Mid Valley MOM | December 2022 / January 2023

Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Right for You?

The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in bladder and bowel control as well as sexual health for both women, men, and children of all ages. If you or a loved one live with urinary disfunction, painful intercourse, or pain in the pelvic area, you may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. It can be used to treat many uncomfortable, painful, or disruptive conditions involving the pelvic floor.

Conditions commonly include:

• Bladder pain

• Bowel incontinence

• Constipation

• Frequent urination and urinary incontinence

• Groin, lower abdominal, pubic, or tailbone pain

• Pain in the sacroiliac (SI) joint

• Pelvic asymmetry

• Pelvic organ prolapse

If you live with any of these conditions, our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Sarah Webb, PT, DPT, PRPC can help! She provides treatment for all orthopedic conditions, with specialized training in women’s and men’s pelvic health and specialized training in trauma-informed care, post-natal rehabilitative care, and rehabilitative ultrasound imaging.

Sarah Webb, PT, DPT, PRPC

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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.

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Josiah Moses, page 6

Home

Reimagine Your Home with Rylee Henderer, page 7

Health

Let’s Talk Health with Samaritan Health Services, page 8

Thrive

Helping Kids Thrive with Karen Swanger, page 16

Say Cheese

Natural Choices with Jasmin Woodside, page 17

Learn

Partners in Education with AnnaMarie Gosser, page 24

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 22

4 mommag.com

“

Focus

Focus on MOM with Dr. Michelle Lee, page 27

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 30

Say Cheese with Dr. Wade Haslam, page 26 “

Japanese proverb

Published by GO Creative, LLC

263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322

Editor-in-Chief Managing Director

Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

Salem Advertising Representative

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

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager

Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250

Designer Sean Carver

Because I said so!

I’m just a small town girl

You know these lyrics

I’ve always loved small towns, having spent my coming-of-age years in a tiny, zero-stoplight one in Wisconsin. Big cities are a blast to visit, but home for me is when I see at least one person I know on grocery store runs.

Our local businesses make our cities unique. No shade to the big box and chain retailers, with their many conveniences. But small is special with an essence that can’t be replicated. It’s why we started asking our cover MOMs to tell us about their favorite locally owned places, and in this issue, we’ve compiled some of their favorites. It’s part of how we celebrate and support all things local.

We’re a small, local business, too: we’re comprised of one full-time and three half-time employees. We’re part of Oregon Web Press, a three-generation family business in Albany for 33 years.

I may not have taken the midnight train going anywhere, nor did I find a city boy born and raised in South Detroit. My husband was born and raised in Corvallis, and our kids were born here, too, so I have more than put down roots in the Willamette Valley. It’s a great place to live, and it’s exactly where I want to be. This season and all year long, we hope you enjoy the many delights of this beautiful place we call home. Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

To ensure life-long healthy eyes and vision, eye examinations should start early and be performed yearly!

In this digital age, a thorough eye examination should not only check for a prescription and assess the health of the eyes, it should also include testing of visual function like eye teaming, tracking and focusing.

Schedule an appointment by calling 541-967-3097 or by visiting rivervieweye.com.

We look forward to seeing you!

609 Hickory St. NW, Suite 160, Albany 541-967-3097 | rivervieweye.com

Dr. Salzano checks the baby's eye teaming, which is an important part of early vision development.

Dr. Aaron Salzano Dr. Stephanie Emmert

Dr. Kelly Batey

Oh the joy of dogs

So gross, yet so wonderful

The age-old question of why do dogs scoot has plagued many brilliant scholars. However, through years of dedicated study and passionate research, I have found the answer: it’s because they’re itchy. Amazing revelation of intellect, I know. All joking aside, the possible reasons for why they are itchy include:

• They have something stuck to their fur and need a little grooming.

• Allergies — and that area just happens to be the skin that’s irritated.

• Anal glands that are overly full or infected.

There’s an old saying that a dog scooting means they have worms, but that’s not likely. A dog or cat has to have a large amount of worms to make them itchy.

To get to the root cause, I recommend a check-up with your veterinarian to figure out why your dog may be doing this abnormal behavior. We’re here to help your pet…and potentially keep your floors cleaner.

In

Brought to you by: Josiah Moses, DVM Eastgate Veterinary Clinic

partnership with Willamette Veterinary Hospital & Ark Animal Hospital

Storage solutions for the new year

Whether you are renting an apartment, remodeling, or building from scratch, everyone has a need for storage solutions. It’s amazing how much of a difference a little organization and a good design can change your everyday rhythms.

