“Ichose Sumner because they did not require pre- requisites, and I wanted to jump start my career as an RN sooner. I’m now an operating room nurse at a level one trauma hospital here in Portland. I take care of pediatric patients, burn patients, and adults needing surgery. I love being a circulating nurse and getting to scrub cases as well! I enjoy taking care of a variety of patients on a day to day basis, and love the excitement my job brings me!” — Serena
Sumner College is excited to announce the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the new Bend campus, expanding access to high-quality nursing education in Central Oregon. With a long-standing commitment to excellence, Sumner College’s Portland campus has been a leader in healthcare education, offering nursing programs that provide a strong academic foundation and career-focused training.
As the college celebrates over 50 years of delivering high-quality education, the expansion to Bend reflects its continued mission to support Oregon’s growing healthcare workforce and provide students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the nursing profession.
The majority of students are working adults with one common goal of starting a new career as a nurse. Sumner College has a strong reputation in Oregon for graduating nursing students who are competent and adequately prepared for field of nursing.
Sumner is a private college dedicated to providing, high quality, career focused education to support students who are committed to achieving their professional career goals. Their healthcare programs are designed to provide a healthy work-life balance.
Many of their students are working adults, focused on one common goal to begin a career in healthcare. They have a strong reputation in Oregon for being the best school to graduate nursing professionals who are competent and adequately prepared for employment in nursing. Students can graduate this program in under 3 years. Sumner College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the U.S. Department of Education. The college is also approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission(HECC).
Classes are enrolling now for May and October.
Sumnercollege.edu
541-728-8192
SumnerCollege.edu
TMJ: Your Jaw’s Unsung Hero
Why It Deserves Your A ention!
Let’s talk about something you use thousands of times every day but probably never think about, your jaw joint! The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the unappreciated workhorse behind your smile, conversations, and enjoyment of everything from birthday cake to your morning smoothie.
More Than Just Chatter
Your TMJ is fascinating—it’s one of the few joints in your body that works as a matching pair. Both sides function together like synchronized swimmers, with each movement on one side affecting the other. Pretty amazing coordination,
right? But when this joint starts causing trouble, it can turn your day from fabulous to frustrating in an instant.
Living with TMJ pain isn’t just annoying—it can be downright debilitating. Imagine wincing through every bite of your lunch or struggling to laugh without discomfort during social gatherings. From dull headaches to jaw pain that makes you want to cancel plans, TMJ disorders (TMD) can seriously impact your quality of life.
What’s Really Going On In There?
TMD isn’t just one problem—it’s a whole category of issues affecting the jaw muscles, the joint itself, the cushioning disc, and surrounding nerves. When someone suggests Botox or swears by their night guard, they might be onto something—or not. The truth? Finding the right solution depends entirely on getting the right diagnosis.
Is it tense muscles from that high-stress project at work? A damaged disc from that time you fell while ice skating? Or perhaps bone changes from years of unconscious teeth grinding? Knowing the real culprit requires a proper evaluation—including examining those chewing muscles, listening for telling clicks or pops, measuring how wide you can comfortably open, and sometimes advanced imaging like 3D X-rays or MRIs.
How Did We Get Here?
Most TMJ troubles stem from two villain origin stories: macro trauma or micro trauma.
Macro trauma is the dramatic one, think car accidents, sports injuries, or that face-first fall down the stairs. These sudden impacts can force your jaw out of position, overstretch ligaments, or damage the delicate structures inside.
Micro trauma is the sneaky saboteur, it’s the nightly teeth grinding during stressful periods or the constant clenching while you’re concentrating on deadlines. Fun fact: your teeth should only touch about 1% of your day! All that extra pressure
can wear down your joint just like overusing any other body part, potentially leading to arthritis, deteriorating bone, or a slipped disc (much like what happens in your spine).
Time to Reclaim Your Comfort
The good news? You don’t necessarily need surgery to find relief! Today’s regenerative medicine offers several non-invasive options to help heal and restore your TMJ’s normal function. Treatments
like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), laser therapy, and red light therapy harness your body’s natural healing processes, while custom splints can provide the support your jaw needs to recover.
These modern approaches are helping people everywhere say goodbye to facial pain and hello again to carefree laughter, enjoyable meals, and pain-free conversations. Your jaw deserves the same attention you give to other aspects of your health—because feeling your best means smiling, chatting, and dining with confidence!
Dr. Miller is the only Diplomat by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine in Central Oregon using the latest technology for Oral appliance therapy.
Editor: Terie Sandusky
We are grateful to be connecting with you. Whether you’ve visited us before - or you’re just now hearing about us, we welcome you with open arms. To our regulars who have supported us week after week, shared your stories, and made us a part of your routine, we are especially grateful. As we approach our one-year anniversary, we reflect on an incredible journey filled with joy, growth, and meaningful connections.
