Second Opinion Magazine February/March/April 2023

Photo by Renée Barth Photography

Nick’s Dog Treats: Made with Love

By Becky Streeter

Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients on the box of your dog’s favorite treats? You might be surprised by a few of them. And, do you know how old they are, let alone how long they were on the shelf at the store before you purchased them? Lucky for you (and Fido!), Nick’s Dog Treats are simple, delicious and locally made, and they’re hitting the Chippewa Valley hot out of the oven.

Jennifer Hinze and Nick Napolitano, owners of Nick’s Dog Treats, are a mother-son team devoted to making healthy snacks for your furry, four-legged friends. At 11 months old, Nick was diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Throughout his childhood years, Nick and Jennifer really connected through baking together. They usually made cupcakes, but one day Jennifer asked Nick if he wanted to bake something different. “We looked at our dog, Hemi, and thought ‘Let’s make dog treats!’” Jennifer says. “We made way too many for just our dog, so we put a blurb out on FB and asked if anyone wanted some had made. The response was very overwhelming!”

Prior to this baking incident, Jennifer had devoted a lot of thought to what her son’s life would look like after high school. She knew the alarming statistics that individuals with disabilities have a very difficult time obtaining and maintaining employment. She wanted more for Nick. The excessive baking accident suddenly seemed like an answer to a series of worrisome questions. Jennifer and Nick decided to go into the dog treat business.

Nick’s Dog Treats officially started selling out of their own home/kitchen in May 2018, and purchased a building in Augusta, Wi in June 2022. Jennifer’s husband gutted and completely renovated the building, getting it up and ready for a grand opening late September. However, a fire broke out in the building a little over a month later, destroying everything inside. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the whole place needed to be gutted (again). Renovations have begun (again), and they hope to open their doors in the spring of 2023. For now, they are back to making treats in their kitchen.

All Nick’s Dog Treats are made to order. Everything is baked in small batches and sold while it’s fresh. They use all natural products, and each treat is made with only three ingredients: peanut butter, oatmeal and banana.

And for those who aren’t into dog treats, Nick’s also sells coffee! Jennifer says, “About a year after starting our business, people kept telling us that they didn’t have dogs but they wanted to somehow still support us. We thought ‘most people like coffee,’ so we started selling Door County Coffee on our website and in our shop. We call that portion of our business

‘Nick’s Brew’ in our shop.”

Jennifer’s continued passion is to create jobs for other individuals with “different abilities” so they, like Nick, can have the same opportunities as everyone else. Nick’s Dog Treats has a young man with different abilities named Justin, who has been working with them for almost three years now. Nick’s also sells items made by those with different abilities such as Miss Jaidan, who makes essential oil lotion bars and wax melts. Jennifer states, “I would not change Nicholas for the world, but I will change the world for him and others, one dog treat at a time.” Nick and Jennifer are doing what they love, and doing it with the ones they love.

You can find Nick’s Dog Treats at various locations throughout the Chippewa Valley such as Menomonie Market Food Co-op and The Local Store in Eau Claire, Donut Sams in Menomonie, Jacobson’s Ace Hardware and the Chippewa Store in Chippewa Falls, and the Osseo Nickel Barn & Coffee Shop in Osseo. For more information about Nick’s Dog Treats, or to order online, check out their website at www.nicksdogtreats.com. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ nicksdogtreatsandcoffeebrew.

Additionally, if you’d like to donate to help with the renovations for Nick’s Dog Treats & Coffee Brew, you can do so on their Go Fund Me page: https://www. gofundme.com/f/nicks-dog-treats-and-coffee-brew-firefund.

CBD and Your Pets

Now that CBD (i.e. Hemp) oil has been around for a few years, lots of people have discovered its benefits for pain relief and calming anxiety. And, if you didn’t already know, it can do the same for your dogs. There are hundreds of CBD companies selling human and animal CBD products, and it is up to each person to do their homework on the products offered. Some things you want to look for are:

• Transparent lab testing information

• Uses third party labs to confirm testing

• Produced in the US

• Full disclosure of ingredients

• The product is a broadspectrum CBD tincture

Pet quality CBD oil is essentially the same as what is

By Bifrost Farms

distilled for humans. It is packaged differently, however, not only to offer various strengths for each individual dog, but also to make it more palatable to the canine senses. Tinctures like blueberry, cheese and peanut butter flavors make it easy to set your dog up for success.

If you decide to try CBD on your dog, use a consistent routine to get the best results. Put the tincture on their breakfast each morning, or offer as a CBD chew treat at the same time each day.

*Please note that CBD is not for dogs under one year of age as there has not been sufficient studies on puppies to verify its safety.

Kids and K-9’s: Keep Them Safe!

Babies and puppies, kids and dogs – who doesn’t love them? Just the thought of babies and puppies together brings lovable cute pictures to mind. Facebook and Instagram are filled with images of kids and dogs interacting: babies laying on dogs, kids hugging dogs tightly, toddlers lifting the lip of a dog to look in its mouth, dogs and babies in costumes together, huge family photos with someone holding Fido – all normal, all adorable….right? They’re really cute, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind with human/animal interactions.

Humans are humans and dogs are dogs. We are not the same; we are two distinct species. Our methods of communication, coping strategies and genetic development are vastly different. As humans we have a lot of choices: what we do, what we eat, where we go, what we wear, who we socialize with. Dogs, on the other hand, generally have very few choices. Owners control what and when dogs eat, when they go outside, where to potty, whom they hang-out with--basically everything!

When children interact with a dog, sometimes the dog is forced to endure something they would not if given the choice. No one is saying to keep kids and dogs apart or to avoid those special photos, but your dog depends on you, his person, to keep him safe and comfortable. Below are some thoughts and ideas that can help keep kids, dogs, and everyone safe and happy.

Humans love to hug and kiss those we love, dogs don’t. Many dogs learn to tolerate physical affection (hugs and kisses) from their people but are not so thrilled when forced to tolerate it from someone else. Don’t let young children grab dogs for hugs and kisses. You may think your dog is enjoying it, but I promise you, at best they are tolerating it.

Dogs love their routines. When our gatherings disrupt their routine, they can become stressed and less tolerant of noise, big groups, a lot of additional petting. Do your best to keep your dog’s routine as close to normal as possible. Provide your dog with a safe, quiet spot to hang out if he needs it. Put a dog bed, toys, a long-lasting chew into a bedroom and keep it off limits for visitors.

Teach kids to “be a tree” when approached by a dog.

