Lane County MOM | August / October 2023

real | local | moms

since 2005

Lane County | Oct / Nov 2023

COVER MOM

THE POWER

NALOXONE FOR

CRYSTAL MASSEY

OF PROTEIN

YOUR PURSE

It’s what‘s inside that counts

Power of Protein

Knowing your genetic cancer risks 26

Naloxone for your purse

They know what they’re

Cover MOM: Crystal Massey..................12

Knowing your genetic cancer risks.......................26

talking about.

This mom gets real.

Because I said so............... 5

Power of Protein.............22

22

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

28

Naloxone for your purse.........................28

A message from MOM

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Cover MOM

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Photos by Fremouw Photography

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Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Motherhood Journey to Motherhood with Crystal Massey, page 6

Vacation Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 10

Support Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 18

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Focus

Beyond the Bin

Focus on MOM with Dr. David Hackett, page 7

Beyond the Bin with Daniel Hiestand, page 20

Smile

Pets

Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 8

Pets are Family with Dr. Erica Harmon, page 25

Say Cheese Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 9

Because I said so!

Publisher Matthew Nelson, Active Media, Inc PO Box 672, Aurora OR 97002-0672 info@activemediausa.com 503-825-2100 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representatives Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Tina Toney tina@activemediausa.com 503-991-4547 Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com TM

MOM Magazine

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All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.

Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher.

Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

This is me Standing in the cold rain on Halloween night to hand out candy had me questioning my life choices. Oct. 31 is my oldest child’s birthday, which makes it a special one for our family. But once he gets those presents and gift cards, he’s off to consort with his crew. My younger son then goes trick-ortreating with his pals who have ditched the plastic pumpkin candy receptacles in favor of pillow cases, with the mission of scoring pounds of candy.

So I’m on my own for the evening, and I find myself, year after year, wanting to up my Halloween game. It started with the commitment to full-size candy bars. Then the year we added a nifty candy slide (2020, for obvious reasons) which has become an annual feature. Now I find myself eyeing inflatable yard decor at home stores. I plan out costumes for me and my dog — who is always willing to participate — months in advance. I have to ask myself, what has me so amped about this holiday as an adult?

Human behavior is motivated by reward.

The most obvious one is seeing the adorable kids in costumes. The princesses, the plump babies as pumpkins, the moody teens with hastily thrown-on masks…from the handmade to the fresh-from-the-pop-up store, all of them are delightful.

But there’s another layer to why I do this.

As moms we’re all about the responsible side of parenting: feeding kids their vegetables, getting them to well child visits, filling out the sports forms…it’s hard to break from that track to just be playful.

Halloween is a built-in annual day devoted to make-believe. Want to be a giant

tardigrade? Viking? Strawberry Shortcake that you longed to be in fifth grade? The night is yours for both you and your inner child.

I also want my kids to remember, when they’re middle-aged men worried about escrow and colonoscopies, that their mom took time to be goofy. That doing so breaks up the all-work mode and gets in muchneeded play. I hope that as adults they’ll bust out Halloween costumes of their own.

Some local kids have come to expect me.

Hey, weren’t you Carole Baskin a few years ago? Yup, as well as a porch pirate, a handmaid, Rex from Napoleon Dynamite and a whoopie cushion. Last year, I was the bearded lady and my dog was the greatest showman.

The neighbors must think the hot-gluing of costumes has gone to my brain. What can I say? This is me.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

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journey to motherhood

The midwife experience Midwives offer a different experience from traditional OB-GYN care

Y

OUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE for how you want to have your baby is important. There are options, such as choosing to have your care provided by a midwife or an OB-GYN, and understanding the differences will help you make the most informed choice of how you would like to labor and birth.

Many birthing persons wonder if they qualify for midwifery care or if they are considered “high-risk.” It’s not uncommon for a person to be told they are high-risk when in reality they could qualify for midwifery care. Most pregnancies are low risk.

THE KEY DIFFERENCES Midwives care for low risk patients, which include those over the age of 35 and those who have had one previous C-section.

Midwives are experts in pregnancy and birth. They can order labs, perform ultrasounds, prescribe medications and make referrals when necessary. They are trained in the philosophy that pregnancy and birth are a natural part of a birthing person’s life.

OB-GYN doctors are trained with a similar set of skills for pregnancy care, but in the case of complications, they can perform procedures such as C-sections. OB-GYNs are surgeons and approach pregnancy and care of the pregnant person as a medical condition. They also care for medically high-risk patients.

Midwives have lower intervention, Csection and labor induction rates. Midwives are also trained to care for emergencies as they arise and collaborate closely with OB-GYNs if a transfer of care is needed. Midwives are board certified and licensed by the State of Oregon.

Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN oregonbirthandwellness.org 541-515-6556 890 Beltline Road in Springfield

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THE EXPERIENCE During labor, midwives give support by dissipating fears, helping to know what is normal when you’ve never experienced it before. Midwives can help with labor pain by using techniques like counter-presure and massage. They use water immersion to help with relaxation and can use nitrous oxide for pain relief.

The midwife’s role is to guide, mentor and offer continued support and education from the first prenatal appointment, through birth and all the way through the six weeks of postpartum care for mom and baby. After birth, postpartum care is provided in the comfort of your home to both mom and baby for the first few weeks by your midwife. Then the midwife continues to care for both the mother and baby in the clinic for the remainder of the postpartum period.

At the hospital, labor and delivery nurses are the primary support during labor and birth. It is not uncommon for the OB-GYN who cares for you at the hospital and delivers your baby to be a new face and not the OB-GYN that has provided your prenatal care. With a hospital delivery, your labor nurse will care for you and your baby during a typical two- to threeday postpartum hospital stay. You will meet many providers, nurses, nursing assistants and other hospital personnel.

Once you go home you will likely wait six weeks before seeing your provider again.

OB-GYNs do not provide care for babies after delivery. Your baby care would be provided by a pediatrician of your choice, at their office.

Again, what is right for one person may not be right for another. This is why exploring your options is key. If you have more questions about midwifery care or wondering if it’s the right fit for you, call us for a consultation or tour.

Brought to you by:

Blink three times if you read this Most people never stop to consider the act of blinking their eyes. There’s actually quite a lot to it, including the three types of blinking: spontaneous, reflex and voluntary.

Spontaneous blinking is similar to digestion and breathing, which we don’t have to think about because our brain stem activity takes care of it for us. And we need to blink, as doing so allows our eyes to stay moistened, oxygenated and healthy.

Reflex blinking is what we do when an object comes flying at us and takes us by surprise, like when your tantruming toddler lobs a toy straight at you. (Fun fact: this reaction is called a menace reflex.) Reflex blinking is also what happens when there’s a sudden bright light, an eyelash or speck of debris enters the eye, or when we’re startled.

Voluntary blinking is when we intentionally blink, which you’ve probably done a few times while reading this article.

With more screens in our lives, our eyes aren’t blinking properly: it’s called incomplete blinking, where the upper and lower lids aren’t meeting all the way.

It’s not good, as it leads to less tear film that creates dry, tired eyes. In other words, eyes prefer print rather than screens. When you’re using screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. A few good voluntary blinks also help.

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something to smile about

Shark teeth Childrens’ teeth typically erupt in a certain sequence and position, but sometimes they like to throw us pediatric dentists a curveball. One of these times is what’s affectionately called “shark teeth.”

Shark teeth are when a child has new permanent teeth at the same time the baby teeth they should be replacing haven’t yet fallen out. The double row resembles a shark’s mouth, hence the nickname.

On a technical level these are caused by ectopic eruption. As dentists, we mostly recommend letting the situation resolve itself, especially when it occurs on the lower teeth. Have your child continue to wiggle the baby teeth that need to come out.

If shark teeth occur on the upper teeth, we may ask for you to bring your child in for an appointment. In rare cases, we may intervene, but most of the time we simply monitor the situation.

Raising children is full of odd and wondrous surprises, isn’t it?

When it comes to your children’s dental health, we’re here to help guide you and keep you all smiling.

Brought to you by: 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 has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.

treehousekidsdental.com 1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631 office@treehousekidsdental.com

Lane County’s premier birth center offering pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, lactation, newborn, gynecology and wellness care. Certified Nurse Midwives provide a personalized evidence-based experience in a boutique setting.

Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN

Kelly Rickman, CNM, DNP

Co-Directors collectively have 30 years of experience caring for birthing families

oregonbirthandwellness.org • 890 Beltline Road in Springfield • 541-515-6556 8 mommag.com

say cheese

Move over X-rays, there’s new tech in town When I was 10 years old, my parents took me to the orthodontist because I hadn’t lost my front baby teeth, which are usually lost by age 7 or 8. He took an X-ray, and on that blurry image thought he could see two extra permanent teeth that were creating a log jam.

While X-rays have been and continue to be useful, we now have a new technology that allows for better visualization of the teeth, jaws and airway. It’s called 3-D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). It is revolutionizing the way we approach missing, extra and impacted (stuck) teeth.

With CBCT, we can visualize the entire oral cavity — including the airway and joints of the jaw — in three dimensions and accurately plan the movement of teeth and placement of braces or aligners. We can assess both the tooth and bite implications of any treatment, while being aware of airway issues, resulting in more effective and efficient outcomes.

With this technology we are also able to detect problems earlier and prevent more serious problems from developing in the future. Also, the latest CBCT machines allow us to capture all the information we need at once, which reduces total radiation exposure.

