Oregon Healthy Living | August 2020

AUGUST 2020 | VOL. 13 — ISSUE 8

Toss Out the Typical Salad

Experiment creatively

Childhood Vision

Common concerns and screenings

The Glow from Below Dermaplaning skin treatment

BRINGING HOME BABIES Fostering pets saves lives

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AUGUST 2020

on the COVER from the

Cameron Weiland, 12, holds a foster litter of kittens her family took in for C.A.T.S., a nonprofit in Medford. This was the Weiland family’s fifth time fostering kitttens. They co-fostered this litter for three months with Tara Roberge of Medford. Cameron’s mom, Laura, used social media to get all four kittens adopted, driving them to new homes in Portland and Eugene. “The love you pour into these babies is going to help make them amazing pets for their new families,” she says of the fostering experience.

EDITOR Usually August is our back-to-school issue. Like just about everything else, that’s been turned upside down in 2020. I want to give parents a word of encouragement. Last year, we electively chose to home school our middle school child. I was afraid we would struggle, overwhelmed by the options, unsure how to balance work and school at home.

Yes, the first months were a bit bumpy, but we soon hit our groove and found that there are enormous positive benefits. Of course, missing the activities and relationships of school is disappointing, but there are many creative ways to rise to the challenge. Stay healthy!

Photography by Denise Baratta. crose@rosebudmedia.com

CONTENT NATURAL

vol. 13 – issue 8

HEALTH

FOOD

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Vaccinate Time-tested Leave the Plant Medicine: Against Cancer: Lettuce: Uses for aloe vera

COVER STORY

HPV-related cancers avoidable

EDITOR — Cheryl P. Rose CEO & PUBLISHER — Steven Saslow

Try hearty summer salads

BEAUTY

PETS

12

Seeking Baby-Soft Foster Heroes: Helping a pet Skin?

Check out dermaplaning

in need

FITNESS

HEALTH

20

Classic Calisthenic:

3 styles of pushups

Eye Exams for Kids: Catch vision issues early

NATURAL

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Relief by Gentle Touch: Craniosacral therapy

DESIGN & PRODUCTION — Paul Bunch Amy Tse

oregonhealthyliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS — Micah Leigh Sarah Lemon Cheryl P. Rose Rebecca Scott Cindy Quick Wilson

oregonhealthyliving @oregonhealthyliving

Oregon Healthy Living Magazine is published by the Rosebud Media Advertising Department 111 N. Fir St., Medford, OR 97501. | General information: 541.776.4422 | Submissions and feedback: crose@rosebudmedia.com

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HEALTHY Sherm’s Food 4 Less offers a wonderful variety of organic produce from avocados to spinach, corn and berries, melons to mushrooms and pears and asparagus, to name just a few! You’ll also find a plentiful selection of organic spices from Simply Organic, Wild Harvest Organic, and Organic Morton and Bassett to enhance the flavor of every dish you prepare!

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GRILLED ROMAINE AND AVOCADO SOUTHWESTERN SALAD

INGREDIENTS: 1 teaspoon organic Garlic Powder 1 teaspoon organic Chili Powder 1 teaspoon organic Chipotle Pepper 1/2 teaspoon organic Cumin Seed Ground

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (or other high-heat oil) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon organic black pepper 1 cup halved organic grape tomatoes 1/2 cup grilled organic corn kernels

2 large heads organic romaine lettuce,

1/4 cup chopped organic red onion

halved lengthwise leaving stem intact

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 large firm organic avocado,

2 teaspoons lime juice

pitted and quartered

1 lime, quartered

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat outdoor grill or stove-top grill pan to high.

2. Lightly brush both sides of romaine and avocado slices with grapeseed oil.

3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, chili powder, chipotle, salt, cumin and black pepper.

4. Season romaine with half the spice mixture.

5. Place romaine and avocados flesh-side down on the grill for 2 to 3 minutes until char marks appear, keeping grill lid open. Flip and grill on the other side. Watch carefully for burning. Remove once sufficiently charred on all sides.

6. In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, corn, red onion, cilantro and lime juice.

7. Add remaining spice mixture to tomato-corn mixture and toss to combine.

8. On a platter, place grilled romaine and avocados, top with the fresh tomato-corn salsa and garnish with additional lime wedges.

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NATURAL ALTERNATIVES

Healing with

AloeVera STORY BY MICAH LEIGH

A

nyone who has experienced a sunburn is probably familiar with the soothing properties of aloe vera.

However, the benefits of aloe vera don’t stop there.

This easy-to-grow succulent is also a remedy for cuts, minor skin abrasions, canker sores and digestive issues.

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| AUGUST 2020

NATURAL

“Aloe vera has a long history of use for skin quality that predates Egyptian culture,” says Tyler Giles of Healthway Nutrition Center in Medford. “Just about all the hand sanitizers that we are using now include aloe vera. Since the main ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol, aloe vera is added to counteract the drying effects of the alcohol. Its only purpose in the sanitizer is to nourish and moisturize.”

Many cosmetics use aloe vera for its moisturizing, healing, soothing and rejuvenating properties. Made up mostly of water, the thick leaves hold a slimy gel chockfull of more than 200 nutrients. This combination of vitamins, enzymes and amino acids gives aloe its many benefits for skin care. A hydrating emollient, aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties create a protective barrier on the skin. Aloe also offers protection from free radical damage, soothes itchy skin and promotes healthy cell regeneration while nourishing the skin.

