Lane County MOM | October/November 2020

real local moms

Lane County | October / November 2020

since 2005

FREE

COVER MOM

FALL

MOM'S COZY

ERIN ESTEP

FAMILY FUN

CASSEROLES

YOUR EUGENE YOUR EUGENE

ORTHODONTIST ORTHODONTIST Dr. Brad Chvatal

Dr. Brad Chvatal EugeneBraces.com

EugeneBraces.com

YOUR SPECIALIST FOR BRACES AND

as low as $129/month!

Lifetime Smile Guarantee Lifetime Retainers Board-certified Orthodontist Invisalign or braces -- We'll help you decide what's best for you!

TMJ Specialist

YOUR EUGENE

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EugeneBraces.com | (541) 683-8490

2 mommag.com

It’s what‘s

inside that counts

Online Learning 20

Cozy Casseroles 23

Fall Family Fun 28

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

Cozy casseroles.............. 23

They know what they’re

Cover MOM: Erin Estep ..........................10

talking about

This mom gets real

Because I said so............... 5 A message from MOM

The basics for kids and adults with scoliosis ......19

Vacation MOM................... 6

Online learning.............. 20

Plan now for an epic

We're doing this!

Fall family fun ................. 28 Even in pandemic times

family vacation

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

10

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

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Vacation MOM™

Smile™

Beyond the bin™

with Dr. Erin Estep, pediatric dentist, page 8

with Sarah Grimm, waste reduction specialist, page 18

with Donnita Bassinger, travel agent, page 6

Organized MOM™ with Megan Warren, professional organizer, page 9

“

Whoever said, ‘the days are long but the years are short’ did not know about 2020.

“

— The Salty Mamas @saltymamas 4 mommag.com

Focus on MOM™ with Dr. David Hackett, pediatric optometrist, page 17

Say Cheese™ with Dr. Brad Chvatal, orthodontist, page 22

EDITOR'S NOTE

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 Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Designer Sean Carver

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2020 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.

It may take a candy slide this year My first baby, a boy, was born spontaneously on Halloween. What was a holiday I enjoyed turned into a celebratory one: “You had a Halloweenie!” my sister joked.

I’m a firm believer in punking my kids every so often, and the year that baby turned eight was when I got him good. Donning an inflated Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume, I met him at the bus stop after school while not saying a word. He and the other kids were surprised and amused, and they had no idea it was me at first. It’s one of those memories I hope he talks about for a long time into adulthood whenever he thinks of me and his special birthday.

With holidays on the horizon, many of us wonder how we are going to manage them, with our kids cooped up and trying to adjust to distance learning. How do we create some kind of normalcy, when we’re all tired of living in unprecedented times? In this issue, we compiled a list of family activities for all ages, and savory casseroles you can enjoy after a day of adventures. We hope it helps you and yours to find some much-needed joy. We’ve also included some tips for online learning, which if you’re like my family, has not been without hiccups and hurdles.

Halloween looks like it will bring its own set of challenges this year, too. At first I thought, let’s just call it off — we’re all too tired, especially after the anxiety and sadness of the recent wildfires in our beautiful state.

But then, something switched in me and I found my fighting spirit.

At the grandparents' house on Halloween in 2013.

“A what?” he asked, confused. I explained how I want a tube or slide contraption that I can use to send candy down to trick-ortreaters, socially distanced style.

My firstborn, now age 14, says he’s not into trick-or-treating this year. But I still love seeing the littles in their adorable costumes.

And it seems downright criminal to let neighborhood kids go without something delightful. It’s been a tough year for them, too.

So, we’ll figure out some sort of candy delivery system for trick-or-treaters. Heck, I might just spring for full-size candy bars. I think we all deserve them.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

“Will you build me a candy slide?” I asked my husband.

mommag.com 5

Research shows that the act of planning and anticipating a trip goes a long way towards happiness.

Plan now for an epic family vacation THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER, AND MANY PEOPLE ARE DREAMING ABOUT BEING ABLE TO TRAVEL AND SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES FROM NEAR AND FAR.

It’s a great time to start making plans to finally have a big family vacation in 2021 or 2022. In fact, research shows that the act of planning and anticipating a trip goes a long way towards happiness.

Items to take into consideration when planning that epic family vacation...

Build anticipation Families are realizing that sharing experiences is more valuable than accumulating “stuff.” One idea is to forego holiday gifts and instead plan a special vacation with extended family. The actual 6 mommag.com

vacation does not have to take place during the holidays. Elements of the vacation can be incorporated into your family get-togethers to build anticipation and have fun. For instance, you could have a tropical themed dinner and exchange small vacation essential gifts such as sunglasses and flip-flops.

Budgets Extended family members can have different income levels and some may need to budget for a year or more to afford a big vacation. In some families, the grandparents may choose to pay for their children and grandchildren, as part of celebrating a milestone anniversary. Sometimes one family member offers to pay for the accommodations, and then it’s up to each person to purchase their own airline tickets.

