Salem MOM | June / July 2023

WE BRAKE FOR YARD SALES

FAST, KID-FRIENDLY DINNER IDEAS

Steve Yao, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine.

Dr. Yao received his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at The Medical College of Wisconsin.

He enjoys spending time with family, travel, golf, tennis and playing music locally with his band.

Dr. Steve Yao specializes in:

· Total and Partial Knee Replacement

· Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement

· Arthroscopic Knee & Shoulder Surgery

· Cartilage Restoration

· Sports Medicine

Steve Yao, MD

Ruben Pollak, DPM

Daniel Schweigert, MD Nicolas Stratton, MD

David Thorsett, MD

Todd Rosborough, PA-C Molly Yao, NP

Doug Huntley, PA-C

meet the experts

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 8

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, page 23

Health

Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6

Drive

On the Road with Monika Duke, page 10

It isn’t officially summer until your kids are surviving on hot dogs and watermelon.

[They know what they’re talking about]

Because I said so!

Published by Active Media, Inc

PO Box 672

Aurora, OR 97002-0672

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

Representative

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com

503-510-9036

Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

MOM MagazineTM is owned by Active Media, Inc.

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.

On a recent trip to Waldport, I found myself in the local interpretive center marveling over the story of the Alsea Bay Bridge. Two lovely volunteers gave me a short history of the engineer who designed that bridge, as well as many others in Oregon and beyond.

Never, ever have I thought about bridges this deeply. They’ve been in that category of things that exist in the background of my life, and sure, I’m glad we have them. It made me appreciate anyone who dedicates their life and talents to a singular purpose. Not in a million years could I ever be an engineer…or chef, accountant, computer tech…the list goes on. Yet I’m grateful there are people who do these jobs because their work benefits all of us.

We’re all given unique talents in this world, such as our featured experts who always teach me something new. And like our recent Community Impact Award winners, who have been selected to win a year of free advertising in our magazine. These nonprofits go to admirable depths in helping people:

In Eugene, Bags of Love provides necessities and comfort items to children who are experiencing neglect, abuse, poverty, homelessness and disasters.

In Albany, Family Tree Relief Nursery offers therapeutic early childhood programs, support for families experiencing poverty, classes for parents in recovery, and more.

In Salem, the Assistance League gives clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and much more to children and adults.

Not all of us have the talent, skills or time to do what they do. They’re like that builder of beautiful bridges (his name was Conde McCullough, should you wish to go down an internet rabbit hole): doing important work to enrich us all. You probably take your own personal work for granted, as many moms do. But could others do what you do? Nope. So thank you for what you do in this world. I agree whole-heartedly with Lizzo on this one: in case nobody told you today, you’re special.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

Anything you can do, you do it much better than I ever could

The internet is forever STAYING

SAFE AND SMART

ONLINE

There’s a saying whispered among those of us who grew up in a time without screens: Thank goodness the internet didn’t exist when I was a kid. Our youthful indiscretions are thankfully left to fade into memory, while the generations who came after often leave an indelible mark online. For most of them, the worst that is captured are awkward teen selfies and outfits. However, in a time when posting to millions only takes a few seconds, it’s often too late to remember that what goes online, stays online.

Gen Y and Gen Alpha are the first to grow up in a time when social media use is ubiquitous. Since they don’t know what it was like before, it can be difficult to explain the enormity of being a good, respectful and conscientious online user — and how it might come back to impact their lives down the road.

Colleges, clubs and employers will have access to this information, and even if profiles or posts are deleted after second thought, there is always the possibility that someone took a screenshot. A good rule: only say or do things online that you’d say or do in front of your grandmother. Remind your kids:

• Do not post explicit material of oneself or anyone else. This can have legal repercussions.

• Remember, comments are posts too. Every username can be tracked to an individual user, so nothing is truly anonymous. Be kind.

• Don’t say something online that you wouldn’t say in person. Bullying is not funny and can have serious impact on the victim — and the perpetrator.

• If you’re having second thoughts about a post — don’t post it. Your gut is probably right.

There’s a lot to consider when scrolling through social media. First, what you see isn’t always reality. We all curate our posts to some degree, and this is especially true for celebrities and influencers.

Tell your kids that these people have an entire team making sure they take (and often manipulate) the best shots, so young people should be reminded they can’t compare their success or appearance to those of professional creators. The images of exotic locations, designer wardrobes and perfect

make-up are unattainable — because they simply aren’t real.