“Besides using aloe vera for skin care, my customers often get relief from acid reflux disease by taking aloe vera internally,” says Giles.

According to Healthline Resources, a 2015 study found that purified aloe vera juice effectively reduced the symptoms of acid reflux as well or better than certain traditional medication without any reported side effects.

“If taken internally, use high quality products only,” Giles says. “Do your homework before you purchase. Ask questions: where did it come from, who made this? Get it from a good source. Be sure to store it correctly. Refrigerate after opening.” He continued on page 6

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NATURAL continued from page 5

also noted that pure aloe vera juice is clear, without any added color.

Giles cautions against ingesting raw aloe in large quantities. “While there are no down sides to topical use, raw aloe taken internally can cause irritation,” he says. As with any supplement, people should check with their providers before taking. For example, people with diabetes and pregnant women should not drink aloe vera juice without consulting their providers.

What about the taste? Giles says if the taste is unpleasant, you can mix aloe vera with juice. “Some products are already sweetened,” he says. “You can also buy distilled aloe vera which takes out the taste. This product offers advantages because it is not watered down and is not sweetened.”

With thousands of years of human use, aloe vera is a classic healing plant. “Clinical trials are wonderful, but having this history is the next best thing,” Giles says. “We view that with great significance.” ■

“Aloe vera has a long history of use for skin quality that predates Egyptian culture.”

Tyler Giles HealthWay Nutrition Center, Medford

HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN ALOE VERA

Aloe is a plant species with thick, spiky leaves in the succulent family. Its fleshy leaves contain a gel-like substance known for healing properties. Aloe is often grown as an indoor plant in a sunny kitchen window where a piece can be broken off to quickly soothe a burn from a hot skillet. By growing your own aloe vera plant, you have immediate access to aloe gel for skin conditions.

However, don’t harvest the gel for internal use. Raw aloe can cause digestive irritation.

Potting: Aloe vera does best in loose, well-drained soil.

Watering: As with all succulents, aloe vera requires very little water. Soak the soil just before the leaves begin to shrivel, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Sunlight: Aloe plants need six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily but can tolerate some filtered sun or light shade at midday.

Temperature: As a tropical plant, aloe vera can survive outdoors in Oregon but will need protection from temperatures below 40 degrees. If grown in a container, bring the pot indoors in colder seasons. If grown in the ground, cover with a landscape blanket to protect it from light frosts.

Give your

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child a healthy start to their Smile!

HEALTH STORY BY CHERYL P. ROSE

H

uman papillomavirus (HPV) is sneaky. Once infected, a person can have the virus for years and not even know it. During that time, he or she can transmit the virus to others. We asked local experts to tell us what is important to know about this virus, whether you are 15 or 50 years old.

1. HPV causes multiple kinds of cancer

Over the last 20 years, researchers proved that certain types of HPV are associated with cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile, throat and other head and neck cancers. “We know that 99% of cervical cancer is caused

by HPV,” says Dr. Nancy Hagloch, an OB-GYN specialist with Providence OB-GYN Health Center in Medford.

“If you aren’t exposed to HPV, you can’t get cervical cancer.”

2. HPV causes genital warts

There are more than 100 types of HPV-related viruses and some cause genital warts. Dr. Donna Bradshaw, a pediatrician with Asante Physician Partners Family Medicine in Ashland, says that when she talks with patients and parents about HPV, the parents worry about the cancer risk, but tweens and teens react to the risk of genital warts.

3. HPV is hard to avoid

An estimated 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, with about 14 million new cases each year. “HPV is so common that 80% of adults will likely be exposed by age 50,” Hagloch says.

Neither age nor gender is a protection from HPV infection. “Some of most aggressive precancerous HPV infections have been in women who were married 20-30 years,” Hagloch says. “Then these women remarried, with no prior immunity, and became infected.”

4. There is no cure for HPV The body’s immune system can clear most varieties of HPV by itself. There are treatments for the health problems that an HPV infection can cause.

5. HPV passes through sexual contact The virus spreads through skinto-skin intimate contact, such as vaginal, oral or anal sex. For example, HPV is responsible for 70% of throat cancers, passed through oral sex. “You want to vaccinate before sexual debut,” Hagloch says. “That’s a medical decision, not an ethical one.”

6. HPV vaccinations prevent cancer Gardasil 9, the HPV vaccine currently used in the U.S., protects against nine HPV types that cause genital warts and cancer. “The Gardasil vaccine has been around for over a decade and tested even longer,” Bradshaw says. “There is a good cohort of people now who have had the vaccination without any difficulties.” For children 9-14 years old, the series requires two shots six months apart. For people ages 15-45, the series requires three shots at least six months apart.

7. Preteens’ immune systems are primed for HPV prevention

Bradshaw opens a conversation about HPV vaccination when children reach middle-school age. “The younger you are, the more robust your immune system is,” she says.

“As with all vaccines, you want to get the immunity protection before you’re exposed, so your immune system is activated before the body ever sees the virus or bacteria. We give the HPV vaccination at this age to have the best protection before becoming sexually active.”

8. Boys and men benefit from HPV vaccination

Men may not know they have HPV unless they develop a related issue. There are no FDA-approved tests to screen for HPV in men.

“Guys can have HPV and not get cancer, but they can spread it to their partners,” Bradshaw says.