If you have any orthodontic concerns for your child, we recommend an evaluation as close to age 7 as possible. Seek an orthodontist with CBCT to get a complete picture of your child’s teeth and jaws. At Chvatal Orthodontics, the initial consultation with a CBCT is always free.

And those extra front teeth I had as a child? They were skillfully removed by caring, fun professionals who fixed my smile…and the experience inspired me to become an orthodontist!

(541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com 1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove 2215 Willamette Street, Ste. B, Eugene

Brought to you by:

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v

SMART PACKING

BY DONNITA CAGLE BASSINGER, CTC, MCC

Packing is often the dreaded task before the adventure. It’s not easy, but packing well will save you time, money and frustration.

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T

he temptation is to pack everything you “might” need, but if you know what to expect, you can plan for almost anything.

PLAN AHEAD

Lay out head-to-toe traveling clothes for each family member the night before, especially for early morning flights. The temperature in airports and on planes can fluctuate dramatically. Everyone should bring a sweatshirt, light jacket or sweater — no matter where you are going. T-shirts,

joggers, a sweatshirt and tennis shoes work great for most kids. Dress everyone in the same color shirts or hats to keep track of each other in crowded places.

Look up the expected day and night temperatures for your destination so you can plan accordingly. Make a list of activities you will be doing each day, with specific items required, then pack outfits for each member of your family for each day, based on that list. Pack an entire kid’s outfit into a zipper bag and write their name and the activity on the bag.

As you pack, make sure everything fits and there are no stains or tears. Choose multi-purpose items: shoes such as Keen sandals, and cargo pants with zip-off legs are great for travel.

Split each person’s clothing between bags in case one bag gets lost. Are laundry facilities available at your destination? If so, reduce the amount of clothing by half.

Tape a card with your name and cell number inside each piece of luggage. On your luggage tags, only put your name and cell number — not your home address.

SMART MOM

Purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for lost or delayed bags.

TECHNOLOGY CAN SAVE THE DAY

For about $25 each you can purchase Apple Air Tags, which are small tracking devices that use Bluetooth technology to locate items around the world. These devices are invaluable if your bags are lost or misplaced during travels. Put one in each checked and carry-on bag.

Use your smartphone to take a photo of your open and closed luggage before you leave home.

It’s easy to accidentally leave a bag somewhere or have a checked bag lost by an airline. Having a photo and being able to track the location of your items can save your vacation.

travel essentials Don’t “check” anything you can’t replace. Keep all important items such as medications with you. And leave valuable jewelry at home so you don’t have to worry about it.

Check with your airline to see if there is a discount for prepaying baggage fees.

Airlines allow a free personal item. Use a beach bag or large tote as yours. Put a small purse and other items you need onboard in this bag. Kids can bring a small backpack with their snacks and toys for on the flight.

AIRLINE BAGGAGE RULES HAVE CHANGED

If you can avoid checking bags when you fly, it will make the logistics of traveling much easier, save you time and hundreds of dollars. The cost for one bag to be checked roundtrip ranges from $70 to $150. Waiting for your bags after arrival can take a few minutes or a few hours, and anyone who has dealt with a lost bag knows what a mess that can be.

Check airline websites for their latest policy.

“Basic economy” fare tickets and low-cost airlines may only include a personal item for free and charge you for carry-on bags. If you don’t follow their rules, you could end up paying up to $100 per bag! Measure and weigh each of your bags to avoid excess size or weight charges at the airport. So far, airlines still allow you to bring car seats and strollers for no additional charge.

If you are only bringing carry-on items, make sure any liquids are in a quart size zipper bag with no container larger than 3.4 oz. Visit tsa. gov for current details.

Finally, have one outfit for each family member that is coordinated so you can get a nice family photo. You’ll be happy to have this to remember your adventure!

CARRY-ON VERSUS CHECKED BAGS

MEET VACATION MOM

Plastic zipper bags of all sizes Black marker and ink pens Small scissors (in checked bag) Tape and sticky notes Medical kit with small amounts of any medicine you might need, tweezers & bandages Clothes pins to clip wet swimsuits to chairs to dry, close drapes etc.

Anti-bacterial wipes and tissues Sunglasses, sunscreen & bug spray (liquids go in a plastic bag, in checked luggage) Chargers, extra batteries & an electrical outlet extender Night-light and small flashlight Passports and copies if leaving the U.S.

TM

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for over 30 years and has packing down to a science.

She is a mom of three who lives in Eugene, and the owner of VIP Vacations, Inc. She looks forward to talking to you about your travel plans.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 @VacationMOMpage

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Crystal Massey BEING A MIDWIFE AND A SINGLE MOM OF THREE REQUIRES PATIENCE — AND KNOWING THAT NORMAL CAN LOOK DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE.