Just as easy as creating an amplified lifestyle online, is creating a completely fake profile. In DMs, chats and other apps, you don’t always know who you’re talking to. It’s important that children, if given access to social apps at all, only interact with people that they know personally such as family members. Older children and teens should be reminded to be dubious of new or overly attentive interactions online, especially those requesting to meet in person. People with malicious intent can use fake photos to build an unassuming profile, or coerce young people into sending compromising information of their own.

As parents, we’re navigating an entire phenomenon that didn’t exist when we were growing up. It can be difficult to grasp the complexities and vastness of all the apps, websites and gaming platforms with which our children can interact with others outside our control. Having a talk with kids about the real-world consequences and dangers of what they do online, can help keep them safe from others — and even from themselves.

Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org

As parents, we’re navigating an entire phenomenon that didn’t exist when we were growing up.

Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor

922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112

Corvallis, OR 97330

kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

The emotional weight of having a child with disabilities

The experience of having a child with disabilities can be overwhelming for any parent, but the emotional weight can be particularly heavy for mothers. Society often places a great deal of pressure on mothers to be perfect caregivers, and when a mother has a child with disabilities — especially ones that are invisible — she may feel a deep sense of shame.

The heaviness of the emotions around this subject is difficult to put into words. Mothers of children with disabilities often feel as though they have failed in some way. They may feel responsible for their child’s condition, even if there was no way to prevent it. This is typically not helped by criticism from others. Whether it be in schools, social settings or while managing day-to-day life, there is always someone there to share their unwarranted opinions. This only adds to the shame and makes these circumstances feel even more impossible to overcome.

Despite the many challenges of having a child with disabilities, it is important to remember that mothers are not alone in their experiences. There are support groups, resources and communities that can provide comfort and understanding. Motherhood is a complex and nuanced experience, and there is no one right way to navigate the challenges that come with raising a child with disabilities.

The shame and guilt that mothers of children with disabilities go through can be all-encompassing. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional weight of these experiences and to offer support and understanding to those who are struggling. If you are struggling with similar feelings, please reach out to others for support. It may be the bravest, most impactful action a mother can take.

Brought to you by:

KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.

HOW TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE

Don’t let a flat tire deflate your day. Be prepared with these 10 steps for changing a flat and you’ll be back on the road in no time.

1. First, find a safe spot to pull over. If you’re on the freeway, taking the next exit is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don’t park in the middle of a curve where approaching cars can’t see you. Also, choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!

2. Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the flat tire. Use other tools or supplies, if needed.

3. Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don’t remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counterclockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it.

4. Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner’s manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.

5. Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won’t get scattered. Pull the tire straight toward you to remove it from the wheelbase. Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can’t go any farther.

6. Put on the lug nuts. Don’t put them on tightly, just make sure they’re on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.

7. Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.

8. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.

9. Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don’t leave anything on the side of the road.

10. Head to your nearest tire repair center. Your spare tire is only made for temporary use.

Source: Department of Motor Vehicles

MEET MONIKA DUKE

Monika Duke, executive assistant, has been with Capitol Auto Group for 21 years. She is the mother of two daughters: Lauren, age 18, and Morgan, age 17, who were born on the same day exactly one year apart! Monika enjoys working at Capitol because of the great owners and her co-workers. She also loves the freedom Capitol provides to do her favorite activity outside of work: watching her girls play competitive soccer all over the West Coast.

To avoid flats, be sure to have your car serviced regularly, including the tires, and don’t forget to check the spare to make sure it’s in good condition and fully inflated.

In addition to the jack, lug wrench and spare, consider keeping these useful items in your trunk: flashlight with extra batteries, gloves, tarp or mat to kneel on, plastic rain poncho, Fix-a-Flat spray foam, tire gauge and tire blocks.

Brought to you by:

Ola Elkanah

PROFESSION: Entrepreneur and owner of Flourish Spices Food brands, an African grocery store, and a beauty salon

COMMUNITY : Salem

PARTNER: Olawale Elkanah, owner of a post-construction cleaning company

CHILDREN: Dara, 19; Daniel, 15; Divine, 12; Demi, 6

PHOTOS BY: BETTY BOYCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My family started off with my husband and my daughter Dara. We immigrated from Nigeria and settled in Georgia in 2005. We were there for a few years and it’s where my son Daniel was born. We stayed in Georgia until my husband got a job as a sleep therapist in Oregon. In 2008 our family made the big move across the US! We settled in Salem and had two more kids: Imi (Divine) and Demi.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?