And though men don’t get cervical cancer, they are five times more likely than women to get head and neck cancers.

9. Even if you’re older and have been sexually active, you can get the vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the HPV vaccination up to age 45. Hagloch

says the immune system response may not be as strong the older you are, but it’s still better than no protection. Bradshaw adds that the vaccination can also still help people who have already had sex, because they may not have HPV yet or one of the nine strains of HPV covered by the vaccination.

10. A vaccination to prevent cancer is amazing Hagloch and Bradshaw are both thrilled to have an option to prevent cancer. “To have a vaccine that prevents cancer is an amazing thing,” Hagloch says. “I couldn’t talk about it without getting chills for the first five years the vaccine was available. I feel so fortunate to be in a generation to have it.

It impacts my daily life because as an OB-GYN, one of the worst things I have to do is treat women for precancerous changes on their cervixes due to HPV. The necessary procedure is the most painful thing I do to an awake patient other than delivering a baby. If we can reduce the number of women who need these procedures and potentially hysterectomies and cancer, I am passionate about encouraging vaccination.” ■

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FOOD

e ensational S

a a S alads for Summer

Look beyond leafy greens for dishes packed with color, flavor STORY BY SARAH LEMON

C

RECIPES BY JEFF HAUPTMAN

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL FELDMAN

ool, crisp and refreshing, sweetened with fresh fruit and seasoned with global flair — these are summer’s hottest salads.

Truly satisfying salads that speak to the season call for much more than a bowl of greens tossed with sliced tomato and cucumber. Even the stereotypical salad bowl impedes diners’ enjoyment, says Applegate chef Emily Moore.

“The absolute main thing in my mind,” says Moore, “is to separate the green, leafy part from the heavier vegetables. That’s a composed salad.”

Composing a salad on a platter, says Moore, not only plays up presentation but properly distributes components. No matter the ingredients in a salad, heavy items always will fall to the bottom of a salad bowl, causing diners to hunt and peck for all the tasty bits hidden under the mound of greens, she explains. Layering dressed salad on a platter also facilitates topping it with grilled meats and other proteins, adds Moore.

Meats can be incorporated into salads in some unexpected ways. Moore saves juices from roasted meats and whisks them into homemade dressings. The juices can replace continued after recipe on page 9

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FOOD GREEN BEAN, CHICKPEA AND ALMOND SALAD WITH TAHINI-GINGER DRESSING I N G R E D I E N T S 1 1/2 pounds green beans with stem ends trimmed and beans cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup raw tahini Zest of 1 lemon Juice of 2 lemons 2 tablespoons tamari 1 tablespoon (or more) fresh ginger, peeled and finely minced 2 scallions, trimmed and finely chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced • Sea salt and pepper, to taste 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, preferably freshly cooked and drained (canned are OK) 1/2 cup (or more) almonds, toasted and sliced 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley and/or basil, chopped

D I R E C T I O N S

Steam the green beans for 6-8 minutes until they are tender but still crisp and bright green. Rinse under cold water to cool.

To make the salad dressing, combine the tahini, lemon zest and juice, tamari, ginger, scallions and garlic with 1/4 cup water in a blender; blend until smooth. If dressing seems too thick, add water sparingly, up to another 1/4 cup to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

Combine cooked green beans with the chickpeas in a large bowl. Add only enough dressing to lightly coat; toss. Top with the toasted almonds and fresh parsley or basil. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper. continued on page 10

R E C I P E

S E R V I N G S 4-6

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HEALTH FOOD

Chef Jeff Hauptman of Ashland takes a whole foods approach with an emphasis on plant-based cuisine. continued from page 9

some of a standard vinaigrette’s acid and oil, usually mixed in a ratio of 1 part to 3 parts. A dollop of Dijon or stone-ground mustard binds the acid and oil together.

“It’s just sensational,” says Moore, who owns and operates Emily’s Kitchen.

Sensational salads can be achieved without a single leaf in sight. Green beans peak in summer and, once blanched, can be tossed with ripe peaches or heirloom tomatoes, blue or feta cheese and sprinkled with toasted nuts or seeds.

“I lean on the seeds; I lean on the nuts,” says Ashland chef Jeff Hauptman.

In addition to choosing wholesome fats to make filling main-dish salads, Hauptman adds legumes, rather than grain-based ingredients.

His green beans and chickpeas salad gets a flavor boost from a home-

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made dressing of sesame paste, also known as tahini, enhanced with fresh ginger and tamari sauce.

Asian cuisine inspires Hauptman’s grated vegetable salad tossed in a creamy dressing seasoned with umeboshi plum vinegar. Shredded cabbage and kale form the backdrop for carrot, celery root, jicama and daikon radish, plus softened strips of arame seaweed. Cooks looking to introduce a wider variety of hearty vegetables into their diets, he says, can bypass greens and get busy slicing and dicing whatever’s freshest in the produce section and at farmers markets.

“It goes back to eating the rainbow,” he says.

Paling in comparison, as most chefs and diners acknowledge, is iceberg lettuce. Common decades ago in American homes, it’s often seen in lower-quality salad mixes

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and casual eateries, exempting the retro trend of conveying bacon and blue cheese on a wedge of iceberg.

Hoping that iceberg is on its way out, Moore likens it to “eating solid water.” Anyone craving the crunch of iceberg, she says, can glean more nutritional value from cabbage and sliced red onion, sprinkled with salt and left to mellow for an hour.

