December Oregon Healthy Living

DECEMBER 2017 | VOL. 10 — ISSUE 12

CHIRO FOR CANINES

(and kitties, too)

PLUS Cleanse your energy with smudging No-wrap holiday gifts The quiet type of ADHD

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Table of Contents

DECEMBER 2017 | VOLUME 10 — ISSUE 12

PETS

HEALTH

COVER STORY

Adjusting Animals: Chiropractic care for pets

8

NATURAL

Lazy or Undiagnosed?

Attention issues in kids

5

Sage Practices Herbal smoke clears the air

14

SPECIAL

FOOD

Don’t Invite Bacteria to Dinner: Test your food safety IQ

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Less Stuff, More Memories Gifting experiences

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On the cover

The editor’s desk

If you’re like me, you look around and bemoan how much stuff you have accumulated. I love the notion of giving a gift that makes a memory or leads to a new skill instead of one more product in the closet. Shhh…I’m thinking about ukuleles this year for the whole family with lessons as part of the gift. Starting this month, we are adding a regular pet feature. There’s no question Southern Oregon loves pets, so we hope to supply you with some important information to keep your pet healthy, too.

Next month, learn how to develop a walking program for you and your dog to help both of crose@mailtribune.com you get fit. Enjoy the season!

STAFF EDITOR: Cheryl P. Rose VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES: Gail Whiting DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Paul Bunch, Sasha Kincaid, John Sullivan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Melissa Haskin Sarah Lemon Rebecca Scott Cindy Quick Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: David Gibb Oregon Healthy Living Magazine is published by the Rosebud Multimedia Advertising Department, 111 N. Fir St., Medford, OR 97501.

General information: 541.776.4422 Submissions and feedback: crose@mailtribune.com

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For Dr. Leigh Lenz, becoming a chiropractic physician is her way of giving back the gift she received. When she was 6 years old, a fall from a cliff left her with seven curves in her spine. Her cure came from an insightful chiropractor. Co-owner of Lenz Chiropractic in White City, she also shares her skills with four-legged patients.

“I love being a chiropractor,” Lenz says. “When you love what you do, people can see the passion and compassion you have to help them.”

Photo by David Gibb Photography.

Join the list...

Ashland Food Co-op ....................... pg. 7

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery........ pg. 17

Core Physical Therapy & Training..... pg. 18

Oregon Retina Center...................... pg. 9

Good Medicine Acupuncture............ pg. 11

Retina Care Center........................... pg. 12

Grins4Kidz....................................... pg. 18

Rogue Aquatics Center..................... pg. 21

Lenz Chiropractic............................. pg. 24

Rosa Transformational Health........... pg. 15

Medford Food Co-op....................... pg. 19

Sherm’s Food 4 Less......................... pg. 2

Medford Foot & Ankle...................... pg. 3

Southern Oregon Foot & Ankle........ pg. 19

Medicap Pharmacy.......................... pg. 13

Superior Athletic Club....................... pg. 11

Northridge Center............................ pg. 4 Norton Lumber................................. pg. 4

....and reach your next customer with Oregon Healthy Living!

To advertise contact Niche Marketing Specialist Athena Fliegel at 541.776.4385 or afliegel@mailtribune.com

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HEALTH

When the“H” is silent in

AD D Recognizing and responding to attention challenges TEXT BY REBECCA SCOTT

I

t is

often easy to recognize the hyperactive children, but what about the ones who sit quietly and don’t cause any distractions? Experts say these children could be equally distracted as children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and may be suffering from a lesser-known subtype of ADHD known as inattentive ADD.

How to recognize inattentive ADD

According to Glenn Gelfenbein, a licensed professional counselor at Ability Services in Ashland, inattentive ADD is a subset of ADHD. “Individuals with inattentive ADD tend to have a lack of focus, appear not to listen or seem unmotivated and have difficulties with organization,” he says.