Bend is more than just our home. It’s where we grew up and where we’re raising our families. The connection we feel to this community runs deep, and it’s the driving force behind Tomi Mart. Our market was born out of a desire to serve, connect, and collaborate, all through the universal language of food and culture. We offer a wide range of products, including dried foods, sauces and seasonings, frozen and chilled foods, produce, noodles, rice, ramen, snacks, beverages, and home goods, as well as stationary, face care products, and unique gifts.
We recognized the need for an Asian market in Bend - not only to provide ingredients but to foster representation and inclusivity. We aim to make it easier for everyone to find their favorite Asian goods while creating a welcoming space that feels like a second home.
Portland, Oregon, and Kutchan, Japan. Upon returning, she felt called to give back to the community that shaped her. Jesi and her life partner, Adam, named Tomi Mart in honor of their daughter, Tomiko, and Adam’s great-grandmother, Tomi Hashizume.
Natasha Dempsey, a first-generation Korean American, has called Bend home since 1998. She is passionate about food and cultural heritage, finding joy in cooking traditional Korean dishes for her family as a way to stay connected to her roots. She is a Registered Dietitian and strives to ensure access to essential Asian ingredients while fostering connection and belonging.
At Tomi Mart, we are guided by four core values:
Community: Building bridges and highlighting AANHPI businesses
Celebration: Showcasing cultural and culinary richness
Culture: Promoting understanding and appreciation of Asian traditions
Jesi Scott is a proud Bend local who spent a decade living in Huangdao, China,
Collaboration: Partnering with local businesses and continuously learning from our patrons
We believe food brings people together, and we’re honored to be a part of this growing, diverse, and inclusive Bend community.
Photo: Danbi Photography
JOHNSON BROTHERS Appliances: Proudly Serving Central Oregon for 75 Years
For 75 years, Johnson Brothers Appliances has been the cornerstone of quality home and commercial appliances in Central Oregon. As the largest independent appliance dealer in Bend, our story is not just about selling appliances—it’s about building relationships, embracing innovation, and growing alongside our community.
A Legacy That Stands the Test of Time
Founded in 1950 by Vern Johnson, Johnson Brothers Appliances started as a modest family business with a vision to bring the best appliances and exceptional service to the people of Bend and surrounding areas. Over the decades, the city has transformed from a small timber town into a thriving destination, and we’ve evolved right alongside it. As a third-generation business, we take immense pride in our history, the trust we’ve earned, and the families we’ve served for generations.
the latest innovations in home technology, and continued to set the standard for customer service in the region.
Honoring Our Customers & Community
Growing With Bend
Bend has seen remarkable changes over the years, and Johnson Brothers Appliances has been there every step of the way. As new homes, businesses, and communities have flourished, our commitment to providing high-quality, cutting-edge appliances has remained steadfast. We’ve expanded our showroom, introduced
This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the support of our loyal customers and dedicated employees. From the homeowners designing their dream kitchens to the builders and designers shaping the future of Bend, we are honored to be your trusted partner. Our commitment goes beyond appliances—we actively support local initiatives, events, and charities to give back to the community that has supported us for three-quarters of a century.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Johnson Brothers Appliances
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we remain focused on the future. Our dedication to excellence, personalized service, and industry-leading brands continues to guide us as we enter this next chapter. Whether you’re a long-time customer or visiting us for the first time, we invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and experiencing the Johnson Brothers difference.
Thank you for 75 incredible years, Central Oregon! Here’s to many more.
Ensure cooked to perfection is healthy and delicious.
KitchenAid induction cooking. It’s clean, ultra responsive, and energy efficient. You will love how it preserves the flavors and nutrients of your locally-sourced foods.
Learn more about KitchenAid induction cooking - and available rebates - here
Johnson Brothers
Proudly serving our community through 3 generations.
The benefits of integrative veterinary medicine go far beyond treating the symptoms of a particular condition. By addressing the underlying causes of illness and promoting overall health and wellness, integrative veterinary medicine can help prevent future health issues and achieve optimal wellness for your pet.
One of the key principles of integrative veterinary medicine is the concept of “informed consent.” This means that the veterinarian and the animal’s owner work together to make informed decisions about the best course of treatment, taking into account the risks and benefits of each option.
Blending herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, homeopathy, essential oils, laser therapy, the microbiome, and acupuncture, we provide a holistic approach to care.
NON-ANESTHETIC DENTAL PLUS
Teeth cleaning without anesthesia, is a type of dentistry for pets with a good temperament who have no painful dental disease. Please have our veterinarian do an exam to determine if your pet is a good candidate prior to registering for this service.
