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Journey to Motherhood with Emily Joy Tyde, page 6
Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 12
Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 21
Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 8
Focus on MOM with Dr. Anya Porkar, page 10
Pets are Family with Dr. Erica Harmon, page 20
Pelvic health & wellness with Dr. Chrissy Clark, page 24
Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 28
Beyond the Bin with Daniel Hiestand, page 30
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Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250
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There are many calendars to live by but one has me in its clutches for life: the school calendar.
Once I turn the page on my wall calendar to August, core memories roll to the forefront of my mind, much like in the Inside Out movies.
Girlhood moments come rushing back, like my first day of kindergarten coinciding with my birthday. Or, the pleated, plaid skirt I bought at Washington Square for my first day at my new Portland high school that I heard was fancy (it was not; I was overdressed and itchy). The smells of back-to-school are particularly indelible: a pack of crayons with the built-in sharpener, a certain crispness to September mornings, freshly sharpened number two pencils….
Back-to-school time always gave me hope of a fresh, new year in which I could reinvent myself. This would be the year I would master the art of straightening my hair, become a fashion icon of my school and finally turn into a popular girl. I was just one popped collar away from greatness!
Me in eighth grade. I’m sparing you my cringey ninth grade one, where a large breakout on my cheek probably should have been checked for impetigo.
As my boys go off to school this fall, I’m in the procurement mode of school supplies, clothes and backpacks. I still feel that tug of wanting to improve myself, sans jelly shoes and neon splatter prints. Have a great school year, even if you’re not formally in one.
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It’s no wonder I still feel tethered to an academic calendar: I attended school for 20 years. Then I was a teacher for five years, and having children has added another 12 to the running total. If I’m lucky enough to live a long life, I’ll be a shuffling granny and still have a late summer urge to memorize a new schedule and locker combination.
Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
P.S. Go and see Inside Out 2. It was really good.
Emily Joy Tyde, MS, LDM
oregonbirthandwellness.org
541-515-6556
890 Beltline Road in Springfield
How can a pregnant mom protect herself and her growing baby during wildfire season when the air can cause harm? The best answer isn’t an easy one during the beautiful Pacific Northwest summer season.
Learn how to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) — there are numerous online sources and apps to do so. When wildfire smoke is bad, stay indoors and use HEPA filters in your home’s air handling system or in an air purifier. If you must go outside, wear an N95 mask (the same type of mask that reduces COVID-19 transmission) and limit your time outdoors.
Staying outside all day when the AQI is 150 or above has the same harmful effect to a pregnancy as smoking seven cigarettes per day. The chance of harm to a baby in the womb is higher when the AQI is higher. Exposure to wildfire smoke in any trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labor. It also increases the risk of babies developing a condition called Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). This is a condition where the baby is not getting enough oxygen and nutrition from the mother via the placenta, and the baby’s growth slows or stops, and the placenta may stop working too.
Wildfire smoke contains harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. Inhaling these chemicals can cause or worsen pregnancy symptoms such as anxiety, mood changes, nausea, headaches and fatigue. It can also worsen asthma, diabetes and hypertension. If you have one of these conditions in pregnancy, follow your midwife’s or doctor’s recommendations regarding treatment, take any necessary medications as prescribed, and be diligent about avoiding smoke inhalation.
If you can’t get out of town to cleaner air, keep your home and car air as clean as possible, take walks indoors at the gym, mall or library. Wear that N95 mask, and do your best to turn your wildfire season pregnancy into a calming nesting staycation.
Pregnancy-safe supplements and herbs that help during wildfire season have antioxidant effects, gently support organ function to support the placenta, reduce anxiety and help the lungs. Important supplements include B vitamins, chlorophyll and magnesium. Herbs include burdock root, chamomile, marshmallow root, milk thistle, oat straw, Reishi mushroom and rose hips.
Brought to you by:
Dr. Brad Chvatal (541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com
1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove 2215 Willamette Street, Ste. B, Eugene
It can be super helpful to know how to manage orthodontic emergencies to keep your child’s treatment on track and minimize discomfort. Here are the top three orthodontic emergencies and how to handle them:
Poking wires: If a wire is poking the inside of your child’s mouth, use a cotton swab or pencil eraser to gently push the wire into a more comfortable position. Applying orthodontic wax over the wire tip can also help until you can visit the orthodontist. Also, if it’s a thin initial wire, you can often cut them with nail clippers to help make it through a night or weekend.