Additionally, girls are two times more likely to have inattentive ADD than boys, explains Daniel Smith, a naturopathic physician at Bear Creek Naturopathic Clinic in Medford. He says children with inattentive ADD show signs of being sluggish or spacey, often lose things and complain of being bored. “These kids are usually ignored in school and can easily fall behind,” he says.

Parents may wonder how to see the signs of inattentive ADD. “Symptoms of inattentive ADD will surface in multiple areas of the child’s life, including at home and in school,” says Smith.

Gelfenbein says there are thorough assessments used to help reach a diagnosis, and these assessments include an in-depth personal history of the patient. “During this process there are interviews with the parents, reviewing school records, performing a comprehensive mental health review and speaking with school personnel,” he says. He further explains

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HEALTH continued from page 5 that doctors are looking for an impairment in functioning, not just difficulty focusing. “It must be causing a significant struggle in the person’s life,” he says, adding that there is usually a trail of symptoms throughout the patient’s lifetime that doctors can find through different assessments.

Once you have a diagnosis of inattentive ADD, Smith and Gelfenbein agree there are different forms of intervention and treatments available, ranging from medication to natural alternatives.

Choosing the right intervention

Smith advocates that a change in diet could help children and adults with inattentive ADD, especially the removal of prepackaged and highly processed foods. “An easy step parents can take is to send their kids to school with homemade lunches,” he says.

Smith explains that many times people with inattentive ADD have difficulty producing and breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. “These neurotransmitters could be adjusted by eating more foods with amino acids, which support brain health,” he says, noting that foods such as tofu, chicken, eggs and milk are high in amino acids.

Gelfenbein believes providing patients and families with a wealth of robust informational material is a key part of any treatment plan. “The more you know, the more empowered you are to make informed choices,” he explains.

In addition to medication and other alternatives, Gelfenbein explains behavioral work is another treatment avenue patients can explore and benefit from. He says behavioral support and direct skills training can be focused around homework routines, time management or social skills.

Smith and Gelfenbein agree that the school system needs to be included in the overall treatment plan. “Helping the child should be a team effort,” explains Smith.

Gelfenbein says it is critical to work with the schools and help your child develop a positive relationship with their teachers. He explains that skill weaknesses are mostly likely to manifest in the classroom, where a child is expected to focus for six to eight hours and produce school work.

A family effort

For children with inattentive ADD, the support of their parents and family is important, says Smith. He explains that breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more attainable goals is an effective strategy. “Rather than tell them to clean their room, children with inattentive ADD will understand better if you ask them to place their clothes on the bed or put toys into the toy box,” he says.

Also, if you are changing your child’s diet, make sure your child has the support of the entire family. “Don’t order a pizza for the family if one child can’t eat it because they aren’t eating processed foods,” Smith says.

If your child is diagnosed with inattentive ADD, Gelfenbein suggests parents familiarize themselves with its different facets, including how biology, genetics and environmental matters—such as parenting techniques and lifestyle choices—play a role.

Looking toward the future

According to Smith and Gelfenbein, inattentive ADD can be misinterpreted as a lack of intelligence or that a child is lazy. “Encourage kids with inattentive ADD, but also allow them to gain confidence and independence by learning to do things by themselves,” Smith says.

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COMPARING INATTENTIVE ADD AND ADHD BEHAVIORS Smith and Gelfenbein explain that while inattentive ADD and ADHD share a few similar symptoms, there are some traits which are specific to inattentive ADD.

Inattentive ADD and ADHD:

tracted s i d y l i Eas Procrastination

Poor impul se con trol

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Inattentive ADD only:

Spacey

ish g g u l S

Unmotiv ated

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HEALTH

“The more you know, the more empowered you are to make informed choices.”

Glenn Gelfenbein, licensed professional counselor, Ability Services in Ashland

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PETS

Say

“Woof” When It Hurts

Is chiropractic care an option for your pet?

TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID GIBB

O

ur furry family members aren’t always able to tell us where it hurts, so they may suffer aches and pains with no outward signs of injury. You might notice their reluctance to jump on or off the couch, an unusual sensitivity to touch, or see facial expressions that seem to indicate apprehension or pain. If Tippy just isn’t acting like his usual spunky self, you might consider a chiropractic evaluation.

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Dr. Leigh Lenz of Lenz Chiropractic gives Reese, a chocolate lab, an adjustment.

“I’ve had competitive animals my whole life,” says Dr. LeAnn Ahlbrecht. “I have agility dogs and I also jump horses.

I’ve had my animals adjusted for many years, so I’ve been a fan of chiropractic for a long time.”

A veterinarian for 25 years, Ahlbrecht says her belief in chiropractic care motivated her to attend Options for Animals, a chiropractic school in Missouri. In her practice at Animal Medical Hospital in Ashland, she adjusts cats, dogs and horses, but her special interest is in keeping sport animals at top performance levels. “When animals are athletes, you want to keep them in peak condition at all times. Chiropractic is a good maintenance tool where you don’t have to use drugs.”

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PETS But it isn’t only four-legged athletes who benefit from chiropractic care. Active dogs that love to run off leash, chase balls or jump for Frisbees can also be at risk for back pain and alignment issues, Ahlbrecht says, because those activities can cause extra wear and tear. And depending on conformation and breed type, even your own little couch potato may be vulnerable.

“Breeds like Dachshunds and cocker spaniels, or any dog that has a long back, can be particularly prone to disc disease. We can give them exercises to help strengthen their backs and keep them in alignment so they are less likely to damage their discs.”

Is Fido disc-functional?

“Initially, being out of alignment may not always mean pain,” Ahlbrecht says, “but it can be a precursor to a condition that becomes painful.

Then, like us, they can do that one last little movement that causes the crunch and then they get that nerve pinch.”

Take note, Ahlbrecht says, if you notice changes in your pet’s exercise level. For instance, if your animal suddenly doesn’t want to walk as far, walks slower or avoids jumping on and off things as readily.

Maybe they are slower getting

continued on page 11

“Whatever your pet’s level of activity, good nutrition and keeping them fit with exercises that focus on core strength and good muscle tone are very important.”

Dr. LeAnn Ahlbrecht, Animal Medical Hospital, Ashland

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PETS

Though they normally work on humans, Drs. Lenz and Eilertson are also qualified to offer chiropractic for pets.

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PETS continued from page 9 up when they’ve been lying down.

“Sometimes their gait, the way they walk and move, changes. You might also notice they sit with one leg propped out instead of sitting straight with their knees tucked under them facing forward. And just like when we get stiff necks,” she says, “you might see them turn their heads one way and not the other.”

Adjustments for pets

Though her patients are mainly the two-legged variety, Dr. Leigh Lenz, a licensed chiropractor with Lenz Chiropractic in White City, has noticed a steady increase in referrals from local veterinarians. Since becoming certified in the Webster technique for veterinary orthopedic manipulation (VOM), her practice has expanded to include dogs, cats and horses.

For her four-legged patients, a chiropractic exam includes a health history, a neurologic assessment, a palpation of joints, limbs and spine, and a visual evaluation of the way they stand, walk and move. “My training has enhanced my sense of touch,” she explains, “so with manual adjustments, I use my hands to feel through the fur along the spine or other joints to find the subluxation.

I then use a high velocity, low force

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Chiropractic doctor Gina Eilertson adjusts Temperance.

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PETS

Dr. Lenz shows the activator she will use to adjust Scotch, a Shiba Inu.

continued from page 11 thrust in the area to adjust that alignment issue.” At first, Lenz says, the area can be tender if there is a badly pinched nerve or severe arthritis, so adjustments can be a little uncomfortable, but as the treatments progress, the inflammation and the pain decrease so the discomfort lessens.