If your resolution is to streamline your home, these storage solutions could be the answer, as they maximize storage in efficient, organized and visually appealing ways.

Corner shelving: Is your kitchen tiny and lacking counter space? Discretely store your small appliances with easily accessible pull-out corner shelving.

Laundry hamper pullout: Keep your laundry tucked away, sorted, and easily accessible with a hamper pullout.

Glass panel cabinet faces: Show off your beautiful dishes and lighten up your kitchen with glass panels.

Drawers in drawers: Another way to customize the inside of your cabinets to create unique solutions is by adding drawers within a drawer.

Inset medicine cabinet: For a flush, modern look that saves space, use an inset medicine cabinet.

Rylee Henderer | DESIGNER

Rylee Henderer grew up around construction job sites, sweeping up endless sawdust in the shop. She formally joined her family’s business in 2017 and learned everything from demolition and framing, to tile and cabinetry installation. From there, Rylee grew into client management, and along the way found a love for design. She is now a full-time designer, creating beautiful, innovative spaces for Henderer Design + Build + Remodel.

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.

Q: My weight has been a struggle my entire life, even with diet and exercise. I’m ready to take the next step, but I’m not sure what weight loss program is right for me. What advice do you have?

A: Choosing a weight loss program can be difficult, especially when faced with many fad diets or programs that offer the promise of losing weight fast. Sustainable weight loss is about looking at lifestyle and understanding what changes are needed to be successful for the long run. That is exactly the focus of Precision Wellness, an evidence-based, 16-week lifestyle change program offered through Samaritan Weight Management Institute.

The program centers on lifestyle changes designed to improve metabolic health factors, including high blood pressure, prediabetes, diabetes, cholesterol and many other health factors that arise from or are exacerbated by excess weight. Eligible candidates will work with experts who specialize in obesity. Participants will acquire the skills needed to gain optimal health and well-being, with a focus on nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness, sleep, hormones and metabolic optimization.

For questions or to sign-up for an upcoming session, call 541-768-4280. Samaritan Weight Management Institute also offers surgical weight loss solutions for individuals interested in exploring that option, too.

— Katy Brown, DO, Samaritan Weight Management Institute

Q. I am looking for a new OB/GYN provider and my friend suggested a certified nurse-midwife. Don’t midwives just help with pregnancy and childbirth?

A: Your friend is not steering you wrong. Certified nurse-midwives do a lot more than deliver babies. They are trained to provide comprehensive gynecologic care, including annual exams, Pap smears, contraception, miscarriage management and evaluation of gynecologic issues. If you are seeking an OB/ GYN provider, a certified nurse-midwife might be the right choice for you.

Like OB/GYN physicians, certified nursemidwives are highly trained and have demonstrated knowledge and skill, and both kinds of providers are committed to providing the

best possible care. Midwives are known for their focus on pregnancy and birth as natural processes, and this philosophy often carries forward to the care they provide patients across the lifespan.

At Samaritan Obstetrics & Gynecology –Corvallis, our certified nurse-midwives work in collaboration with our OB/GYN physicians and are able to seamlessly refer to them for consultations or care in cases of very complex gynecologic conditions or if the patient needs gynecologic surgery. Together our certified nurse-midwives and physicians offer patients a rich, dynamic and comprehensive mix of expertise — the best of both worlds!

— Emily Zeno Yeast, CNM, Samaritan Obstetrics & Gynecology – Corvallis

Brought to you by:

Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.

•

heartlandhumane.org | (541) 757-9000 398 SW Twin Oaks Circle, Corvallis

Karle Lewer

COMMUNITY: Corvallis

HUSBAND: Dan Lewer, veterinarian

CHILDREN: Chess, age 13, and Gracen, age 11. We have also had multiple foster children.

PROFESSION: SAHM & per diem faculty nursing instructor

PHOTOS BY: EMILY HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband and I started dating in September of our freshman year of college. Our 20-year wedding anniversary is this February! We both majored in biology, then I went on to be a nurse, and he a veterinarian. We have two sons, two dogs, a cat and three chickens. There are also some fish, but I’ve lost count.