Our
JEN HILL
Jen Hill has been a Veterinary Nurse since 2007. She started her veterinary journey in Sonoma County, California. She’s worked at multiple hospitals, expanding her knowledge and skills through the years. After working with an Integrative Veterinarian, she was able to appreciate the positive results of integrative care, when modern veterinary medicine did not have an answer. That was the spark that lit her curiosity to learn other modalities of healing. Jen received her Certification in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for Techs from Chi University.
DR. STEPHANIE SUR
Dr. Stephanie Sur has been practiced integrative medicine for over 20 years. Did you know that in Latin, “doctor” means teacher? Dr. Stephanie believes in teaching her clients how to care for their furry family members. She holds a Bachelor of Science from University of California Davis. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine & completed her IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) certification in veterinary acupuncture. Dr. Stephanie has focused her care on integrative, holistic approaches to healthcare, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutritional therapy.
Lemony Arugula Salad with
Roasted Chicken & Fennel
Ingredients:
8 oz chicken breast
2 bulbs fennel, trimmed and sliced (fronds saved for dressing)
2 cups arugula, packed
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 Tbsp walnuts
2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp fennel fronds, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss fennel with 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread out evenly on a baking sheet. Pat chicken dry. Drizzle with olive oil & add to baking sheet with fennel. Bake 25-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and fennel is golden.
In a bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, zest, fennel fronds, garlic and 2 Tbsp of olive oil until combined. Place arugula in 2 salad bowls. Top with caramelized fennel and sliced chicken. Drizzle with dressing then garnish with walnuts and parsley.
Evaluate the quality of your foods
Do you really know what you’re buying? We do! Yuka scans and analyzes labels in the blink of an eye so you can learn at a glance which products are good for you and which ones you should avoid.
I never grocery shop without my YUKA APP anymore after learning that Annies Shells & White cheddar has dangerous levels of sodium phosphates which can be found in many processed foods. I’ve fed my son this product his whole childhood, but never again. Reading labels is overwhelming but using the YUKA App is amazing!
GLUTEN FREE POLENTA PIZZA
Ingredients for the Crust:
1 1/2 CUP Polenta
3 CUPS WATER (Or bone broth!)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Cloves Crushed Garlic
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1 egg (optional)
My family has a Friday night Pizza tradition, but being gluten free, I’ve been disappointed by cauliflower crusts. One night I decided to make my own Polenta crust.
Start by making the polenta in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil on high heat. Next add the polenta, cook while stirring on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Then turn the heat down to a low simmer, add in olive oil, garlic, mozzarella continue cooking and occasionally stirring for 25 - 30 minutes. Then mix in the egg just before pouring the polenta into the largest size cast iron pan that has been oiled. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes until it is golden brown.
Then you can take it out, add all of your ingredients whatever you like on your pizza. We love pesto sauce with whatever we get from our garden or Farmer’s Market. This pairs well with Gluten Free beer in a growler from Bridge 99 Brewery. Recipe by Terie Sandusky
Nomadics Tipi Makers
Nomadics Tipi Makers, established in 1970 in Oregon, creates handcrafted Sioux-style tipis that support natural living, wellness, and connection to the earth. Their tipis offer a serene, non-toxic space ideal for meditation, retreats, and holistic lifestyles. Rooted in respect for Native traditions and the healing power of nature, each tipi blends ancestral design with modern comfort. Widely used in wellness retreats, eco-communities, and personal sanctuaries, Nomadics tipis encourage a return to simplicity, balance, and intentional living in harmony with the natural world.
Retail Therapy
Vortex Bowl
This is a special, limited edition OHM Store Tibetan Singing Bowl designed by Samantha Skelly founder of Pause Breathwork with the sound of the F note in the 3rd octave it opens your HEART CHAKRA & bings you into a state of pure joy & bliss. I was lucky to train in Tibetan Gong Baths with Suren Shrethsa who wrote this book, “How to heal with singing bowls” it comes with a cd of his singing bowl music. Ringing a singing bowl is cheaper than therapy and maybe more effective!
We asked our 6,800 Email Subscribers to rate their FAVE BRAS & these are the results. Third Love took the WIN for Comfort & being non-toxic, Bamboodies won for best Nursing Bra to wear when doing skin on skin. Use the QR codes to order your SUMMER BRA!