“Typically within three to four adjustments, I will know if the animal is going to respond favorably,” says Lenz. “I have found that if they don’t respond to treatments, it’s often because there is something more serious going on, maybe a disc herniation, severe arthritis or something organic like a type of cancer, and those issues would require a different set of treatment options.” She adds that owners are usually the best judge of when their pets need to come in for an adjustment.

Lenz uses manual manipulation and VOM, which utilizes instruments to adjust animals. As with humans, Lenz uses a tool called an activator that delivers a small thump in a specific line of direction to correct the bone alignment.

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Newer acceptance of an old practice Though chiropractic treatment for animals may seem innovative, it was originally put to use back in 1895 when human chiropractic first began. Its popularity grew in 1987 when a veterinarian and chiropractor, the late Sharon Willoughby-Blake, started Options for Animals, a school that taught vets and chiropractors how to adjust animals.

Two years later, the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association was formed.

Historically, veterinary (and in some cases, human) chiropractic treatment has been considered somewhat controversial, but Ahlbrecht says, “That has changed so much. I think most veterinarians now have a positive outlook on chiropractic and will recommend it because I have a lot more pets referred to me for treatment. I’m not sure if that has more to do with its own acceptance or with the overall acceptance of more nontraditional treatments in general like animal massage and acupuncture.”

“Animals have an involuntary reflex called a panniculus reflex,” she explains. “When I put the instrument on the spine, if the bone is out of alignment, that panniculus reflex will react with a twitch or flinch. If it’s not out of alignment, there will be no reaction.”

Preventive measures

Whatever your pet’s level of activity, good nutrition and keeping them fit with exercises that focus on core strength and good muscle tone are very important, Ahlbrecht says. “People need to remember that when you have a dog who sits home all week doing nothing and then you take them out on the weekend and let them jump and run around like lunatics, maybe throw balls and Frisbees for them, think of how your own body would react to that kind of twisting and turning if you weren’t used to it. Dogs will go and go until they are totally exhausted, and that’s just too much for them.”

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NATURAL

Clear the Air

Burning sage for a fresh start TEXT BY MELISSA HASKIN

W

ant to clear the air and start 2018 fresh? Some experts say smudging is the way to go. Smudging is the practice of clearing energy from a space using burning herbs or plants like palo santo (a type of tree). Marriah Iobst, a belly dance teacher and owner of Your Belly Wisdom in Talent explains “Smudging is an ancient indigenous practice for cleansing and purifying places and people.” The practice is most often associated with Native American rituals, but is currently practiced all over the world in all different types of cultures. Traditionally, it was used for everything from healing to blessing a home.

Gather your supplies To smudge, Iobst and Lavergne suggest you acquire the following items: • Dried sage or another herb or plant, such as palo santo, cilantro or cedar • Lighter/matches • Something to catch the ashes as the herb burns, such as a small bowl • A feather to help direct and spread the smoke (optional)

Smudging can be practiced any time of the year, as often as a person wants to perform a and Lavergne have a few tips to share so you ceremony. Some people, like Iobst, smudge can get the most out of smudging. on a regular basis. “I use sage and palo Both Iobst and Lavergne agree that when it santo in my daily personal meditation and comes to smudging, one of the most important movement practice to cleanse and purify things is your mindset. Lavergne says, “I feel myself,” she says. that the most powerful thing is your intention.”

Louise Lavergne, a spiritual teacher, To set the right mood, start by turning off life coach and owner of JoyFull Yoga in your phone and any other distractions, she Jacksonville, also practices smudging encourages. “Don’t be in a rush,” she adds. regularly. “It’s useful in between clients or Before you light your sage or herb, take a classes,” she says.

Louise Lavergne, Joyfull Yoga moment to be present, says Iobst. “Meditate or While both instructors use the practice on take a few breaths.” an everyday basis, smudging can also be a way to clear the If you’re indoors, open a window for air flow. To start air for something bigger: a new year, a new house, a new job. a smudging ceremony, light your dried sage or other Iobst says, “Smudging is a great practice any time you are plant or herb. Blow on the flames for 20-30 seconds, says embarking on a new chapter.”

