Lane County MOM | Oct / Nov 2022

real local moms

since 2005

Lane County | Oct / Nov 2022

COVER MOM

COOKING

TALKING WITH KIDS

SHALENA CARDINAUX

FROM THE PANTRY

ABOUT CANCER

GIVE YOUR CAREGIVERS MORE THAN JUST A RAISE,

Give them a career! " KIDS NW is thorough, patient, and highly dedicated to help those they support - staff included " KIDS NW has proudly served the I/DD community in greater Oregon since 2019.

We specialize in providing high quality, reliable supports to the families we serve.

Our caregivers receive professional level, advanced skills training, backed by our highly qualified behavioral support team.

To start services with KIDS NW visit: www.kidsnw.org/families

ADVANCED CAREGIVERS $22-$24 per hour DOE Career Advancement Opportunities Paid Training Medical Dental, Vision Paid Time Off Paid working Holidays Overtime Available Advanced Skills Training 401k Matching Incredible Company Culture

www.kidsnw.org Different on purpose

1-888-360-0360 922 NW CIRCLE BLVD, STE 160-112 CORVALLIS, OREGON 97330 WWW.KIDSNW.ORG

It’s what‘s

inside that counts

Talking with kids about cancer 20

Prep your pantry for the season 25

Meet the MOM experts ... 4 They know what they’re

Cover MOM: Shalena Cardinaux .........10

Prep your pantry for the season...................25

talking about.

This mom gets real.

Future you will thank past you.

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

Vacation MOM.................18

A message from MOM

Adventures in Costa Rica

Cooking from the pantry...........................28

Talking with kids about cancer ....................20

Cooking from the pantry

28

We’re in the mood to save on food.

Guidance for tough conversations

More ways to love your MOM mommag.com facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.

Cover MOM

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Photos by Fremouw Photography

Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business?

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

experts moremeet thanthe pregnancy care

e

[They know what they’re talking about]

CARE—CONTRACEPTION, WELL WOMEN CARE, N SERVICES AND GYNECOLOGICAL PROBLEM VISITS.

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Healthy MOM

Pets

Smile

with Kanya DelPozzo, MSN, CNM, IBCLC KANYA DELPOZZO, MSN, CNM, IBCLCwith Dr. Erin Estep, nurse midwife, pediatric dentist, page 6 DOWNING-MOORE, MSN, CNM EMILY

page 7 Kanya ANNE Delpozzo, Emily Downing-Moore, ZIEMBA, MSN, CNM MSN, CNM, IBCLC MSN, CNM ANNIE SNYDER, DNP, CNM DANA CUMMINGS, MSN, CNM

Dana Cummings, MSN, CNM

with Dr. Emily Kalenius, veterinarian, page 22

Vacation MOM

Focus on MOM

Say Cheese

with Donnita Bassinger, travel agent, page 18

with Dr. David Hackett, pediatric optometrist, page 8

with Dr. Brad Chvatal, orthodontist, page 26

Beyond the Bin

Nurture

with WasteWise Lane County in collaboration with OSU Extension Service, page 17

with Emily Little, perinatal health researcher, page 30

Support for Families with Mandy Martin, behavior specialist, page 24

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Because I said so!

Published by GO Creative, LLC 263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

This is 50 Tell me again why I thought 50 was so old?

Oh that’s right: Rose, Dorothy and Blanche on The Golden Girls were in their 50s.

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250

Funny thing: I keep resetting my interpretation of aging at each decade, because I remember thinking how old 30 and then 40 sounded. But here I am, at half of a century, and it doesn’t feel that old at all.

Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036

This year, my birthday collided with the first day back to school. I volleyed between constantly checking the time — did I have the kids’ schedules right? — to enjoying a house so quiet I could hear the dog snore.

While out running errands, I decided to treat myself to a car wash. I’ve always loved automatic car washes. When those big roller brushes pirouette around my car, and the lazy fettuccine noodles drag over the hood, it puts me in a meditative state.

Designer Sean Carver s.carver@oregonwebpress.com

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2022 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.

As I sat mesmerized by the water droplets making my windshield look like I’m traveling at warp speed, I thought, should I have planned something more exciting for my birthday? The big ones bring a certain amount of pressure to do something big.

But then I quickly remembered how much effort and expense it is to fete myself, especially in a busy back-to-school time and geez, in this economy. Plus, I’m better at planning things for other people.

A few days later, there was a knock at my front door. Fully thinking it was the pesticide guy who zooms around my neighborhood on one of those motorized skateboards, I opened the door to find…

My sisters!?! My two older sisters who should be in their respective states of Wisconsin and California were on my doorstep, yelling surprise!