Third Love Bamboobies
BOODY
CRZ YOGA
PACT
Understanding Anxiety Supporting Children and Teens
Is your child or teen dealing with anxiety? Understanding more about how anxiety impacts our bodies and minds helps you be more supportive. Anxiety is an important response with the primary goal of preserving life, but human brains struggle to match the response to the situation. For instance, if a child is fearful of how they will do on a timed math test, their body produces a similar stress response to a perceived threat to their life: racing pulse, dilated eyes, increased breathing and redirecting of blood to the limbs. Results of a math test aren’t actually “life and death” our brains aren’t particularly good at distinguishing threats. The mental distress and physical sensations of anxiety can be unbearable, which leads us to want to avoid anxiety-provoking situations.
The primary way our brains learn to scale our anxious response is through gradually exposing ourselves to the things triggering the anxiety. When
we completely avoid a stressor, we reinforce how scary that stressor is. We are telling our brains “Good call, that thing was so scary you couldn’t have handled it!” Over time, avoidance grows fear.
As a pediatric behavioral health provider, I work to build self-regulating strategies to help children and teens bring their nervous system out of that hyper-alert state. Strategies we work on include deep breathing, checking in with the five primary senses and physical activity. We work on what I jokingly call boring self-care: the stuff with a big impact that isn’t very glamorous, such as getting a good night’s rest, eating a wide variety of foods, scaling back on caffeine or sugar, staying hydrated and being outside.
We develop a plan for how to help transition from avoidance to approach. For each person this plan looks different. It generally involves a stair-step progression starting with something only slightly
distressing. At this level they engage in the self-regulation tools to help their mind and body learn that they can deal with that stressor without it being a threat to their life. For the kiddo who is avoiding the timed math test, that could look like having them do untimed practice tests with notes, progressing to timed tests with an excessive amount of time and onwards to taking the timed math test as originally planned.
If your child or teen is dealing with anxiety, it is important to validate that the sensation is real. Their desire to avoid stress makes sense but might actually restrict their life in the long run. Consider encouraging them to talk with their primary care provider at their annual visit or find a behavioral or mental health provider to offer support.
Lindsey Overstreet, LCSW is a pediatric behavioral health provider at Mosaic Community Health. Patients and families can access care at Mosaic by calling 541-383-3005 or visiting:
Signs of Anxiety:
• Feeling as if their heart is racing
• Not wanting to go school, saying they’re sick everyday
• Physical sensations feeling too cold or hot, clenching jaw, headaches or nausea
• Trouble paying attention or sitting still
Tips For Anxiety:
• Make time for connection with your child Set aside one-on-one time without phones, TV or media. Eat meals together at a table, try gardening, crafting or go for a bike ride.
• Role Model coping mechanisms of how you handle stress. Teach your children your self care routines including deep breathing, yoga, walking or taking a bath to relax.
• Set family routines. Follow a regular schedule for playtime, mealtime, and bedtime. Knowing what to expect helps your child feel safe and secure.
• Use positive self-talk “I can try this” instead of “I can’t do this.”
9STAR KI is Japanese divination system based on nine year cycles of Ki or energy related to nature’s seasonal cycles that begin as a seed germinating to sprouting to grow, then bloom and produce fruit. Then there’s an Autumn harvest and the wood becomes fuel for the fire that returns life to the Earth. 9 Star Ki uses the 5 element system found in Feng Shui, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine. Energy flows as Water feeds Wood feeds Fire feeds Earth feeds Metal.
Look at the 9 Star Ki chart to get your element Star. Join my email list at kimimihealingarts.com to receive a free 9 Star Ki Reading so you can energetically align to manifest all that you desire.
Year of the SNAKE EARTH MOTHER
This year focuses on Motherhood, Fertility & the divine feminine. A good mother is selfish, when you fill your well by giving yourself what you need, then you can better serve your family. Get that Massage! Put your oxygen mask on first before taking care of others. This 2 element brings fertile energy, we’re already having a baby boom based on all my prenatal massage clients! Fertility brings creative energy to start something new.
2 Earth element is symbolized as a seed of potential underground that cracks open to begin to SPROUT, this is an exciting time to grow forth. If you think about a sprout’s journey, it is pushing upward towards the light. There’s a real struggle with heavy lifting to push upwards against the weight of the soil, the weight of the world resisting your upward moment. This year requires patience as there may be rocks you have to grow around, obstacles to overcome. Go easy on yourself if you’re not making as much progress in this slow growth cycle. A plant must sprout well to grow, bloom and produce. Sprouting forth is so vital for our future. Take time to nourish yourself, to heal and get self care. You may need more energetic boundaries, to say no to others so you can take care of your own needs. Don’t expect big results, be proud of yourself for getting out of bed each day to move the needle forward in small ways.
REIKI
Reiki for Abundance is a level 1 Class open to everybody. Overcome burnout when you align to a higher vibrational energy to become an energetic match to all that you desire. Heal your life & create everyday miracles when you receive a Reiki Attunement!