We’ve been a foster family since 2019 and had the privilege of welcoming five kids into our family during that time. They are part of our family, but not permanently with our family, as they have successfully reunified with their parents. Through this process, we have also gotten close with a biological mother. She refers to us as “bonus family,” and I think that’s a beautiful and accurate way to phrase it.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I’ve always known I wanted to be a mom. As a young girl, I would choose holding a baby or teaching a one-year-old to walk over playing with older kids. I’ve known I wanted to be a foster mom since age 10, which is when my good friend was severely mistreated in a foster home, and I knew that good, safe homes were needed. Even then I knew the most direct way to change a problem is to be the change.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say… Do I look like a garbage can? said when my child hands me trash.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? I learned pretty young from my own mom that lists are a lifesaver. When I have a lot to do (which I always feel like there is a lot to do), I make lists. I love checking a box! Usually the box that goes unchecked is the one that doesn’t have an actual deadline, like sweeping the floor. Dinner needs to be done by dinnertime, grades need to be done by the release date. The floor needs to be swept…tomorrow.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. As per diem faculty for the OHSU School of Nursing, I work as a nursing instructor based on the school’s needs each term. I’m a clinical instructor, so I’m with students during their clinical experiences.

Providing foster care is lived service, right inside our home. It’s time consuming 24/7, emotional, and it can be hard…but so is being a biological parent. And just like being a parent is beautiful and rewarding, being a foster parent is beautiful and rewarding. The growth witnessed is incredible.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in an amazing family. My mom was a stay-at-home mom. She volunteered in the school (all the time…I couldn’t get away with anything), and she always had home-cooked dinners which we ate as a family. My father worked, but was home in time for dinner. I remember, when I was less than five, if my dad came home late my sister and I would chant, “Where are your priorities?” to which he would reply, “Right here.” In retrospect, that was probably really annoying, but it taught us that family was the first priority.

From the outside, we looked like a typical 1950s TV family. Under the surface, we were learning resilience and how to deal with difficulty. My father, who worked out daily, ate well and didn’t smoke, started having significant heart problems at age 38. Every few years he would spend time in the ICU, and my brother, sister and I learned early that he wasn’t invincible. At 48 he was diagnosed with cancer. He survived 6 years. I can easily see how this shaped me as a mom. I certainly maintain family as my priority and am an involved mother (although I don’t haunt the halls of my kids’ school). We do our best to eat dinner together, as sports allow, and most mornings we are all together at breakfast, too. But beyond that, deeper than that, I have a strong respect for the fragility of life. I love fiercely, while we are all here to love.

WHILE NAVIGATING HER OWN HEALTH CHALLENGES AND RAISING TWO KIDS, THIS MOM OPENS HER HOME TO FOSTER CHILDREN. THE KEY IS KNOWING HER PRIORITIES.

When did you realize you were no longer a child? When my mom died, which was two years after my dad. I was 28. Obviously, I hadn’t technically been a child for years, but when she died I realized I couldn’t revert to needing my mama anymore. My first child was six months old, I had just regained physical abilities after my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, and I was full of questions for my parents. But they were gone, and I was no longer anyone’s child.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? I had a great childhood, so I cannot think of a “thing” I never had that my kids should have. I do, however, want my kids to have healthy, living parents when they are adults.

What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Short. Nice. Strict. Thanks kids.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? Night is when I think of all the compliments I should really give my kids. I feel like I spend the day checking that homework is done and correcting rude brotherly behavior. Then, in bed, I think of all the lovely things about them that I should be sure to tell them because it’s all so important. The next day I’m back to hurrying them to get dressed and not forget shoes and hand me their lunchbox, and I forget the compliments all over again.

That and arthritis pain. Pain has certainly kept me up many nights. Fortunately, that is usually pretty well controlled.

Listen to mom.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mom is the biggest influence on the mother I have become. As a child, I just thought she had a normal life. I also thought she was ridiculously strict. But looking back, her baby (me) was diagnosed with a rare cancer at four months old and treated to three years of age. My dad started having heart problems a few years after I was declared disease-free. Both her parents died when she was relatively young, so she couldn’t call them with questions on how to parent. Yet, she and my dad held our family together, and they did it with grace and intense love.