Lavergne. It should start to smoke. Place it in your bowl.

As the calendar turns from December to January this year, Before you begin with the room or space you are planning if you would like to try smudging in your own home, Iobst

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NATURAL on smudging, move the smoke on yourself. To do this, she says, “Use a cupped hand to draw the smoke around you from head to toe.” Slow down your breathing. Then, move slowly around the room.

Iobst instructs to allow the smoke to permeate the entire space. Fan the smoke with your hand or a feather, if you like. During this, you can meditate, pray or chant, she suggests.

She also says to visualize the room in a “clear, cleansed and purified state.”

Circulate the smoke around the entire room. “Use your intuition to feel how long you need to be in each room,” says Lavergne. When you feel that you are finished, you can either let the remaining herbs burn, or put them out, ending the ceremony.

Lavergne ends in the middle of the room. “I like to end in the center of the room, holding the healing intention and sending love light and gratitude into the room,” she says.

Calming thoughts

During a smudging, you can tap into whatever spiritual beliefs and feelings that make you feel comfortable. This could be chanting, praying, singing or meditating, among other things. When Louise Lavergne of JoyFull Yoga in Jacksonville smudges, she likes to end with this prayer, which she made:

Peace before me Peace behind me Peace at my left Peace at my right Peace above me Peace below me Peace unto me Peace in every cell of my body now Peace fills my home & my life now Peace to all Peace to the Universe (Repeat, substituting Light for Peace; repeat a third time substituting Love for Peace)

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SPECIAL

Giving the Gift of an Experience How experience-based gifts benefit the giver and receiver

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ S T IF NCE G E I R E these EXP lpting, g to scu

EF paintin eir own S RELI with th g from g in g in n th STRES a e R som sses — create Art cla rson to e p a allow ation. ned for classes imagin s desig e d s s n a la c s t nd sa two ha nique e tech g a s s a ss.

Learn m and cla e a kit airs. p iv g r o nicure – s a r solo or m single o e l g ia a c s o as be s ay, m g can spa d a Knittin ering. r fo m e pa p t card m if o g s s a t d Ge ho nee eone w for som

TEXT BY REBECCA SCOTT

A

s the holidays approach, people wonder what gifts to give to family, friends and co-workers.

Rather than agonize over giving and receiving presents, try another route — giving an experience as a gift.

Experts say giving experiences could be a healthier option for the giver and the receiver.

Giving experiences is better for you

According to Sandy Newsome, research shows living a thriftier lifestyle supports a healthier wellbeing. As a psychologist and owner of Wellness Psychology in Medford, she says this research supports the importance of focusing on experiences over material things. “It’s a more involved and thoughtful process to give an experience,” she says.

Studies also show people are more likely to see experiences in a positive light, explains Jared Cox, a psychologist at Wellness Psychology. “We get bored quickly by stuff, but that doesn’t happen with experiences,” he says, adding that experience-based gifts usually have positive benefits for both parties.

For the giver, practicing generosity reduces stress hormones, which can impact your quality of life and even longevity, explains Cox. “For the receiver, they appreciate the experience they are getting,” he says.

Newsome agrees, adding that giving a gift with more intention is beneficial for everyone involved.

According to Newsome, giving boosts your own happiness if it is done from the heart, rather than a sense of obligation. “It’s more powerful to give an experience because it fosters connection between people,” she says, also noting that giving supports character-building through altruism, generosity and helpfulness. She also believes any way you can enhance personal relationships will help build a stronger connection and positively affect mental well-being.