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PHOTOS BY: FREMOUW PHOTOGRAPHY

P ROF E S SION: Certified Nurse Midwife & owner of Oregon Birth and Wellness Center COMMUNI T Y: Springfield CHIL DREN: Madelynn, age 22; Gretta, age 15; and Peppin, age 10

by children. I don’t think there was a defining moment; I just always felt it would be part of who I am. I became a mom at 22.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Watermelon rinds.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time. Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the kids up from school. I was stuck at work and hadn’t been able to go grocery shopping so we decided to order in. I placed the order and went to an appointment. About an hour later I came out to see about 15 messages from each kid wondering when the food was going to arrive because they were “starving.” They asked for McDonald’s, and I reluctantly agreed to let them get junk food. I had just joked with my friend that I was “Mother of the Year” for ordering McDonald’s. Well, I looked on the app to figure out where the food was and realized I had it delivered to my work instead of home.

So, not only did I order them junk food but I sent it to the wrong place. Needless to say I had to reorder dinner.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I’m a single mom with three girls. We’re an active family and always looking for fun outdoor things to do together. My daughter Maddy has two dogs, Roxy and Max, and they love to go to the lake and kayak with us. All my girls are musical: they are great singers and they all play an instrument or multiple. All three are also artists and have very creative sides. I’m definitely more of the scientist in the family but I do enjoy being creative as well.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I grew up in a large family and was one of the older kids, so I was always surrounded

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? Madelynn has my sense of humor, only she has a quick wit and is funnier than I am. I am more cautious where she has no fear. Gretta and I couldn’t be more opposites. However, I would say she has a strong sense of justice and a caregiver spirit like I do. She shares my passionate nature when it comes to things we believe in. Peppin is my mini-me. We are very alike in many ways. We are different in that I am pretty calm and she can be excitable and reactive.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” “Don’t even think about it,” and you’re not even in the same room as them. They always wonder how you knew they were up to mischief.

No one works harder than mom.

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? I have learned by being a single mom that support and a village are very important. I network with my other mom friends and try to find

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Milky Weigh Wednesday. This is a free service to the community where moms can come meet our lactation nurse and receive feeding help, reach out for resources for mental health, or just socialize with other moms.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Patience. My job requires huge amounts of patience and I have learned that normal looks many different ways.

MOM’s Favorite... …family game: Glow stick tag/ hide-and-seek. It’s capture the flag meets hide-and-seek in the dark. …words to live by: If you force it, it’s not meant to be. …place to find some peace & quiet: Thurston Hills and Mount Pisgah …binge-worthy TV: House

ways to support each other. I’ve learned my limitations and accept help when I need it. I try to make some time for myself to recharge my batteries. I try to set boundaries with my time and commitments and have had to learn to say no even though that is not in my nature. I always want to say yes and help when I can. But, I have learned I cannot do this to my own detriment. Not everything is always going to get done, and sometimes it’s okay to leave the dishes so we can spend quality time together. The house will always be here to clean but they are only this age once.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I am a Certified Nurse Midwife, and in January 2022 I opened a licensed, accredited and free-standing birth center. I’m involved in many committees locally and on the state level to improve access for birthing families. Currently, I’m serving as a steering member for a universal home visiting program that will benefit all birthing families in Oregon by having an RN visit them postpartum. I volunteer for the Oregon Midwifery Council on the Quality Improvement Committee which sets the standards for community midwifery in our state. Additionally, I’m a member of the Oregon Association of Birth Centers and we are actively working to improve processes for Medicaid families to have increased access to care through birth centers.

Our birth center offers a free lactation and mental health screening each week we call

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Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

Opening the first free-standing birth center in Springfield after the closure of the PeaceHealth Birth Center, then working toward and obtaining national accreditation. There are only about 100 birth centers in the United States that are accredited. We are getting close to 200 births since we opened last year, and we are so proud to be filling such an important need in our community.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? Professionally, I am currently finishing my post-master’s certification family nurse Practitioner. I have always had a love for pediatrics and would like to expand my practice to include more family-centered care. I plan to complete my doctorate shortly after I am finished with my FNP. I have only a few classes left.

Personally, I’d love to spend more time with my family and friends and focus on the next phase of my life as my children grow into young adults.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in a large family with many siblings. Sometimes, when you grow up with a lot of kids in your family the kids kinda raise each other. I didn’t spend much one-on-one time with my parents, and most of my childhood memories are playing with my siblings.

There was never a warm close relationship with my parents. I always found it odd and felt it wasn’t very natural. Once I became a mother I realized all those feelings were accurate: I have a very different relationship with my girls than I had growing up as a kid. My kids share many things with me and are very open. That’s one thing I have always felt proud of, that even in tough

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MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite… …shop to pick up a gift for friend: Thurston Flowers …coffee spot: The Washburne Café …view or scenic lookout: Spencer Butte …restaurant to take the kids: Royal India …boutique to find a new home décor item: Passionflower Designs …place where the kids can let off steam: Round1 Bowling & Amusement …any other local places you love: Izumi Sushi & Grill

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conversations they feel they can be honest about things and know I will help them and support them.