My husband, Dan, has also had a tremendous impact on the mother I am today. We’ve been together from a young age and have navigated many challenges. He’s been with me through it all and influenced how I coped, therefore the person I have become. He’s also very supportive of my decision to focus on our family.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? My godmother told me, “It’s okay to use instant mashed potatoes.” It sounds ridiculous, but it was life changing. It allowed me to focus on excellence elsewhere (literally at the time of the advice, the turkey, stuffing, salad, and dessert). Applying it to life broadly, it was permission to use tried-and-true shortcuts that yield good results so I could focus on other tasks. What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? When I had my first son I had my first flare up of rheumatoid arthritis. My hands clawed up, I couldn’t walk well, and I was in terrible pain. My elbows and jaw

were my working joints. I was doing infant care, including diaper changes, with my teeth. I was officially diagnosed when he was eight weeks old and put on medication. I was told I could not breastfeed on the medicine, and I was devastated. Before delivery I had been working as an OB nurse, and in that world, “breast is best” along with a list of the horrors of bottle feeding. Breast-feeding was the rule, and I am a rule follower. I remember sobbing after the appointment, not because I had a chronic disease, not because I wasn’t sure how much physical function I would regain. I was sobbing because I couldn’t nurse my baby and was therefore not the best mother he could have. Eight weeks in and I was already failing. It took me a while to realize how absolutely absurd this thought was. Healthy, I could be a much better mom. I needed to know this: you are not going to do everything perfectly. Nobody is perfect. But you are the perfect mom for this baby.

MOMs Love Local

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

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

…place to treat yourself to a mani/ pedi, massage or other personal service: Adore Salon

…restaurant to take the kids: El Palenque, El Sol de Mexico, Tacovore, Sky High Brewing

…restaurants for a date night: Sada Sushi & Izakaya, Vault 244

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Market of Choice

MOM ' s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Crazy wrestling. To be clear, the boys and my husband wrestle while I stand back reminding everyone to be gentle.

… binge-worthy podcasts: Moms Struggling Well, Serial and a variety of true crime podcasts.

…way to get out of making dinner: What, there’s a child sporting event tonight? I guess we’ll have to pick up dinner or pack something portable.

…Inspirational quote: Life is tough, my darling, but so are you.

…Time-saving app or digital tool: My sister got me a meal planning subscription called, Eat at Home. It’s great for nights when I don’t know what to make for dinner, or need to make something fast.

Ready to roll on busy mornings

MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFASTS

For many moms, weekday mornings are an exercise in chaos. Someone overslept, another one hates all of their clothes and didn’t you know there was a basketball uniform you were supposed to have washed?

These premade options can be eaten in the car, for mid-morning snack time or even saved for lunch. If you get the big box of freezer sausage biscuits, no judgment from us. Just know you can save money on a healthier option you make at home, and without all that packaging.

BREAKFAST BURRITOS

8 medium tortillas

8 eggs, scrambled with salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded cheese of your choice

2 cups chopped ham or 8 sausage links

Diced yellow, green and/or red peppers, if your kids don’t reject them

Spread the tortillas out on a clean surface so you can batch-prep. In each tortilla, add equal amounts scrambled eggs, cheese and diced peppers. Add either 1/4 cup of bacon to each, or two slices of sausage links to match the length of the other ingredients.

Fold each tortilla into tight burritos, wrapping each tightly in aluminum foil. They can be stored in freezer bags until ready to eat. Remove foil from each before microwaving one to two minutes until heated thoroughly.

THIS IS NOT A COOKIE.

These oatmeal not-cookies are an easy sell.

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 mashed ripe banana

2 teaspoons of vanilla

1 cup brown sugar

3 teaspoons orange zest

1 3/4 cups wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together oil and eggs, then mix in banana, vanilla and brown sugar. Add orange rind and raisins, then set mixture aside.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and oats. Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until combined.

Roll into about ¼ cup-sized balls and bake on an ungreased baking sheet for 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool on wire racks.

EGG BITES

1 cup diced ham, bacon or sausage

3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella

3/4 cup broccoli, chopped fine

3/4 cup tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped

1/3 cup of onions, diced

6 eggs

1/4 cup milk

2 Tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Generously grease a 12-muffin tin. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To each muffin holder, sprinkle a bit of the cheddar and mozzarella. Don’t press down on it: it’s actually better if there are air pockets for the forthcoming egg mixture to fill in.

Add to each a sprinkle of the meat, broccoli, tomatoes and onions.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and water. Add the garlic salt, basil and parsley, and whisk until combined.

Pour the egg mixture over each muffin, filling to about ⅔ full.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before running a small silicone spatula around the edge of each egg bite before removing. Using a soft spatula versus a knife saves your nonstick pan from getting scratched. Cool completely on a wire rack.