Loose brackets: If a bracket becomes loose but is still attached to the wire, apply orthodontic wax to prevent it from moving. If the bracket comes off completely, save it and call your orthodontist for advice on whether it needs immediate attention or can wait until the next appointment.
Lost or broken retainer: If your child loses or breaks their retainer, contact the orthodontist immediately to get a replacement. Wearing a retainer is crucial to maintaining the results of the treatment. Save the loose wire from permanent retainers, as it can make it easier to get them replaced.
Also, reach out to your orthodontist with any questions. Our office always has someone on call 24/7 to help guide you through any issues you may have. By knowing how to handle these common emergencies, you can ensure your child’s orthodontic journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
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Your eyes, like the rest of your body, need vitamins and nutrients for optimal performance — this applies to kids and adults.
Aim to include in your family’s diet fish rich in fatty acids like salmon, tuna and sardines, and a variety of vegetables like spinach, kale and collards for lutein. Good sources of protein like nuts, beans and eggs are excellent additions to your diet, and your eyes will thank you. Eating a well-balanced diet strengthens your sight and reduces your risk of developing eye problems like macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye diseases.
Orange-colored vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots give your eyes critical vitamin A, which your retina needs to take in light that allows us to see images. Vitamin C from oranges, tangerines and peaches are also fantastic for eye health. Get your children hooked on nutritious, whole foods now so they carry the habit into adulthood.
All these nutritious foods are more than beneficial for your eyes: they’re heart-healthy. That’s because your eyes rely on tiny arteries for nutrients and oxygen, much like your heart uses larger arteries in the same way. Consider eating well for an overall health win.
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology
If you’re traveling by air within the U.S. or internationally, stay up-to-date on the latest to avoid snags and long lines.
After several delays, the federally mandated Real ID program will begin on May 7, 2025. Every adult (age 18+) who flies in the U.S. will be required to present a Real ID Card, a passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) or other federally approved ID.
It is predicted there will be a rush and delays to obtain this important ID before the deadline. To get a Real ID card, you must apply in-person at the DMV, and the cost is $30 plus the regular license renewal fee of $40. In addition to the fees, you must present multiple official documents (see sidebar). If you want to avoid it, the best thing to do is obtain or renew your passport, which can be used in lieu of Real ID.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program lets pre-approved citizens breeze through airport checkpoints without removing shoes, laptops or liquids at more than 200 airports in the USA for domestic and international travel.
The Eugene Airport has a dedicated TSA PreCheck screening line. The cost is $78 per person for a five-year membership. Children age 12 and under can join their parents in the precheck line for no cost. Youth ages 13 through 17 may receive PreCheck benefits if they are booked on the same flight reservation with a parent who has TSA PreCheck.
There is an enrollment office in downtown Eugene to make it easy to participate in the PreCheck program. Please note that TSA PreCheck does not qualify as Real ID.
To travel outside of the United States and its territories (U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands) U.S. citizens of all ages are required to carry a current passport. Currently the cost is $165 for ages 16 and over (valid for 10 years) and $135 for under age 16 (valid for 5 years). Both parents are required to be present when applying for a passport for a minor. Right now it takes 6 to 8 weeks to receive a passport. You can pay an extra $60 (per person) to have your passport expedited to an estimated 2 to 3 weeks. Note that many countries require that your passport expiration date is at least 6 months after your return travel date.
If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. over the next five years, it’s worthwhile to apply for the Global Entry program instead of TSA PreCheck. The cost is $100 for five years of Global Entry, and it includes TSA PreCheck. Global Entry membership (and fees) are required for all ages; children do not receive any benefits unless they have purchased their own Global Entry. To apply for Global Entry you must have a valid passport, create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, complete an application, pay the $100 fee and attend an in-person interview at the office in Portland. The entire process could take a few months, so begin early. Also note that the price will rise to $120 on Oct. 1.
For international travel, there is a new free program that makes re-entering the U.S. from another country so much easier. Mobile Passport Control allows eligible travelers to submit their passport, photo and customs declaration information through a secure app on their smartphones. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Play for free. It’s simple to enter your information in the app, and then use upon arrival to your first point of entry in the U.S. at one of the participating airports or seaports. Look for the Mobile Passport Control area and either use a kiosk, or see a Customs and Border Patrol agent, to finalize inspection for re-entry to the U.S.