When did you realize you were no longer a child?

I think I will always feel young. Sometimes I stop and get surprised that I’m as old as I am. Recently, I took my youngest to the trampoline park. Well, let’s just say after that trip I’ve decided it’s time to retire from jumping.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? To have opportunities to grow and become who they want without worrying about student loans.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Claw machines. I’m crazy good at them! So much so I’ve told my kids we can’t have any more stuffies cause there’s already too many. We give them away often.

What keeps you sane? Running and hiking.

I need that to get the angst out and feel balanced.

What is your least/most favorite household chore? Dishes. I hate washing dishes.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Chips. I only buy them a few times a year because I will have no self-control.

What is your greatest extravagance? I bought myself a hot tub this year and it’s amazing!

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My co-workers.

They all support me and we are a close family.

I always want to lead them in a way that continues to foster a caring environment.

They say that everyone has a book in them.

What’s the title of your book? The Midwife and Her Girl. I have had so many amazing women who have stuck out long, difficult births. It’s really a symphony of skills, patience and love. Working together with a mom and seeing the look of pride and accomplishment never gets old. I’ve held space for moms sometimes for a whole day or more. While it’s tiring, it’s always worth it in the end to know that together we were able to work in harmony as she brings forth new life. I have imagined one day I will write some of these experiences into a book that will hopefully inspire birth workers and mothers.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? Yes and no. I am always surprised with how quickly time goes by. I still have no idea how my oldest child is now an adult. Sometimes it’s all work and other times it’s smooth sailing.

What surprised me about being a mom is I always pictured myself having both boys and girls. Having three girls is not what I expected out of being a mom. One day all three of them had a meltdown and cried.

We went to get into the car and someone started crying again. I said, “We’ve already all cried. That emotion has already been cashed in today. No one else can cry for at least the car ride.” Usually, one is having some difficulties and two are fine. But, man, I was not prepared for all three to cry at the same time and over small things like the wrong shoes.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Simplicity is always better. Less is more. I used to pack the house when we went places or on trips. Now, I try to be a minimalist and it’s so much less stress.

Kids don’t need a bunch of things.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

Being a mom is hard work. Being a single mom is a whole other level. Try to find time for yourself, use your resources, realize that things are just things and most everything is worse in your head than in real life. If you see a mom struggling, lend a hand.

Once a mom I didn’t know very well saw me struggling when my daughter was a toddler. Later as I was leaving she came over and gave me a hug and slipped me a note. It simply said, “You’re doing a good job mama.” I needed that win and I’ll never forget that feeling of validation. You never know how one small act of kindness can really impact a person in a big way.

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support for family

Bright lights, scratchy fabric, loud music, OH MY! Fall holidays and festivities can be so much fun: sweet treats, dress-up and staying up past bedtime are what most kids dream of. However, some children struggle with all these changes, especially if sensory sensitivities are present.

Sensory sensitivities are when some people’s central nervous systems are extra sensitive, and their minds process things like touch, social interactions and feelings in a very detailed way.

This can be a common occurrence in kids who have autism or other diagnoses.

If your child has sensory sensitivities, consider these ways to be supportive: Preparation and communication Communicate with your child about upcoming events, detailing what to expect. Having a wall calendar or white board with the dates visible is a useful tool. Talking to party hosts about the child’s sensitivities can lead to adjustments in factors like lighting and music. Find a quiet space to allow for your child to regulate themselves and have a break from the merriment.

Attire trial run For festivities where participants are expected to dress up, a test run may be helpful. Have your child wear their outfit or costume for an evening at home a week ahead of time. Are the shoes too snug? Are the ruffles too itchy? This will give you time to make adjustments so everything feels comfortable at the event.

Noise-canceling headphones There is no shame in the headphone game! Noise-canceling headphones are a great tool for those who struggle with loud or multiple noises occurring at once, such as the clanging of dishes and noisy conversations of a Thanksgiving dinner.

Add some decor to make the headphones match the outfit.

It helps to have calm, quiet time before each event, and afterwards have a routine at home that allows your child to decompress.

Planning ahead for kids with super senses makes all the difference for their enjoyment of fall fun.

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Reuse, recycle or trash?

Find out with WasteWise Even for someone in the waste management industry, knowing whether an item can or should be reused, recycled or thrown away can be maddeningly frustrating. Why? The recycling industry is wildly inconsistent with no uniform rules from state to state, county to county, or city to city.

In other words, a recyclable material in Bend may not be in Florence. On a related note: the Oregon Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) will help address this issue starting in 2025, bringing exciting changes to our statewide recycling systems.