These will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days, and can be reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds. To freeze: store in freezer-safe container and freeze until ready for eating. Each egg bite can be microwaved 1 to 2 minutes wrapped in a paper towel to absorb moisture.

SQUARES

It’s pumpkin pie goodness without the challenge of a pie crust!

1 cup flour

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup oats ½ cup butter

2 cups pumpkin

2 eggs ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. ginger

1 can evaporated milk ¾ cup sugar ¼ tsp. cloves

½ cup pecans, roughly chopped ½ cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp. butter

Mix crust ingredients (first four ingredients) until crumbly. Press into an ungreased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

While crust is baking, mix together filling (next seven ingredients.) Beat well and pour over hot crust. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

While filling is baking, crumble together the topping (last three ingredients.) Sprinkle topping over hot filling; bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

Kidspirit

Kids and cooking: a great pairing

The skill of cooking has much to offer when it comes to kids: it folds in the need for reading and following directions, how to properly measure ingredients, how to use kitchen tools, and so much more.

This winter, try making this tasty, healthy dessert with your kids. Bonus: its cozy aroma will fill your home.

Easy baked apples

INGREDIENTS

4 apples (variety of your choice; Fuji is a good option)

16 teaspoons maple syrup

8 tablespoons rolled oats Cinnamon for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Slice the apples in half and scoop out the seeds to create a little “bowl” in each half.

Place 1 Tablespoon of oats in each apple half, then put 2 teaspoons of maple syrup on each half.

Top each half with a generous amount of cinnamon and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Allow to cool before serving.

Our popular Kidspirit cooking classes are offered in-person and online. Check our website and Facebook page for classes starting soon.

Karen Swanger Director of OSU

Brought to you by: OSU KidSpirit, OSU Extension & Outreach kidspirit.oregonstate.edu

Come to First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op for all of your grocery needs. It’s the natural choice.

Fast, early morning breakfasts

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, why does it have to be so dang early!? Get a jump on your first meal with some help from First Alternative Co-op, where we’ve got options for everybody — and every morning.

Grab ‘N’ Go Breakfast: Start the day with a piping-hot cup of fair trade coffee and a Co-op Kitchen Veggie Wrap or Denver Omelet Wrap (made with cage-free eggs and local De Casa tortillas.) Still hungry? Grab some hot-and-ready Beeler’s Pork sausage links and a freshly baked croissant or muffin from our bakery case. The Co-op Kitchen is up early every morning cooking for you.

Overnight Oats: A quick breakfast sometimes starts the night before. For an easy single-serving oatmeal breakfast — perfect for slipping into backpacks and briefcases — start by placing ⅓ cup rolled oats in a mason jar then topping it with ½ cup of milk. Add your favorite toppings, give it a stir, cover it with a lid and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you can pour it into a bowl and add fresh fruit. Or just eat it straight from the jar. You’ll find everything you need for this and more at the Co-op.

Two locations in Corvallis 1007 SE 3rd • 541-753-3115 2855 NW Grant • 541-452-3115

Open daily www.firstalt.coop

Jasmin Woodside of First Alternative Co-op and her children.

Eugene area

...shop to pick up a gift or something for yourself:

Hirons Pharmacy

Luxe

Passionflower Design Provisions Market at the 5th Street Public Market

Rescued Living

Real Deals on Home Decor Rhythm and Blooms Stingray Botanicals

...coffee spot:

Allan’s Coffee

Max Porter’s Coffeehouse, Junction City Meraki Coffee Co.

Sweet Tree Cafe & Espresso Vero Espresso Perugino Coffee House

...place to treat yourself to a mani/ pedi, massage or other personal service:

Bello Day Spa & Salon

Chikara Salon & Spa

French Nails & Spa

Gervais Salon & Day Spa

Number One Nails & Spa

Reflections Salon

Tips & Toes

...restaurant to take the kids:

Benny’s Pizza Joint

Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina

Viking Braggot Company Southtowne Pub

Killer Burger

MM McMenamins

North Bank

Steelhead Brewery Papa’s Pizza Parlor

...restaurants for a date night:

Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar Hacienda Amigo Mio Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria

Black Wolf Supper Club Café Soriah

Long Timber Brewing MM Marché

Memo’s Mexican Restaurant North Fork Public House Sabai Cafe & Bar Sushi PURE

...take-out, food truck or quick bite:

Beergarden

El Super Taco El Taco Express Dos Banderas

Fruteria Lalito MM Beer Station Saigon Cafe Sushi Ya Tradewinds Café

...meetup spot for happy hour:

B2 Bar & Grill

barTini bistro

Provisions South MM SideBar

Thinking Tree Spirits Wetlands Brew Pub

Salem area

...shop to pick up a gift or something yourself:

Aunt Bee’s House

One Fair World

Salem Saturday Market

The Find

Top Drawer

The Arbor

...coffee spot:

Bentley’s Downtown

MM: Broadway Coffeehouse

French Press

IKE Box

Just Us Girls

Urban Grange

...restaurant to take the kids:

Annette’s Westgate

BeeHive Station Food Pod

Bo & Vine Burger

La Hacienda Real Sushi Kyo

...restaurants for a date night:

Azuls Taco House

MM DaVinci Ristorante

MM Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant

Jubilee Champagne & Dessert Bar

Rudy’s Steakhouse Venti’s

...take-out, food truck or quick bite:

Beehive Station Food Pod

Dalia’s Taqueria

Momiji Sushi Restaurant Super Pho

MM The Yard Food Park

...place where the kids can let off steam:

MM Awesome Indoor Playground

Get Air Trampoline Park

Minto-Brown Island Park

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel

...place to treat yourself: Envy Lash Studio

Ivy Nails Salon

Simply Blissed

...view or scenic lookout:

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Silver Falls State Park

Willamette Valley Vineyards

GAMBERETTI’S

ANKENY

Jessica

AVOIDING TRANSITION TANTRUMS

We’ve all been there: While rushing to make it in time for that playdate, appointment or last-minute trip to Target, the dreaded transition tantrum takes hold. Holidays can make this extra hard, with school schedules changing and nap time going awry; sometimes it’s just too much for our little ones.

Changing activities and environments can be difficult, and neurodivergent children may face additional struggles with this. However, with a few proactive steps, we can help ease the stress of transitions.

1. PROVIDE A VISUAL SCHEDULE: I’m lost without my phone’s calendar, so it’s no surprise that kids do best when provided with a schedule as well. A visual schedule can be as simple or as detailed as you would like.

Simply list out the activities that your child will be participating in, and add a picture if needed for visual learners or early readers. Take a few minutes to review the schedule with your child once or twice daily to ensure success.

2. TRANSITION WARNINGS: We all need a little reminder — and some of us need a lot! Providing a verbal reminder for your children will help get them ready for a transition. The more time you can provide, the better. I like to start reminders for my kids an hour before we leave the house or our next big activity, and every 15 minutes after that. If I’m also trying to get ready, I ask my Alexa to do these for me.

3. BE PATIENT AND FLEXIBLE: I remind myself that it’s hard o be a kid and have little control over what activities are planned for the day. Adding some extra time in the schedule for big feelings is important, and an extra five minutes to finish up that super cool coloring page never hurt either.

Brought to you by:

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

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

It’s perfect, honey!

The gift of imagination

In this season of gift-giving, the best gifts are not those that cost the most, go the fastest or sparkle the brightest; they are gifts that spark the imagination, inspire self-exploration and build social skills.

lives, we see what we don’t have. When we look in the mirror, we see our flaws instead of the blessings. Can we take a step back? Can we accept those few extra pounds, or scuffed shoes, or not-so-new car—even with its occasional rattles—and allow ourselves to experience satisfaction with what we have and who we are? Peace with ourselves liberates us to be our own “best.”

Dress-up and make believe play allows kids to explore personalities, language and a wide variety of skills. An old sheet can become a cape, allowing for your child to swoop and zoom, saving those in distress. Old instruments let them sing and perform as their favorite artist, calculators and pencils create hours of playing “business.”

Today’s the day. Give yourself a break from the expectation of perfection and say, “I’m okay.”

It’s called GRACE. Give yourself some today!

Children’s brains are highly stimulated during imaginative play as it requires them to think and remember what they have seen around them. Using previous information to work out details as different personas and in unique scenes increases their connections to schemas they have stored in their brains. Their vocabulary also grows as they practice running commentary.

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Shop thrift and vintage stores for interactive gifts that allow them to play chef, construction worker, banker, airplane pilot, doctor or teacher. Recycle Halloween costumes, older children’s sports uniforms or try raiding your closet. Scarves, hats, vests and fun shoes can make for hours of adventures. For older kids, choose items that allow them to be creative with different mediums such as art, legos or wood.