By Dawn M. Olson

Many kids are unsure of dogs, maybe even fearful of dogs, if they learn to freeze (like a tree), dogs generally lose interest. On the other hand, if a child runs, screams, waves their arms, etc., they become very interesting to dogs and will often get chased or jumped on! Not a good experience for that child and the dog will likely get scolded for acting like a dog!

Check your home for “growl/grumble” zones. These are spaces in your home where the dog may be forced into closeproximity to a child and the dog feels trapped. Some areas to be aware of are coffee tables in front of couches where the dog may be squeezed into a small space with a young child, dogs laying under a table to avoid a crowd and a toddler crawls under the table too, doorways where both child and dog are trying to pass at the same time, and under beds.

Learn to speak dog! Dogs are always speaking, but we don’t always hear them because we are unaware. Dogs speak with their bodies: eyes, ears, tails, lips, posture. Little things we can easily overlook are often your dog’s cry for help: lip licks, yawns, big round eyes with lots of white showing, turning the head away, submissive low posture, ears held low or towards the back of the head, tail not moving or wagging low or stiff, and hair standing up over the shoulders and back. Once you master your dog’s body language you will be amazed how much they have been saying. Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend by Lili Chin is an excellent resource for you and for kids.

For more information on keeping kids and dogs safe, checkout the Family Paws website https://www.familypaws.com . This website has many resources and links to help you keep everyone safe and happy. They can also help you locate a trainer in your area for more support.

Give your dog choices and then respect their choice. If they are uncomfortable, give them the choice to bow-wow out of that photo!

Dawn M. Olson; Certified Professional Dog Trainer; Certified Fear Free Trainer; Licensed Family Paws Educator - emBARK

WINTER WINTER PET CARE TIPS

Depending on the dog’s breed and coat, frostbite can occur when temps drop below freezing (32 degrees). Wet and damp weather make dogs more vulnerable to frostbite.

Paws, ears and tails are most susceptible to frostbite.

Frostbite damage may take days to reveal clinical symptoms. If you suspect your pet has suffered frostbite, seek immediate veterinary intervention. Hypothermia may be another concern for a dog that is outside for an extended period. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for pooch.

Antifreeze is poisonous for cats and dogs! Clean up any garage spills right away.

Animal neglect is a misdemeanor in all 50 states! Keep your light coated dogs and older dogs warm with a jacket or sweater.

Keep your dog hydrated Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it’s not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog spends time outdoors in your yard, make sure she has access to a water bowl, check it often & break ice that forms on top.

Rock salt and ice melt can cause cracking and burns on pads. Rinse and dry paws after winter walk. Don’t miss the toes. Dogs perspire through their paws.

Snowballs or iceballs between your dog’s paws can be painful and make it difficult to walk. Keeping the paw fur trimmed will help prevent this, as well as a good pair of dog booties. At emBARK, we like www.dogbooties.com

Keep Feet Trimmed

For coated breeds, the hair can grow between the toes and pads of the dog’s feet. When the snow is wet and packy, it will stick to this hair. This can be quite uncomfortable for your dog when he is trying to run around and play. You will see him laying down and trying to get the snow out from between his toes.

Is it Too Cold?

Talk to your vet about your dog’s need of extra calories for winter activity.

CHECK THE EARS

If you think your dog may be too cold, try feeling his ears. If they feel cold to the touch, then your dog may be too cold. The same applies to his body; if it feels cold rather than warm, then he’ll likely feel too cold.

Things to Ask When Boarding Your Pet

By Stavroula McCormick, Owner of Ruff Life Pet Hotel

You have booked your flight, hotel, and rental car, but what about your furry family members? Who will take care of them while you are relaxing in the sun? Fido and Kitty are very important members of your family, and you don’t want just anyone to care for them. But how do you decide WHO should care for them? There are several things to think about when choosing caregivers for your fur babies while you are away.

1. How old is your pet? Several boarding facilities will not take puppies if they are not spayed or neutered.

2. What vaccinations does your pet have? Many places recommend and even require rabies, distemper, and bordetella to be up-to-date in order to stay. Though it may be a pain to have to have them all current, it is a GOOD THING. This is for your pet’s safety! The last thing you would want is to come home from vacation to a sick pet.

3. Do they need medications daily?

4. Do they have special dietary needs that require refrigeration?

5. Do they require frequent potty breaks throughout the day due to age – either very young or in the “golden years” of life?

6. Does your pet like other pets? Many facilities mix the pets for socialization throughout the day. Is your Fido one that does not like other dogs and will try to start a fight? Or is your Kitty one that is anxious and scared of other cats?

7. Does your pet like to cuddle or would he rather play fetch?

8. Does your pet need special items from home? Slow feeder, a favorite toy, or a blanket that smells like home?

Once you have thought about the needs of your fur baby, check out the options that you have in your area. Make sure that the facility has everything your pet needs to have a comfortable and fun vacation while you are away. Just like children, pets can get stressed and have anxiety when they are not with their family, so choosing the best fit for them is important.

Make sure to ask lots of questions when talking to boarding facilities – be Fiddo’s voice. Have the facility explain what a day in the life of a pet would be like. Even stop in for a tour, unannounced. If they will not let you take a tour, chances are they are not the right fit for your pet or you.

How to Raise an Eco-Friendly Pet

By Becky Streeter

Many people consider their pets to be members of the family. We buy them the best food and treats. We give them gifts and toys for birthdays, holidays and “just because” days. We buy them clothes to keep them warm, or just because. But all of these things come with packaging, leaving a significant paw print on our environment. And let’s not forget about the literal waste created by our furry friends…. For those who are ecominded, here are a few ways you can help reduce your pet’s impact on Mother Nature:

1. Don’t overfeed your pet. Most pet food products are meat-based, which in-and-of-itself makes a significant impact on our environment from the get go. Add to that the statistic that more than half the dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese means we often feed our pets too much.

2. Buy bulk-sized bags, recycle or upcycle. Purchase the largest bag of food you can and transfer it to an air-tight container. That way you are only disposing of one bag versus two or three for the same amount of food. Additionally, some bags are recyclable, including Canidae, Hill’s, NutriSource Pet Food, Purina, Royal Canin, and Stella & Chewy’s. Check with your recycling center to see if you can put your pet food bag in the same bin, or if you need to drop it off at a facility. Additionally, if your bag is not recyclable, Google how to upcycle it into a cool tote for you or food mat for your furry.

3. Buy veggie treats. Most treats, like food, are meat based. However, there is an increasing number of plant-based items hitting the market that can be beneficial for your pet (i.e. Greenies!). Keep an eye out for recyclable packing here, too.