But what about the here and now before the RMA takes effect? One solution Lane County residents can turn to for recycling answers is the WasteWise Lane County App. This free application is available for download or online at the WasteWise Lane County Garbage & Recycling page at lanecountyor. gov/recycle.

Users type in their materials — everything from mattresses to plastic tubs to half-used paint — to discover the most sustainable ways to discard them.

The app even allows users to make hazardous waste drop-off appointments and report illegal dumping.

Daniel Hiestand is the Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator. He holds a Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University.

Brought to you by:

For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise-app.

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5

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WasteWise Lane County empowers residents and businesses with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably.

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mommag.com 21

THE POWER OF PROTEIN Protein makes all the difference in satiety (pronounced suh-tye-ah-tee), which is a fancy word for a feeling of lasting fullness. Keep the kids filled up with these fast, protein-filled dinners and snacks.

22 mommag.com

TERIYAKI TOFU 2

Tablespoons soy sauce

1

Tablespoon fresh ginger root, grated

1

Tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice

1

teaspoon honey

1

clove of garlic, minced

1

small onion, diced

1

pound firm tofu, cut into ½” slices

¼

cup flour

¼

teaspoon black pepper

2

Tablespoons oil

Mix the first six ingredients to make a marinade, then pour it over the tofu slices and let it refrigerate for two hours.

Reserve the leftover marinade. Mix the flour and pepper together in a shallow bowl. Dredge each tofu slice in the flour mixture on all sides.

In a skillet, heat the oil on medium. Brown the tofu slices in the oil, about five minutes per side. Add in the leftover marinade and bring to a simmer.

If you want to add chopped broccoli, add it along with the marinade. Serve over rice with vegetables like edamame, sliced radish and shredded carrots.

GRILLED CHICKEN KABOBS ½

cup soy sauce

½

cup ketchup

1/3

cup brown sugar

1

teaspoon ground ginger

1

teaspoon garlic powder

2

pounds chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes

TANGY TURKEY MEATBALLS According to the USDA, most Americans are doing well with protein from meats, poultry and eggs but we’re not getting enough from seafood, nuts, seeds and soy.

16

ounces grape jelly

12

ounces chili sauce

2

pounds precooked turkey meatballs

Combine all ingredients into a slow cooker and set to low.

Cook for two to three hours until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165 degrees.

These are a crowd-pleaser for potlucks.

ROASTED CHICKPEAS 2 cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained Olive oil to drizzle Sea salt to taste

8-10 Wooden skewers

Parmesan cheese to taste

Combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Add the cubed chicken and coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

You can make this earlier in the day and marinate it for up to six hours.

Dry the rinsed chickpeas on a towel. Make sure they are fully dry, or they won’t get crisp in the oven. Discard any loose skins.

Soak wooden skewers in warm water for 30 minutes. Skewer chicken pieces on each, then grill over medium-high heat for five to seven minutes, or until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Give the pan a shake, then bake in 15-minute increments until they reach your desired doneness.

These can be served over rice, pasta, a bed of lettuce or enjoyed on their own.

On a baking sheet, drizzle the chickpeas with olive oil and sprinkle on the sea salt. Mix until well coated.

Allow them to cool for 10 minutes, then top with parmesan cheese.

These work well as a snack or added to salads.

mommag.com 23

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pets are family

Pumpkin spice and everything nice While we sip pumpkin spice lattes and bundle up in cozy sweaters, our pups can enjoy these healthy home-baked biscuits.

Peanut butter pumpkin dog biscuits

Preheat the oven 350 degrees. Combine the flour, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl then whisk in the pumpkin, peanut butter and eggs until fully mixed.

2 ½ cups flour

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together. Roll the dough to a thickness of about ½-inch, then use cookie cutters to make shapes.

¾

teaspoon ground cinnamon

½

teaspoon salt

½

cup pumpkin puree

2

Tablespoons peanut butter

2

large eggs, beaten

Bake on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets for 35 to 40 minutes until hard, then cool completely.

For an added treat, you can dip the cooled biscuit end in melted white chocolate (white chocolate contains no cocoa so it’s pet safe).

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26 mommag.com

Knowing your genetic cancer risks As advances are made in finding genetic risks for cancer, the questions arise: How much do you want to know, and does the knowledge change your actions?

There are numerous sides to learning your personal risk of cancer, with no one-size-fits-all answers. For Oregonians who want to know, a free program is available: the Healthy Oregon Project (HOP) is a research study that combines genetic cancer screening using a saliva sample, along with health surveys. The HOP goal is understanding why some people get cancer and others do not, and how to identify cancer much earlier.

THE BENEFITS Choosing to learn your genetic cancer risks can be useful in monitoring your own health — and that of your biological children and relatives. It can lead to seeking out screening earlier than you might normally, or making lifestyle choices to lower your risks.