The sheer volume of thoughts that raced through my working memory in that

That button is worn with irony, and the goofy glasses are a birthday tradition. moment made my brain short-circuit. I screamed, I laughed, I cried, and then I repeated the cycle again. In a flurry of squeals and shock, they told me they were whisking me away for a weekend featuring a spa massage, dinner with my girlfriends, and zero responsibilities on my part. It turned out that my husband and friends were all in on the surprise.

All I could spit out in the moment was, HOW?! Later in the weekend as we retold the story, I explained that I was gobsmacked at the sheer logistics of such a surprise: the flights, the scheduling, the numerous people involved. My girlfriend pointed out that this was the most mom-reaction ever: of course a mom thinks of all of the work and details that go into such a feat. Moms are the ones always doing the planning for everyone else.

The birthday weekend was the biggest, most joyous surprise of my life thus far, and the depth to which I was touched is boundless. I hope that every mom out there gets to feel a similar sense of love and appreciation. I’m grateful to have two fabulous older sisters who made it happen.

They literally traveled down a road and back again, threw me a party, and invited everyone I knew…clearly, they are the biggest gift of all.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

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healthy MOM

™

Birth plans They might also be called “birth visions,” as births seldom go according to plan.

You may have heard the term and wondered if you need one. A birth plan is a great tool to communicate your birth preferences to your provider and the hospital staff who will be caring for you and your newborn. It can include any specific requests or concerns you have for your labor or birth, or a list of options that are important to you.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a birth plan is in the process of creating it: taking the time to go through possible scenarios helps you discern what options resonate most with you. Much of what happens during labor and birth is out of anyone’s control, so it might help to think of it as a “birth vision,” as birth seldom goes according to any one plan.

Some common components of a birth plan are preferences for pain control, birthing positions and newborn care. Would you prefer low lighting and your own playlist playing? Are you planning a water birth, or would you like to use nitrous oxide for pain relief?

Some people specify that they would like their partner to cut the cord or help catch the baby.

Many of the requests on a standard birth plan are typical practices for midwives. Midwives routinely bring baby straight to the birthing person’s chest following delivery, delay cord clamping and limit medical interventions. We encourage our clients to bring their birth plans to the 36-week prenatal visit, so we can review it together and talk through any potential circumstances.

As midwives, it is our job to help guide you and your family toward a birth that is as equally safe as it is empowering. A birth plan is a great tool to aid in that process.

ing more than pregnancy care

LACTATION CORNER Did you know that babies are biologically designed to nurse?

They are born with reflexes that help them “crawl” to the breast and latch on. Having plenty of skin-to-skin contact with your newborn can help activate their reflexes and encourage them to latch.

we offer a wide ces, including: care

Kanya DelPozzo, MSN, CNM, IBCLC

on

McKenzie Midwives & Lactation Services 960 N. 16th St., Ste 104, Springfield care (541), 744-8660 AN PREGNANCY CARE—CONTRACEPTION, WELL WOMEN CARE

Brought to you by:

rvices

management

MENT, LACTATION SERVICES AND GYNECOLOGICAL PROBLEM VISITS.

6

4 ● SPRINGFIELD 541.744.8660

MIDWIVES.COM

KANYA DELPOZZO, MSN, CNM, IBCLC EMILY DOWNING-MOORE, MSN, CNM Kanya Delpozzo, Emily Downing-Moore, ANNE ZIEMBA, MSN, CNM mommag.com MSN, CNM, IBCLC MSN, CNM ANNIE SNYDER, DNP, CNM DANA CUMMINGS, MSN, CNM

Dana Cummings, MSN, CNM

mckenziemidwives.com

mckweb.com

something to smile about

TM

Say this, not that After working in dentistry with children for over a decade, I’ve learned that children are incredibly brave, often times more than their parents give them credit for. When kids do well and are empowered by their accomplishments at places like the dentist, they in turn feel like they can move mountains.

Sometimes, however, when parents try to prepare their child for a dental appointment, they unknowingly frighten them.

Below is a list of “soft” words we encourage parents use to prepare a child for the dentist: Do not say Our equivalent Needle or shot Sleepy juice Drill Mr. Whistle Pull a tooth Wiggle a tooth Decay or cavity Sugar bug Examination Count teeth Teeth cleaning Tickle teeth Nitrous oxide gas Happy air Children are resilient, strong, fierce and funny. They’ll learn the true terminology later in life, but for now, in this sweet and all-too-short time of childhood, softness wins.