Salting also helps to break down coarse kale leaves that can be “massaged” into a velvety texture with a little olive oil, says Moore. Keep in mind that rubbing oiled, salted kale between your fingertips will reduce its volume and total quantity slightly. Or skip the massage, says Moore, and slide a pan of lightly oiled and salted kale leaves into the oven and bake for crunchy kale chips that can replace less wholesome croutons on salad.

Kale’s mild bitterness is just one

example in a genre of greens worth exploring for reasons of health and heightening interest in salads season in and season out. Chicories, also known as bitter greens, are often favored in winter, when digestion is sluggish from richer foods served around the holidays.

“The bitter components create bile, and bile aids in digestion,” says Hauptman.

Even in summer, cooks can shake up their salad greens routine with endive, frisee, escarole and radicchio. Take the chicories’ edge off with a liberal dose of fresh herbs, says Hauptman. Beyond basil, parsley and cilantro, reach for dill and tarragon, he says, then drizzle with nut oil.

“Of course, there are no rules.” continued on page 11

FOOD

Grated Land & Sea VEGETABLE SALAD WITH CREAMY UMEBOSHI PLUM DRESSING

I N G R E D I E N T S

R E C I P E

4 cups shredded cabbage (mixed green and red) 1/2 bunch kale, washed, dried and cut into ribbons 1 large carrot, peeled and grated 1 small celery root, peeled and grated 1/2 cup jicama, peeled and grated 1/4 cup Daikon radish, peeled and grated 1/4 cup arame seaweed, softened and drained according to package directions 1 cup mayonnaise or Vegenaise 4 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons umeboshi plum vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil • Sea salt and pepper, to taste 1/4-1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup (or more) pumpkin seeds, toasted (optional)

D I R E C T I O N S Toss all the salad vegetables and arame seaweed in a large bowl.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegars and sesame oil.

Adjust seasonings with the salt and pepper. Add only enough dressing to vegetables to lightly coat; toss. Top with the cilantro and toasted pumpkin seeds.

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BEAUTY

AGlowing Complexion

Under the Surface Dermaplaning exfoliates to a new level STORY BY MICAH LEIGH

T

he benefits of skin exfoliation have been touted for years, but now dermaplaning takes it to a whole new level—literally.

“Dermaplaning is the physical exfoliation treatment that removes dead skin cells on the epidermis by scraping the skin with a surgical blade,” says Jessica Dunn-Schubert, medical assistant and esthetician at Illume Aesthetics in Ashland. “It exfoliates the first layer of skin and takes off the vellus hair, also known as peach fuzz. This paves the way for better product retention and makeup application.”

Heather Wolf, esthetician at King Aesthetics in Medford, says that dermaplaning should only be done by a licensed esthetician who is trained to use a scalpel. “Holding the skin tight and scraping off the top layer of dead skin reveals brighter looking skin, reduces minor scarring and creates a new

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smooth, soft surface.”

Wolf says the entire procedure is painless and usually takes between 30-45 minutes depending on age and skin elasticity.

“We scrape the face and go down the neck for a smooth transition,” she says. “This is a lunchtime procedure. The skin may be slightly pink, but there is no downtime. You will be instructed in at-home skin care and should wear sunscreen SPF 30 after the procedure, but you should be using that everyday anyway.”

Dermaplaning preps the skin to receive other treatments that will now absorb better, says DunnSchubert. “It creates an opportucontinued on page 13

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BEAUTY nity to further feed the skin with hydrating products, anti-aging products, pore cleansing and other skin services. Makeup will now go on the skin and is not sticking to hair. It’s so beautiful! I love to do this for brides, anniversary celebrations, any event that will be caught on camera. You look fabulous with healthy glowing skin.”

Wolf agrees, commenting that removing that dull, top layer of skin is very satisfying. “People say they had no idea it was there,” she says.

However, Wolf cautions against

home jobs. “Some people think they can do this at home by simply shaving their face,” she says. “A razor is not as sharp as a scalpel. The scalpel removes more dead skin and hair than a razor.

This is not a DIY treatment. Always leave it to a professional.”

Dunn-Schubert agrees, emphasizing that customers should research and ask questions before committing to treatment. “Be sure you are working with a safe, trained professional,” she says. “I can’t stress enough that you should be in the

right facility.”

Also, not everyone is a candidate for receiving dermaplaning, DunnSchubert notes. “Start with a consultation,” she says. “This is not for dark or thick, whisker-like hair; only for the softies, the peach fuzzies.”

Those with broken skin, pimples, acne or other inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, should avoid dermaplaning.

Wolf says the No. 1 question she hears is asking if the removed hair will come back darker and thicker.

“That is the major concern, and

the answer is no,” she says. “It will come back the same as before.”

To maintain the glow after the initial treatment, plan on follow up service about once a month. For those with sensitive skin, once a season may be enough.

“Appropriate skin care is a must,” says Dunn-Schubert.

“Always use sunscreen and hydrating lotion. With proper care and dermaplaning, you will have a beautiful outcome.” continued on page 14

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Questions to ask when choosing an esthetician: • Is this a licensed, regulated facility?

• How long has the esthetician been doing dermaplaning? (Only advanced estheticians are allowed to do dermaplaning.)

• Are you a candidate? Make sure the facility offers a consultation to determine if this is right for your skin type. There are alternative treatments if you are not a candidate.