Most commonly, each family member pays for their own vacation. The important thing is to be very clear about who is responsible for costs so there are no misunderstandings.

The planners need to be sensitive to the financial situations of all family members and choose a vacation that everyone can

afford. Be sure to consider total expenses including activities and meals.

Schedules The most difficult task is finding a time when everyone can go on vacation.

Planning at least a year ahead of time will help when coordinating school schedules, work commitments and the cost variances of high versus low season. Most multigenerational family vacations are for three to eight nights due to these constraints.

Destinations Choosing the perfect place for your family vacation can be a fun challenge. Start with a brainstorming session and let everyone, including the kids, voice their opinions. A realistic budget is going to narrow down your options. If your family is spread across the country, consider the cost of airfare from various airports to your destination. If you plan to travel out of the country, encourage everyone to get their passports in advance to remove that worry.

Accommodations Condominium or house rentals are popular with large families interested in keeping costs down. If you choose this option, make a plan to share cooking and cleaning chores so the moms of the group don’t get stuck working on their vacation while everyone else is having fun!

An all-inclusive resort or a cruise makes for a fantastic family vacation because all the meals and activities are already planned

Make a plan to share cooking and cleaning chores so the moms of the group don’t get stuck working on their vacation.

and included in the cost. Each member of the family can spend the day doing things they enjoy, and then everyone comes together for meals and special sightseeing trips. It’s best to have a mix of free time and planned activities.

arrange for a professional photo session to create special memories of your time together. You can ask everyone to contribute to a group fund for these shared expenses.

Brand yourselves

The anticipation of the trip is a big part of the fun and will bring family members together. A multi-generational vacation can be a special experience that family members recall fondly for the rest of their lives.

Create a clever name and logo for your group such as “The Whole Fam Damily” or “Nana & Papa’s 50th Anniversary Adventure.” Print t-shirts, hats or tote-bags with your group name. Make a Facebook page for family members to share information and post photos.

Capture the moments

The joy of dreaming

Contact an experienced travel agent to help you. Get started today and next year you could be celebrating with your toes in the sand, surrounded by people who mean the most to you.

Appoint a family photographer and videographer to document your vacation and make digital scrapbooks. Better yet,

Brought to you by:

MEET VACATION MOM

TM

Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for three decades and enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She lives in Eugene with her husband and three boys, is the owner of VIP Vacations and is an active volunteer with local organizations.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on

@VacationMOMpage

mommag.com 7

something to smile about

TM

Healthier snacking Your teeth will thank you

With many kids now at home during the day, the amount of snacking greatly increases. Foods such as cookies, crackers, gummies, juice and soda are the major culprits in the development of cavities. Bacteria love these simple carbohydrates because they are easily “digestible,� and the bacteria then excrete an acid onto teeth that dissolves the enamel. Healthier options for children include fruits, vegetables, nuts and cheeses. Below is a delicious smoothie recipe, perfect for those delicious Oregon berries: 1 cup fresh or frozen berries 1 ripe banana 1 cup plain, nonfat yogurt 1/2 cup fresh or frozen spinach or kale 1/2 cup liquid of your choice: water, coconut water, almond milk, etc.

Blend together and enjoy!

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

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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organized MOM

TM

either toss, donate or take them to a local consignment store.

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

DECLUTTER

At the beginning of fall, schedule time on your calendar for each major activity: carving pumpkins, decorating, baking treats as a family, etc. If you’re doing photo cards, take the photo as early as possible and have them ready to mail Dec. 1.

SHIPSHAPE & ORGANIZED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

“IF WE TAKE THE TIME TO DECLUTTER OUR LIFE AND MAINTAIN IT, WE WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE A MORE MEANINGFUL LIFE.”

T

he holidays bring joy to children, but for moms they tend to come with tasks and responsibilities.

Set aside time in early fall to make these moments as magical as possible for everyone, including yourself.

DECORATING

Brought to you by:

As you decorate, make a pile of broken, outdated or unused décor for each holiday and

THE SEASON OF GIVING

At the beginning of October, make your budget and gift lists.

Make sure you have gift wrap on hand early so you aren’t scrambling to find it.

By the end of November, go through all toys in your household. Throw away any broken toys and give each child a bag to fill with ones they have outgrown to give away.

MAKE A MENU

Make a list of the dishes and treats you want to make for each holiday and list the ingredients, so you have it handy when you make your grocery run.

Megan Warren Professional Organizer SOS Shipshape & Organized Spaces shipshapeyourspace.com 541-891-7100

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Cover MOM and pediatric dentist Erin Estep stays grounded with the help of her family, her mission-driven work and one big, sweet fur-baby.