Brought to you by: Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.

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

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Eye exams are a must Vision, eye health and eye alignment are the three pillars of a full eye exam. Even if someone sees well, the health of the front and inside of the eyes needs to be monitored. Here are a few common, easily treatable conditions that might come up at an eye exam: Astigmatism The shape of the front surface of the eye is flatter one way around, and more curved the other way, similar to a football or an egg. The shape of the eye affects the way an image focuses (or doesn’t focus).

Near/farsightedness Nearsighted (myopia) means that someone can more easily see near when not wearing their glasses, and farsighted (hyperopia) is the opposite.

Brought to you by:

Stereovision Also called depth perception, this is the ability to notice and distinguish three-dimensional space. Being aware of how close/ far an object is compared to another is key for coordination, as well as confidence in moving one’s body.

David A. Hackett, OD, FCOVD Lifetime Eye Care a division of Sterling Vision 1011 Valley River Way Suite 110, Eugene 541-342-2201 or 866-4EYELUV sterlingvision.com

Amblyopia Vision is learned; we are not born seeing 20/20. If something interferes with this development process, their brain may have trouble seeing clearly, even in glasses.

School screenings are great, but they are not comprehensive.

Be sure to schedule your children’s yearly comprehensive vision and eye health evaluations.

Eugene Montessori School Educating for a better world since 1962.

A quality Montessori education for children 3 through kindergarten. The individualized curriculum includes music and P.E., snacks and a wholesome hot lunch.

Call for a tour!

Eugene Montessori School 2255 Oakmont Way 541.345.7124 eugenemontessorischool.com

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[

Momism #12: Eat your vegetables.

]

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

oregonbirthandwellness.org 541-515-6556 890 Beltline Road in Springfield Kelly Rickman, CNM, DNP

Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN

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

mommag.com 9

Shalena Cardinaux COMMUNI T Y: Junction City CHIL DREN: Brandon, 25; Jolie, 20; and Luc, 8 P ROF E S SION: Programming manager, Corvallis Chamber of Commerce

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PHOTOS BY: FREMOUW PHOTOGRAPHY

WITH THREE KIDS SPREAD ACROSS 17 YEARS, YOU PICK UP SOME SKILLS…AND CHERRY-PIT SPITTING MIGHT BE ONE OF THEM.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

To say that my children are spread out is an understatement. I have three, ranging from 25 years old to 8 years old, with a 20-yearold in the middle. Brandon, the oldest, put himself through welding school and works locally at Farwest Steel. My daughter, Jolie, works at Panorama School, a daycare and preschool. Luc, my youngest, just entered third grade at Spring Creek Elementary.

We have one cat, Tracks (named for her hard-livin’ life out here in Junction City around all the railroad tracks), who comes around when she’s hungry or needs a warm and snuggly bed.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? We’ve always had traditions around the holidays passed down from my parents, like hiding actual hard-boiled eggs on Easter over and over again until they turn into egg salad, singing carols at Christmas-time (well, the kids don’t join in so much, but they will someday), and passing down the punchmaking duties to the youngest kids each year. My kids also give me Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate bars for my birthday every year, and I don’t know what I’ll do if that tradition ever stops.

All of the kids have an impeccable sense of humor (I’d like to think they get it from me), and we’re often quoting lines from shows like Flight of the Conchords, New Girl or The Office.

QA

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I remember feeling fairly maternal while growing up. I’ve always been a helper, a nurturer…that’s the role I’ve felt most comfortable in. While I didn’t expect to become a mom at 19, that’s where my path led me. Even then, it didn’t feel wrong or foreign. Scary, yes, but I’ve always believed that there is no “right time” to have a child, and I’m not sure any family can be truly ready until you’re immersed in the process.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. My oldest two children were conceived during my first marriage, and the youngest during my second. While heartbreaking and difficult for everyone involved, I am so grateful to have respectful and, I might go so far to say, loving relationships with their fathers. To be able to come together as co-parents to raise, protect and support our children above all else gives me, and them, a sense of pride. We haven’t done everything right and it wasn’t always easy, but we try our best to come together to do what’s in the best interest of our kids.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Raising a son at a very young age, especially after divorce, proved to be some of the most difficult years of our lives.

He was angry, confused, lost and insecure, and so was I. Navigating those years of truly single parenting left me feeling like a constant failure. He was miserable, I was miserable; we were just miserable. Once our family started coming back together in regard to healthy co-parenting, Brandon began to heal and thrive, but I’ve always questioned what I could and should have done differently to support him through that time. I wish I’d had the patience and life-experience that I have now, but they say we do the best with what we have, so I try to give myself a little forgiveness and grace.