The U.S. Government recently announced plans to process passport renewals online.
Currently this is available at 52 sites which include all major airports and four seaports. One person can submit for their family or group of up to 12 people. This program can save you from waiting in long lines.
If you have Global Entry, you do not need to do Mobile Passport Control as you already have expedited re-entry to the U.S.
Proof of identity and lawful status
Social Security number
Two proofs of current physical address
Proof of legal name changes
Beware of scam websites!
Scammers have sites with similar names, so make sure you are using only official websites. Also, rules change often, so check the official sites for the most current information.
Real ID
tsa.gov/real-id
TSA
tsa.gov/travel/precheck
Trusted Traveler Programs
ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
Passport info travel.state.gov/content/travel/ en/passports
Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport
Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for over three decades and is the owner of VIP Vacations. She enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She is a mom to three and lives in Eugene, and she looks forward to making your travel dreams become a reality.
Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 @VacationMOMpage
PROFESSION
Real estate broker & stand-up comedian
COMMUNITY
Crescent
CHILDREN
Payton, age 14, and Tré, age 2
PHOTOS
BY: LIVIA FREMOUW
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. I am a single mother with a toddler son who turns two in August, and a 14-yearold daughter who will be a freshman at Sheldon in the fall. We have two orange tabby cats, Abby and Peter.
Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? My daughter and I are constantly improvising or making up songs and/or commercials on the fly. We like to be silly and have fun.
What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? A Ziploc bag full of slime.
What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)? Steal candy from a baby.
What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now? Being in the moment with my kids, and feeling like a kid when I am with them.
No one works harder than mom.
MOM’s Favorite...
Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: UNO
…words to live by: Gratitude is the password to the universe
…place to find some peace & quiet: Steamroom
…binge-worthy TV: Crashing
…way to get out of making dinner: Asking my daughter if she wants Dave’s Hot Chicken.
…inspirational quote: “No man is your enemy, no man is your friend, every man is your teacher.” — Florence Scovel
…time-saving app or digital tool: Asana
…parenting book or philosophy: Everyone is figuring it out as they go.
When did you know you wanted to be a mom? The second I got to hold my children after I gave birth to them was when I knew. It was never in my plans to be a parent, as I was scared of the responsibility that comes along with it. It was the best thing that could ever happen to me.
Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. I think my proudest mom moment was when my daughter Payton was 6 or 7. I was going through a breakup and it was hard because I felt like I was letting my daughter down as she had grown attached. It was heartbreaking as I felt I would never be able to provide stability and a positive father figure in my daughter’s life. I was tucking my daughter in and apologizing to her, and she provided such loving words of wisdom and love as if I was speaking to an old 90-year-old grandmother. At that moment, I swore she had been to this earth before and it made me realize that children do listen, and sometimes they will remind you of all the things you taught them when you lose focus.
You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” “What did I just say?”
We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? My day-to-day and week-to-week schedule is always different. I do my best to make time to do something as simple as going on a walk with my kids to the park to spend some quality time together, even if it’s just 15 minutes. On a night I make dinner, we sit at the table with no TV or devices and engage in conversation. Being in the present helps me balance alongside a to-do list, that helps me stay organized.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I’m an entrepreneur: I am an active real estate broker, dual licensed in Arizona and Oregon, as well as a stand-up comedian and live comedy show producer. Within both industries I am able to connect with members of our community and find opportunities where I can volunteer or find ways to contribute. I am passionate about supporting our local NAACP chapter and empowering members in our community by educating them about the home buying process and creating generational wealth for their families.
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Hirons
…coffee spots: Magpie, Meraki
…view or scenic lookout: Sky Bar Hyatt Place at Oakway Center
…spot to get a good workout: Lagree Plus, Star Cycle
…place to treat yourself: City Nails & Spa
…restaurant to take the kids: Izumi Sushi & Grill
…restaurants for a date night: What’s a date?
…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Subo Sushi Burritos
…meetup spot for happy hour: Nelson’s in the Whit
…place where kids can let off steam: DEFY Eugene trampoline park
…event in your community: Monday Night Improv Jam at the McNail House
What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Active listening and mirroring is not only highly effective in sales, but also when negotiating with my children. Everyday there is a new negotiation.