Carla Towery is a Kindergarten teacher, Santiam Christian Schools

Tap into your child’s inquisitive nature this season and watch them grow while they play.

AnnaMarie Gosser

Santiam Christian Elementary Principal

When dental anxiety gets in your way

If dental anxiety is getting between you and the smile you want, please know that reputable dental professionals will do everything we can to help you.

If you have issues with your bite, sometimes braces are the only way to fix it. And you want to fix your bite to save your teeth, as neglecting the problem can lead to teeth and bone loss. Or perhaps you simply want to improve the look of your smile, but dental anxiety has stopped you.

Dental anxiety often stems from fear of pain. Getting braces may cause discomfort, but the process is one that patients describe as feeling a little strange, but not painful. If traditional braces are necessary, we offer custom-made Lightforce brackets that decrease your overall treatment time. And if you go with removable aligners, you can ease your way into the sensation.

Also good news: the technology we have today keeps getting better. For patients who dread having to sit for dental molds — a trigger for anyone with a strong gag reflex — in most cases we can us 3D camera imaging to get dental impressions.

We can walk you through exactly what will happen and when; just knowing what to expect does wonders for many people. Some times, your comfort might mean bringing a support person, your favorite stuffed animal from when you were a kid, or listening to your favorite podcast. No judgment from us; as long as it’s safe, we’re here to support you.

It’s late, and you just read Goodnight Moon to your toddler a thousand times. The temptation to skip your bedtime routine and give in to sleep is strong, but please take the time to remove eye makeup.

Not taking off your eye makeup before sleeping has consequences: your eyes have what are called meibomian glands near your lashes. These tiny, oil-secreting glands help keep your eyes clear and moisturized. When they’re clogged, it can lead to inflammation, styes, chalazions or even corneal abrasions.

Look for an eye makeup remover that is gel-based, paraben-free and oil-free. After removing makeup, you can use a gentle eyelid cleanser, to remove trace amounts of makeup as well as any leftover remover. Eyelid cleansers can help keep meibomian glands unclogged and working well; this is helpful for anyone with dry eyes.

And please don’t use makeup on the inside of the lash line, often called the “water line.” It clogs the meibomian glands, and particles from the makeup are more likely to migrate into your eyes. Protect your precious vision.

Michelle Lee, OD eyecareassociates.net

Albany Willetta St SW (541) 926-5848

Albany Custom Eyes (541) 928-2020

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office has moved! Visit us at 227 NW 3rd St.

Downtown Corvallis (541) 757-1120

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We know you’re tired, but… Please remove your makeup before you fall asleep

Sources: American Optometric Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology

It’s no secret that the U.S. is behind other countries when it comes to paid work leave for new parents. The Pew Research Center reported that the U.S. is t he only country among 41 nations that does not offer paid parental leave, while countries like Estonia, Bulgaria and Hungary provide over 58 weeks.

About a dozen U.S. states have worked to change this by offering their own programs, and in 2023, Oregon joins the list. The effort in Oregon has been formally in the works since at least 2016, and it passed the Oregon Legislature with bipartisan support in 2019.

We turned to Karen Madden Humelbaugh, Director of Paid Leave Oregon, for answers to common questions.

How does this benefit moms? Are there benefits that go beyond the financial component?

Yes, paid leave helps parents, as well as children! The introduction of paid maternity leave in five U.S. states lowered rates of low birth-weight and preterm births. The introduction of paid family leave in California also is associated with increases in the duration of breastfeeding, reductions in hospitalizations for infants and improvements in mother’s mental health.

Beyond the financial benefits for moms, studies have also shown that paid leave programs help women re-enter and stay in the workforce. It allows for important bonding time for families, impacts breastfeeding duration, enables parents to get prompt healthcare for their infants, improves mother’s postpartum physical and mental health, and strengthens parent-child bonds. The physical and mental health benefits to mothers has been well documented, as well as for partners and the children.

Is it going to take money from my paycheck? And if so, how?

Most employees working in Oregon contribute to and receive benefits from Paid Leave Oregon. It’s a program we all contribute to, so the funds are available when people need to take leave. The overall contribution rate for 2023 is 1% of gross wages. The employee pays 60% of that 1%. For example, if you make $1,000, the employee

pays $6. Large employers, those with 25 or more employees, pay the other 40% of that 1% contribution rate. Small employers do not pay into the program, but their employees still pay into and benefit from the program.