4. Make your own dog treats. This completely eliminates packaging, and you know exactly what your dog is eating, and how fresh it is. The American Kennel Club has several recipes for dog treats available on their website.

5. Recycling and upcycling with toys. If they’re not completely ripped to shreds, you can donate

used toys to a local shelter or through a neighborhood program, or give them to a friend who just got a puppy (they don’t care!). When purchasing toys, look for brands that use sustainable or natural materials. You can also create your own tug toys by tying knots in old t-shirts or threadbare sweatpants.

6. Dispose of waste differently. If you pick up poops with a plastic bag, opt for a biodegradable bag. Or, if you’re really ambitious, the best way to dispose of your pet’s poo is by flushing it down the toilet (just like a human) so that a sewage treatment plant can properly handle it. Something to note: higher-quality food will actually help your pet produce less waste. Additionally, you CAN compost dog waste, but carefully research this as it is a little different than regular composting–and you should only use the composted results on your lawn, not your vegetable garden.

Sources:

Kim, Jessica. “Are Dog Food Bags Recyclable? Does It Vary by Brand?” Pet Keen. 08 August 2022. https:// petkeen.com/are-dog-food-bags-recyclable.

Waldbieser, Jill. “6 Ways to Lighten Your Pet's Environmental Paw Print.” Eating Well. 23 February 2022. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7948275/how-tomake-your-pet-more-eco-friendly.

People Food for Your Pets

Most of us have “don’t feed the dog from the table” rules that may or may not get broken from time to time. Others let Fluffy help with “pre-cleaning” dinner plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Anyway you cut it, our pets wind up ingesting a certain amount of people food during their lives. Some foods are okay, even good for pets to eat. Other human food can be very harmful. Here’s a list of the good and the bad for Fido and Garfield:

Good Foods:

Carrots, Asparagus, Blueberries, Watermelon, Strawberries, Peaches, Zucchini, Green bell peppers, Celery, Cucumber, Broccoli,

Bad Foods:

Grapes, Raisins, Garlic, Onion, Avocado, Chocolate

By Becky Streeter

Any of the good foods above can be a great replacement for your pet’s normal treats. They can be especially helpful if your furry friend needs to go on a diet. They might avoid or spit them out at first, but eventually they will get hungry enough to try it, and might even come to love their new snacks.

Additionally, everything in moderation. Check with your vet to determine a safe amount of each food to feed your pet. Research the bad foods above to discover the toxicity levels for your specific-sized pet. If your pet has ingested a dangerous amount of any of the bad foods, contact your vet immediately.

Source: Linder, Dr. Deborah, DVM, DACVN. “The Best Vegetables for Dogs and Cats.” Eating Well. 26 December 2018. https://www. eatingwell.com/article/281948/the-best-vegetables-fordogs-and-cats.

pamper your pets!

01 | GIVE A SH!T - COMPOSTABLE DOG POOP BAGS

Manufactured from 100% botanical plant components. Easy to open and easy to tear! Leakproof, odorless and fits all dispensers. They've partnered with the Soi Dog Foundation, whose mission is to improve the lives of dogs and cats in Asia. 10% of all profits go to them! giveasht.com

04 | SQUISHY FACE STUDIO - SUPER TUG

For the strong dog guardian - finally, a safe, easy, and painless way to play tug-of-war. Soft on your dog’s mouth and is safer than rope tugs which have easily ingested rope strands. 2” wide heavy-duty webbing strap has the strength of chain without causing damage to tree bark. squishyfacestudio.com

02 | SQUISHY FACE STUDIO - FLIRT POLE

Want an easy way to keep your dog happy and healthy in less than 10 minutes a day? The only toy on the market that uses bungee cord to prevent “whiplash” when lure is caught. Lightweight. The Flirt Pole with the included lure weighs less than one pound. squishyfacestudio.com

05 | YOMP TOYS - THE BALLER BUNDLE

When ball is life, your dog needs options! This bundle includes the BallRope and Snackin' Ball so your pup can enjoy a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. Each toy is made with our food-grade silicone so you can trust that your furbaby is safe during playtime. shopyomp.com

03 | BUG & BEAR PAW - DOG COLLARS & BANDANAS

Handcrafted dog apparel made in LaCrosse Wisconsin! The bandana's fabric is medium weight, and 100% cotton flannel. Dress up your pup for a special occasion with the collar. Made with a lightweight nylon webbing core and 100% cotton fabric. The metal hardware is brass plated. bugandbearpaw.com

06 | FRESH IS BEST - FREEZE-DRIED PRODUCTS

Crafted from the highest quality ingredients, in small batches, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Slowly freeze-dried and quickly packaged to preserve maximum nutrition and freshness – all the flavor and nutrition your pets love and need, nothing they don’t. freshisbest.com

Optimal Health During Pregnancy

by Judy Soborowicz, Active Health Chiropractic

Pregnancy brings about a wide array of physiological and physical changes—thus, proper movement, nutrition, rest, and support of the mother and developing baby are essential. Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on healthy posture, movement, and nerve system function. Optimal health of the baby and mother is directly connected to the optimal function of the nerve system. Natural, drug-free chiropractic provides the foundation for a more comfortable expectant mother and benefits for the baby-to-be.

Balance of the spine and postural systems are key to cohesive integration of all body functions including digestion, sleep, movement, circulation, immune function, labor, and delivery. As pregnancy progresses, the changing load on the expectant mothers’ postural muscles may result in loss of flexibility and pain in muscles and nerves of the back and pelvis. Persistent spinal stress can lead to pinched nerves, restricted movement and weakened postural stability. Imbalances intensify previous low back or neck injuries or misalignments of the pelvis/low back, knee, ankle, or hip. Muscle tone and conditioning accompanies proper movement and provides support through pregnancy as the pelvis and spine posture adapt to the changing center of gravity. Chiropractic specifically addresses optimal posture, providing adjustments to gently relieve spinal joint stress and restore ideal nerve flow and stability.

Movement during pregnancy is crucial for improving blood flow to the placenta and maintaining condition and flexibility for a safer birth. Pelvic alignment and flexibility have an impact on the physical shape and position of the womb via the balanced pelvic floor muscles, and provides the conditions for better movement and nerve flow for the mother and developing baby. Optimal pelvic

posture is important for: (1) the least restriction for the growing spine, hips, shoulders and head, and (2) the most ideal positioning for less complicated labor and birth. The mother’s spine protects the nerve system, which is the master coordinator of the entire birth process. Well-baby care begins with care of the mother. All pregnancies are unique, and a healthy nerve system is key to coordinating the best outcomes.

