Salem MOM | April / May 2024

COVER MOM

ALYSSON KUHNS

GETTING THROUGH

GRASS ALLERGY SEASON

GRANOLA RECIPES

Gear Up for Spring Sports

Santiam Orthopedic Group is a premier comprehensive orthopedic practice offering the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments such as total joint replacement, regenerative therapy injections, sports medicine, fracture management and arthroscopic surgery.

Welcome our newest Orthopedic Surgeon Derek Riley, DO

Dr. Riley specializes in:

• General Orthopedics

• Total and Reverse total shoulder replacement

• Total and Partial knee replacement

• Total hip replacement

• Revision knee and hip replacement

• Arthroscopic knee surgery

• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery

• Open carpal tunnel surgery

• Cubital tunnel surgery

• Trigger finger

• Bicep tears – distal and proximal

• Regenerative Therapy Injections

• Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections & Viscosupplementation

1377 N 10th Ave, Stayton

Santiam Hospital & Clinics accept all insurance including all Medicare Plans, OHP, Kaiser Permanente & Blu

SantiamHospital.org

Nicolas Stratton, MD

Steve Yao, MD

David Thorsett, MD

Ruben Pollak, DPM

Derek Riley, DO

Daniel Schweigert, MD

Doug Huntley, PA-C

Todd Rosborough, PA-C

Molly Yao, NP

More ways to love your MOM

Want

meet the experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Health

Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 9

Drive

On the Road with Nicole Kersey, page 10

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, page 12

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 26

There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one. “

“

— Sue Atkins, parenting coach

Editor’s Note

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

Salem Advertising Representatives

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com

503-510-9036

Tina Toney tina@activemediausa.com

503-991-4547

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager

Linda Blair linda@mommag.com

541-231-7250

Designer

Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

MOM Magazine TM 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.

The islands of childrearing

On a recent press proof day, as our graphic designer and I combed through oversized printouts of the magazine, I said to him, “I left my children home alone, asleep in their beds.” Before you call protective services, my kids are ages 14 and 16, and this was on a non-school day where they would sleep until noon. The novelty of leaving them alone had struck me as I locked the door on my way out. They could groggily roll out of bed and toast themselves a bagel or three. I had fully arrived in the Teenage Territories.

This kind of moment felt like a faraway country back when I was in diaperland. It’s precisely why I made note of it to our designer, who has two boys ages 4 and 8 and is still very much in the trenches. When my kids were young, I’d catch snippets from other parents who lived in magical lands where their kids could do things like buckle themselves into their car seats. How is that even possible?

I’d wonder, while attempting to clip a stiff-as-board tantruming toddler into a five-point harness.

These stages with kids are like islands, starting with the Isle of Postpartum: it’s beautiful but with a constant fog overhead. The Toddler Islands are magical and filled with equal parts frustration and wonder. The Early Years Atolls are littered with brightly colored art and legos. The Adolescent Archipelago is a string of small islands that involves hopping back and forth between child and quasi-adult. Moms with kids of varying ages have to navigate sailing between them, which I picture as a minivan-shaped speed boat.

Where I find myself now, in the Teenage Territories, there is autonomy for its citizens but it is still a protectorate of the Land of Adults. I can see in the far distance that we’ll soon hit the landfall of Emerging

Adult Island, which friends tell me is forested with trees of independence yet still plagued by weeds of worry. There’s more past this, but it stretches far beyond my horizon line.

Our time on each island is fleeting, and we’re launched to the next island, ready or not. One day you’re wiping butts, and the next buying them shaving cream. There’s also no going back to previous places, hence the unhelpful platitude to enjoy them while they are young. Once in a while, my husband and I get wistful and ponder what it would be like to go back in time to visit our kids’ babyhoods. We both agree that one day is all we’d need before remembering the bone-weary exhaustion that went with it.

I keep my ears open when parents with adult children talk about them, to prepare myself. I may not fully know what’s coming, but I know from where I’ve been that with each move, there’s a lot less gear to haul around — and a whole new world to explore. Cheers,

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

Being prepared

From wildfires to power outages, responding to emergencies always goes more smoothly when you plan for the unexpected.

WHERE TO MEET

When you have a family, the first step to being prepared for any unplanned event is to have a meeting place. This can be a challenge when you have young children that don’t drive, but the adults and driving teens can be designated to get younger children from school or activities if there is an emergency. Choose both primary and secondary meet-up destinations, and make sure everyone knows what they are.