Our favorite inside joke is that our last two newborns were picked up off the side of the road. They are extremely energetic, which is the opposite of our calm first two kids. We also pray together. We believe that a family that prays together, stays together.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I knew I wanted to be a mom when my mom had my baby sister. I was 7 years old, and I took her in as my own and loved taking care of her.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. When my oldest daughter graduated from high school with a fullride scholarship to an Oregon college of her choice.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Whenever I forget to pick up my kids from school. Oops!

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? My wig!

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? Dropping off the kids at school in my PJs and messy hair. In what way are your children like you? My kids are very creative.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” “Whose child is this?” to my own kids.

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 take it one day at a time. What falls through the cracks is that I don’t get to attend most of my kids’ extracurriculars.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I volunteer at Simonka, a homeless shelter for women. In addition, I organize a monthly food drive under the Marion County bridge with my church. I am additionally organizing a nonprofit called Helping Hands for Cerebral Palsy currently based in Nigeria.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? The importance of staying organized.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. My packaged African food brand has gotten into many local stores.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? For my business, when my drop donuts recipe failed. I cried because I tried the recipe up to 12 times within the space of one week. Some were very bad, and I threw them straight into the trash. Some we ate, and some we shared with families and friends. This particular Sunday, I had fried buns three times already, and I still needed to get the crunchiness right. I just busted out crying and everyone in my house turned toward me. I said out loud, “I am tired!” My husband and kids told me to take it easy and relax.

My husband particularly encouraged me with the story of Thomas Edison; how he failed 1,000 times before he got it right. My husband also told me to take a nap and that I would feel better when I woke up. I sat down on the couch and closed my eyes for 10 minutes. I stood up and rushed back to the kitchen, and my husband said, ‘’You’re

WHAT DRIVES THIS MOM OF FOUR WHO OWNS THREE BUSINESSES AND IS ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY? A LOVE OF FOOD, FAMILY AND CULTURE.

MOM's Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

...binge-worthy TV: Family Feud ...way to get out of making dinner: Eating out at Venti’s ...place to find some peace & quiet: My bedroom

...parenting book or philosophy: Obey first, and then complain.

supposed to be sleeping.” And I said, “I just got it! I got it!” I put the recipe together, fried my drop donuts, and I got it right — crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Yummy!

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? My goal is to have my products in stores in every state in the US.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I was brought up in a loving home with two parents who love each other. That is the environment I am trying to raise my kids in.

What is special about where you grew up? Love. It takes a village to raise a child, and that is something I saw every day in Nigeria. The entire community will raise and discipline children.

What do you think are the most important values your parents taught you? Respect and hard work.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? I fell off a Jet Ski with my husband on our wedding anniversary!

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Managing my time better.

When did you realize you were no longer a child? When I had my first child.

What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? Hardworking, prayerwarrior, entrepreneur.

What is the quality you like most about yourself? My persistence. I don’t give up. 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? I would love to have the gift of photography. What’s your superpower?

Cooking yummy meals!

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? I would win a gold medal in cooking. Tell us something about you that would surprise your kids (or your partner). Skydiving is on my bucket list.

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? I would watch a movie and fall asleep. What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? Thoughts and new business ideas.

What keeps you sane? Being in my kitchen. My kitchen is my safe space.

MOMs Love Local

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

...view or scenic lookout: Bush Park trails

...place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi: Solar Nails

...restaurant: Venti’s

...place where the kids can let off steam: Wes Bennett Park

...event in your community: World Beat Festival

...any other local places you love: Market of Choice

What is your least/most favorite household chore? Laundry. Growing up, my least favorite chore was doing laundry.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Going to HomeGoods to buy new kitchen gadgets.

What is your greatest extravagance? Buying shoes and pots!

Who is your favorite real-life hero? My mom.

They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book? Blessed Hands.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? No, motherhood is not what I expected. I thought it would be easy, but it is not. What surprised me the most is having a special needs child. My son is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Through this, I have learned to be patient, persevere and grow in my faith.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mom, my spouse and my children. When I look at my children, I realize how blessed I am to be their mom.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? If you are hungry and your baby’s hungry, you eat first.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? I wish I knew that being a mom is a large responsibility. It is important to spend more time with them because they grow up so fast. Also, in motherhood, there’s no such thing as getting everything done.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Love yourself first, then take care of your family. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have the strength to take care of your family.