While many pregnancies proceed without difficulties, relief from some of the common symptoms of pregnancy can be related to healthy posture and nerve function. Expectant mothers who receive chiropractic adjustments report relief from heartburn, morning sickness, headaches, sciatica, pelvic pain, hip pain, swollen ankles, foot pain, numbness/tingling, carpal tunnel, rib pain, pubic pain, and constipation.

Chiropractic has great benefits for support of the pregnancy and comfort of the mother. The timing and flow of the birth process itself are coordinated by nerve flow, and a healthy spine impacts the overall experience for the mother and developing baby. Chiropractic care is a gentle, effective approach many have benefitted from by maintaining nerve and postural health through pregnancy and beyond.

Breast Pumping: Does It Just Have to Suck?!

by Jennifer Hafele, M.Ed., IBCLC, Mama Bear Family Care

“It was painful, it felt wrong, but I had that goal … my baby needed my milk.” This is how Anna described her initial breast pumping experience. Sadly, her story is far too common.

After three months at home with her son, she needed to return to work. That meant her baby would go to daycare. Anna got her name-brand pump through her health insurance company, opened the box, and got started. It didn’t go well. Naturally, she visited the lactation specialist at her doctor’s clinic, but didn’t get the help she hoped: “There wasn’t a lot of knowledge about the pump that I had, or even pumping in general.”

Researching on the internet and social media didn’t help either. She eventually “just figured pumping was supposed to be something that hurt. [In the end,] I felt like a failure as a mom. I felt ashamed I couldn’t find an answer.”

No one should have to say that. While pumping is rarely someone’s favorite thing to do, it shouldn’t hurt. In fact, with the right setup and support, it is possible to experience the most milk output with the most comfort, in the least time possible! Three common issues stack the deck against a positive pumping experience.

1. Inadequate “Standard” Flange Sizes. Most breast pumps come with only two standard flange sizes: 24 mm and 28 mm. If one of those is not your size, then you are out of luck from the major pump companies because they don't even manufacture many smaller sizes. For reference, 24 mm is the size of a US quarter. Unless your nipple is the diameter of a quarter or larger, you likely need a smaller size. When flange size is too large, it pulls the areola (not only the nipple) into the flange tunnel causing trauma, pain, and decreased milk production.

2. Other Sizes Not Available. Hospitals and health care clinics often have contracts with breast pump companies that limit them from stocking other sizes from “off-brand” companies. Moreover, retail locations do not stock other flange sizes. Thus, there are typically only 2-3 options available. It is kind of like going to a shoe store and only being offered size 11 or 13 shoes. When you need a size 7, an 11 is not going to work.

3. Limited Knowledge on New Guidelines. The newest guidelines for a proper flange fit are not well known. Too often clients hear from their providers, their lactation helper, or online that they need a larger size. Too often that guidance ends up in pain, decreased milk production, and discouragement.

Anna came to see me for a Pumping & Flange Fit Consult when her baby was about 16 weeks old. On her own, she had tried the limited flange sizes available but was still experiencing significant nipple damage and pain. Unbelievably, her pump sessions were lasting as long as 90 minutes!

My flange fittings are a lot like a proper shoe fitting. We start with a measurement, but then you try pumping with various sizes of flanges to see what feels the best. Like feet, it is not unusual for one nipple to be larger than the other. As such, you may need a different flange size for each side.

At Mama Bear Family Care, I have over 18 different hardplastic flange sizes ranging from 10 to 36 mm, plus I have a variety of silicone insert sizes. Then I coach you through pumping techniques on speed, suction, positioning, etc. to maximize both comfort and output.

Anna’s flange size dropped from 24 to 17 mm. Over time, her nipples healed, and her pain disappeared. Her milk production better matched her baby’s needs. Most remarkably, her average pumping time dropped from 90 minutes to just 23 minutes per session! That gave her MUCH more time not hooked up to her pump!

Anna had a six-month breastfeeding goal when we first met, and she was at major risk for not meeting it. Her son is now 13 months old, and Anna reports to me, “We are still going strong at both pumping and breastfeeding! Forever grateful that I found you!” *

Watch Anna tell her story, or request your own Pumping & Flange Fitting Consult at MamaBearFamilyCare.com/feedyour-baby.

Jennifer Hafele, aka “Mama Bear”, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice who is active in the Chippewa Valley birth and postpartum care community. She provides professional lactation support, plus Jennifer loves leading support groups and co-teaching “Confident Birth & Beyond”, Mama Bear’s independent childbirth and postpartum education series. Connect with Jennifer on Facebook or at MamaBearFamilyCare.com.

Labor and Birth: Design Your (Flexible) Plan

By Erin Kaspar-Frett, Abundant Moon Birth & Wellness

Let me share a recent curveball in my life. We were traveling from Botswana to Namibia so I could teach midwifing techniques to the San people. We knew the border had a closing time, though no one knew exactly what it was, and upon arrival at 4:50 pm, we learned it had closed 20 minutes before. We were in the middle of nowhere. Rural to the rural. We had an 8- and 12-year-old, as well as three young adults, in addition to us two parents. Our friend and guide could not find the immigration folks to ask for an exception. No cell signal, no food, and we were extremely dirty. There were feelings….lots of them.

We surrendered. We drove back to the closest village and found a shop with enough food for the night and morning, and a place to camp out. I realized I could stay upset about the delay and inconvenience, or I could make food for my family and enjoy the stars together. I couldn’t change the circumstance, but I got to have my feelings and, in the end, I got to decide how to move forward. We were safe at least.

This experience reminds me of birth. It’s messy, beautiful, terrifying, exhilarating and deeply impactful. As a midwife, I get to know people before their birth—their communication styles, needs and desires for birth and postpartum. Sometimes they ask me if they should write a birth plan.

A birth plan should be written as a way to communicate your needs and wants. However, approach it as just that: a communication tool. If you write a birth plan as a prescription or agenda, know that it will not all turn out exactly as written. Almost always something happens differently. It can be as simple as an unexpected time of day, or as large as needing pain medication or fluids for exhaustion when not planning either.

Life has a way of changing on us, and this includes our births.

Write your wishes in the spirit of sharing your desires and needs with those around you. The simple act of writing it can also clarify desires for yourself. You may find that you want your other children there, or that you don’t. You may discover a desire or need that wasn’t conscious.

Take the time to know what is important to YOU.

But then approach it understanding that we cannot control it. The path labor and birth take is ultimately its own journey.

What to do if it’s a large curveball that feels insurmountable?