Cover story photos by Fremouw photography

Family Profession: Pediatric dentist & owner of Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield

ERIN ESTEP

Community: Eugene Husband: Scott Rose, CEO of Tunnel Radio of America Children: Jacoby 6, Oliver “Ollie� 4

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Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. I met my spouse, Scott, when I was in dental school at OHSU. His sister, Stephanie, was my very best friend and we met at a wedding that he was in town for. We were acquaintances for years but our love sparked during March Madness 2011. We both have a deep love for all types of sports. Growing up, I was an only child who tagged along with my dad to every sporting event. It was so refreshing to meet a man who loved sports as much as me. We married in 2012 and had our first son, Jacoby, in 2014. Our second son, Ollie, came along in 2016. I have one fur baby, Beau, who was born on our wedding day.

He is the love of my life. He is a yellow lab who is my running buddy.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

When I got my first cabbage patch doll, Patty, at age 4.

Do you think that parenting is easier or more challenging than when you were growing up? I think parenting is more challenging now because of the overabundance of information at your fingertips. It is difficult to sort through and discern factual information from false or misinformation.

With my first born, I was constantly on the internet, obsessed that I was doing everything right. By the time the second kid came along I was like “Well, we all lived today. Gold star!”

in front of the whole school. Jacoby went to pour me milk and I politely declined. He then exclaimed very loudly, “But mom, they don’t serve beer here.” I about choked on my sloppy joe.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments? When the summer science camp teacher said that my six-year-old was one of the most polite, kind and helpful children he had ever met.

No one works harder than mom.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time.

Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the kids up from school. We went to my oldest son’s birthday lunch at Eugene Montessori.

On your birthday, you get to sit up on stage

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…“______________” Please quit picking your nose and eating it. Every. Single. Day. Your biggest wish for your kids is… They grow up and make the world a better place than it is now.

We know that being a mom is a fulltime job. Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I have one of the most fun, rewarding and challenging careers on the planet. I love children and I get to spend all day with them. As a pediatric dentist, you often are faced with fearful children. There is nothing more gratifying than turning a fearful kid into a one who can’t wait to come back to the dentist because he had so mommag.com 11

much fun. We often have parents say that their kids ask to come back to our office all the time. My mission when I opened the practice is for kids to have a fun experience. So many of us have horrific memories of the dentist. I am determined to change that for the future generation.

my home life. Distraction is a big help for younger kids. Getting their mind off the stressor has become fun and challenging both at work and at home. Getting kids’ minds out of a spiraling hole into something lighter and fun is key.

learned not to dwell on the past but to make the necessary corrections and do better the next time. That is really all I can control. I have become comfortable with introspection and realizing I am not perfect and that is ok.

I also committed my life to serving those less fortunate than me. We see a large Medicaid population. We believe all children deserve the best dental experience and the parents are so grateful that their kids get to come to such a cool office. When you focus on the children and their families and the wonderful relationships you are bridging, worrying about how much money you make falls off the radar. My staff and I work here and do what we do for the kids!

How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? Typically, what falls through the cracks? I am an incredibly detailed scheduler. I pack a lot into my day. I wake up at 4:15 a.m. to go to Orangetheory Fitness and then it is non-stop from there until my head hits the pillow at night. Quality time with my husband does unfortunately slip through the cracks so I do my best to make it up to him on weekends and with date nights or weekends away from the kids.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I see a large proportion of low-income/Medicaid families. Unfortunately, Medicaid does not pay for braces, and many patients would benefit from them. I hope to start a charity that will provide braces for some of these kiddos who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

What have you learned professionally, that has helped you as a mom? My career as a pediatric dentist has prepared me greatly for how to relate to my own children and vice versa. I spend all day with scared, apprehensive children and learning how to gain a kid’s trust and make negative experiences better really crosses over into

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? I literally fail at something every day. Whether at the gym not hitting a goal or an interaction with one of my employees. I always look at these as opportunities to do things differently, move forward and become better than I was before. As I am approaching 40, I have

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

What is special about where you grew up?

Newport, Oregon is a very special town. It is incredibly small, and everyone knows each other. I was a competitive swimmer growing up and the town really rallied behind me and became my biggest fans. I still know a fair majority of the town, and it’s always fun to hear about old swimming tales or to still see my name on the records boards. We now have a home on the beach and I love to show the boys all the great things the town has to offer, from boogie boarding or walking the bayfront, to sharing all the wonderful seafood that comes from the port. The moment we drive into town and see the ocean, my heart is put at ease. It is our favorite getaway.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? To kill others with kindness. Whenever I have a negative situation with someone I can hear my dad’s voice, “Just kill them with kindness, honey.”

It’s hard for someone to continue to treat you poorly if you’re being kind and wearing a smile. Most of the time, their anger and frustration is not with you and they just need a genuine, reassuring, kind voice to ease their stress.

What is something you will never do again?

Hold a python.

What is the quality you like most about yourself?

I love to help others in any way that I can. I love to surprise friends with little gifts to let them know I am thinking of them and appreciate them. We are at a place financially in life where we can help others, many times anonymously, and there is a lot of happiness in that. I love to put a smile on other people's faces.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. Grande americano with extra heavy cream

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?

Quick-FIRE

questions

for MOM Tea or Coffee?

Coffee Morning or Night?