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SPECIAL

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ CE GIFTS EXPERIEN

RE ADVENTU s a zip new, such a ng hi et Tr y som cruise r jet boat line ride o r. down the rive r book wildflowe Give a local the l hikes for and plan loca f, to track uf Bl t as Hobar ch su , ng ri sp una. s and other fa down orchid scuba or Sign up for g classes. mermaidin ons riding less Horseback dream a dults can be for kids or a come true. l to V and trave Rent an R bucket er rks and oth national pa . list locations

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SPECIAL continued from page 16

The effects of experiences

Cox and Newsome agree that experiences affect people on a deeper level than material objects do. “When people are asked to review their lives and discuss what contributed to who they are, they talk about experiences more than stuff,” Cox explains.

Newsome notes that someone is making memories when they are having an experience, and creating a tighter bond with whom they are sharing the experience. “Experiences are an emotionally rich process, more connecting and engaging than giving a material gift,” she says.

Cox says that experiences simply make people happier than receiving stuff. “Knowing someone is more likely to be in a positive state of mind when they’re engaged in an activity provides the gift-giver more incentive to give an experience instead of material things,” he explains, and that experiences help people feel happier overall.

However, that is not to say material gifts don’t have a place in successful gift giving. “I don’t feel that giving a

material gift is all bad, but I think being intentional and noticing why you’re giving the gift is important,” explains Newsome. She says if you buy a material gift — such as a fishing rod — let it lead to an overall experience, like a family fishing trip.

A new way to give

Newsome believes that experience-based gifts allow the giver to be more creative and think beyond the box of traditional gifts. She says giving an experience as a gift is more powerful and long-lasting than material presents.

“Giving your time and helping a friend or relative have a memorable experience is priceless,” she says.

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ S T F I G IENCE R E P X E l, Britt E RITZ estiva

TH eare F G ON nd akesp h S PUTTIN erian a n o reg e Crat O h e t th enjoy l, g a to Amon ckets Festiv ti s e t r im r A me p and select so Music eaters, th r s. e th son pas many o to safely n a sea e v e r van r u o o r t e e th e tog iner y or win pqua w usine m o U r m o li ate pa Appleg Order u ugh the o r th u o drive y y. getawa trails. akfast e r b d bed an Book a

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SPECIAL

EXPER IENCE GI F T S ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

TOGETH ER TIM E Pick out so me good seats for local bas the eball or hockey se ason.

Book a N erf batt le or lase tag for r family a nd friend maybe y s – or our work colleagu es.

Families will love a n a n to area nual pas s museu ms or k play zo id nes.

Grow s omethin g togeth – get see er ds and s o il or a gard kit to tea en ch childre n about and resp plants onsibility .

Look for cookin g camp lessons s and for kids and pare learn tog nts to ether.

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FOOD

Food-Safe Celebrations

Lo c

al

ex

p er

ts le nd the h ir top tips for safe TEXT BY SARAH LEMON

c y a olid

g n ki o o

T

he holidays are a time for giving as well as receiving, for sharing the season’s abundance. But given the right circumstances, even the most generous meals — prepared by otherwise well-intentioned cooks — could harbor foodborne illness.

To test readers’ knowledge of proper food-handling practices, we consulted two Southern Oregon experts, both instructors in local high school culinary programs.

See how well you score on our quiz for happy, healthy, holiday cooking.

1. In food-handling terms, what does “the danger zone” mean? a. The cook accidentally seasoned the dish with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper instead of paprika. b. The food is hot enough to blister your lips. c. The temperature of your food is hovering between 41-135 F. Answer: c. The “safe” zones that prevent growth of bacteria known to cause foodborne illness are below 41 F and above 135 F, says Jake Taub, leader of Ashland High School’s culinary and hospitality program. Verify the proper internal temperature of each food with a digital probe thermometer.

And always keep in mind that cold foods should be cold; hot foods should be hot.

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2. What’s the best way to thaw a whole turkey? a. On the kitchen counter until your fingertip leaves a dent in the flesh. b. On the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. c. In a bathtub of warm water.