HEAT & EAT

Even in late spring, the Mid-Willamette Valley can be cold at night. Depending on the situation, a family should be prepared for heating and eating needs for about two weeks. Many families will need a plan to heat a few rooms without power, such as with a generator or fireplace. Following safety practices is key when using alternative heating sources such as these.

WATER

After the need for shelter and heat have been met, the next important task is making sure there is adequate food and water for the group. Storing water is a good short term measure, but takes a lot of space and the supply can ultimately expire. A more tactical solution is to keep tablets on hand to make any water potable. These tablets are easily attained online or in most sporting goods stores, and eliminate the need for filling one’s garage with water jugs.

FOOD

It’s a good idea to keep some form of food storage relative to your pantry space and size of family. Canned goods such as tuna are great because they do not require cooking. If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, remember to add that to your cache. Meals-ready-

to-eat (MREs) and freeze dried foods have a long shelf life, but require water and heat to consume, which should be considered.

If you choose to keep canned goods on hand for emergencies, rotate them out every year so that they do not expire. If the power is out, consider eating refrigerated and frozen food first (but keep the opening and closing of the fridge and freezer doors to a minimum to prolong safe temperatures.) It’s also a good idea to have a camp stove or barbecue, including fuel or briquets, that can be used for cooking.

MEDICATION

Prescription medication is often overlooked in emergency preparedness. You may need to talk to your doctor about ordering outside your regular routine in order for the pharmacy to allow it. A first aid kit is also essential to have on hand. If you or anyone in your family wears prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, factor them into your plan.

Every family should have not only a plan and supplies in place to fend for themselves for a week or more, but also the expectation that they will most certainly need to do so at some point. Visit beready.gov to learn more about emergency preparedness.

Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org

Make your family room child-safe... and beautiful

Family rooms are where we spend most of our waking hours together. Make them as safe as possible, without sacrificing style.

CLEARLY, IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS

Clear electrical outlet covers are a staple item for safety. Edge protectors for furniture and countertops also come in clear for a less distracting look.

CORDLESS BLINDS

The risk of strangulation on corded blinds is real — put your mind at ease with cordless ones. And with a streamlined look, cordless blinds are well worth the investment.

LIGHTING

Get that lovely chandelier you always wanted. Installation will likely require a professional, but it is well worth it to keep floor and table lamps away from children.

 SOFT FURNITURE

Hard-edged furniture be gone! Trade out a solid surface coffee table for an upholstered one. Bonus if it has storage — just make sure it has soft-close hinges.

 STYLISH SAFETY GATES

Goodbye plastic, and hello aesthetically pleasing, with safety gates like this one from Safety 1st. Even after your children outgrow the need for them, these gates are handy for pets, too

 WALL-MOUNT THE TV

Have your TV mounted to the wall with cords hidden behind the drywall. This will likely require a professional, but it’s safer for children and it looks so much better than a messy tangle of cords.

 HIDDEN HELPERS

Anchor your furniture to prevent your child from tipping a heavy piece onto them themselves. Wall anchor kits are widely available and bonus: you can’t even see them. With newer furniture, it’s now a federal rule; visit AnchorIt.gov to learn more.

Brought to you by:

pediatricdentistoregon.com

2020 Commercial Street SE Salem, OR 97302 (503) 364-7545

When children grind their teeth

We see children each day with severe wear from teeth grinding. Oftentimes, the child doesn’t even know they are doing so because it’s happening while they are sleeping. It can be stress-related, from a nightmare, or for no known reason at all.

Statistically, about 35% of children grind their teeth. For a child with baby teeth, the mouth is constantly changing, so a night guard cannot be used because it restricts the natural order of losing baby teeth and erupting permanent teeth. Unless there is pain, we will monitor your child until the permanent teeth start coming in.

If your child continues to grind their permanent teeth, we discuss options to help. You would be surprised how much enamel can be ground down without your child having pain. Often, kids will outgrow this habit, but some will continue into adulthood and need a night guard. An at-home option is to buy a boil-and-bite athletic mouth guard to have them wear to bed.

Your pediatric dentist is a great source for advice. We welcome any concerns and questions anytime.

Dr. Jay Vaikuntam

A smooth ride through seasonal allergies

If you or your children suffer from seasonal allergies, a clean car can decrease the misery.