Morning Summer or Winter?

Fall Fly or Drive?

Drive Gold or Silver?

Silver Dog or Cat? Dog Beer or Wine?

Wine Bath or Shower?

Bath Math or English?

English Hot or Cold?

Hot Sweet or Savory?

Savory Hugs or Kisses?

Hugs Ice cream or Chocolate?

Chocolate Early or Late?

Early

mommag.com 13

Tell us something about you that would surprise your kids (or your husband). I spent three months of my life backpacking in the southwest United States with no formal shower. I cooked every meal out of my backpack and slept under the stars, reading the Bible to sleep every night.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do? Pour a cosmopolitan, put on my swimsuit, turn on classic rock and sunbathe.

What keeps you sane? Working out.

Orangetheory Fitness and Megaform. The endorphins from Orangetheory are legit and the internal core strength of Pilates have helped my body in ways I never imagined.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Duck liver pate from Provisions Market. I call it meat butter. It is out of this world on a baguette. Now I’m drooling.

What is your greatest extravagance? Wine. I never really enjoyed Oregon Pinots until I drank the nice ones. Now I’m hooked, and I 14 mommag.com

occasionally find ways to justify opening an expensive bottle in the middle of the week. I belong to a fair amount of wine clubs and I keep coming up with excuses why we should join more.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Feed the homeless.

In dental school, I organized a monthly group to cook at a homeless shelter in Portland. Nothing is more humbling or gratifying as providing a hot meal to someone who is incredibly appreciative for something so taken for granted by the rest of us.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? My mother constantly told me that you never can understand what true love is and what it means to love someone more than yourself until you have a child. Until I experienced holding my own child for the first time, this was lost on me. The moment I saw my boys I was instantly and forever in love. There are many experiences surrounding motherhood that I was not prepared for. We

suffered a miscarriage with our first pregnancy and that gutted me. I was so heartbroken. My lab laid his head on me and didn’t leave my side for two whole days. When the due date came, I shed a tear for the life I would never know. But, we did get pregnant with my firstborn four months after the miscarriage, and we never would have had Jacoby in our lives had we not lost the first baby. To those who know him, he is the most positive person on the planet with the biggest heart. Everything tends to work out the way it is meant to.

What surprised me the most was the difficulty with breastfeeding and the postpartum stuff. I feel like women don’t really share the dirty details of all motherhood brings.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My own mother. My biological father divorced her because he did not want children. She picked herself up and created an amazing life for me. She worked eight hours every day and always made home-cooked meals for my stepdad and me. She cultivated my swimming career and set me up for success by expecting

?

MOM’s

Favorite… …family game: Sequence

…words to live by:

“Work Hard and Be Nice to People”

…place to hide and find some peace & quiet: Our beach house in South Beach

…binge-worthy TV:

Dexter, Mindhunters, Working Moms, Dead to Me

…way to get out of making dinner:

Proclaim every Friday night as pizza and movie night

…parenting book or philosophy: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

mommag.com 15

greatness from me whether in the pool or in the classroom. She kindly expected the best from me in a way that wasn’t pressuring but from a place of love. She wanted more from my life than she had from hers. She is an incredibly intelligent woman who could have become anything she set her mind to, and she was determined to create that life for me. My parents were strict, present and constantly encouraging. They are now my very best friends. That was not always the case growing up, and I think that’s the way it should be.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Your kids don’t remember the stuff you bought for them. They remember the time you spent with them.

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What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? It’s perfectly ok to not shower every day, eat ice cream for dinner occasionally, ask for help when overwhelmed, and take more walks ALONE. What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Take a deep breath. Do the best you can. Learn from your mistakes. You are not perfect and no one expects perfection from you.

Stop beating yourself up. If you make a mistake with your kids, own up to it. Show them what an apology looks like. Don’t be their best friend but do treat them with respect and dignity. All humans want this.

MASK FOGGING UP YOUR GLASSES?

Our office now stocks a product that can be applied to any pair of glasses to stop fogging (limited supply, safe for AR coatings). Call us to learn more.

When you wear both glasses and a mask, you might experience your lenses fogging up.

It’s from condensation, when warm, moist air lands on a cold surface — the same reason why a cold water bottle develops water droplets on the outside. While this might be a good way to teach kids about science, it’s not so fun when you can’t see well through your glasses.

To help reduce glasses fogging when wearing a mask: Make sure the mask is fit closely across the top, adjusting the metal nose piece if your mask has one.

Add a folded tissue under the nose-bridge of the mask.

Apply paper medical tape, securing the top of the mask down to the cheek.

Brought to you by:

• Use the frequent bandage change type of tape, not waterproof or ultra-strong

DAVID A. HACKETT, OD, FCOVD 4765 Village Plaza Loop, Eugene, Oregon (541) 342-3100 lifetimeeyecare.net

• Stick tape to cotton clothing first to make it more comfortable to remove later • Be careful not to tape the eyelashes or the circles under the eyes

mommag.com 17

Don’t chuck it: Nearly 45 percent of climate-impacting greenhouse gasses are caused by the manufacture and production of new products.

