (the art of flower arranging.) COST: Adults: $14.95 Kids: 6-17 $10.45 Students: $13.50 Children 5 and under FREE www.japanesegarden.org
The Lumberyard HOURS: Friday -Monday: 9am-10pm Tuesday-Thursday: 2pm-10pm Sunday: 10am-7pm Portland’s premier indoor/outdoor bike park boasts heart pounding fun for every one. From push bikes, to balance bikes ( no training wheels) to your daredevil pros, riders enjoy an assortment of ramps and jump courses. Kids under 12 require parental supervision. Bring your bike or scooter from home or rent one once you get there. They also rent helmets and pads if you need them. With on-site food and drinks, this is a full day of active fun for families with kids of all ages. COST: Day Passes for all ages Monday-Friday: $20 Weekend & Holidays: $25 per day www.lumberyardmtb.com
Oregon Rail Heritage Center HOURS: Thursday and Friday 1pm-5pm Saturday and Sunday: noon - 5pm There is plenty to see and do! Come take in the latest exhibit, get a guided tour of the big engines up close, browse the ORHC Gift Shop. On Saturdays, hop aboard the Oregon Pacific Railroad for a short trip to the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for only
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3 day-trips near Salem. McMinnville, OR With a city park playscape to rival any we’ve seen in Oregon, McMinnville tops our list of kid-worthy places to visit. After hours playing in the park- refresh yourselves with a trip to Serendipity Ice Cream. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Decadent doesn’t even describe it! McMinville knows how to be unique- Where else can you slide down a water slide out of an airplane? Stroll down picturesque Third Street and revel in the delight of small town, America. Distance from Salem- 38 minutes. Silver Falls State Park, OR Maybe our choice of Silver Falls seems obvious- but hear me out. I had no idea there was a playscape there. No idea! Google “North Canyon Nature Play Area” and you’ll find the most unique playscape. With a giant crow’s nest, complete with eggs, a tree you can actually climb inside, a fort and a kid-friendly hiking trail- you might even forget about the amazing falls that abound. If you’re too tired to hike, no worries- you can even see a few falls from the lot. Distance from Salem- 43 minutes. Gaston, OR Let’s talk teenagers. If your kids are a little older, possess a sense of adventure bigger than Oregon itself, and perhaps you won the lottery- there’s a pretty fabulous adventure park just 40 miles from Salem. Tree to Tree has an aerial obstacle course, zip lines, a tween adventure course, and a kids adventure village. Though it is pricey, this could be a memory of a life-time. Check out www. tree2treeadventurepark.com grab your nerve, and go for it, Tarzan. Distance from Salem- about 37 minutes. Salem is no doubt the perfect distance from just about everything. Within an hour each direction, there is a plethora of amazing and beautiful opportunties. Check out our website, www.willamettekidsandfamily.com and Pinterest page for even more day-trip ideas. Pack those kiddos, some pork rinds, and root beer and get going. Roll down the windows and blow that city stink off ya! :) If you know of a family-friendly place that blows these away, email me and let me know! I’d love to hear from you. Happy trails and safe drives to you!
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Promote environmental awareness by teaching your children to be stewards of the Earth. Here are some simple and inexpensive ideas to help your child find a healthy respect for this wonderful planet that we share. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Make a play Garden for kids to dig and plant in. Make a Birdfeeder! Pinecones and Peanut butter are easy! Try growing wheat grass indoors. It grows super-fast! Make a Nature Box diorama with leaves, grass and other finds. Explore how to make your own paper! See links on how to’s on our website. Use leaves and construction paper for Sun Prints! An earth-friendly party! Keep it “green” with reusable plates, and upcycled decor. Teach your kids to compost. Bring in some worms, even. Eww! Two toilet paper rolls, painted & glued side by side make pretty cool binoculars! Challenge tweens and teens to organize a shoe drive. Decorate a reusable shopping bag together. Reuse materials for arts and crafts- magazines, wrapping paper, cards, etc. Have an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt with items like pinecones, leaves and flowers. Pick up trash in your neighborhood. Study symbiosis together in a neighborhood park. Collect recyclables from friends and make a trip to the local recycling center. Trace around a hand and arm to make a tree, color it and make it fabulous! Make bark and leaf rubbings using a pencil and paper. Create a terrarium for your child’s room. Build a fairy garden with little fairy houses and moss!
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You can be a...
5. Oh heeey there, Herb!
Don’t forget that herbs are veggies too! Slip some fresh herbs in your soups, salads and scrambled eggs for added nutrition.
VEGGIE NINJA
6. Casserole out the red carpet.
Shredded zucchini or squash can be a great addition to your favorite casserole dish without changing the texture and your little ninjas won’t even be the wiser!
Try these tricks to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet.
1. Spinach is your friend!
7. Beef up their burgers.
Sometimes convincing your finicky eaters that you are both on the side of good can be tricky. Blend frozen or fresh spinach with frozen blueberries, a splash of milk, and unflavored greek yogurt for a yummy smoothie, or freeze and make fruit-cicles!
Adding steamed carrots, or mushrooms can help add nutrition without being dectected or peppers can add a delicious zest to your grilled burgers for a fancy ninja party. While introducing your kids to vegetables repeatedly till they grow accustomed to them is the best game plan- sometimes they can be just a little more stubborn than you are patient. Try these sneaky ideas to fuel your little fighters and give them the best shot at a healthy, veggie full life. Eat up, little ninja kids!
2. Cauli me sneaky.
Sneaky parents add cauliflower to mashed potatoes and nobody can tell the difference! Cue the ninja music, please!
3. Meat(ball) them in the middle.
Kids may turn up their noses at veggies in spaghetti sauce, but hiding them in their meatballs is a totally legit move! Think of little meatloaf balls chock full of veggie goodness.
3. “Beet” them at their whiny veggie-faced game! Adding pureed beets to your pancake batter makes them an exciting shade of red so even the staunchest hater can’t resist the fun.
4. Squash their objections with yummy dessert! Delicious muffins feel like dessert, and they can be- when you know they are your secret weapon for hiding squash and carrots.
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