When it comes to pollen allergies, decreasing your exposure to the offending substance is the goal, as doing so lowers your body’s reaction. Keeping your vehicle clean, inside and out, can help.

Keep your windows rolled up

It’s a beautiful late spring day that seems like a great time to have the windows down…until you start sneezing. During the high pollen times, keep your windows closed. The goal is to keep pollen out , not expose yourselves to more of it. Recirculate that air — and change the cabin filter!

Use your car’s recirculated air on cool and run your air conditioning if you need to. Cars have interior cabin filters that trap pollen, dust and other particulates, but it needs to be changed regularly.

Most auto cabin filters are located under the glove box, and you can find replacements at auto parts stores or online. If you don’t want to fuss with that, just ask us to change it out at your next service appointment. Fresh interior air is better for you and your family all year long, and during high pollen season it’s key to lowering the amount of allergens you breathe. Get frequent car washes

During high pollen seasons, wash your car more often to lower your exposure to allergens. At times the pollen in the Willamette Valley is so thick, it’s actually visible to the naked eye — it looks like a light green layer of dust that settles on surfaces, like the hood and roof of your car. Opening car doors stirs it up, which you then inhale and set off a reaction. So

NICOLE KERSEY

if you need an excuse to turn into a local fundraiser car wash or visit your favorite automatic version, you definitely have one during allergy season. If you can’t get to a car wash, even a rinse with a hose helps.

Vacuum, dust and keep it clean

Pollen and other allergens love clinging to fabrics and surfaces, so use a good strong vacuum to keep your car’s interior clean with frequent vacuuming. Dust regularly to improve your vehicle’s indoor air quality. There are numerous portable air purifiers on the market that might improve your car’s air quality as well.

Because we spend a significant amount of time in our cars, it’s worth considering how they impact our family’s health.

Nicole Kersey has been with Capitol Auto Group since Sept 2022 as a receptionist. She has two great kids: daughter Kiera, age 12, and son Parker, age 10. She loves working at Capitol Auto Group because it’s family-oriented. Outside of work she enjoys attending Parker’s basketball games, shopping with Kiera and playing Mario Kart with her family.

Brought to you by:

It’s allergy season — and not just for humans

Our beloved furry companions can also suffer from allergies, stemming from food, environmental causes and fleas.

Allergies in pets often show up as constant scratching, biting or licking. Ear infections with smelly discharge and head shaking are also common. With food allergies, some pets develop digestive issues. Year-round allergies to mold, dust mites, etc. can lead to sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing and itchy/watery eyes.

If your pet is diagnosed with allergies, there is a lot we can do to help. Changes in diet, environment or grooming products can be tried first. Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids can be used. Newer products used to control the allergy itch include Cytopoint, a monthly monoclonal antibody injection, and Aopquel, a daily pill that interrupts the inflammatory and immune response pathway. In some cases, allergenspecific immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended. When it comes to your pet’s health and quality of life, there are many ways veterinarians can help. We understand that pets are family!

Alysson Kuhns

PROFESSION:

Alysson Kuhns, owner of Pacific Hound

COMMUNITY:

Monmouth

PARTNER:

Kylie Kuhns, attorney

CHILDREN:

Landyn, age 2; Skylar, age 2; and Parker, 2 weeks

PHOTOS BY: LAUREL

BICE

WITH THREE KIDS UNDER THREE, THIS SEASON OF LIFE IS BUSY. BUT THERE IS JOY TO BE FOUND IN THE CHAOS.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours (spouse, significant other, children, pets, etc.). Our family consists of my wife, Kylie, our three children (Skylar, Landyn and Parker), and our two dogs (Spot and Emma). We brought our dogs home when we were going to school in Kansas so they’ve been with us through every milestone.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I actually didn’t always know I wanted to be a mom. Honestly, I was super fearful of childbirth and how it would inevitably “wreck” my body. Additionally, I didn’t know if I wanted the responsibility of taking care of another human. It all felt like a lot. But after moving to Oregon and settling down, I realized my fears were pretty foolish. And now that I have my kids I cannot imagine my world without them. It’s chaotic and messy but I’ve never felt a love quite like this.

MOM’s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Our kiddos are super into hide and seek right now. My favorite is when they hide in plain sight or in the same spot they just hid in.

…words to live by: It’s a good day for a good day.

…place to find some peace & quiet: If I ever need to escape, you can almost always find me on a trail with my dogs.