Double check helmet height

Mom, rate my helmet fit

Tighten up that strap!

If you haven’t called out, Wear your helmet! to your child who is racing outside to bike, scooter or skateboard, are you really even a mom?

Protecting children from traumatic brain injury is a universal priority. Don’t trust your kids with this important grown-up job: you must be the one to regularly check your child’s helmet for safety.

We asked the experts at the Oregon Department of Transportation Safety Division for advice. They provided us with 7 easy steps for a perfect helmet fit.

STEP 1

Measure your child’s head, then shop. It’s best to shop in person, rather than online, because each manufacturer seems to go by something different: some by measurement in inches, others by age groups or small/medium/large.

STEP 2

Use two fingers to measure the distance between your child’s eyebrows to the brim of the helmet. This is where you want the helmet to sit.

STEP 3

Buckle up. Center the left buckle under the chin. Adjust the length of the strap to get it right (note that it’s easier to adjust the straps when the helmet is off).

STEP 4

The side straps are the ones that form a V around the ears. Adjust these straps so the slider is slightly in front/under of the ears.

STEP 5

Back to the chin strap. Pull or loosen as needed, but only one or two fingers should fit under the chin strap. That odd little rubber band ring thingy? It’s to hold the excess strap material from slipping (more on that in step 7).

STEP 6

YAWN! Ask your child to open their mouth wide into a big yawn. The helmet should pull down on the head. If it doesn’t, tighten the chin strap and repeat the yawn test.

Does the helmet rock back more than two fingers’ width above the eyebrows? If yes, then unbuckle and shorten the front strap. Does the helmet rock forward into your child’s eyes? If it does, unbuckle and then tighten the back strap slider. Keep retesting until it no longer rocks.

STEP 7

Back to that little ring. It’s not there for funsies — it has a critical purpose. All four straps need to go through the rubber band to prevent slipping. The rubber ring should be next to the right buckle.

WHAT DO BIKE SHOP PROS SAY?

Jim Nevada, founder of Shift Community Cycles in Eugene, regularly fits and sells helmets to families.

He said that because kids grow quickly and in spurts, parents should check helmets often: at least once a month, and many resources will tell you to check the fit every time you put one on.

“The most common mistakes I see parents make when using helmets is an improper fit or using an old hand-me-down. When a helmet doesn’t fit properly it does very little to protect your head and wearing an old helmet can cause other problems,” said Nevada. He also notes that many people do not realize helmets have expiration dates.

Josh Goldfarb, operations director/founder of Shift Community Cycles, added, “If a helmet is dropped or takes an impact, they are to be replaced according to manufacturer standards.”

Both Nevada and Goldfarb regularly fit customers, with consent asked first, for bike helmets prior to purchase.

Thank you to the Oregon Department of Transportation for photos and information.

The MOM team is growing

We're adding an independent sales executive to our Salem team.

This part-time position (up to 20 hours) requires you to build connections with the community: developing new advertising prospects, managing existing clients and representing MOM Magazine in your local community. It provides you the freedom to work independently and manage your own schedule, while relying on your self-motivation to get the job done.

Compensation includes a combination of base pay, plus commission and bonus.

Send your resume and cover letter to editor@mommag.com and list MOM Sales Executive in the subject line.

If you’re a self-starter who loves making connections, has experience in sales and business development and has the drive to work independently, we want to hear from you.

Before your pup goes to doggie daycare…

Just like our human children, our family dogs benefit from socialization and playtime with peers. Doggie daycare is a great option for busy pet parents with sociable dogs.

While the benefits of exercise, attention and socialization outweigh the risks, there are important steps to take to make sure your canine companion is safe for their first day at doggie daycare. In addition to core vaccines such as rabies and DAP (distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus), immunizations for contagious upper respiratory pathogens are key to keeping your dog healthy. Bordetella, the causative agent of “kennel cough” is a bacteria that can be protected against with a simple intranasal or oral vaccine. Canine influenza has also been on the rise in recent years. A two-series immunization is available and highly protective. Typically, immunity sets in two weeks after the final vaccine.

Protecting your canine companion also includes monthly parasite prevention. Heartworm disease, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites can also be shared among friends in a daycare setting. The Companion Animal Parasite Council and the American Heartworm Association recommend that all dogs are on year-round, monthly deworming, ectoparasite control and heartworm prevention.

Talk with your vet to be sure that your pet is fully protected before taking him to doggie daycare. Then, let the zoomies begin!