I recently sang the national anthem at a local baseball game. A couple weeks afterward, Brandon told me he’d watched the video, and said, “It was amazing. My favorite song sung by my favorite person.” He will never fully understand what those words meant to me.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? My boyfriend, Sam, dropped his phone in the car, and what he came back with was both horrifying and hilarious. Every time his hand came back up he’d say “Oh, a spoon,” or “Look, a makeup brush,” or “Wow, look at that hairy Cheeto.”

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No one works harder than mom.

MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations.

Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Luxe at the Oakway Center …coffee spot: Vero Espresso House …view or scenic lookout: Coyote Creek on Fern Ridge is pretty magical and serene. …spot to get a good workout: Hikes up Spencer Butte or Mt. Pisgah, or paddling on Fern Ridge Reservoir. I like exercise disguised as fun. …restaurant to take the kids: Café Yumm, Slice Pizzeria …restaurants for a date night: Rye, Sabai …meetup spot for happy hour: The Vintage, Hop Valley Brewing …boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: I’m a thrifter!

Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill …place where the kids can let off steam: DEFY, Papa’s Pizza Parlor …event in your community: Junction City’s Scandinavian Festival

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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?

Something is falling through the cracks all of the time, to one degree or another.

At any given time my success and focus is based on what is giving me the most joy, contentment and positive reinforcement.

A very clean house gives me peace, serenity and makes me want to keep it that way. An “atta boy” from my boss makes me want to keep crushing it. Good reports from my son’s teachers make me want to keep spending the extra time working on the things that are difficult for him. Receiving reciprocal love from my partner makes me want to work hard to keep that thriving.

But those things are never firing on all cylinders at all times. With support from the people who mean the most to me I still feel “balanced” most of the time, but there is always something I wish I was doing better.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. I’m a singer. It’s the only talent I have so I’m proud enough to say I have it. I don’t get a lot of nerves around singing in front of people anymore but recently I sang the national anthem at the Corvallis Knights baseball game, and the week leading up to it I considered all the excuses I could use to cancel. The fear of forgetting the lyrics was almost debilitating at times.

Finally I decided that not only did I make a commitment to this team and the establishment, I told myself, “I got this.”

This was something that was entirely within my skill set and ability, and only fear and insecurity were holding me back.

It turned out great and was incredibly rewarding.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I have some big-picture goals just based around basic self-sufficiency after all of the uncertainty that comes with a divorce or end of a long-term relationship. I love my little home here in Junction City but I’d like to

Q A own a home within five years. I am studying for my property management license and would ultimately like to have a stable (if not flourishing) business by then.

I just want to feel secure in my ability to provide for my family, with some extra for travel and concerts and all the things that bring fun and joy to our lives.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? I have high-functioning anxiety so literally everything keeps me up at night, and further, wakes me up around 4 a.m.

Money, deadlines, did I remember to buy coffee for the morning, I should have packed for my trip before now, is the deadbolt locked, should I try to go pee again, does my boyfriend really love me, why did I say that stupid thing when I was 14….the list goes on…

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? I didn’t get on an airplane for the first time until I was around 25 years old. I want my children to prioritize saving money for travel and the experiences that come along with it.

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'

I was quite young when I had my first and I had no idea what to expect...that might be a blessing — expectations can often be hard to live up to.

MOM s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: We love jigsaw puzzles. …place to find some peace & quiet: Near water, even if that just means a bath or shower. …binge-worthy TV or podcast: Great British Baking Show, Middleditch and Schwartz …way to get out of making dinner: I just don’t make dinner. …time-saving app or digital tool: My children will confirm that I’m a technological infant…paper calendar all the way! …parenting book or philosophy: Colorful Place: Mindful Story and Art for Kids

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal?

Cherry-pit spitting.

What is the best way that you let off steam?

Music. Turning on Spotify, playing the piano, karaoke with Sam….music is always my go-to.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Ridiculously expensive facial moisturizer.

What’s your superpower?

A very long second toe.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I was quite young when I had my first and I had no idea what to expect. I think that might be a blessing in some respects — expectations can often be hard to live up to. I do remember thinking after he was born, how could they possibly send us home with this tiny, fragile human being? Don’t we need at least another two weeks in the hospital and some in-depth certification course or something? But somehow we just figured it out.