Eugene mom of two, Autumn Shafer, is both a HOP participant and a research collaborator from the University of Oregon.

“I have a family history of cancer so I was both curious and a little anxious to know if I had any of the cancer risk variants the study was screening,” she said. “Also, as a mom, I wanted to know for my own peace of mind and so I could share this health knowledge with my kids one day.”

People may be more inclined to seek out genetic testing if they have several biologically related relatives with cancer, especially the types that are linked to single gene mutations such as breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. Particular races or ethnicities may have higher rates of certain cancers. Adoptees who do not have access to familial health history might also seek out genetic testing to gain a deeper understanding of their future risks.

THE DRAWBACKS Just because you have a genetic risk does not mean you will get cancer. The knowledge can only tell you what might happen versus what will happen, and a positive result can have you spinning with anxiety. Some people would rather not worry about something that may or may not ever happen.

Many of us have heard of BRCA gene mutations linked to breast cancer, with celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Christina Applegate putting it in the spotlight. For them and others, having a BRCA mutation then becomes a question of whether to have a double mastectomy, pursue intense and frequent cancer screenings or change nothing at all.

“One hesitation we hear from Oregonians is fear of what to do with the results if they were to have a positive genetic variant detected,” said Dr. Jackie Shannon, a principal investigator for the HOP study. “The 32 genes HOP screens for are ones that are medically actionable, meaning there are recommendations for what those people can do to reduce their cancer risk.”

THE PROGRAM The HOP study started in 2018, supported by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute as part of

the Cancer Moonshot grant by the National Cancer Institute.

Participating entities include the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, OCHIN and others.

A positive result, meaning a genetic risk was detected, can lead participants to take action to prevent or identify cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is more effective. Participants with a positive test result are contacted by an OHSU genetic counselor to review the associated cancer risks and are connected to a wide range of resources.

If you participate in HOP and find out that you have none of the markers they test for, your results are still useful. Here’s why: the survey portion of the study is useful in learning health, wellness and behavior information that can be used to answer many different questions about population health.

Consumer tests like 23andme are somewhat similar to the saliva test that HOP provides, though there is a cost. The HOP study is free, and while it does not provide ethnicity results like a consumer kit, it gives participants the opportunity to contribute to research that moves the needle on early detection.

PRIVACY CONCERNS If there’s a positive result, many are concerned how it will factor into medical records and insurance. An OHSU medical record is only created for participants who have a positive result through the study but those results are not recorded into an individual’s medical record outside of OHSU. People may choose to share results with a primary care provider to then have it recorded in a medical file. Under the federal genetic privacy law Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), health insurance companies may not discriminate if they find a positive result including results of predictive genetic tests. Predictive genetic test results cannot be considered a pre-existing condition. However, disability insurance and life insurance companies are not covered by GINA and they may require copies of your medical records to approve a new policy. HOP does not directly share results with insurance providers.

THE BOTTOM LINE If you don’t want to know, still keep up with routine screenings for breast, cervical, colon cancer and others recommended by your healthcare provider. If you wish to enroll in the HOP study, visit HealthyOregonProject.com for information.

For moms like Shafer, her participation goes beyond the personal. “It feels like I’m a part of a community of people who care about cancer research. We’re all in it together so contributing to this research is one way to help one another.”

Sources: American Cancer Society | Healthy Oregon Project

mommag.com 27

“Concerning Trend of Fentanyl Overdoses Involving Young Children” — Portland Police Bureau, June 29, 2023

“One week in Linn County: 4 fatal fentanyl-related overdoses” — Albany Democrat-Herald, March 25, 2023

“OREGON NURSES SAY CARRY NALOXONE, SAVE A LIFE” — Oregon Public Broadcasting, Sept. 4, 2023

“Trends on fentanyl use not slowing in Lane County” — KEZI News, Aug 2, 2023

Should you get naloxone for your purse?

The stories are gutting: a teen dies from taking what they thought was a sleeping pill. A toddler dies from eating a pill off the floor of a vacation rental.

At the root of these heart-breaking headlines is fentanyl.

F

ENTANYL is a synthetic opioid. Opioids are powerful pain-relieving medications that are used in medical care, but have found their way onto the streets. Fatal overdoses are 10 times higher than they were 20 years ago.

Naloxone — known more commonly by its brand name NARCAN — is a fast-acting reversal medication to opioid overdose, administered in a nasal spray form. It has only just recently become available over-the-counter.

As parents, should you get naloxone to have on hand?

Just how seriously do we take this issue? We asked John McIlveen, Ph.D., and State Opioid Treatment Authority for the Oregon Health Authority, for guidance on separating the myths from realities.

MYTH: Fentanyl is a big city problem.