FiX

Lane County

W

E NOW KNOW that extending the life of our things and preventing new purchases is one of the best ways to act now to protect our children from the dangers of a changing climate.

Most of our everyday products can have a longer useful life with proper maintenance and repair.

Brought to you by:

A thriving local repair and reuse industry contributes to employment and economic prosperity in Lane County, and with our support, can help rebuild the skills and practices we need for a resilient, resourceful community in a changing world.

SARAH GRIMM

Sarah Grimm is the Waste Reduction Specialist for Lane County Public Works. She is an avid gardener, flyfisher and lover of the great outdoors.

A new community resource called FiX iT makes it easier to find repair service and guidance in Lane County. The FiX iT website lists repair services for everything from bicycles and clocks, to furniture, lamps, luggage and more.

The website features a user-friendly map and lists upcoming Fix-It Fairs, tutorials and stories to inspire and encourage this transformative movement.

Visit fixitlanecounty.com to learn more.

Local Children Need Your Help!

For children without stable housing, access to basic necessities can be tough.

First Place Kids offers zero-barrier preschool so parents can focus on finding stability.

Please Donate These Items • • • • • • • •

New or used clothes (newborn-6T) Hypoallergenic diapers and wipes Arts and craft supplies Simple toys made of wood, metal, or cloth Flat-bed sheets in solid colors Pacifiers Shoes and rain boots (1C-10Y) Organic fruit, eggs, cheese, and vegetables

1995 Amazon Parkway in Eugene

donate online at www.svdp.us 18 mommag.com

The basics for kids and adults with scoliosis

By Bailey E. Denno, Doctor of Physical Therapy BSPTS C2 Certified Schroth Practitioner ScoliosisStudioPT.com | (503) 926-3383 | Located in Corvallis

Do I have Scoliosis?

A quick home assessment is easy. To do this, check shoulder height in relaxed standing. If one shoulder is higher than the other, it could mean there is an underlying scoliosis.

To screen further, have the person being assessed bend forward at their trunk. Look at their back to see if there is a more prominent region (or “rib hump”) on one side of the spine.

What should I do if I think my child has scoliosis?

If you think you or your child may have scoliosis, contact their primary care provider. The provider will need to order a full spinal X-Ray or EOS X-Ray (less radiation exposure) of the whole spine, from skull to pelvis – front to back, and side to side.

If I don’t do anything will it get worse?

Most likely yes. Scoliosis progresses throughout life. The risk of progression is calculated based on the patient’s age, the degree the spine is curved (the Cobb angle), and how much growth a child has left before growth plates close.

Progression during adolescence

Some scoliosis is evident in infants and young children. Pediatric or primary care provider assessment is vital early on in order to identify scoliosis as soon as possible.

If your child has scoliosis, assessment by a scoliosis specialized professional is essential. The scoliosis professional will develop an early intervention plan which can help minimize the effects of scoliosis. In kids with scoliosis, there is evidence to show the bony spinal column grows faster than the spinal cord lengthens. This can cause a buckling of the spine under the spinal cord tension.

There is no single cause of scoliosis, rather a myriad of many factors.

According to a 2012 article in the Journal of Children’s Orthopedics, prevalence of scoliosis can be up to 5.2% of our population. Since the

spine is still developing in adolescence, early intervention is important, whether it be conservative (PT, bracing), invasive (surgery) or a combination of interventions. Postural balance and improved symmetry with specialized exercise can benefit people before and after surgery.

Progression during pregnancy

The role of specific hormone changes during pregnancy (specifically, an increase in relaxin and progesterone) allows ligaments and muscles to extend more easily. Muscles, tendons and ligaments provide joint stability and support to our bodies; thus this increased extensibility increases joint mobility to allow the birthing process.

Isn’t joint mobility good? Yes, mobility is not a bad thing. What is a bad thing is that new mobility in your joints means the muscles, tendons and ligaments aren’t used for controlling or stabilizing. This is why research has changed the way we stretch: we no longer encourage prolonged sustained stretching before an athletic activity.

Scoliosis is all about forces (muscle pull), levers (joints) and center of mass (in pregnancy it moves forward, increasing the forward pull on the spine). The scoliotic spine is already deviating from a region of neutrality atop the pelvis. When changes in center of mass occur during pregnancy, the biomechanics of the system are changed, applying different force directions on the spine as well as overall increased loading of the spine.

Progression during menopause

Again, there is a change in the hormone balance during menopause.

Also, we know the skeletal system is compromised as we age (both male and female) due to declining bone density. Everyone will go through natural joint degeneration, but with the asymmetry of scoliosis there is also an asymmetrical wear and tear that happens throughout the life of the scoliotic spine because gravitational forces are not being distributed evenly throughout the loaded spine.

Now what?