First, have your feelings. Let them roll over and through you. Unless it’s an emergency, give yourself some time to feel and process. For some people that is only a few minutes to understand the details and information. For others, it’s an hour or days. A doula is wonderful here for support. Partners have their own process happening, so sometimes processing together can be beautiful and sometimes it is not exactly what each of you need (and that is okay, too). Some midwives provide this level of care as well, though not all.

It is not always safe to delay birth, however. In this case, make your needed decisions and allow yourself time to process later with your partner, a therapist, your midwife/ birth team or a dear friend. And when you’re ready, you can focus on the gratitude for what you do have. For those of you reading this that have experienced a loss of a child, this might be too simply-stated to be of use for you.

No matter how your labor and birth goes, shift the best you can with unexpected changes, and rely on your people for the processing you need. Feel. Your. Feelings. No matter who you are, allow your process to be your process.

Enrollment begins February 1st for the 2023-24 school year

Eau Claire 4 Tomorrow What Is It?

Eau Claire 4 Tomorrow is an early learning program offered to all four-year-olds in the Eau Claire Area School District. The EC4T program is free* to ECASD residents. * There is no charge for EC4T, however fees may apply for families participating in extended services beyond the EC4T program day.

How Do I Register?

If by September 1, 2023, your child will be 4 years old, an EC4T application must be completed. Applications are available at www.ecasd.us, click Schools, Early Learning, Program Options, Eau Claire 4 Tomorrow, Online Application.

Babes In Toyland Childcare Center 715-830-9432

Chapel Heights Preschool 715-832-2333

Children’s House Montessori School, Inc. 715-835-7861

Color My World Childcare & Preschool Inc. 715-835-2060

Days Gone By Early Learning 715-835-1234

Eau Claire Area School District-Head Start 715-852-3630

Genesis Child Development Center 715-830-2275

The Learning Tree Child Care Center 715-834-5439

Little Bloomers 715-839-1050

Mayo CHS Child Development Center 715-838-3198

Rachel’s Place Early Learning Center 715-832-1414 x2200

Redeemer Early Learning Programs 715-835-9207

Regis Child Development Center 715-830-2274

UW-Eau Claire Children’s Nature Academy 715-836-2178

Western Dairyland EOC, Inc. Eau Claire Head Start Center 715-985-2391 x1253

For information regarding EC4T, contact the Eau Claire Area School District Early Learning Office at 715-852-3608.

Create Happy and Resilient Well-Being Kids

By Sandra Anderson, RM., KT., LUT, Life & Soul Coach

Our happiness and well-being is learned. Raising happy and resilient children is certainly not easy in this fast-paced, tech-filled world. Most parents or grandparents want their children or grandchildren to have a perfect, happy life. But there will be moments when kids feel sad and lost and we have no control over those instances. We can, however, inspire our kids to be persistent and find their own personal definition of happy.

There are decades of studies and research on “happiness” and how to get it or make it. Tips are plentiful… just ask Google (or Grandma) how to do it. Research into “the science of happiness” has identified several habits that help make happiness a likely outcome for kids. Here is a handful of tips to help create happier and more resilient kids (and adults too!):

1. Attitude of gratitude. Gratitude feeds our soul and makes us happier and healthier. Encourage kids to share what they are grateful. Even someone who is in the “crabby pants” stage can get better at gratitude with practice. Have them create their own gratitude wall with Post-it notes, or use a journal to write or draw a picture of two things that make them grateful. With practice, this becomes a reminder of the good things in life, and gratitude will start to grow.

2. Screens are dessert. To have healthy and happy kids, research has

shown that excessive screen time leads to an unsettledness and a less focused brain. Think of the connection of diet and health. Is it OK to feed children cookies, soda or ice cream all the time? Ahh…no! Let’s think about iPad time as dessert. Inspire them to have a healthy balance of outside time, reading, problem solving, fun card games or puzzles, and telling jokes. Practice those belly laughs.

3. Practice kindness. Kindness is a muscle. With practicing kindness, our happiness and the quality of social connections improves. You and the kids can help out a neighbor or bake cookies for a friend. Kids (especially the younger ones) love to be kitchen staff. They will return again and again, especially if they can be the quality control sampler. Catch them at being kind and saying “please,” “thank you,” and “I am sorry.” “Resilience is based on compassion for ourselves as well as compassion for others.” - Sharon

Salzberg.

4. Feed their creativity. Those who spend time and have time to create tend to be happier and less stressed. Encourage them to create their own story book of pictures, take a turn at planning dinner, or teach them how to do their laundry. Don’t forget building forts or play spaces in fun spots.

5. Be curious. Find something new to learn. We’re happier when we are learning something new and learning to grow as people. As we learn more, we become more creative. Pick a country or favorite state to learn about. Have your kids plan a trip. Write a cook book of new food they like. Go on a scavenger hike looking for certain animals or plants.

Now you can take these few tips and add your own to help create happy, resilient and well-being kids by being involved in the process. “As grandparents of four, ages 3.5 to 13 years, we had a chance to practice and have a positive experience using a number of these. Of course, we also heard the parents share: Chew with your mouth closed. Be realistic it is not all dessert.” - S.

Anderson

Sandra Anderson with Intentions - Life and Soul Coach, Integrative Energetic Healer Spiritual Guide, Speaker.

Resources:

• Mike Ferry - happinessandinnovation.com

• The Australian Parenting Website: raisingchildren.net.au

• “71 Resilience Quotes Every Parent Needs to Raise Strong Kids” - lifewithkids.cuterascals.com/ resilience-quotes

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

By Becky Streeter

You’re six months in and you feel great! Baby is kicking and you’re totally rocking those cute, comfy maternity clothes. Seven months and still going strong. Eight months and you’re starting to get a little tired of this bowling ball on your stomach weighing you down. Nine months and you can’t sleep, you’re stiff and sore, everything is out of wack, and all you want is a nice warm bath and a great massage. Good news–you can, and should, get that massage you’ve been daydreaming about!

Massage therapy is safe, and beneficial, for almost all stages of pregnancy. It can help with circulation, reduce anxiety, ease low back/pelvic pain and sciatica, reduce swelling in the ankles and feet, relieve muscle and joint aches/pains, relax the nervous system, and improve sleep. Postnatal massage also helps you bond with your new baby, and can help decrease depression symptoms and risk of postpartum depression. Not to mention it’s great for your mental health, too, to take a break and just let yourself be pampered for an hour.