Fastest dinners in the West

IT’S DINNERTIME SHOWDOWN

ORANGE CHICKEN

Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets, cooked as directed Kikkoman or Panda Express orange sauce (both are available at most grocery stores)

Optional: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

In a large bowl, pour orange sauce over cooked chicken nuggets and gently stir to coat. Serve over rice, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

FISHWICHES

Hamburger buns

Breaded fish filets, cooked as directed Lettuce leaves

Optional: tartar sauce

Bake filets and serve on buns with lettuce and tartar sauce, if your kid is a fan.

When summer fun has you and yours go-go-going, try these fast kidfriendly meals.

BLACK BEAN CHILAQUILES

6 corn tortillas

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup chopped green onions

1 cup whole tomatoes, drained or fresh

½ can black beans, drained and rinsed

½ Tablespoon lime juice

½ cup frozen corn

1 teaspoon fresh oregano

1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Cut tortillas into thin strips. Heat oil in a skillet until hot; add tortillas and green onions, turning occasionally until tortillas are crisp, about 10 minutes. Stir beans, tomatoes, lime juice, corn and seasonings together in a skillet and heat. Add cheese; heat until melted. Serve over fried tortillas.

Recipe credit to First Alternative Co-Op in Corvallis.

SLOPPY JOE SANDWICHES

Hamburger buns

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

Optional ingredients: ¼ cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

Brown the ground turkey and drain. If you like, you can saute in a ¼ cup chopped onion and/or a 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper. We know these are sometimes deal breakers with kids, so you do you for your crew.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic and onion powder. Salt to your taste, then pour over the cooked ground turkey. Heat on medium-low, then serve on hamburger buns.

WE BRAKE FOR YARD SALES

If you’re looking for a low-cost, warm-weather activity that your kids (and your wallet) will enjoy, try hitting nearby yard sales.

FIRST, SCOUT OUT THE SALES

Craigslist seems to be the primary place for listings, as well as Facebook and Nextdoor. If you’re looking for specific items, check online the night before for descriptions. Sellers will often put “toddler boy clothes 2T to 3T” or other helpful descriptions. Or, you might just simply drive around your own neighborhood and follow the signs. Some sales start on Thursdays and end on Sundays; Saturdays are by far the most popular days.

CUSTOMER ETIQUETTE

• Bring cash in a variety of denominations. Sellers won’t often have change for $50 and higher, so pack the mixed bills.

• No early birds means just that. Don’t rush the sale.

• Bargain, but don’t be outlandish.

• Mind your kids. Keep them out of off-limits places, away from the glass vases and other mischief. Tip: show them to the box of free stuff.

• Be mindful when driving and parking: residential neighborhoods aren’t exactly set up to handle traffic.

FOR YOUR KIDS

Give your kids some spending money. They love new-to-them toys, and what an economical way to get them. It’s also a fantastic way to learn about money — how far it goes, how to hand it to an adult and take change, and of course, to remember good manners.

You might be surprised by what interests your child. An old but working radio prompts an interest in engineering. A ball gown ignites a passion for fashion design. And for yourself, maybe you find the next hot seller on Antiques Roadshow or that just-what-you’ve-been-looking-for item.

When you take items home, clean them before bringing them inside. Wipe down plastics, wash clothing, etc. You don’t want little hitchhikers invading your home.

At the end of day, take a few items you’ve had in your home that you no longer want or use, and put them in your own yard sale/donate pile. What comes around goes around, in the best way.

Are you ready to make a splash this summer?

Before you dive into the fun, it’s important to remember water safety! At Salem Health, we want to make sure you and your family stay safe whether you’re on a river or lake. Here are our top three tips for keeping your little ones safe when you’re out on the water :

• Invest in a properly-fitting life jacket: A life jacket is the most important piece of safety equipment your child can wear while on the water. Make sure to invest in a quality life jacket that fits your child properly and is designed for their weight and age.

• Don’t skimp on sunscreen: When choosing sunscreen for your kiddos, look for one that is broad-spectrum, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Go for at least SPF 30 and remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

• Teach your children about water safety: Swimming in a river or lake can be very different from swimming in a pool. Currents and depths can be unpredictable. Help them understand how to stay safe, including how to swim and how to behave while on a boat.

Remember, keeping your child safe while on the water is all about being prepared and aware. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can enjoy a fun and safe day on the water. So, grab your life jackets and sunscreen and get ready to make some memories!