REALITY: It’s an everywhere problem. “Exposure to fentanyl can happen anywhere, including cities, suburbs and rural areas,” said Dr. McIlveen.

He notes that the vast majority of street drugs are fentanyl. “It’s not that pills are laced with fentanyl, it’s that they are fentanyl,” he said. “Part of the rise in overdose deaths is due to an increase in illicit fentanyl that is pressed into pills that look like prescription pills such as oxycodone, alprazolam and others.”

28 mommag.com

MYTH: I have little kids, so I don’t have to worry about this until they’re teenagers.

REALITY: Your kids go to their grandparents’ house, to friends’ houses, camps and more.

Remind them never to take any medicine without your permission. “You do need to think about substances, including fentanyl right now,” said Dr. McIlveen. “Little kids visit other people’s homes, other people may come to your home and little children also go to public places in their communities.”

MYTH: If you touch fentanyl, you’ll die instantly.

REALITY: “No, there is no evidence that that’s the case,” said Dr. McIlveen. “Same for smoke — no active ingredient has been found in the exhalations of smoke.” Most of the drug stays in the body of the smoker who does not exhale enough to create a reaction in others.

That said, he cautions, “No matter the setting, little kids are curious…If a young child eats, drinks or puts a legal or illegal substance in their mouths, they can get seriously ill or die.

Since illicit fentanyl can look like prescription pills, it’s critical that parents teach their children [that] pills are not candy.” He suggests parents ask all visitors, including family members, friends and caregivers, if they have any medication in their bags, coats, purses, etc., and if so, that these be stored out of reach and out of sight of children.

MYTH: No one in my family does drugs so I don’t need to think about this.

REALITY: There is both legal, pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegal, street fentanyl. Both need to be on your radar.

There are necessary reasons for people to take prescription fentanyl under a physician’s

guidance, for pain control like that of advanced cancer. That medication needs to be securely stored away from children and curious teens.

He recommends the website Upandaway.org for tips and resources on medication safety and related topics.

On the streets, fentanyl is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone.

Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without the use of fentanyl test strips because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.

MYTH: I monitor my kids’ phones so I’d know if they were talking to drug dealers.

REALITY: There are shadow accounts and friends to take into consideration. “Communication with your kids is important — if they ask you about fentanyl, be honest and open with them. It’s better to stick to the facts in a genuine discussion instead of using scare tactics.”

MYTH: I better throw out my kids’ Halloween candy or just not trick-or-treat. What if there’s fentanyl in there?

REALITY: “This is unlikely, and families interested in celebrating Halloween may go trick-ortreating as they see fit,” said Dr. MacIlveen.

“While parents and guardians know their kids best, children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating.”

Sources: Oregon Health Authority | StopOverdose.org | Center for Disease Control and Prevention

TAKE ACTION How do I get naloxone?

TALK TO YOUR KIDS And talk with them often

Just this fall naloxone is available for over-the-counter purchase, at about $50 for a two-pack of the brand-name version NARCAN.

Making this a regular conversion helps underscore its importance, even if your tween or teen rolls their eyes and says, "I know," dramatically. Visit LinnTogether.org for resources.

Check with your insurance to see if you can bring that cost down, and note that not all pharmacies carry naloxone, so you will need to ask.

Naloxone is free via Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid, and it is freely distributed to vulnerable populations via SaveLivesOregon.org.

STORE AND DISPOSE OF ALL MEDICATIONS SAFELY If someone in your household takes prescription controlled substances like opioids, consider investing in a small safe with biometric entry that requires

your thumbprint. Safely dispose of old and unused medications in your home, and do the same for your aging parents who may not have the ability to do so.

IF YOU NEED TO ADMINISTER NALOXONE Call 911 immediately. Naloxone can only buy time in an overdose situation, and you may need to use two doses. Numerous short videos are available online to learn how to administer naloxone.

Mckenzie Vail of Cottage Grove, Ore.

LIKE MANY TEENAGERS, Mckenzie Vail had life stretching out in front of her. But the bright and determined 19-year-old’s life was cut short by accidental opioid overdose.

In 2020, Mckenzie made a fatal decision to take the pills her friends were taking. “She and her boyfriend fell asleep, and hours later he woke up and she didn’t,” said her mother, Sarah Vail. Devastated by guilt, her boyfriend posted an apology video on social media and then took his own life.

“Our daughter was meant for great things, even in death.

We share her story and save others through education,” said Vail, who has established a foundation in her late daughter’s name. The foundation aims to provide scholarships to those pursuing mental health professions to help people struggling with suicide, domestic violence, grief or substance abuse. The foundation also hopes to coordinate speaking engagements at schools to share McKenzie’s story.

“Our tragedy has to end in purpose,” said Vail. Visit Facebook.com/mckenziesstory/ to learn more.

mommag.com 29

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