Answer: b. The correct process for thawing a whole turkey may take a while, up to a week in the refrigerator. So Tisha Richmond, culinary arts instructor at South Medford High School, advises planning far enough ahead for the centerpiece of a family feast. In a pinch, meat can be thawed under cold, running water. But trying to speed thawing with warm water can elevate the outer surface temperature of meats into the danger zone.

3. Where’s the best place to store raw meat (and other potentially hazardous foods) in the refrigerator? a. Out of reach of pets and children. b. As far away from other foods as possible. c. On the bottom shelf.

Answer: c. Because raw meat, even in its store-bought packaging, can drip potentially contaminated juices,

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FOOD store it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, says Taub. Or put it on a sheet pan or tray to help catch the drippings. A good rule of thumb is: Foods with higher required cooking temperatures, such as meat, should be stored lower down than foods intended for raw consumption, or cooking to lower temperatures, such as produce.

4. When should you wash an uncooked turkey before arranging it in a roasting pan and transferring to the oven? a. When the turkey looks dirty. b. Cooks should resist the urge, under normal circumstances, to wash a turkey. c. If you suspect the turkey’s been out of refrigeration too long.

Answer: b. Washing a raw turkey before cooking is not only unnecessary, it may create more potential for cross-contamination of surfaces in your kitchen, says Taub.

That’s because it’s virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can spatter your sink, faucet, utensils and other items in the kitchen. The only way to kill bacteria, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 F. So the USDA’s official stance on the topic (long debated in food-handling circles) is to cook turkeys directly out of their commercial packaging.

5. What’s the best way to sanitize a surface that comes into contact with potentially hazardous foods, such as raw meat? a. A solution of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water. b. Warm, soapy water c. Mr. Clean Answer: a. Bleach solutions should be strong enough to kill bacteria but not so strong that they leave chemical residue on surfaces. Mix up your bleach solution with tepid, rather than hot water, which deactivates bleach’s sanitizing properties. For a natural alternative, says Taub, there are commercially available sanitizers that use thymol, an extract of the thyme plant. White vinegar also is very effective against salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria, he says. Yet the state of Oregon’s county-based health inspectors require food-service

establishments to use bleach-based or chemical quaternary sanitizers.

6. How quickly should leftovers be cleared from the buffet and stored in the refrigerator? a. Within two hours or the food should be thrown away. b. When everyone’s finished with their second or third helpings. c. When leftovers are no longer warm enough to heat up other foods in the refrigerator.

Answer: a. Leaving food out at room temperature for hours on end not only is unappetizing, it can be hazardous to your health.

Pathogens, including salmonella, E. coli and norovirus, multiply rapidly at temperatures between 41 and 135 F. Cooked, ready-to-eat foods should be cooled within two hours or discarded, says Richmond.

7. How many days should leftovers be reheated and served before they need to go in the trash? a. Until they smell bad. b. Within seven days, but only if they’re reheated once. c. Until you run out of recipes for using them up.

Answer: b. It’s preferable to consume cooked, ready-to-eat foods within three or four days, says Richmond.

But the state allows up to seven days for food-service establishments open to the public. Yet that timeline doesn’t guarantee a food’s freshness or cleanliness, depending on how it was handled initially. Richmond extolls the old motto: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

8. If you feel sick at dinnertime, which meal likely was the source of foodborne illness? a. It depends. b. The last meal you ate. c. At the breakfast restaurant where the server rested the water pitcher’s spout on the rim of your glass.

Answer: a. The incubation periods for foodborne illnesses vary, although they’re typically between eight hours and three days, says Taub.

That means if someone is feeling ill immediately after a meal, it’s more likely indigestion than symptoms related to contaminated food. In that case, blame Grandma’s heavy hand with butter and cream, not whether she washed her hands.