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BEAUTY continued from page 13

PROS AND CONS OF DERMAPLANING

Pros

Cons

• Dermaplaning can reduce the appearance of fine lines, even skin tone and assist with the reduction of milia, blackheads, whiteheads and congestion associated with breakouts.

• It stimulates cellular turnover with little to no downtime.

• It can significantly help lighten post-inflammatory scars from past acne.

• It allows for better product penetration and makeup application.

• Dermaplaning may be more expensive than some other hair removal treatments.

• The results may not be as long-lasting as other hair removal methods, such as waxing, because the hair is not removed at the root.

• Results will differ depending on a person’s individual hair-growth cycle. ■

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PETS

STORY BY CINDY QUICK WILSON

Saving Lives Through

Pet Fostering

Fostering can make the difference between a forever home and euthanasia

H

ow many lives can pet fostering save? “I don’t have an exact number, but I can tell you that almost all of the pets we are able to put in foster care are saved from euthanasia,” says Michelle Fox, foster program coordinator with Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS), a nonprofit organization that supports the Jackson County Animal Shelter.

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PETS

continued from page 15

“We foster animals for a variety of reasons,” says Fox, who has fulfilled many roles at the shelter, including that of foster parent. “Some of the animals we take in need extra time to mature, extra medical care or just don’t adjust well to shelter life.”

Overcrowded shelters don’t always have the additional time and resources some animals need to improve their adoptability. Foster parents, Fox explains, can provide temporary homes for these special needs animals and greatly improve the pets’ chances for finding a forever home.

Feline foster care The shelter places an adult cat into a foster home when the animal has a medical condition or is extremely scared or stressed in the shelter environment, Fox says. These are the easiest to foster, so FOTAS generally has around 145 volunteer homes for cats. But the majority of fostering involves kittens.

“Up until 8 weeks of age, young kittens can’t thrive in a shelter environment,” she says. “Their immune systems are undeveloped, and they are very vulnerable to what they might be exposed to. We like to foster kittens to around 8 weeks old or until they weigh 2 pounds. At that point they can be spayed or neutered and be eligible for adoption.

The neonatal babies, newborns to 4 weeks old, require round-the-clock

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care, which includes bottle feeding.”

Volunteer foster mom Kristen Haffner says she has fostered animals since she was a child. Her first experience involved raccoon babies. “The neighbor’s dog injured the mama, and we fostered the babies until we could get them to a wildlife center.” The Grants Pass resident now fosters exclusively for the Rogue Valley Humane Society.

“The staff is amazing,” Haffner says, “and their support is incredible. We are provided with everything. You just need to provide the space and the time.”

As one of 40 volunteers who are specially trained to nurture young and neonatal kittens, these tiny ones are Haffner’s specialty. “We have had up to eight, which is a lot of work, especially if they are very young and need to be fed around the clock,” she says. “But we usually have between two and four babies at a time.”

At 5-6 weeks-old, Haffner starts posting pictures to social media, so a lot of her kittens are pre-adopted.

She will bring her kittens to the shelter for people to meet. “Even if they are not pre-adopted, once they are ready to go, they usually don’t last more than a week or two before they get homes. So far, we have fostered 49 kittens all the way to their forever homes.”

Even after all these years, Haffner admits, “I find fostering to be incredibly rewarding. Sometimes it’s sad,

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Cameron Weiland of Medford feeds a 4-week-old foster kitten for C.A.T.S. (Committed Alliance to Strays), a nonprofit in Medford. Photo by Denise Baratta.

“Foster parents make a great contribution to saving the lives of these homeless pets.”

Michelle Fox Foster program coordinator with FOTAS

continued on page 17

PETS because you do get attached after watching them grow and develop personalities, but it’s also wonderful seeing them go to their forever families. The shelter is incredible at finding the right home for the right kitty, so that makes it easier to give them up.”

Canine foster care FOTAS fostered 48 puppies last year, though Fox says they come in sporadically since there isn’t a season for them like there is with cats. When they do arrive, they are often with a nursing mom, so they go into foster care together until the pups can be weaned and placed.

For adult dogs, Fox explains, foster care might involve a medical issue that needs attention or behavioral issues caused from the stress of being in a shelter environment.

“Every animal reacts individually to finding itself in a shelter,” she notes. “Some settle in when they realize they are going to be fed routinely, and they become more used to the atmosphere, while others, if they aren’t adopted within two or three weeks, can become either lethargic or hyperactive. These dogs can even bite someone, not because they are aggressive, but because they get so stressed out, they just don’t know what to do with that level of fear and uncertainty. Those extreme behaviors make them less appealing to prospective adoptive parents, even though they don’t always represent who that dog really is. When we can place that dog in

a foster situation, the dog can relax and become more calm, loving and playful again.”

Currently, FOTAS has 40 dog foster volunteers who keep their charges between three and six weeks on average. But, Fox says, that all depends on both physical and mental health issues and how quickly they resolve.

“I find fostering to be incredibly rewarding.”

- Kristen Haffner, Grants Pass

Foster parent responsibilities The expectation is that foster parents will spend time with the animal and get to know its personality, because that information is important when it comes to making a good match with adoptive parents.

“I want to provide as much information to prospective adoptive parents as possible,” Fox says. “I want to know everything about this animal: its quirks, fears and energy levels, what it likes or doesn’t like. Does it get along with other continued on page 18

HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER AS A FOSTER PET PARENT Shelters desperately need foster volunteers. If you’re interested in fostering through Jackson County Friends of the Animal Shelter, Michelle Fox, foster program coordinator with FOTAS, encourages people to apply online at www.fotas.org/volunteer/about-fostering.