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. My passion for comedy began in 2011, and ever since my first stand-up comedy performance at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, California, September 4, 2012, I knew I wanted to run my own comedy club. After producing comedy shows, podcasts and events over the past 12 years, I decided it’s time to make that dream a reality. Lexy’s Comedy Club was born in December 2023 and is currently operating as a pop-up comedy club, creating memorable events all around Eugene. I am on a mission to find our brick and mortar location to call our forever home.
Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? Within the next five years I plan to have an efficient comedy club running with plans established to open a second location. I also plan to have my principal broker’s license and mentor a team of single mothers ready to transform their lives.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in a loving household with my mother and stepfather. My stepfather, whom I call “dad,” was the silly one but he was also a very good communicator and taught me the value of deep communication and having hard conversations. That has helped me as a mom to create space for my children to talk things out.
Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you? I grew up right here in Eugene. I would say it has influenced me in a very positive way. I really enjoyed my childhood here, but by the time I was finishing college, I was ready to get out of here. I am very grateful that I did get to experience life in metropolitan cities and live in a place where no one knew me, and I had to work extremely hard to make anything happen. It made me appreciate home more but also allowed me to develop and grow as a person as I was outside my comfort zone.
What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? To follow your dreams and never give up on yourself. Both of my parents were artists. My mother is an amazing cosmetologist, and I grew up watching her practice her craft and even take continuing education art classes with drawing and multi-medium artwork. My father is a musician, and he can play so many instruments but is extremely talented on the piano and composing songs. I grew up watching him take jobs to support our family and doing gigs on the side, but he eventually found his way to doing music fulltime and making more than enough money so he no longer had to take jobs he was not passionate about. Looking back, it’s pretty inspiring and that’s what keeps me going.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? A couple months ago I tried musical improv for the first time in a group setting. It was so scary, but then it was so fun. Still scary though!
What is something you will NEVER do again? I will probably never cliff jump into a lake again, unless it’s a baby cliff. Last time I fractured a rib.
Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Investing money.
When did you realize you were no longer a child? I’m still nine, what are you talking about?
What is the quality you like most about yourself? Not being afraid to be myself.
If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?
Mind reading.
What’s your superpower? Being a single mom. It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do? Take a nap or clean and enjoy the house being clean until the kids ruin it again.
What keeps you sane?
Prayer, meditation, humor
What is your least/most favorite household chore? I hate taking out the trash. I love organizing, it’s a pain, but once done, I feel like I can breathe.
What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) Bueno bars.
Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My mentor Glenda. She passed away in 2021 from complications with Covid. She mentored me through real estate school and life. She also supported my comedy and came to a lot of my shows regularly. She loved me for me, it was when I met her that I really started to learn how to love myself. She also had an amazing relationship with her daughter and would do anything for her. She inspired me to be a better mom and not be afraid to show my kids how much I love them, even if it does feel like I’m smothering. Life is short. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? All women should shave their heads at least once. Everyone should work in the restaurant industry or a call center for 30 days.
Listen to mom.
Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? Absolutely not, who goes into this with expectations? No one knows what they are doing. I’m surprised I’ve kept my little humans alive this long. It’s another story when it comes to my house plants. They say if you want to have kids, start with a house plant then upgrade to a pet. Pets and kids are alive, house plants…half of them are still doing okay!
What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Don’t be so hard on yourself. We are all doing the best we can, you are not alone.
What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? It’s ok to ask for help and saying thank you doesn’t make you a charity case.
What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Keep doing the best you can. Your best today may not be your best yesterday or your best tomorrow. Give yourself grace and take it one day at a time. Love to your fullest and the rest will fall in place.
THE SUMMER OF 2020 WAS A PIVOTAL YEAR FOR WILDFIRES IN OREGON, WHEN FIRES TOUCHED THE MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIKE WE’D NEVER SEEN BEFORE. NOW WILDFIRE SMOKE IS PART OF OUR NEW NORMAL.
WHILE FIREFIGHTING teams work diligently to keep us safe from fires, the smoke is inescapable — and known to be harmful to humans. For children, the risk of harm is even higher as the smaller the body, the bigger the toxin load. What’s a mom to do? Stay informed, for starters. And be prepared.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measurement of how clean or dirty the air is for a geographic population. In the U.S., this is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has established a scale of 0 to 500, where the higher the number, the greater the level of pollution and public health concern.