There is misinformation and outdated information about scoliosis out there, so it makes the most sense to work with a scoliosis specialist when it comes to your own care or for your child. Changes can be made to reduce postural asymmetry no matter your age or your scoliosis severity. There is hope for anyone suffering with scoliosis.

mommag.com 19

ONLINE LEARNING:

We’re doing this!

W

hether we want to or not, distance learning is likely part of our collective new normal. How do we do this, when this fall’s online curriculum is more rigorous than in the spring?

We jump in, fumble around and figure it out. The upside: we’ll all learn something — probably us, learning technology from our own children.

There will be follies, too, like when your first grader’s class overhears your toddler’s news about peeing in the potty. How we act in the face of challenges impacts how our children will learn to cope when faced with something difficult. So laugh if you need to, cry if you need to, then hug it out and get back to it. Some tips to keep you on track...

20 mommag.com

SYNCHRONOUS VS. ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING Synchronous

syn·chro·nous / ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs/ Some distance learning programs are synchronous, meaning they are live and in real-time. That means your student needs to be present online and on time.

Asynchronous

a·syn·chro·nous /ā-ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs/ Asynchronous learning is when your child is learning on their own, not necessarily logged in at a specific time and without live instruction.

SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

SET A SCHEDULE

“Have a designated space for each child, set up with all of their needed supplies away from TVs and other electronic devices,” said professional organizer Megan Warren, of Shipshape & Organized Spaces. “This allows them to get in the habit of being in school mode when they are in that space and concentrate without distraction.”

There’s a time for work and a time play.

“Keep them on a schedule just like they would be on if they were going to school in person,” said Warren.

It’s ideal if each child has a desk of their own, in their own room, but not everyone has that type of space. A quiet corner or shared space can suffice.

Headphones keep the noise from traveling too far.

Cute holders and caddies for freshly sharpened pencils can put your child in a learning mode, and plants and framed photos can give life to a personal space.

HONOR HOW YOUR INDIVIDUAL CHILD LEARNS Got a broad thinker who likes to pace?

Consider a white board. That way they can sketch ideas, doodle and literally draw the big picture.

Emily Adler Mosqueda, MS, CCC-SLP, is a bilingual and bicultural pediatric speech-language pathologist at the University of Oregon, and author of My Big Feelings and The Big Bad Virus. Her advice? “Offer physical modifications like a standing set up for video calls/lessons.

Technology can be propped up on stacks of books, or on a counter or table.”

A fidgety kid might also like using a gym ball chair that allows for some movement while seated, she said.

A super social butterfly may want her pals on Facetime while they work through math problems.

“What works for a while might need to be adjusted and that’s okay. A curious growth mindset about distance learning, and life in general, is a great thing to model,” Adler Mosqueda notes.

She also recommends making adjustments as needed. Try some modifications for a few days or a week, then ask your student how they felt with those changes.

A visual schedule can serve as a reminder to stay on task. It could be handwritten or printed out and pinned to the wall, or fancy and large on colorful paperboard.

Let your child’s individuality be the guide.

SOCIALIZE FROM A DISTANCE Your child can arrange to have lunch with his pals via video call. It’s not a typical lunchroom, but it allows for banter and chatter that humans need.

MODEL THE BEHAVIOR If you’re working from home too, your children take notice of how you participate in your own video calls and deadlines, which might help them figure out how to act for online learning. Of course some workers are essential and must physically attend their jobs; if that’s the case, you are showing your children, through your own actions, the very meaning of commitment. (And we all thank you!)

ASK YOUR STUDENT TO TEACH YOU To teach is to learn, as the saying goes.

When the moment is right, ask your child to teach you or share how they came up with an idea for a story.

AFTER SCHOOL PLAY Several sports clubs and other activities have been successfully modified to maintain CDC health standards. Playing soccer in a mask is a thing. Same for volleyball, cheer and many other sports.

Some parents are using the time we have at home with kids to teach life skills. This can be a good hands-on way to undo all that time spent sitting in front of a screen. Bake a pie together, brush the dog, learn how to inflate a flat bike tire — all sorts of life skills are useful.

mommag.com 21

Say Cheese

™

If you've had braces before, you may notice that your teeth want to shift over time. Alas, we don't have any magic glue to put on teeth to hold them straight.

That's where retainers come in.

Shifty teeth Surprisingly, teeth are

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Fun fact: The same reason orthodontists can move teeth in your mouth to straighten them is the same reason that teeth shift throughout life.

Retainers are recommended, for life, to keep teeth straight.

However, they are notorious for getting lost, broken or chewed up by the family dog. Retainers also can, and do, wear out over time.

For peace of mind we offer a lifetime retainer program. It’s available to anyone, not just our patients. Unlimited clear or permanent retainers take some stress away for busy families — and keep those shifty teeth in their proper place.

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MU COM NIT

RD 2021 WA

MPACT A YI

The MOM Magazine Community Impact Award honors a local, not-for-profit organization serving mothers and children in the community.

The recipient will receive a free 2021 advertising contract, editorial feature and social media promotion.

Are you making an impact?