…binge-worthy TV or podcast: Lately I’ve been really into Ink Master which is ironic because I don’t have a single tattoo. Maybe one day!

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.)? I cannot stand primary colors and was adamant that my house would not look like a preschool threw up in it…but alas, my house is exactly that. Coloring supplies everywhere. Action figures scattered about. Baby dolls in the strangest places.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. Honestly, nursing my twins for 19 months is one of my proudest moments as their mom. I won’t get into my full journey, but it was hard and I wanted to give up more times than I can count. I made Kylie promise me to not let me give up and she held steady.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Potty training is humbling. I remember one day I went to go get my twins from their nap and I walked in and there was poop everywhere. On the carpet,

the walls, their dresser…on them. And there was Landyn…standing there so innocently in a fresh pull-up with his poopy one on the dresser. It was one of those moments where you just sat there thinking, I think I should be proud of you but also why?!

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. Imagine this: You and your partner are in Chicago with your two year olds. Each of you is carrying a car seat on your back and rolling a large piece of luggage behind you. Meanwhile, the toddlers are melting down because they refused to nap on the plane. But you somehow get to the car rental place and finally get the keys. You head to the elevator with kids and bags in tow and get off the elevator only to realize that one of your toddlers didn’t get off with you. All of a sudden you hear screaming for mommy. I can honestly say I’ve never run up a flight of stairs so fast in my life! You could say we were juggling a few too many things at once and were excited to install their carseats and contain them.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? Skylar is a spitting image of me, all the way down to her stubbornness. I remember when they held her up after I gave birth, and I just looked at her and said, “There’s no denying that one’s mine!”

Landyn is honestly my spirit animal. He lives life to its fullest all day, every day. He plays hard but loves even harder. He is one of the most empathetic souls. Parker is new around here at only 2 weeks old so it’s hard to say what he will be like but everyone says he looks just like Skylar!

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “________.” Where does your poop go?

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?

Now that we have three kids with one being a newborn, we are learning how to juggle all over again. Lately I feel like our days pass so quickly and leave me completely exhausted by the end of the day.

I like to think of this stage of life as the ultimate test of teamwork. I would not be half as sane without my wife. While I’m cooking dinner, she’s wrangling toddlers. While she’s at work, I’m running kids to the doctors. It’s a lot of give and take, and realizing that this season is not forever.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Work can wait. It’s been my mantra this year and it’s a hard one to stick to when you own your own business. Time is such a precious gift and while our lives might be really chaotic right now, I relish in all the big and small ways my family brings me joy.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. Before I got pregnant with the twins I told Kylie that if I ever say I don’t want an epidural during labor, I’m lying. Get me the epidural. Fast forward to Parker’s birth and I had him without an epidural and the little guy even decided to come out with a nuchal hand. It was the most intense yet proudest I’ve ever been of us.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I want to build a family cabin. I grew up in Michigan where all of my friends had a cabin, my family included. We would go up north every single weekend and make countless memories. I so badly want that for my family and can hardly wait to start our own traditions.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing How did it shape the mother you are today? I think the biggest factor that shaped the mother I am today is growing up with a twin brother. Seeing as I now have boy-girl twins, I can really appreciate the struggles my parents went through to make sure we grew up as individuals and got the attention we deserved.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you? I grew up in a large suburban town in Michigan and for the most part, really loved it…aside from being super cold. It wasn’t until I left Michigan and moved to Lawrence, Kansas and eventually Roseburg, Oregon that I realized the big suburban town life was entirely overwhelming. I tend to be someone who is always on the go or planning the next thing, so a town with a slower pace is exactly what I crave. It’s like a giant breath of fresh air.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? Independence. My parents were not the type to hold my hand or coddle, and while that probably would have been welcomed from time to time, I think it has made me into the woman and mom I am today. I don’t think I ever would have been brave enough to move across the country or pursue my own business had it not been for them instilling that quality in me.

What is something you will NEVER do again? Go to a library with twin two-year-olds. My kids caused mass mayhem.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? I want them to grow up with a dog. My parents never allowed any animals in our house despite my constant begging. I think there is so much value in learning how to take care of another living being and building that mutual trust, bond and responsibility. The amount our kids love our dogs is unreal and it always feels like they are a soft spot to land when they’re having a rough day.

What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? I went ahead and asked my two closest friends and they said determined, intentional and kind.