Measurements over 100 can be troubling for what are called sensitive groups — anyone with health conditions that make them more susceptible to harm. Once the measurement reaches 150, we all have problems.
In 2020, Oregon broke records for having some of the most polluted air in the world. The air was hazardous for days, requiring the general public to stay inside and create, as best we could, clean air bubbles to live in until the smoke cleared. Many kids (and adults, too) went stir-crazy being made to stay indoors. While it’s hard to explain to a five-year-old why she can’t go outside on a summer day, you can plan ahead with games and activities to keep yourselves busy (see sidebar).
According to the Oregon Health Authority, children’s airways are more likely to be affected by smoke because they breathe more air per pound of body weight.
“Children are more active which means they breathe faster, and they breathe more air relative to their weight,” said Dr. Jennifer Serfin, MD, FACS, trauma medical director at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. They are also growing and developing, which adds another level of concern.
For a mom with kids who have asthma, more precautions are needed. Dr. Serfin said to have rescue
inhalers at the ready. “Additionally, if your child is recovering from an upper respiratory infection, they may be more susceptible to smoke-related symptoms. If your child has severe trouble breathing, is very sleepy, or will not eat or drink, reduce their exposure to smoke and get medical help right away.”
Just like with snow, local public school districts will cancel classes, sports, activities and before/after school childcare whenever there is a danger to children. Know your district’s preferred method of communication such as FlashAlert, ParentSquare, etc.
For sports with outdoor practices or games, the Oregon Schools Activity Association governs when to move practices and games inside, or reschedule or cancel completely. Late August is a popular time for daily doubles — your child’s coach should be in regular contact over health safety issues like poor air quality, as well as high temperatures.
Keep windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning if you have it, and set the fan to recirculate.
“With wildfire smoke, it’s important to close any dampers that let outside air into your air handling system,” said Boone Morris, of Advantage Heating & Air in Salem. “And check your air filter after a period of heavy smoke. If it’s darkened, change it out.”
While Morris notes that most home air handlers and filters do a solid job, a smart system with a built-in purification system is worth it if you’re replacing your HVAC or choosing one for a new build.
Wiggly kids stuck indoors can make everyone a bit stir-crazy. Some ideas to expel extra energy:
• Scavenger hunt
• Active games such as Twister or Simon Says
• Dance party
• Hide & seek
• Build a fort with couch cushions and sheets
• Make an obstacle course
Free-standing air purifiers are also widely available and can typically handle a single room (just don’t expect one small unit to cover an entire home). You can also DIY an air purification system by using box fans and filters; visit the EPA’s website and look up “DIY air purifier” for a helpful how-to.
• The floor is lava!
It’s Sunday evening, and suddenly your beloved cat cries out in pain while using the litter box, or your new puppy ate a superball. While it’s frightening to think of your pet needing emergency surgery, it’s comforting to know that there is 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week emergency veterinary care available locally.
At Wilvet South, we provide emergency surgery for a variety of life-saving reasons. Pets have a way of ingesting foreign objects, leading to intestinal blockages or obstructions. Our veterinarians can perform surgeries to remove these objects and restore normal digestive function. Trauma such as accidents, falls or animal attacks can also need surgery for internal injuries, lacerations and other wounds.
Urinary tract obstructions sometimes need emergency surgery, as do bladder stones. Large, deep-chested dogs can have a life-threatening condition called bloat, causing the stomach to twist, for which emergency surgery is critical. We also perform emergency cesarean sections.
We stabilize fractured bones and help relieve pain (orthopedic surgeries are not performed in the ER hospital). While we typically refer tumor and mass repairs to general practitioners, sometimes due to infection or bleeding these are treated in the ER. Less common veterinary emergencies include surgeries to repair or remove a damaged organ.
Ensuring your pet receives immediate assessment and care will minimize pain and speed up the healing process — that’s something we all want when it comes to our cherished pets.
Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor
922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112
Corvallis, OR 97330
kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360
As the school year kicks off, building strong communication with your child’s teachers is key to a successful year. Here are some tips to help you establish and maintain effective communication...