Nominate a deserving organization for the MOM Magazine Community Impact Award

22 mommag.com

Nomination period is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2020. To nominate your organization or learn more about the MOM Magazine Community Impact Award visit mommag. com/award.

See terms and conditions at mommag.com

|

|

Cozy Casseroles When the autumn rains start, it puts us in the mood for all things cozy and warm. In Denmark they call this feeling “hygge,” pronounced “hoo-gah.”

Think sweaters, warm socks and of course, comfort food.

Casseroles have to be in the top tier of comfort foods. On a cold night, a dish of goodness bubbling away in the oven fills your house with rich smells.

Plus casseroles usually involve cheese, and who doesn’t love cheese?

We thought it would be fun to share some of the MOM team’s favorites, along with a few others. Enjoy!

mommag.com 23

Cozy Casseroles

Audrey’s Go-To Hashbrown Casserole Our editor-in-chief Audrey is always looking for fast recipes that are approved by all four family members. Why she likes it: “It has potatoes, which are technically vegetables, so let’s consider it healthy-ish.”

I NGR E DI E N T S

I N S T RUC T ION S

2

pounds of frozen hash browns

8

oz. sour cream

½

cup of onion, chopped

¼

cup melted butter

1

can of cream of chicken soup

1. In a big bowl, mix the sour cream, onion, soup, garlic salt, pepper and 1 cup of the cheese. Add the hash browns and melted butter. It helps to do this about a third at a time, as the mixture gets harder to stir.

2

cups grated cheddar cheese

⅓

teaspoon garlic salt

⅓

teaspoon black pepper

Sean’s Mom’s Breakfast Casserole Our graphic designer enjoys his mother’s delicious breakfast casserole. Why he likes it: “This casserole is one of my favorites because it brings back so many memories, from camping in the RV around Oregon or family gettogethers at my parent’s log cabin home,” said Sean. “Part of the tradition was to wake up early and eat outside in the brisk mountain air, enjoying family stories with a steaming cup of coffee making it that much better. I’m also a sucker for a cheese-loaded, hearty breakfast.”

I NGR E DI E N T S

I N S T RUC T ION S

4

1. Butter the bread slices and place facedown in the baking dish, covering the bottom. Use the rest of the butter to saute mushrooms and onions then spoon over the bread.

slices of bread, crusts removed

4 tablespoons softened butter

2. Transfer it to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes until bubbly.

Remove the foil and broil for five minutes to give the top a nice finish.

½

large onion, chopped

1

cup sliced mushrooms

1

cup cooked sausage

2

cups grated swiss cheese

4

tablespoons flour

Notes: You could add chopped ham to it if you want, but watch how salty it gets. And if you’re out of sour cream, you can get by without it.

4 eggs ½

teaspoon salt

½

teaspoon garlic powder

½

teaspoon regular mustard

1 ½ cups milk

24 mommag.com

2. Brown the sausage, drain, and then add to the baking dish in an even layer.

3. Place flour in a large plastic bag with grated cheese and shake to mix.

Sprinkle the cheese flour mix evenly over the sausage.

4. Beat eggs and milk with seasonings and pour over the top of the casserole.

Refrigerate overnight.

5. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 35 minutes until fluffy. Cut into squares and serve.

Our Mid-Valley & Lane County business development manager Linda loves to cook, but sometimes she likes a fast dish to feed her crew. Why she likes it: “It’s easy! And the ingredients are easy to keep on hand,” said Linda.

I NGR E DI E N T S

I N S T RUC T ION S

20

oz. of ravioli, refrigerated or frozen

25

oz. red pasta sauce

2

cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1

teaspoon dried basil

1. In a sprayed casserole dish, spread about ½ cup of the sauce. Make a layer of half the ravioli. Add half of the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle on a handful of cheese. Repeat the layer.

2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

25 mommag.com

Midwestern Hot Dish In the Midwest, casseroles are often called “hot dish.” In fact, at one time, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport had a restaurant called Hot Dish.

Here’s a classic one to serve for supper.

I NGR E DI E N T S

I N S T RUC T ION S

1

pound ground beef

1

medium onion, chopped

1. Brown the beef with the onion and celery. Take off the heat and drain.

1 ½ cups celery, chopped 2

cans cream of chicken soup

½

cup uncooked rice

Cozy Casseroles

Linda’s Go-To Ravioli Casserole

2. Add the soup, rice and water to the beef mixture. Put everything in a casserole dish and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

1 ½ cups water

2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, dried basil and parmesan on top, cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Take the foil off and bake for another 10 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

mommag.com 25

Cozy Casseroles

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Casserole I NGR E DI E N T S

I N S T RUC T ION S

2

cups rotisserie chicken meat

6

cups bread cubes

2

tablespoons onion, chopped

1. Combine the chicken meat, bread cubes, onion, milk, salt and poultry seasoning. Spread into a greased casserole dish.

¾

cup milk

¼

teaspoon salt

½

teaspoon poultry seasoning

½

cup butter

4

tablespoons flour

4

cups chicken broth

1

cup plain potato chips

2. In a saucepan, melt the butter, then add the flour and chicken broth and cook until thickened. Pour over the casserole mix.