Because it’s not always safe or comfortable for a pregnant woman to lie on her back, pregnancy massage looks a little different than other types of massage. Danielle Wagner from Refined Touch Therapeutic Massage describes it as follows: “We use side lying positions, with

pillows, support props, bolsters and sometimes inclining tables to make sure the pregnant person is comfortable and safe. Pregnancy massage incorporates Swedish techniques that include long and circular strokes to promote circulation and relaxation.”

Pregnancy massage is not right for everyone or every pregnancy. Those at risk for complications include people with bleeding disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, high-risk pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins, and those who take blood thinners. That is why it is important to always speak with your doctor if you are just beginning your massage therapy journey in order to mitigate any contraindications.

If you decide to treat yourself to a massage, make sure you have an honest conversation with your therapist at the beginning of the session. Wagner says, “Strong communication with your therapist about goals and expectations will help you achieve the best possible outcome and leave you feeling happy, relaxed and renewed.” It is the therapist’s job is to help you, and only you know exactly what is going on with your body, your wants and needs. Be straightforward, and enjoy that hour of relaxation and bliss. Let’s be honest, you deserve it!

When It Comes to Birth, Position Is Key, and CHIROPRACTIC CAN HELP!

By Emily Smith Nguyen, Smith & Prissel Chiropractic and Massage

Idon’t know about you, but I’ve made far too many residential moves in my life. If you’ve ever been blessed to help move a big piece of furniture down a tight stairwell, you understand the importance of knowing the furniture’s position and where the stairwell bends/twists. With this in mind, now picture a baby descending down through the mom’s pelvis in the process of being born. Though the mere inches a baby travels may seem like a short trip, the position of a baby and the alignment of the mom’s pelvis can make that short distance last hours, if not days. The inability of a baby to move effectively through the birth canal contributes to nearly a third of all births ending with a c-section.

As a Chiropractic Pediatric Specialist, I often work with a mom throughout pregnancy to ensure her body is ready for the birth process. The pelvis is made up of three bones: the sacrum and two ilium. The position of these three bones, relative to each other, determines the space available for a baby to transition through in order to be born.

Things that happened in the past, or things we do every day without thinking, contribute to the alignment of the pelvis, before, during and after pregnancy:

• Accidents and falls, especially ones that involve landing on the sacrum/tailbone, can alter the alignment of the pelvis.

• Sitting/standing with poor posture. We sit a lot—to work, drive, relax, etc. Leaning to one side or tucking a leg(s) underneath you can cause imbalance in the pelvis.

• Carrying heavy items (purse, bag, toddler, etc.) on one side. This can be hard on your body at any time, but especially disastrous while pregnant because of ligament laxity and joint instability.

• Crossing your legs. We do it without thinking, and often it feels more “normal” on one side, which can create imbalance in the pelvis if done regularly.

It’s important to understand the role the baby plays in the birth process as well. Position matters! The uterus, which houses the baby during pregnancy, is anchored to the pelvis by ligaments. If the pelvis is twisted, the uterus will also be twisted. Baby’s job is to be positioned head down and chin tucked. If a baby is breech (head up) prior to delivery, it’s possible that realigning the pelvis with chiropractic adjustments may help the baby get into, and stay in, a head down position. The occiput (back of baby’s head) should be in front and the baby should be facing the mom’s back (known as ‘Occiput Anterior’). This is the ‘easiest’ position for mom because the baby’s soft face is against mom’s hard sacrum. If the baby is positioned where the back of the skull is against mom's hard sacrum (‘Occiput Posterior’), it is often referred to as “sunny side up”, but there is nothing ‘sunny’ about it because this position may lead to a longer and harder delivery with more back pain.

Chiropractic care is helpful for people of all ages, and is especially beneficial during pregnancy. Receiving chiropractic adjustments to align the bones of the pelvis make pregnancy more enjoyable and increase labor and delivery success.

Your Doula: Peace of Mind, In a Person

By Rhonda Gearing, CD(DONA)

In the words of my 24-year-old daughter, "I will have you with me when I am pregnant because you will give me the security and peace of mind that I need to comfortably go into pregnancy and birth. I would feel safe with the questions I have and decisions I make because I can run them by you. I know it will help alleviate the anxiety…my feeling of needing to know everything before I make a decision. I know that I have the greatest resource and supporter in my corner."

I am a birth and postpartum doula and have been serving families in the Chippewa Valley and surrounding communities for 20 years. It is all my girls have known. They hear me talk, and they know when it is a doula client because I am asking questions, offering encouragement, and sharing information about all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They see me gather my doula bag and leave home to support a family in labor and delivery. They don’t know if I will be back in several hours or a few days. It is like that for me…and for my clients, but they don’t have to do it alone.

“What is a doula?” I am a trained and experienced professional – providing physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and just after birth both at home and at the hospital, as well as supporting families during the postpartum period. I do not provide medical advice or perform medical tasks, but I aim to keep my clients encouraged and empowered to maintain an active role in their care. I am happy to be part of the team, together with the midwife or doctor, as my clients maneuver through the journey of labor and birth and beyond.

I am generally contacted directly by the birthing person/ support person during the course of pregnancy – as early as, “I just missed my period” and as late as, “I am being induced tomorrow!” As a birth doula, I offer prenatal visits, during which time we talk about the pregnancy and their feelings, hopes, and needs. I also ask how they envision their birth and what would make it a positive experience from their perspective. That sets the tone for how we will work together to achieve their goals. We talk about the natural stages of labor and birth along with what one might expect, possible interventions, medication and natural remedies for pain relief, positions, and options along the way. I also offer assistance in creating a birth plan to express their preferences and desires, empowering them to make decisions for them and their baby.

In addition to our prenatal visits, I offer phone and email support both during the pregnancy and in the postpartum period. When labor begins, I join the birthing person and their support at whatever point they request. My role as the birth doula remains the same whether it is a planned home birth or hospital birth, including if the need arises where medical circumstances require hospital/traditional doctor care.

According to DONA International, research shows that people who use a birth doula are less likely to need Pitocin, less likely to have a cesarean birth, less likely to use any pain medication, and more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively.

About a week after the birth, I make a home visit to process the birth experience with the birthing person and their support and to answer any questions the new family may have, whether it pertains to the emotional or physical wellbeing of the new parent(s) or the baby.

It doesn’t have to end there! As a postpartum doula, I am an extra set of hands at home with the family as they transition into a household with a newborn or multiples. Perhaps there are also toddlers and/or older children in the family. I can be there through it all, as my clients find their groove. My most common responsibilities are newborn care, light meal prep, light housework (laundry, dishes, tidying) and companionship for the new parent(s). Studies show that this kind of support can help reduce postpartum mood disorders and improve breastfeeding success (DONA International).