Start with an initial meeting || Take advantage of any initial parent-teacher meetings to discuss your child’s strengths, areas for improvement and specific needs. Share important information, such as medical conditions, effective behavioral strategies and your child’s interests.
Create a communication plan || Work with teachers to set a clear (and realistic) communication plan. Decide on the best methods for staying in touch (email, phone or communication apps), the frequency of updates, and the type of information to be shared. Regular check-ins help you stay informed and address issues promptly. On that same note, parents need to respond to teachers promptly. In a highly virtual world, checking your emails at least a few times a week is necessary, if not more.
Read the newsletter || Many school districts provide a newsletter delivered monthly to parents. This is a great way to stay involved!
Be an advocate for your child || Advocate for your child’s needs by clearly communicating any required accommodations or modifications. Provide necessary documentation, such as IEPs or 504 plans, and ensure teachers understand how to implement these supports.
Get it in writing || Many parents have children who are being sent home or reprimanded frequently for behavior struggles. Ask for written documentation of why a child was asked to be picked up or provided a consequence. This will help you identify skills that need to be worked on at home and advocate for your child if needed.
Stay positive and collaborative || Most teachers want to do the right thing for their students and parents. Show appreciation for teachers’ efforts and acknowledge their challenges. When issues arise, discuss them calmly and work together to find solutions. Building a strong partnership with your child’s educator will make you feel great, and benefit your child’s educational experience.
Brought to you by:
KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.
Whether you’re a paper person, or have gone fully digital, a calendar is the core of a family’s logistical functioning.
Many schools publish the year-long calendar on their websites. Download yours and input all the dates for early release, in-service, conferences, holidays, etc. Note that inclement weather can sometimes change a pre-planned day off into a school day; keep it on your radar so you’re not caught unprepared for childcare.
Once you set the academic calendar, add in the next layers:
• Childcare, before and after-school care
• Busses, carpooling
• Sports practices and games
• Lessons and recitals
• School-based concerts, plays, spirit events
• Birthdays
According to our cover MOMs*, they use their phones for reminders/ alarms to pick up kids, calendars and notepads. Other apps they like:
• Life360
• TeamSnap
• Goblin Tools
• Keeper Password Manager
• AnyList
• Grocery List: Out of Milk
* From surveyed Cover MOMs Jan. 2022 - May 2024
Go through all the water bottles: no matching lid? Goodbye. Same for any with known leaks.
Backpacks from last year: if your kid’s is still full of stuff from spring, then you are exactly like us. Time to clean it out, wash it and test all the zippers for functionality.
Supplies from last year: Don’t trust the glue and markers for reusing until you test them first.
Stock up on tissues, cold medicines, comfort care for all the cruds you know are about to drop. Tip: buy extra tissues to donate to your kid’s classroom.
If the flurry of tasks from mid-August and into fall feels like a job in air traffic control, you might just be a mom. A few starting points...
There are more September-born people than any other month. Stock up on your go-to gifts and have them ready for all the invites.
Get dental, eye and well-child visits on the calendar. A regular pediatric well child visit can double as a sports physical — just ask for the form.
SHOES. What, you just bought them shoes? Their feet grow at night. Recheck the sizes… and that they haven’t burned the soles off by using them as scooter brakes.
You probably have school clothes shopping already on your to-dos, but don’t forget sports uniforms and gear.
Haircuts for all. And while you’re at it, nails.
Dr. Chrissy Clark, PT, DPT, WCS, CFL-2 dualitypelvichealthandwellness.com Call or text: 541-357-3839
Many times during an initial evaluation, a patient has told me they do Kegels every day, but still leak urine. How frustrating that something so simple as contracting your pelvic floor every day wouldn’t be able to “fix” a very sensitive concern.
When we understand the many causes for bladder leakage, we can use a variety of solutions. Sometimes it is just as simple as doing Kegels; however, there is oftentimes more going on that is causing the leakage. For instance, there might be difficulties with maintaining appropriate pressures in your abdomen. Think of your core as a tube of toothpaste that is filled with the cap taken off. How do you make sure to keep the toothpaste inside?
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During evaluations, we also investigate: Bathroom behavior: Do you do “just in case” pees? Do you strain when you poop?
Tissue quality: What does the skin and surrounding areas look like “down there”?
Pelvic floor tension: Does your pelvic floor feel like tight neck muscles?
Body movement and awareness: How does your body function throughout the day?