Volunteers get to choose what type of animal they might be interested in fostering: cats, kittens, dogs or puppies.

There is an interview after the application to discuss home situation, previous experience with animals and comfort level with caring for ill or young babies. FOTAS provides support, by phone and in person, and provides many of the supplies, so the financial burden is not placed on the foster parent.

A foster parent feeds Kourtney Klawdashian, who was rescued from a storm drain and brought to Rogue Valley Humane Society.

Rogue Valley Humane Society in Grants Pass is always in need of foster volunteers, especially throughout the busy spring and summer seasons.

Apply online at roguevalleyhumanesociety.org/volunteers/become-foster-parent.

AUGUST 2020 | learn more online at OregonHealthyLiving.com

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PETS

continued from page 17

ANIMALS THAT NEED A FOSTER HOME

Photo by Denise Baratta. continued from page 17

animals, is it housebroken, how is it with children?”

Ideally, the foster situation will provide opportunities for socialization, says Fox. “There may also be special situations where the dog has been mistreated or handled roughly in some way, and we work with the foster parents to overcome these conditions. With kittens, we want them to get used to being handled.”

The shelter provides veterinary needs like spaying and neutering, vaccinations and medications. Foster pet parents may need to provide basic, supervised medical treatment, but, Fox says, “We stay in close contact with fosters who are dealing with any medical issues and provide the additional vet visits as needed.

The technicians at the shelter administer medications, de-worming

and vaccinations. Injuries and advanced illnesses are always handled by the vets.”

Fox adds, “We keep close track of all our fosters on a daily basis, which animals they have and what the situation is. We provide manuals and guidelines and have mentors who help with support and follow-up needs for health or training issues. Our volunteer organization provides many of the necessary supplies, so the financial burden is not placed on the foster parent.”

Foster volunteers really are saving lives, says Fox. “With their help, these animals are cared for in home environments and nursed back to physical or mental health.

If that were not to happen, these animals would probably have to be euthanized.”

According Michelle Fox, foster program coordinator with FOTAS, the nonprofit fostered 52 dogs, 48 puppies, 38 cats and 441 kittens in 2019 alone. While the goal is to find homes for every pet the shelter takes in, the reality is that some wild cats, terminally ill or severely injured animals, and those that are a danger to people cannot always be saved. In these instances, the shelter provides humane euthanasia ■.

Rogue Valley Humane found a foster for Bella before she was adopted.

Raisin and Ginger came to the Rogue Valley Humane Society in May and required a foster family.

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Keeping patients safe at home is always the goal, but doing so in the face of a pandemic requires some additional layers of care. To that end, the agency has strict protocols for home health care including daily clinician health assessments, proper protective equipment, and patient symptom screening. In addition, AccentCare Asante offers telehealth options for fewer in-person visits, thereby reducing contact while maintaining quality of care. Patients may have the option of virtual visits, using a smart device such as a cell phone, tablet, or computer, as well as the use of telemonitoring devices to remotely report biometric data, such as blood pressure and oxygen levels, on a near real-time basis to enable timely action to address changes in condition.

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FITNESS

Be Stronger Than Your Excuses

Pushup variations build upper body strength

W

STORY BY CHERYL P. ROSE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENISE BARATTA

hen we say the pushup is a classic exercise, we mean it literally. Based on drawings from the classical era, the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (who came to power in A.D. 306) did pushups to stay in shape. The pushup remains a fitness staple because it engages the body from top to bottom, working several muscle groups at once: the arms, chest, abdomen, hips and legs.

Ben Taucher, the club manager of Anytime Fitness in Central Point, offers these suggestions and tips to experiment with variations on the original form. If you’re just starting or need to modify these pushups, rest your knees on the floor instead of balancing on your toes. Beginners should aim for 10 pushups at once, while people with more advanced skills should try to do 10 of each move.

Classic Pushup This one movement is a fitness staple because it does so much at once, according to Taucher. It engages your chest (pectorals), triceps, shoulders (deltoids), wings (serratus anterior) and abdominals. In this form, you lift about 70% of your own bodyweight.

How to do it: Assume a plank position on all fours, facing the floor with your feet close together and your hands under your shoulders.

Lower your chest close to the floor without touching, then press back up.

FORM TIP: Your torso should be in a straight line with your legs. In the down position, your upper arms should make a 45° angle with your torso.

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FITNESS Tap Pushup Taucher says this style will not only get your heart rate up, but will add a level of stability that targets your abs.

How to do it: Assume the classic pushup pose, but with feet spaced 12 inches apart. Lift one hand off the ground and tap your opposite shoulder. Then lower your chest as you return that hand to the floor. Repeat with the opposite hand.

FORM TIP: Stay in control the whole time, and do not rotate your body to the side when balanced in tripod position.

continued on page 22

AUGUST 2020 | learn more online at OregonHealthyLiving.com

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FITNESS continued from page 21

Triceps Pushup This variation targets the triceps, which are the largest muscle group in the arms, running from the elbow to the shoulder. The triceps contribute to shoulder stability and upper arm strength.

How to do it: Assume the classic pushup pose but move your hands closer together. A good distance is to create a “football field goal” with your fingers pointing up and your thumbs touching each other. ■

FORM TIP: As you lower yourself to the floor, keep your elbows locked tight to your sides.