Someday, I look forward to supporting my own daughters as they give birth to my grandbabies. In the meantime, I would love to serve as YOUR “peace of mind, in a person.”

If you are interested in learning more about doulas, visit www.dona.org or www.rhondagearing.com.

Get Garden Ready & Garden Smart at

Being a Mom by

Melinda Gardner

My first baby arrived on April fools day - 10 days early. Of course, everyone thought we were playing a joke, but we weren’t! I’m not sure anyone is ever really “ready” to be a parent and we all know the jokes about how they hand you this tiny baby and let you leave the hospital with it! It’s incredibly exciting, overwhelming, and a little frightening right?

I really enjoy talking with moms about their experiences—all kinds of moms, all ages of children. Because we all need someone with whom we can talk to about things, get ideas from, hear about someone else’s experience and wisdom, and listen to the crazy stories and the things we all get “wrong”!

Here are a few things I “know” about being a mother:

1. It will be hard. You won’t always know what to do. That’s okay. This too shall pass.

2. You don’t have to be perfect, because you won’t be! Be patient with your child, and with yourself. Breathe.

3. Try to enjoy this. Older moms always tell younger moms to enjoy this time because kids grow up so fast. That’s true. But it’s also hard to be the mama of tiny little kids who never stop moving and talking and demanding something from you!

4. What works for one of your kids won’t work for another one. They are individuals and one size doesn’t fit all! We have to learn how to play with, teach, discipline etc. them all in ways that work for that child. You’ll know what to do.

5. Write down the funny things your kid says right when it happens. You think you’ll never forget, but you will. I started journals when I was pregnant with my daughters and wrote the funny things they said in them as they grew. Just a date and a quote. It’s one of their favorite things to read - and we laugh so hard at how funny and cute they were.

6. Be careful with your words. I was in a store last week and heard a father tell his little girl, probably about 3 years old, that she was a liar. She had told him she was tired. There were so many things he could have said to diffuse that situation instead of belittling her. Our words matter so much.

7. Find the support you need. From your own mom or dad, great friends, other parents, your church, or a neighborhood group.

Check out the Apple Pregnancy Care Center in Eau Claire. We have an amazing program that pregnant women, and moms and dads can come to for support, education and encouragement. You can learn about pregnancy, childbirth, and much more after your baby is here. You can receive maternity and baby clothing, diapers, formula, car seats, cribs, toys and so much more. Our program is here at no cost to you and we’ve been in Eau Claire for over 40 years.

We’re here for you. Call us at 715834-5254 for more information or to make an appointment.

Wonders of Nature Opens Second Location

By Becky Streeter

The beginning of the year marked a special occasion for Wonders of Nature: owner Chris Buske opened a second location! Conveniently located at 1901 Brackett Ave, the new space is easy to get to on your way home from work, and has a lot more parking available. Still offering all the same products as the downtown storefront, this location provides a calmer setting for more intimate conversations about your CBD or THC needs and wants.

Buske’s mission through Wonders of Nature is to reach people and help them to the best of his ability. Buske says, “A very important part of the service I provide is educating people on how to properly use the products in order to receive the most effective benefits.” Candid conversation is essential to getting people what they need. However, because the downtown flagship store is connected to the cafe, it can sometimes be a little chaotic for someone who might be at Wonders of Nature for a personal or sensitive matter. Thus, Buske decided to open his second store, creating a designated space for private consultations.

JOIN US THIS WINTER

While walk-ins are still welcome, Buske, with a previous career as an orthopedic massage therapist, wanted to get back to more of the clinical approach with cannabis. At the Brackett Ave store, he will assess customer’s individual needs, suggest a protocol for products, dosages and uses that will best fit each customer, and complete followups and check-ins. Offering two different locations, one with a private setting and another with a low-key cafe setting, Wonders of Nature can really tailor to anyone’s comfortability level around cannabis.

Buske is continually working to break down the stigma around cannabis, and transparency and authenticity are key factors in doing so. Wonders of Nature is the only cannabis retailer in Eau Claire to sell all natural THC products, no synthetics. “Most stores are heavily leaning on synthetic products like Delta8, Delta10, THCO, and HHC,” Buske says. “I pulled all the synthetics off my shelves because of safety concerns and the adverse reactions many users are reporting with their continued use. Everything I sell is 100% cannabis, and 100% natural.”

Buske is confident in his products because he knows exactly where they come from. Sustainable and organic practices are important to Buske, and he works with a variety of farmers, including three in Wisconsin, who share his values. You can read about all of them on the Wonders of Nature website or throughout his stores. Buske says, “I like to give the farmers credit: where they’re located, their mission and philosophy when it comes to cannabis. The connection between farmer, product and retailer is important to me. I’ve always enjoyed learning the story behind products and where they come from because it adds value to the product and experience.”

The Brackett Ave location currently has limited hours until they really get up and going. Monday, Wednesday, Friday they’re open from 3:30 to 6pm for walk-ins. Tuesdays and Thursday are by appointment only. You can make appointments by sending a Facebook message (facebook.com/wondersofnaturehemp), online at www. wondersofnatureonline.com or by phone (715) 497-8740. Additionally, Wonders of Nature now offers a free delivery service for Eau Claire and surrounding areas and free shipping if you can’t make it to the shop.

Food Sensitivities

By Joyce Sobotta

Gut inflammation may be caused from hidden food sensitivities. Unlike food allergies, which usually show up immediately, food sensitivities can show up one to three days after eating the stressor food. Certain foods can continue to cause irritation, not allowing the body to heal. It is good to know how food affects your immune system.

To help with proper digestion, seek to put yourself in a relaxed state when you eat. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages with your meals, which dilute the gastric juices. Avoid drinking soda pop because the phosphoric acid disrupts the absorption of nutrients.

Food cravings for an inflammatory food may occur because the body feels a “high” from that food. The most common offenders are sugar, high fructose corn syrup, pasteurized dairy, gluten (barley, rye, oats, and wheat), eggs, shellfish, nuts, and GMO (genetically modified) foods like corn, soy, and canola. There may be a sluggish, spacey feeling, a rapid heartbeat, a rash, diarrhea, weight gain, joint swelling, and/or pain.

When buying food or eating out, be aware of what foods you choose. Always check labels and try to avoid artificial food colorings and flavors, pesticides, and preservatives like nitrates and MSG. The FDA has allowed manufacturers to modify and add chemicals to make food last longer. Look for labels that indicate non-GMO, no pesticides, and no hormones added.