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DECEMBER

Events Calendar

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RECYCLING & WASTE REDUCTION FOR FAMILIES 4-5 P.M. NORTH MOUNTAIN PARK NATURE CENTER, 620 N. MOUNTAIN AVE., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO 541.488.6606 ashland.or.us/register A free, family-oriented presentation for all ages by Jamie Rosenthal, the Waste Zero Coordinator at Recology Ashland, an Ashland Conservation Commission Member and a Jackson County Master Recycler. Make a New Year’s resolution to waste less and learn how to accomplish it.

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GRANTS PASS WINTER GROWERS MARKET 9 A.M.–1 P.M. JOSEPHINE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS COMMERCIAL BUILDING CONTACT INFO: 541.816.1144, www.growersmarket.org A heated, indoor market event showcasing local food products and crafts.

Shoppers will find organic beef, artisanal cheeses, honey products, winter produce, eggs, woodcrafts, jewelry and more. The market will also be held on Dec. 16 and 23.

MEDFORD UGLY SWEATER 5K 9 A.M. 101 S BARTLETT ST., MEDFORD CONTACT INFO: www.facebook.com/ medforduglysweater Dig deep to the back of the closet for your ugliest holiday sweater and support the Jackson County Foster Parent Association. This untimed fun run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Advance registration is $25 for adults and $10 for kids.

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BEYOND FOODS: THE FUNCTIONAL FOODS BUILDING BLOCKS 6–8 P.M. ASHLAND FOOD CO-OP COMMUNITY CLASSROOM, 300 N PIONEER ST., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: 541.482.2237 A free lecture by nutritionist Barbara Swanson about how the body uses nutrients, and how nutrition affects and supports different body systems.

DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO PROMOTE ON OUR EVENTS CALENDAR? Please email crose@mailtribune.com and include the following information: Event title, date, time, location, contact information and a brief description including any required fees.

Please note: Event information must be received at least 60 days in advance to be considered for publication in Oregon Healthy Living. We’re currently accepting submissions for event dates between February 6-28, 2018 .

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DECEMBER

Events Calendar

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SIMPLIFIED TAI CHI 10–11:30 A.M. MEDFORD LIBRARY MEETING ROOM, 205 S. CENTRAL AVE., MEDFORD CONTACT INFO: 541.774.6577, jcls.org A free, on-going program sponsored

by Jackson County Library Services.

Sessions every Tuesday. Classes in this 8-step Tai Chi form are targeted to participants age 50-plus or for those with a desire to improve balance and ease of movement.

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INTRODUCTION TO HOME MASSAGE 6:30–8:30 PM FAMILY MASSAGE EDUCATION CENTER, 77 MANZANITA ST., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: 541.482.3567 Basic massage techniques for singles or pairs. Preregistration is required and fees are $37 per person or $55 per pair.

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AL-ANON: PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION NOON-1 P.M. UCC FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ANNEX, 136 MORTON ST., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anonmeeting Al-Anon is a free 12-step fellowship providing support for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts. There are multiple meetings in various locations every week throughout the Rogue Valley. This meeting is held weekly on Fridays. Search for a meeting time and day via https://al-anon.org.

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LOW-COST PET VACCINATIONS 11 A.M.–1 P.M. JACKSON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, 5595 S. PACIFIC HIGHWAY 99, PHOENIX CONTACT INFO: 541.774.6654 Give your pet the gift of good health and protection. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and in good health.

Vaccinations are $10 each. Nail trimming is available for $5. Stop at the ATM, because the shelter accepts only cash for these services. Vaccination clinics are held the third Saturday of every month.

CRATER LAKE RANGER-GUIDED SNOWSHOE WALKS 1:00 PM • RIM DRIVE, CRATER LAKE • CONTACT INFO: 541.594.3100 & 541.594.3093 craterlaketrust.org Free park entrance, free tour and snowshoes provided free! Take a one-mile walk through the snow-covered forests and meadows at Crater Lake. No previous showshoeing experience needed, but space is limited and reservations are recommended. Tours take about two hours.

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