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HEALTH

The Eyes

of a Child What parents need to know about pediatric vision care STORY BY REBECCA SCOTT

As

children grow and develop, so do their eyes. School work often demands a lot of visual involvement, such as reading or writing. However, even outdoor physical activities — including team sports — require good vision. If a child has vision problems, he or she may have trouble concentrating, feel tired or have other issues, according to local vision experts. That is why consistent vision screening is an important part of your child’s overall health.

AUGUST 2020 | learn more online at OregonHealthyLiving.com

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HEALTH

continued from page 23

NO SCHOOL, NO SCREENINGS For many children, the school eye test is a safety net for finding vision issues.

Without in-person school, parents should be vigilant about visiting the pediatrician for well child checks.

Bringin

S

Regular vision screenings A child should get routine vision screenings every year, during which the pediatrician examines their visual acuity and eye health, says Dr. Mary Murdoch with Southern Oregon Pediatrics in Medford. “Before age two, screenings are frequent, and after 18 months, well care visits and vision checks happen yearly,” she explains.

A pediatrician will examine a child within their first two days of life, says Dr. Tina Rutar, an ophthalmologist with the Cataract & Laser Institute in Medford. She explains that among other things, pediatricians perform the red reflex test, which screens for abnormalities of the back of the eye. When a child is 6-12 months old, she says pediatricians check eye alignment, and between ages 1-3, they do an instrument-based vision screening test that alerts the doctor to any problems. “After age four, pediatricians use a vision screening device or have the child read pictures or letters one eye at a time. These are also supplemented in preschool or elementary school with kids reading an eye chart.”

However, Rutar says issues arise when a child does not see their pediatrician on a regular basis because problems can slip through the cracks. “If your pediatrician detects any issues during a regular screening, they will refer you to an optometrist for a full eye exam,” she adds. continued on page 25

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Photo provided by Cataract & Laser Institute.

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HEALTH Testing devices and guidelines Murdoch says that in her office, they do an eye exam and screen for acuity problems and eye disease during every well care visit from delivery through the teen years.

She explains they use an instrument-based vision screening device that is especially helpful in identifying eye problems in preverbal children. “It’s a handheld device that looks like an old fashioned Polaroid camera. It takes a photo of the eyes and gives us an electronic assessment. We use this until the child is old enough to verbally participate and can tell us what they see,” she says. However, she notes that the letter chart remains a reliable test and an important tool in identifying vision issues. “It’s still used in many medical offices and schools today. But regardless of the screening method, it’s important to catch vision problems early.”

continued on page 26

Dr. Tina Rutar of Cataract & Laser Institute in Medford examines a patient using a wireless indirect ophthalmoscope.

Photo provided by Cataract & Laser Institute.

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HEALTH

continued from page 25

Potential vision problems The most common vision issues in children are misalignment of the eyes and amblyopia — where the brain fails to process input from one eye and over time favors the other eye.

“If a child’s eyes have an unequal prescription, or the eyes are misaligned, the brain shuts off development of the eye that isn’t straight. This category of issues can be treated with glasses that bring the eyes into focus, or if the prescription is unequal, use eye drops in the better eye to force the brain to use the poorly seeing eye,” Rutar explains. And while these vision issues tend to run in families, she notes they are not directly inherited from parent to child.

Additionally, Rutar explains that most children are farsighted. A small amount of farsightedness is normal and happens in almost all young children. However, this doesn’t affect their vision because they can focus despite it, she says. “However, nearsightedness

in young kids is uncommon. It tells us they might have other issues or an eye disease, so they should get a complete eye exam right away.”

Visual development is also time sensitive, according to Rutar. “You need to learn how to see appropriately while the visual system is still developing. You don’t want the development window to close, because then it may be too late to intervene,” she explains. Additionally, she says that when children wear glasses or use contact lenses to correct blurry vision, that doesn’t fix the underlying problem of the eyes being out of focus. “For kids, glasses are a medical treatment, so the brain can learn what normal vision is.”

Continue with routine screenings Murdoch and Rutar agree that regular vision screenings are vitally important for children. “Take your child in for their well care visits, and don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with your doctor,” says Murdoch. ■

SIGNS OF POSSIBLE VISION ISSUES Parents should remain vigilant for signs of vision problems, especially in children who aren’t talking yet, according to Rutar and Murdoch. Watch for these red flags: • Squinting or tilting of the head to look at something.

• Chronically red eyes.

• A baby who cannot track his or her parents’ faces by the age of 2 months.

• Eyes that are not straight by 6 months, such as crossed or wandering eyes.

• Rapid, jiggling eye movement after 2 months old.

“You need to learn how to see appropriately while the visual system is still developing. You don’t want the development window to close, because then it may be too late to intervene,”

Dr. Tina Rutar Cataract & Laser Institute, Medford.

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AUGUST 2020 | learn more online at OregonHealthyLiving.com

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oregonhealthyliving.com

Oregon Healthy Living inspires a healthier Rogue Valley community by providing quality whole-life wellness advice, insight and education for people who want to live life to the fullest.

Health isn’t a fad in Southern Oregon; it’s a way of life, with deep roots and broad reach.

In 12 issues a year, topics range from physical health, nutrition and fitness to alternative health practices, mental health and even caring for our pets.