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Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My sister, Jennifer. My best friends Tami and Kirsten. Tami was 17 when she had her first child — a senior in high school. She gave birth, learned to be a mom, graduated, worked, moved out and married all before the time I graduated high school. It scared the heck out of me…

I didn’t even know how to be a friend to her anymore…this was scary, grown-up stuff. We grew apart for a short while and reconnected after I had my son, because then I understood her. I learned by watching her raise her sons with maturity, patience, love, understanding…and over the years I watched her flourish and eventually saw her build her own business and have continued to celebrate her successes with her.

It’s always been sort of a, “If Tami can do it, I can do it” thing.

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What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? You know, I think my 19-yearold self has a lot to offer my 45-year-old self today. She had one job: to take care of her new baby. She wasn’t also trying to prove herself professionally, or make any sort of name for herself, or worrying about saving money for a mortgage or college. It was difficult, but in some ways so much easier.

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

We can mess up pretty bad and our kids will still think we’re pretty darn awesome.

Maybe it’s about doing the best we can, and then trying to give it just a liiiiitttle bit extra as we’re able.

Maybe it’s about doing the best we can, and then trying to give it just a liiiiitttle bit extra as we’re able.

Preserve your foods: save money, reduce food waste In collaboration with Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service Food Preservation program, we turned to Nellie Oehler for advice.

Food prices are soaring, and creating healthy, affordable meals is becoming more challenging. To help, the OSU Extension Service Food Preservation program has research-based resources to help families preserve in-season foods and manage excess food before it spoils. These actions will reduce not only grocery store trips but food waste, too.

The Extension Service has a comprehensive library of research-based food preservation resources (extension.oregonstate.edu/MFP/ publications) and a canning app to guide consumers. These resources include fun activities such as making dried fruits and fruit rolls, jam, or freezing convenience foods. Visitors can also learn how to store root vegetables (i.e., squash, potatoes, carrots, etc.) for future enjoyment.

Additionally, check out the Food Hero Recipe site at foodhero.org for quick, easy and low-cost recipes. There’s even a special section for cooking with kids.

Brought to you by:

Fall is a great time to stock up on pantry staples with local produce grown here in the Willamette Valley. Learning new food preservation skills can ensure you enjoy this bounty for months to come.

5 WasteWise LANE COUNTY

Follow us online: WasteWiseLaneCounty @wastewiselanecounty

Nellie Oehler is a faculty member of the Oregon State University Extension Family Community Health Faculty and has been the Lane County Master Food Preserver Program coordinator since 1981.

In partnership with

996 Jefferson Street, Eugene extension.oregonstate.edu/lane

For food preservation/ safety-related questions, call the OSU Extension Service Food Preservation/Safety Hotline at 800-354-7319, and a certified master food preserver volunteer can answer your questions.

Offering more than pregnancy care As midwives, we offer a wide range of services, including: • Well women care • Contraception • Lactation services • Menopausal management • Gynecologic care OFFERING MORE THAN PREGNANCY CARE—CONTRACEPTION, WELL WOMEN CARE, MENOPAUSAL MANAGEMENT, LACTATION SERVICES AND GYNECOLOGICAL PROBLEM VISITS.

960 N 16TH STREET, STE 104 ● SPRINGFIELD 541.744.8660 MCKENZIEMIDWIVES.COM

mckenziemidwives.com

KANYA DELPOZZO, MSN, CNM, IBCLC EMILY DOWNING-MOORE, MSN, CNM Kanya ANNE Delpozzo, Emily Downing-Moore, ZIEMBA, MSN, CNM MSN, CNM, IBCLC MSN, CNM ANNIE SNYDER, DNP, CNM DANA CUMMINGS, MSN, CNM

Dana Cummings, MSN, CNM

mommag.com 17

Adventures in Costa Rica

BY DONNITA BASSINGER, CTC, MCC

After trying to get my family to Costa Rica for about five years, it finally happened! We spent nine days exploring and having adventures in its natural beauty. Costa Rica is teeming with natural wonders and diverse wildlife.

In fact, over 26% of the country is dedicated to national parks and wildlife preserves.

Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama and it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other side. It is very small, at only 19,700 square miles, but it is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world.

You might think that with its small size it would be easy to drive around the entire country in a week; however, due to its mountainous terrain, you’ll spend a lot of time on winding narrow roads, some paved and some not. Signs are in Spanish and traveling 120 miles might take four hours.

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The best way to get the most out of your visit is to take an escorted tour and let someone else deal with all the logistics while you get to enjoy the sights.