What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Loving, nurturing and an epic story-teller. Okay, that last one is somewhat

of a joke but I tell the kids a make-believe story every night, and let’s just say we all get a kick out of how awful they are.

What is the quality you like most about yourself? The quality that I love most is also the one that gets me into the most trouble: stubbornness. If there is a will, I will find a way no matter how hard it is. This bodes really well for academics, sports and business but can also negatively impact my mental health when I refuse to give up on something.

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?

The ability to sing. I’m terrible. I’m waiting for the days when my kids realize how offpitch I am every time I sing them “You are my sunshine” to go to sleep.

What’s your superpower?

The ability to juggle 827,048 things at once.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. Putting my kids to bed. This may sound silly to some, but I hate missing bedtime. In fact, last night I was caught up with our newborn and thought that I might miss saying goodnight to our twins, and it literally brought me to tears. I cherish that time so much and while I know I won’t always be able to be there, I make sure I’m there when I can.

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’m either outside with my dogs or I’ve got all the windows open and am viciously cleaning the house. I actually really love cleaning. It’s therapeutic for me, and as long as the sun is shining and there’s a nice breeze, count me in!

What keeps you sane? My wife. She is an angel of a human and I’m beyond grateful for her in this season more than any season before it. She is slow to anger and even slower to judgment and is a constant reminder of the person I strive to be. She supports my crazy dreams and brings me back to reality when I’ve gone off the deep end. Did I mention she is a toddler warrior? Seriously, she has more patience than most.

What is your least/most favorite household chore? It’s a tie between laundry and dishes. I think I would rather scrub baseboards than empty the dishwasher.

MOMs Love Local

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations.

Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for a friend: The Find

…spot to get a good workout: The trails. I’m super into running so if there’s some dirt, I’m there.

…restaurant to take the kids: Starduster Cafe

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: IndyMo

…place where the kids can let off steam: Independence Riverfront

…event in your community: The Fourth of July parade and pancake feed, Fourth of July Mini Marathon

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My best friend. I cannot think of a single person that I look up to more than her. She is a working mom of two young girls, will never turn down an opportunity to help someone, and exudes kindness with every ounce of her being. She’s the friend who is always providing words of encouragement exactly when I need it…even on days where she is also struggling. Her selflessness is unmatched and oftentimes I don’t feel deserving of her friendship. She’s that once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I didn’t expect to love being a mom as much as I do. I think I expected to feel burdened by my children and completely lose my identity, but the exact opposite has happened. I have learned to reinvent myself and to find joy in the mundane. I think children are really good teachers of that.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? This advice isn’t exactly from another mom, but from someone who has greatly influenced the person and mom I am today: Focus on what you can control and let the rest go.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Ask for help. You are not meant to do this alone and the sooner you let go of that expectation, the quicker you will begin to enjoy motherhood.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Motherhood is messy. None of us have it figured out and we’re all doing the best we can to navigate the day to day. Slow down. Have the dance party in the middle of the kitchen. Hold the baby for as long as it feels right. Go on vacation and don’t be afraid to bring the kids. Time can be such a thief but we owe it to ourselves and our kids to be as present as we can for each and every moment.

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Good granola

Granola is a high protein snack, with fiber and micronutrients, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Same for granola bars: store-bought ones are convenient, but many are loaded with additives and stabilizers. Making your own allows you to control the amount of sweeteners and the quality of ingredients.

Glorious golden granola

3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped dried apricots

1/4 cup golden raisins

Except for the apricots and raisins, mix all ingredients together until well blended. Spread flat on a baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. Stir in the apricots and raisins, spread flat again, then bake for an additional 15 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before enjoying.

Strawberry season parfaits

1 and ⅓ cups granola

1 and ⅓ cups vanilla yogurt

1 and ⅓ cups fresh strawberries, sliced

4 wide-mouth 8-oz. canning jars with lids Honey (optional)

Layer each jar with ⅓ cup of granola on the bottom, then ⅓ cup yogurt, and finally ⅓ cup strawberries.

Sprinkle a little more granola on top, and if desired, drizzle with honey. These are great to make ahead as snacks or desserts.

Grizzlies granola bars

2 cups Grizzlies Brand All Organic Trail Mix

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup almond butter

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup shredded coconut

SO MANY WAYS TO ENJOY GRANOLA...

Spread peanut butter on apple slices and top with granola.