Processed food and sugar may cause pain, weight gain, inflammation, fluid retention, food and sugar cravings, fatigue, headaches, and irritability. These foods contain toxic ingredients such as hydrogenated fats, preservatives, artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, sucralose, Splenda). They rob the body’s store of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals to create blood sugar imbalances and insulin sensitivity. They create brain and nervous system problems, mood disorders and digestive problems. It’s important to read the ingredients on the labels!

Seventy percent of the immune function is in the gut. If the gut is inflamed, the lymphatic system is also inflamed, and food is not being absorbed. Toxins build up and cause all sorts of illness/disorders. Immune challenges like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus or Candida will not go away until the body gets good nutrition.

Excerpt from “Breast Health Is in Your Hands”

Joyce is a published author of “Breast health Is in Your Hands, Tips for Breast Vitality and Sensuality” and founder of an international business, Healthy Girls Breast Oil, a unique effective essential oil blend for breast health. She offers consultations for natural breast health.

Hands Down an Invaluable Tool

“Thermography: no-contact, non-invasive, painless, and zero radiation.”

That’s the verbal checklist I recite just prior to starting a digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) session to emphasize that the patient is in a safe space and that the procedure itself is completely safe. Hands down, thermography is an invaluable adjunct to mammography for women who monitor their breast health. But that’s not all! DITI is a valuable tool for many different health concerns and all kinds of bodies (even furry ones!).

Thermography is beneficial tool for gauging a woman’s health risk status by identifying symptoms related to estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue/insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction and hormone imbalance.

DITI prior to hormone treatment helps to evaluate any existing risk related to breast health, and then a waiting period post-treatment is required for the body to stabilize. For example, a woman who is

receiving fertility hormone treatment needs to wait three months after the discontinuation of the treatment to have a breast screening. Likewise, a pregnant woman needs to wait three months after giving birth or three months after discontinuing breast-feeding to have a breast screening.

Though not yet approved for application with children, studies have shown thermography to be useful in identifying uniformity of a baby’s skin temperature in neonatal support systems, evaluating a child’s risk of Raynaud’s Syndrome, and pin-pointing the location of a fracture before an x-ray is taken. Before the age of 20, however, a child’s body is developing and changing rapidly, which eliminates the benefits of general screening. A physician’s referral is required to specify the reason for the imaging request.

Did you know that thermography is commonly used in the veterinary industry? The equine industry commonly uses DITI to identify the source of lameness in horses. DITI can help to identify areas of trauma or dysfunction of any warm-blooded animal. Unfortunately, because reptiles rely on the surrounding environment to regulate the temperature of their bodies, DITI has no benefit to them.

Thermography of Wisconsin is based in Eau Claire, WI, and provides a variety of thermographic screenings for people, including: a specific region of interest, women’s health check, immune system check, stress testing, half body, and full body screening.

Refer a new patient to Thermography of Wisconsin and receive $25 off your next thermography screening.

Thermography, or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), is a non-invasive, radiation free method of viewing the body.

Here’s The Perfect Solution If You Want A Restful Refreshing Sleep Without Hoses And Air Leaks

Anyone Looking For A CPAP Alternative To Sleep Without Movement Restrictions And To Know What Your Insurance Will Cover.

Have you awakened in the morning thinking, “Did someone leave the windows open all night to let the fog come?” Then you bump into something and it becomes obvious the fog is in your brain. I slept the whole night or did I? “If you don’t snooze you lose!” (Get the book on Amazon).

SNORING Can Exceed O.S.H.A. Noise Safety Of Over 60 Decibles.

My bedpartner is still sleeping because they claim, and of course I will be in de-

ty sleep. What matters is good sleep, not lots of sleep. How can you tell? Do you feel refreshed and ready to go in the morning after the night is over? There are two simple screening ways to tell if your snoring is likely giving you sleep apnea. The usual way to find out if you have sleep apnea is to spend the night at a sleep lab. They will attach about 36 monitors to your head and body, put you in a strange bed and room, then tell you to go to sleep. Hmmm. Sounds like a good time. In the morning they wake you up, to go over the test results and send you home to you can get some more rest. If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, that can be fixed by attaching a vacuum cleaning in reverse attached to your face. That was actually the first one invented. This is called a CPAP. It is not sexy either, but stops the snoring. After 2 years, 50% have stopped using it. Why people stop using the CPAP :

nial, that I snore like a freight train. Also, I rented once near a rail line, but only heard the train for the first few nights.

Snoring is a Sign Something Is Wrong

When I was young, my dad could fall asleep, anywhere and anytime. The house would shake with the snoring. Then he would stop, because he would stop breathing entirely. One night I was awakened by what I thought was a bear in the house (we lived in the country). No, just my dad snoring in the next room. Fifty years later, that snoring raised his blood pressure, even though he was on pills for it, so high, that he had a stroke while sleeping. You probably heard about people dying in their sleep. Yes it is because of strokes or heart attacks also caused by snoring/sleep apnea. My dad survived with physical paralysis, reversed with physical therapy and rehabilitation, but had lost some thinking abilities. You can live 5 to 15 years longer when you have good quali-

____Mask leaks

____Mask is uncomfortable

____I am unable to sleep with the CPAP mask and equipment in place

____Pressure on upper lip causes tooth related problems

____Restricts movement during sleep

____I unconsciously remove the CPAP at night

____the noise from the device disturbs my sleep and/or bed partner’s sleep

____CPAP doesn’t seem to be effective in reducing/eliminating symtoms

____I have tried multiple masks and none is comfortable enough to use

____I develop sinus/ear/throat infections

____I awake with uncomfortable dry mouth

____I am claustrophobic

____Ihave a latex allergy

____My job/lifestyle prevents nightly use (army, reserves, truck driver)

The Alternative is Dentist Made Device,

A dentist, with years of training will choose and custom fit one unique to your teeth, gums, and tongue: • Allows you to move you jaw around • Protects the teeth from grinding • Gives your tongue room in its home • Does not create a TMJ problem • Doesn’t dig into the gums • Helps you breathe through your nose • Use a Medicare approved one, if needed • Help determine your insurance coverage • Awake with a miracle of more energy.

Five Tests To Predict Success Before Starting Only Available Here:

1. Test to see how well it will work before we make anything

2. Test to see if your nose has any airflow restrictions

3. Test to see if you are prone to any TMJ problems

4. Test to see if your airway muscles will interfere

5. Xray to check any anatomy problems

6. Digital scan impressions – no mouthful of stuff