We traveled with a company called G Adventures, which is one of many companies that offer tours that include transportation, accommodations, sightseeing and most importantly, an English-speaking guide. A guide can tell you about all the amazing things you are seeing and make arrangements for your adventures in each location. We stayed in small, family-run lodges and inns that had an authentic Costa Rican vibe. In La Fortuna, we could see the Arenal Volcano as we ate breakfast and there were howler monkeys in the trees.

LA FORTUNA / ARENAL VOLCANO

This area is about four hours from San Jose, which is the main airport to fly into Costa Rica. The sight of the Arenal Volcano makes the views amazing. In this area you

can soak in natural hot springs, hike into the rainforest and see all types of wildlife.

You can also visit coffee plantations and see how they make coffee to be exported around the world. You’ll find hanging bridges that get you into the canopy of the rainforest. Waterfalls are everywhere and you can rappel down the face of waterfalls, climb up or walk under the falls and end with a swim. Whitewater rafting is a popular adventure and offers views of wildlife. Lake Arenal features stand up paddleboarding, sportfishing, kayaking and sunset sails.

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

It takes about four hours to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde via car and boat. A guided night walk in the Cloud Forest is a great introduction to this area. We did this with nature guides who used flashlights to point out monkeys, sloths, frogs, birds, a porcupine in a tree, snakes and a tarantula!

Costa Rica is known for zip-lining and in this area there are numerous adventure parks that offer it, along with hanging bridges, rappelling, animal sanctuaries, butterfly gardens and more. In one day, we went zip-lining, visited a sloth sanctuary (my favorite) and went horseback riding.

The weather is always mild, and you need to bring a rain jacket.

MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH AREA

It takes about five hours to get from Monteverde to the Manuel Antonio area on the Pacific Coast. The drive is beautiful, but winding as you travel from the mountains back down to sea level. This beach is great

MEET VACATION MOM

for learning to surf, kayaking, fishing, sailing and snorkeling. You can also go hiking, rafting and kayaking in mangroves.

From this area it takes about three hours to drive back to San Jose to fly home.

I hope this inspires you to make plans for a family vacation to remember. You can fly from the Eugene Airport to Costa Rica on connecting flights with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines. Passports are required to visit Costa Rica. Contact a professional travel agent to plan your adventure!

Stay updated with the latest official information Costa Rica Tourism: visitcostarica.com Passport info: usa.gov/passport Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov/travel

TM

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for three decades, and she enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She is mom to three boys and lives in Eugene with her husband.

Tropical vacations are her specialty and she would love to help you plan a great vacation.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 @VacationMOMpage

mommag.com 19

Talking with kids about cancer Guidance for tough conversations

W

hen a cancer diagnosis enters your world, it’s worrisome for adults, but for children it can be downright confusing. Most experts say talking about the diagnosis openly is important, as children are very perceptive and will know something is wrong.

“If they feel you are hiding something it may cause more fear,” says Holly Almond, MSN, FNP, of Samaritan Hematology & Oncology Consultants.

Starting such a conversation can be overwhelming. Two-time breast cancer survivor Linda Blair and mom of three said, “It’s hard because your instinct as a parent is to want to protect your kids from fear. We made it as clear as possible to our children that while the adults have a plan, it’s okay to be scared, upset or even numb.

There’s room for all of those feelings.”

that they are familiar with. You can use dolls or stuffed animals, or draw pictures for general information.”

Older children may have a wider knowledge base about cancer, but some of it might be off-base.

“For older kids, find out how much they already know so that you can correct any erroneous information they may have learned from television, social media or their friends,” says Almond. Many teens will not want to talk; be patient and remind them that a wide range of emotions is normal.

“Think of that first

talk as the beginning of an on-going dialogue.”

Experts advise choosing a time and place where no one feels rushed, as kids need to process the information and ask questions. Younger children may worry cancer is contagious, or that they somehow caused it, so they will need continued reassurance to counter those thoughts.

Customizing the message to the child’s age is key. With young children, Almond says, “Use words for body parts

For moms like Blair, a family history of cancer makes her more attuned to risks.

“With my teen daughter I like using the Daisy Wheel as a self-breast examination tool because prevention and knowledge is powerful.” The Daisy Wheel digital app is available through the Get in Touch Foundation.

Almond and other cancer care professionals caution that kids may not be ready for a big conversation when you have it. Think of that first talk as the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, and seek out guidance from your child’s pediatrician, counselors and other mental health professionals for help along the way.