What if I’m done having babies; do I still have to pay into it?

Most employees in Oregon pay into Paid Leave Oregon. The program isn’t just parental leave for bonding with a child: it also covers family leave for caring for a family member with a serious health condition, medical leave for your own serious health condition and safe leave, for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. Most of us don’t know when we may have a life event that requires us to take time off — we can’t always plan for a family member who is very ill or our own serious medical condition, for instance.

Do I have to do anything special to sign up for it?

Most employees are automatically in the program and will be contributing through payroll deductions starting in January 2023. Your employer will withhold and pay your contribution as part of the payroll process. In September 2023, employees can start applying for benefits if they have a qualifying life event. They will apply for paid leave benefits through our new online portal, Frances Online.

What about dads? Do you have to be married, or can my boyfriend/girlfriend take it too, even if they aren’t a biological parent?

Family leave is for a mother or father, or their domestic partner, who needs that time to bond with their child in the first year after birth, or through adoption or foster care.

I thought Oregon already had family/ medical Leave. How is this different?

In Oregon, employees may have access to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA). These programs have many differences from Paid Leave Oregon in terms of who is covered and for what amount of time. This biggest difference is that our program is paid . FMLA and OFLA offer job

protections but they are unpaid leave. Also, many other types of leave are only available to full-time workers or people who work for larger companies. Paid Leave Oregon is available to anyone who makes at least $1,000 the prior year, whether they are full-time, part-time or seasonal.

What is Safe Leave?

Safe Leave is protected, paid leave for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. It allows someone to take paid leave to take time to seek safety, support and resources in what can be a very frightening and stressful time.

What if I’m self-employed?

Self-employed people and independent contractors are not automatically covered by Paid Leave Oregon, but they can choose coverage starting in January 2023. If they choose coverage, they pay the same contribution rate as an employee of a business (60% of 1% of wages). They can go to paidleave.oregon.gov to learn more about choosing paid leave coverage.

“The urgent necessity for paid parental leave,” American Psychological Association, Abrams, 2022 “Among 41 countries, only U.S. lacks paid parental leave,” Pew Research Center, Livingston & Thomas, 2019

PAID LEAVE OREGON IS PAID LEAVE FOR:

Family Leave

Birth of a child

Bonding with a child:

• In the first year after birth

• Through adoption

• When they’re placed in your home through foster care

To care for a family member with a serious illness or injury

Medical Leave

To care for yourself when you have a serious illness or injury

Safe Leave

For survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking

Visit paidleave.oregon.gov to learn more.

Brought to you by: pediatricdentistoregon.com

155 NW Hickory St # A Albany, OR 97321

(541) 928-1509

Keep the “sugar bugs” at bay this holiday season

The holiday season is here, and kids are dreaming of Santa, presents and treats.

A few tips to keep your child’s teeth healthy and safe from those holiday treat “sugar bugs,” as we call them...

• Set some limits. Try to pace the sweets consumption, and set up some easy-to-follow daily rules that still allow for enjoyment.

• Carry water with you. Have the kids swish the water around in their mouths after treats. Avoid sticky and chewy candies, especially if your child has crowns or braces.

• Remind them to brush every night before bed. Don’t let those “bugs” sit on their teeth all night.

• Finally, check your child’s teeth every day. School breaks can sometimes lead to a little too much relaxing when it comes to brushing habits.

Happy holidays to all!

EYECARE ASSOCIATES WELCOMES Gregory A. Richard, MD

Gregory A. Richard, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who screens for and treats glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetes-affected vision and other eye conditions. He also performs LASIK surgery.

He holds a medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, and he completed his internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Richard enjoys being an ophthalmologist because of the positive impact it can have on patients. As an eye physician and surgeon, he believes in providing the latest evidence-based medicine and guiding patients in making decisions that are right for them.

Outside of work, he enjoys biking, kayaking and hiking.

Salem location is now open!

5686 Commercial St. SE eyecareassociates.net

Albany (541) 926-5848

Albany Custom Eyes (541) 928-2020

Downtown Corvallis (541) 757-1120

NW Corvallis (541) 752-4622

Eyecare Associates

Salem (971) 377-2703

Lebanon (541) 451-5808 Lincoln City (541) 614-0946

Dr. Jay Vaikuntam