If you sense there might be more to the story for your bladder leakage than Kegel exercises, reach out to us to set up a consultation.
The Eugene Airport is a proud part of what makes Western Oregon such a unique place to live and visit, with direct routes connecting to hundreds of destinations.
OF THE MANY REASONS TO LOVE PLUMS…
• They’re a sweet and easy sell to kids — add them to school lunch boxes.
• So much fiber: they are prunes, after all, which we tend to forget.
• The dark purple color is stunning and great for your health: they’re loaded with anthocyanins, a type of antioxidants packed with health benefits.
• Simple to freeze: just cut in half and take out the pits first.
Top off waffles, pancakes, oatmeal or serve over yogurt or ice cream
15 plums, cut in half with pits removed
¼ cup water
3 - 4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Optional: 1 stick of cinnamon
Bring the plums (no need to remove the skins) and water to a boil, then add the sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Turn heat down to a simmer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once cooled, remove the cinnamon stick, if used. The compote will thicken as it cools.
Store in a tightly lidded jar in the fridge for up to a week.
15 plums, cut in half with pits removed
3 - 4 tablespoons of honey
½ cup chopped nuts or granola of your choice
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
Pour the honey onto a plate and then dip each plum, cut-side down, into the honey to coat the surface.
Place plums cut-side up on the sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts or granola overtop and enjoy!
Scan the code and discover simple and effective parenting solutions to:
Hassle-free mealtimes
Fighting and aggression
Managing Bedtime Routines
anaging
Dealing with disobediencee
Effective communication skills
Uncover what works best for your family. Your path to stress-free parenting starts here!
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Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child
Tooth knocked out before its time? Here’s what to do.
It happens when you least expect it: your child knocked out a tooth. Now what?
The pain and surprise of facial trauma can be frightening for both child and parent. The most important thing you can do is remain calm. Pediatric dentists do not re-implant baby teeth for numerous reasons, primarily because they tend to abscess and cause facial swelling. Doing so may also damage the permanent tooth if put back into the socket.
Permanent teeth are different. If a child loses a permanent tooth, try to reinsert it into the socket as quickly as you can. If that is not possible, put the tooth into a glass of milk (if not available, use the child’s own saliva by having them spit into a cup), and take the child immediately to a pediatric dentist. Time is of utmost importance. The sooner it is re-implanted and splinted, the higher the success of saving the tooth.
treehousekidsdental.com 1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631
Do you or a loved one have an intellectual or developmental disability?
The IDD Resource Guide is your FREE, essential companion for every support you need.
Find services, support groups, and professional advice to feel understood, supported, and empowered.
hello@iddresourceguide.info iddresourceguide.info
DO YOU SUPPORT SOMEONE WITH IDD?
100+ Free Courses for caregivers, teachers, and families.
Support for new diagnoses and advanced behaviors.
Vital Knowledge to enhance understanding of the IDD community.
hello@sunflowercommunity info
sunflowercommunity.info
Daniel Hiestand
Daniel Hiestand has been the Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator since 2022.
A new service for large, public events provides reusable dishware that diverts plates, bowls, glasses and utensils from the landfill, all for a nominal fee.
The Sustainable Events Services (SES) Program is offered by Waste Wise Lane County (Lane County Waste Management), the city of Eugene and Action Rent-All & Events. The SES program delivers sanitized dishware, cleaning supplies and dish return station signage to events. After the event, the program collects the dirty dishes for much less than the cost of purchasing disposable food service ware.
In addition to preventing waste and enabling cost savings, the SES program also allows event planners an opportunity to market and promote sustainability efforts to attendees, which is something many people in Lane County value highly.
The SES Program allows event planners to reserve up to 1,000 9-inch plates, 1,000 11-inch plates, 700 bowls, 1,500 glasses, 2,450 forks, 1,275 spoons, 750 table knives and eight water bottle refilling stations for single or multi-day events. All inventory is BPA-free, secure and stackable.
To learn more, email sustainableeventservices@lanecountyor.gov or visit www.lanecountyor.gov/wastewise-events.
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Waste Wise Lane County empowers residents, schools and businesses with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably.
WasteWiseLaneCounty @wastewiselanecounty
PO Box 672 | Aurora, OR 97002-0672
503-825-2100 | 503-776-9185 fax
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