Sources: American Cancer Society | CancerCare | Cancer Support Community | National Cancer Institute

mommag.com 21

pets are family

Doggie day care Fun to frolic, but keep safety in mind Just like our human children, our family dogs benefit from socialization and playtime with peers. Doggie daycare is a great option for busy pet parents with sociable dogs. While the benefits of exercise, attention and socialization outweigh the risks, there are important steps to take to make sure your canine companion is safe for their first day at doggie daycare.

In addition to core vaccines such as rabies and DAP (distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus), immunizations for contagious upper respiratory pathogens are key to keeping your dog healthy. Bordetella, the causative agent of “kennel cough” is a bacteria that can be protected against with a simple intranasal or oral vaccine.

Canine influenza has also been on the rise in recent years. A two-series immunization is available and highly protective. Typically, immunity sets in two weeks after the final vaccine.

Protecting your canine companion also includes monthly parasite prevention.

Heartworm disease, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites can also be shared among friends in a daycare setting.

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

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22 mommag.com

Brought to you by: Emily Kalenius, DVM

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Support for family

CALMING CORNER

As parents, we seek out safe places when the world feels too overwhelming. Sometimes it’s under the covers watching Is it Cake? on Netflix. Other times, it’s behind a locked bathroom door. Safe spaces and time for reflection are essential to our well-being and sanity.

It’s no surprise that kids need spaces like this, too. Having what we call “calming corners” is vital for children who are overstimulated. It’s easy to create this self-soothing spot, and well worth the effort. To get started:

1.

FIND A SPACE: Identify a location in the home that can

2.

MAKE IT COMFY: Add a cushion, bean bag chair, favorite

3.

ADD VISUALS: Emotion posters and deep breathing

be transformed into a self-care oasis. This might be a corner in the living room, your child’s bedroom or playroom. Ensuring that this space is quiet or low stimulating is key. stuffed animals, or other soothing activities such as sensory tools or headphones for music. exercises are a great place to start. There are numerous items online; have your child pick out their favorites, so they feel part of the process.

4. PERSONALIZE IT: This is your child’s space, so let them

have some control over the decor. Adding their favorite drawings or pictures of the family adds some responsibility and uniqueness, making your child more likely to use the space.

When your calming corner is set up, show your child how to utilize it for practicing deep breathing and identifying emotions. This way, they’ll be comfortable in the space and understand its purpose before big emotions begin.

The long-term goal is that your child will seek out this space and have the tools to self-soothe, giving them important skills to help them grow into a well-regulated adult.

Brought to you by: Mandy Martin Behavioral Specialist 922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112 Corvallis, OR 97330 kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

24 mommag.com

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

FUTURE YOU WILL THANK PAST YOU

PREP YOUR PANTRY FOR THE SEASON There’s regular life, and then there’s regular life plus the holidays. For many moms, it’s like adding an unpaid, seasonal part-time job on top of everything else. Organizing your food supplies for the holidays can help lower your stress, as it’s one less thing to attend to in the swirl of day-to-day life.

The Pinterest-perfect pantries with matching containers and scroll-style font labels…we love them, but we also live in this thing called real life. Aspirational, yes, but realistic, nope.

Still, getting bulk goods out of flimsy plastic bags with fraying wire tags is a good idea. There’s a happy medium to be found.

START WITH CLEANOUT

Compost or toss: Anything past its expiration date, that you forgot to label and might actually be from 2016, or anything that generally looks unfit for consumption.

Take the remaining items out and wipe down the shelves, vacuum out corners, etc.

Put like with like: group together condiments, soups, baking supplies, beans, pasta, etc. Don’t overthink it, just lump things together.

INVENTORY

Take stock of what you have and assemble your list. Take a photo of your pantry. It might feel weird, but when you’re at the store and begin questioning your memory (do we have pancake syrup?) you can look at the pic for a reminder.

Your mission: a shopping trip dedicated only to pantry goods.

But you need cheese! You should pick up something fresh for dinner! Skip that mental clutter and FOCUS. This is all about the pantry.

Don’t be scared to buy in bulk. That said, no reason to go overboard. Again, three month’s worth is your marker.

BRING IT ALL HOME

Again, put like with like and add new stock to the very back of the old stock. Use old stock first. That way, a pack of crackers that’s gonna go bad first gets used first.

Face those labels: turn jars and cans so the labels face out to you, the viewer. Put boxed goods with spines showing at least a hint of what they are.

Organize the loose stuff. Clean canning jars work great for beans and other dry goods.

Labels: make your own, or if it inspires you, get the removable, water-resistant ones online. Be sure to put the expiration and identifying info on each, in the event of a food recall.