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NATURAL ALTERNATIVES

T h g r n i o l u a g e

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GentleTouch Craniosacral therapy relaxes body and mind STORY BY MICAH LEIGH

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raniosacral therapy (CST) is a type of bodywork reputed to relieve compression in the head, neck and back. By applying gentle pressure to the bones in the skull, spine and pelvis, a certified therapist may be able to relieve pain and release physical as well as emotional stress.

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NATURAL

Photo by Joshua Sage David Kaminker is a licensed acupuncturist and certified holistic health practitioner offering craniosacral therapy in Ashland.

“When clients come in, we discuss any injuries, physical and/or emotional traumas that are causing stress in order to get a picture of their general health,” says Kaminker. “They may be experiencing physical symptoms, such as headaches, sciatica, anxiety, insomnia. Craniosacral therapy is also good for PTSD, back pain and TMJ. Physical injuries could be from something like a car accident, or from emotional trauma that gets stored in the body.”

At Harmony Resounds Wellness Studio in Medford, Leslie “Harmony” Seckelman treats people seeking craniosacral therapy for tension, depression, ringing in the ears and other conditions. Certified in CST since 2017, Seckelman says craniosacral therapy can assist in healing and often alleviates the symptoms.

“The applied pressure is equal to the weight of a nickel,” she says. “Therapists are trained to be perceptive

“We work to harness the body’s innate intelligence and trust in its ability to heal. The gentle touch sends subtle reminders about what and how to heal.”

- David Kaminker,

Lac, certified holistic health practitioner, Ashland through our hands. We work into the bones, membranes and fascia to heal the body. We want to go to the root of the issue and bring the body back to a more harmonious, continued on page 30

David Kaminker performs gentle CST on a tiny patient.

Photo by Hugh Milne

AUGUST 2020 | learn more online at OregonHealthyLiving.com

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continued from page 29

balanced state.”

The CST process is simple and relaxing. The client lies on a massage table and as the treatment begins, will enter a dreamlike, meditative state.

“The client lies down, and I apply extremely gentle pressure to the facial bones and cranial bones,” says Kaminker. “I work down to the abdomen, the visceral organs and to the extremities, working into some connective tissue as well as the cranial and spinal nerves. The gentleness of the touch creates a sense of safety that permeates the subconscious mind. We work to harness the body’s innate intelligence and trust in its ability to heal. The gentle touch sends subtle reminders about what and how to heal. It helps the body remember how to do its job.”

Seckelman has seen CST make a nearly immediate difference. “I can see the stress in the faces of my clients when they come in, but after a one-hour session, I often see dramatic results,” she says. “It’s incredible what is possible. We don’t have to go through life in crazy states of anxiety. Depending on the issue, I encourage people to come back for continued on page 31

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NATURAL

NATURAL

Harmony Seckelman of Harmony Resounds Wellness in Medford uses CST to help patients relax and overcome pain and trauma.

HEALING EMOTIONAL TRAUMA

CST providers Harmony Seckelman and David Kaminker both find that people often come in for a physical ailment and end up talking about an emotional issue.

“Emotional thoughts that have been trapped can be released during a session,” says Seckelman.

“Often the client is shocked when those emotions are released.”

We work into the bones, membranes and fascia to heal the body. We want to go to the root of the issue and bring the body back to a more harmonious, balanced state.”

- Harmony Seckelman, Harmony Resounds Wellness Studio, Medford

a few more sessions. That way, the body and mind learn to relate to ease instead of stress.”

Seckelman says CST has the potential to affect all systems of the body, and specifically, the nervous system.

She explained that John Upledger, who developed CST, has found based on clinical observations over 15 years that this therapy can assist with the following: arthritis, headaches, spinal dysfunctions, TMJ, traumatic spinal cord or brain injuries, and postoperative rehabilitation.

“It can also assist with brain dysfunctions, including autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, motor system issues, endocrine disorders, central nervous system issues as well as many other things,” Seckelman reports. “CST is for everyone with a body.”

Kaminker sees people of all ages from newborn on up for CST. “Babies respond very well,” he says.

“Sleep issues, digestive problems, traumatic birth conditions and fussiness can all be improved with craniosacral therapy.”

Seckelman says she became interested in CST after her sister was healed of back pain that started during pregnancy.

“My sister was barely able to walk after having her third child. She was in excruciating pain. She tried chiropractic care and physical therapy but found no relief. After several months of this, she started seeing a CST therapist. After three months of once-a-week visits, her pain greatly diminished. After six months, she was functioning again, and after a year, she was able to wear high heels and go out dancing.

That’s when I decided to become a CST therapist.” ■

Kaminker says that memories from childhood often come up.

“Sometimes the client ends up talking as the body lets go of feelings,” he says. “We will only address whatever someone is ready to address and when they feel safe to look at it. We proceed at their individual pace, tolerance and comfort level. Sometimes, one session is all they need. Some say that it is the equivalent of 10 years of psychotherapy.”

AUGUST 2020 | learn more online at OregonHealthyLiving.com

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MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY

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Learn more about us, today.

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Pictured above (L-R): Providence Master Surgeons in Robotic Surgery Andrew Galffy, M.D., gynecology; Kadi Ann Bryan, M.D., and Patrick Davol, M.D., urology; Marjorie Nicole Brooks, D.O., and Timothy Hutchings, D.O., urogynecology; and Mark Mason, M.D., general and colorectal surgery.

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