Pour milk over granola and eat it as cereal.

Roll French toast in granola before frying for a crunchy spin.

Add granola to muffins or sweet breads before baking.

Sprinkle granola on a baked yam.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Grizzlies Brand All Organic Trail Mix, rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped almonds and shredded coconut. Mix well.

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the almond butter and honey/maple syrup, stirring until well combined and smooth. Remove from heat.

Add the vanilla extract to the almond butter mixture and stir until incorporated.

Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to a lined baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the mixture to set.

Once set, remove the mixture from the baking dish and cut it into desired bar shapes.

Grizzlies Brand products are made in Eugene!

Getting through grass allergy season

THE MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY HAS CLOCKED SOME OF THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF GRASS POLLEN IN THE WORLD DURING WHAT LOCALS CALL GRASS SEED SEASON. AN ALLERGIST AND MOM IN EUGENE GIVES INSIGHT AND ADVICE ON THIS AREA'S MOST TROUBLESOME ALLERGEN.

Driving down I-5 South into Linn County, you’ll see a “Grass Seed Capital of the World” sign. The mood is celebratory but not for anyone sneezing their way through late spring.

We talked to Katheryn Birch, DO, of Oregon Allergy Associates in Eugene, for ways to help our kids get through the season.

Q: Is it true that babies don’t typically have seasonal allergies? When do pollen allergies typically show up in children?

A. Yes, it typically takes at least two years for seasonal allergies to develop, and that is also the case if you are moving to a new area. Children under age 2 can start to develop indoor allergies, because they are exposed to those more frequently than outside allergies. Pollen allergies can start to show up in 3 to 4 year-olds then there is a peak age range of 6 to 9 year-olds. Children can continue to develop allergies until around 13 to 14 years of age.

Q: What are the first signs/symptoms of allergies in kids, as well as some of the lesser known ones?

A. The most common symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy red eyes. Kids can also have “allergic shiners,” which is swelling with a purple hue under the eyes. Children are also more likely to have contact hives with grass or other plants, and some have difficulty with eczema. They can also experience post nasal drip, which is hard for

most children to explain or understand. The post nasal drip can lead to a lot of clearing of the throat or cough. The Willamette Valley has a lot of allergy-induced asthma. These types of symptoms are similar to a common cold, however the common cold typically lasts about 5 to 7 days, while allergies last several weeks to months depending on what you or your child may be allergic to

Q: C an you try your child on an over-the-counter allergy medication and see if it helps?

A: Allergy medications are typically very safe and have few side effects, so they are safe to try if you are uncertain if you are dealing with allergies. The over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications can be helpful for some, but the most effective are the intranasal steroid sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays and antihistamine eye drops. These medications are acting directly at the source of the reaction. My children get some minor improvement with oral antihistamines, however they really see improvement with the intranasal steroid sprays. Initially they did not like the nasal spray and made a fuss. However, after they started to see the effects a couple weeks later, they stopped fighting it and now that’s the first thing they ask for when they start to have nasal symptoms. One of my children really struggled with a cough, even with all the OTC medications, and we did eventually have to start some prescription medications to help.

Plan ahead & manage your spaces

Q: At what point do you go from pediatrician to allergist, and what is the benefit of seeing an allergist?

A: If you're using all the OTC medications and still struggling to get symptoms under control, that’s when seeing the pediatrician can be helpful. There are a couple medications they may be able to prescribe for you. However, even with these, symptoms can still be bothersome. At that time it can be helpful to visit an allergist to see other medication options, and for potential testing that may be helpful in identifying what your child may be allergic to. I would also especially suggest evaluation by an allergist if your child is coughing a lot or having breathing issues with their allergies.

Q: Talk about the value of testing: is it specific to what grows here?

A: Allergy testing is helpful for us to identify what the problem is and how to avoid it more effectively. We typically test for multiple different types of indoor and outdoor allergens.

Allergists test for the type of pollen seen in their region. There is different pollen in different regions of the country, and there is variation in their season lengths. Trees, grass and weeds all have their specific time of the year they pollinate.

In western Oregon, we don’t have a lot of weeds and subsequently, not a lot of weed allergies, especially when compared to the Midwest. In the Willamette Valley, we have an unusually high grass pollen season, due to grass seed farms. For that reason, grass is one of the most common outdoor allergens here, and the most troublesome.