3. Crush the potato chips and sprinkle over top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Kim’s Family’s Inside-Out Ravioli Salem advertising representative Kim shares a family dish with sentimental value. Why she likes it: “This is my favorite! My mom got this recipe at a Lamaze class when she was pregnant with me.”

I NGR E DI E N T S

I N S T RUC T ION S

1

pound hamburger

½

cup onion, chopped

1

clove garlic, minced

10

oz. frozen chopped spinach

1

pound spaghetti sauce with mushrooms

1. Brown the hamburger, onion and garlic. Cook spinach, drain and reserve the liquid, then add water to make 1 cup.

Add liquid to the meat mixture.

8

oz. tomato sauce

6

oz. tomato paste

½

teaspoon salt

7

oz. shell macaroni, cooked and drained

1

cup cheddar cheese, grated

½

cup soft bread crumbs

2 eggs ¼

cup salad oil

Dash of pepper

TIP: Invest in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with a lid, as it’s a great way to store leftovers.

Even better if both dish and lid are dishwasher safe.

26 mommag.com

2. Add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and tomato paste, along with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Combine spinach with macaroni and remaining ingredients.

Spread in a casserole dish and pour the sauce over.

4. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

[ Momism #192

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FALL FAMILY FUN

EVEN IN PANDEMIC TIMES

When the nights cool and the sunlight takes on that watery autumn glow, it puts you in the mood for all things fall. Whether that’s pumpkin spice everything, your favorite boots or hauling out the Halloween decor, the crisp bite in the air that this season brings is still meant to be enjoyed, pandemic or not. Round up the family for these fall activities you can do together.

28 mommag.com

CARVE PUMPKINS AND THEN SOME

After you've carved pumpkins, roast the seeds: they are high in fiber (and what kid doesn’t need more fiber) and protein. Rinse and let them dry flat overnight. Toss with olive oil and salt, roast on a cookie sheet for about 25 minutes at 325 degrees. There are loads of variations on this, from boiling them first to adding seasonings like turmeric and chile powder.

And use the pumpkin "meat" to make pumpkin muffins, bread or cake. Sure, there are hundreds of healthy recipes too, like soup, but those might be a hard sell to finicky young eaters.

TAKE A DRIVE

Highway 101 is a gorgeous orean-front drive. Also beautiful: the Columbia Scenic River. Stop for lunch at McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale and enjoy the artwork and grounds.

Continue on to the 1918 Vista House for stunning views and a glimpse into history.

TAKE IN THE ART Visit the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem.

Don’t miss Brenda P by Barkley Hendricks, on loan through March 2021. See willamette.edu/arts/hfma for details.

CLEAN UP A LOCAL RIVER, BEACH OR PARK

Older kids find it fun to find the oddest pieces of trash while participating in a community clean-up. You might find that ripping out invasive ivy is surprisingly satisfying. From city spaces to cemeteries, visit solveoregon. org to find an event near you.

MAKE HOLIDAY GIFT LISTS

Remember circling everything you wanted in those holiday catalogues?

Have the kids start making lists. The anticipation and dreaming are part of the fun.

mommag.com 29

FALL FAMILY FUN FARM STANDS

Stop by a farm stand you always meant to check out, like Blue Raeven Farmstand Pies in Amity or the Melon Shack in Corvallis. For info: Blueraevenfarmstand.com, Facebook.com/themelonshack

KNITTING

From sailors and marines, to teens and tweens, knitting is a great way to destress.

Your maturing daughter may want nothing to do with you, but she might be interested in making a slouchy hat.

PLACEMATS FOR THANKSGIVING DAY

A favorite American seasonal kid’s craft: have your child trace their hand on paper and create a turkey picture from it. Make one for each place setting.

COMMIT TO EPIC HOLIDAY DECOR

Get out the fall decor and do it up this year. If you always wanted a fog-breathing dragon or another inflatable for your Christmas collection, now is the time.

Make your own spooky fun house, complete with a “guess what you’re touching” game.

Take a cardboard box and cut arm holes. Use peeled grapes as pretend eyeballs and cooked spaghetti noodles as worms.

GO APPLE PICKING

Detering Orchards in Harrisburg is a family favorite for many. Visit deteringorchards.com to plan your trip.

30 mommag.com

STOMP AROUND IN PUDDLES

Little kids delight in watching the water splash up from their feet. Plus, it’s exercise for cooped-up kiddos.

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

/mäm/ noun Takes care of her children or other living things that live under her roof. She will do anything for her family. The one person who knows where all of your stuff is. Her love is unconditional.

“Mom, where are my shoes?”

/wou/ exclamation Expressing astonishment or admiration “Wow, Mom! You are amazing!” they cried enthusiastically.

To all those women that put the WOW in MOM.