Keep a pair of dedicated scissors in your pantry to slice through bulk wrap. Tie those scissors down, too, because kids like to take them.

Same for a permanent marker.

PREPARE FOR THE HAUL

AFTER IT’S DONE, ENJOY THE VIEW.

Make your list with a timeline goal. About three months feels reasonable, and fall encompasses the holiday season.

There’s something primal about having a stocked larder.

Maybe it’s just us, but we think it scratches some kind of cavewoman itch in our brains.

mommag.com 25

Say Cheese

™

Goodbye goop, hello 3D technology Many parents who had braces as a child remember getting impressions, a.k.a. “the goopy molds.” Good news: the goop is gone and 3D scanning technology is here.

Using a computer and a special intraoral camera, we take thousands of pictures of a patient’s teeth to construct a 3D model of the mouth. We can then use these models for diagnostics and treatment planning, making orthodontic devices such as expanders and retainers, and starting braces or Invisalign.

The benefits of no more goop: no more gagging, it takes only 2-3 minutes, increased accuracy, no radiation, ease of sharing models with your dentist, lifetime storage (which means the ability to make retainers for life), and precise, digital tooth movement.

All of this means you’ll spend less time at the orthodontist.

Plus, combined with in-office 3D printers, we can make retainers and do minor tooth movements for a much lower cost than we ever have before. Saving time and money has everyone smiling.

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COOKING FROM THE PANTRY

The rising cost of food has us in the mood for dishes made from shelf-stable items.

LEVELED-UP COUSCOUS Make couscous a little less bland-bland.

3 1 2 1 1 1 2½ 2

tablespoons olive oil cup sliced almonds cloves of chopped garlic teaspoon sweet paprika teaspoon ground cumin teaspoon ground coriander cups chicken or vegetable stock cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup raisins or dried currants, chopped 1¼ cup quick-cooking couscous Salt and pepper to taste Optional: parsley for garnish In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add almonds and stir until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the garlic and stir for another minute. Then add paprika, cumin and coriander. Cook until heated through.

Stir in the stock, chickpeas and chopped raisins or currents.

Bring to a boil. Then stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley, if desired.

28 mommag.com

PESTO PASTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES & ARTICHOKE HEARTS Feels fancy and looks pretty.

12 1

ounces of your choice of pasta cup of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped ¼ - ½ cup of jarred pesto Cook the pasta as directed and drain.

Add artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in pesto to your liking.

CATCH-AS-CATCH-CAN SALAD Packs a fiber punch.

15 15 15 ¼ 1/4 1/4 1 11/2 1/2 ¼

ounce can cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained ounce can cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained ounce can of corn, drained cup onion, finely diced cup extra-virgin olive oil cup red wine vinegar teaspoon sugar teaspoons cumin teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon black pepper

Optional: garnish with cilantro or peppers for a pop of color.

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, beans, corn and onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, cumin, salt and pepper.

Pour dressing over the beans and gently stir to combine.

Refrigerate for 2 hours for best results.

mommag.com 29

Nurture

™

Magical human milk We call human milk “magical” for good reason: it is a live, active substance that behaves more like a medicine than food, as it makes antibodies in response to the environment.

For instance, during lactation a parent’s body is always taking in signals from their environment that tell them exactly what the baby needs. The milk of parents whose babies are born premature has increased immunofactors in comparison with the milk made for full-term babies, showing that the parent’s body adjusts to make milk that is especially helpful to the vulnerable preterm baby.

Visit our new Perinatal Lounge at 56 East 15th Avenue in Eugene.

Brought to you by: Emily Little (she/her), PhD, is a perinatal health researcher, educator, and advocate. She is the founder and executive director of Nurturely, a nonprofit promoting equity in perinatal wellness and strengthening cultures of support for infants and caregivers. nurturely.org / info@nurturely.org Text/phone: 541-579-8941 / Whatsapp: 541-579-8941

30 mommag.com

Similarly, when a baby is sick, human milk adjusts to increase the production of antibodies to help fight the baby’s illness.

It’s understandable how human milk earned its description of being magical. To learn more, visit nurturely.org and take a look at our Magic Milk program, as well as a range of free support for expectant parents.

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mommag.com 31

263 29th Avenue SW | Albany, OR 97322 541-926-0353 | 541-926-1515 fax mommag.com | info@mommag.com

The views, information and content in this magazine are not that of the organization that may have provided MOM Magazine to readers as a courtesy.

MOM Magazine and its distributors assume no liability for the contents or events arising out of its distribution.

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