Grass pollen starts in May, peaks around Memorial Day weekend, and ends right around July 4. Once you see fields being baled and harvested, you know relief is on the horizon. In the meantime:

• Close windows and use your home’s air handler to limit exposure to outdoor pollen. Change your furnace filter to a HEPA one.

• Take a shower before bedtime, and keep those sheets clean.

• Use medication as directed. Review all medications for you and your children, and replace anything that has expired.

• Splurge on the super-soft tissues, as noses get red and raw.

• Keep your car clean, too, as well as windows up and recirculate on; change your car’s cabin filter for better interior air quality.

• If grass seed in the valley is getting to you and yours, take a trip to the coast. There will still be pollen, but typically less of it.

Q: Allergy shots can be a hard sell to kids. Are there any other types of treatments, like under-the tongue droplets?

A: Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, is very effective in school-aged children. It has even been shown to help decrease the development of asthma when started in 4 to 5 yearold children. However, we recognize that trying to convince a young child to come in weekly for several months to get a shot is not an easy sell. There are several different techniques that can be used to help ease the process such as cold packs, numbing creams and vibrations that help distract from the injection. The other key point for allergy shots is that they are subcutaneous so they are not going into the muscle, so they do not hurt as much and there is not a lingering pain after.

The other option that we have is sublingual tablets. In the U.S. there are ragweed, dust mite and grass tablets that are FDA approved. These are great

options for those who are really averse to injections. The biggest downside is they do not cover all other allergens and pollens if your child is polysensitized. However, for many in the Willamette Valley, grass is so much worse than the other allergens. The symptoms seem like nothing in comparison and treatment for the grass is a game changer.

You may see some things out there for other types of allergy treatment such as liquid sublingual immunotherapy or intralymphatic immunotherapy, but these are not FDA approved yet and have not had as much research done on them.

Using our WORDS

Choosing the

right words can make a significant impact when communicating with young children.

Parents often find themselves frustrated when their kids seem to resist a simple answer of “no.” While tantrums can be exasperating, it helps to consider the child’s perspective. Imagine being told a flat no, without alternatives or much thought — it would be perplexing and frustrating for anyone!

To ease this communication challenge, try some simple language adjustments to redirect your child’s busy mind, maintain positivity and uphold boundaries without adding struggles.

First/then language: This approach helps sidestep the direct use of no and introduces sequencing for children to follow. For instance, if your child is eager to head to the park right after school, instead of a straightforward no, try saying, “Oh great! I’m excited to go to the park, too. First, let’s unpack our backpacks and have a snack — then we can go to the park. Can you please get your backpack?” This not only communicates the need for order but also maintains a positive tone.

Yes/when language: This language shift continues to support sequencing while avoiding the negative impact of a direct no. For example, if your child brings you their iPad, but screen time isn’t scheduled for hours, rather than a blunt no, say, “Thank you for reminding me to bring the iPad. Yes, you can use this on the car ride home, when we get back from our playdate. Would you like to help me put it on the charger before we leave?” This approach acknowledges the child’s request and redirects their attention to a more suitable time.

By incorporating these language adjustments, we can create a more positive and cooperative communication environment with children, fostering understanding and collaboration in daily routines.

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Key milestones as your little one grows

Parenthood is a crazy adventure filled with exciting firsts. It’s natural to wonder about your infant’s development. Are they on pace? While there is no one-baby-fits-all answer, there are age ranges when most babies hit big milestones, like walking, talking and their first sweet smile.

• Walking: Around 12 to 18 months, get ready to witness the cutest balancing act in town as your little explorer takes their first wobbly steps. Whether they take off like a racecar, or prefer a leisurely pace, encourage their exploration by creating a safe environment with soft landing spots.

• Talking: Between 9 to 14 months, your child may say their first words. Their babbling will transform into simple words and, eventually, into sentences. Respond to them with enthusiasm, have conversations and read together. This not only creates a strong foundation for language development, it also strengthens the bond between you.

• Smiles and chuckles: Around 4 months, get those cameras ready, your little one is likely to share their first smile and chuckle with you. Then, around 6 months, you’ll hear their first full laugh.

Remember: At 9 months, your baby is due for their general developmental screening, as recommended for all children by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each child is unique, and these milestones unfold at their own pace. Cherish the many firsts as your child grows into their own remarkable self!

Brought to you by Salem Health Family Birth Center. Learn more at salemhealth.org/FBC.