by Guest | Apr 1, 2025 | Being Well, Eat Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Written by: Leanna Coy, FNP-BC, Freelance Health Writer
Little universes of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites live in and on your body. Known as microbiomes, these tiny worlds impact your overall well-being positively by working together to keep your health in balance. (1) When something throws one of those universes out of balance, your well-being suffers. One powerful microbiome is the one in your gut. This microscopic universe plays a role in balancing immunity, digestion, weight, and even mental health.
What does the gut microbiome do?
The gut microbiome is in the digestive tract. It is a diverse environment containing about 100 trillion microscopic organisms. (2) These organisms serve many functions, including digesting your food, protecting the intestinal wall, and metabolism. (9)
Everyone’s gut microbiome is different. Your gut health begins before birth with bacteria and DNA passed on from your mother. (7) The diet you consume in infancy, whether breast milk or formula, continues the development of your gut microbiome. This continues to evolve throughout your life. Factors such as the foods you eat, medications you take, genetics, and age all determine the makeup of your gut microbiome.
How it affects digestive health
Your gut microbiome keeps the lining of your intestines intact and helps protect the walls from cancer cells. (2) It breaks down products passing through to make sugar for energy and to balance glucose. When an imbalance in the gut microbiome occurs, it’s called dysbiosis. (4) Dysbiosis may cause your body to begin working against you. This can lead to various diseases in the digestive tract:
- H. pylori
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation
How it affects weight
Obesity is an excess of body fat. It’s a chronic disease that affects a person’s quality of life and overall health. In the United States (12):
- 1 in 5 children are obese
- 2 in 5 adults are obese
An overgrowth of certain bacteria or lack of variety in the bacteria in the gut microbiome can contribute to obesity. (9) The microbes in the gut produce substances known as metabolites. (2) Metabolites are substances the body makes or uses when breaking down food, medicines, or tissue in a process known as metabolism. Your metabolism creates the energy needed for growth and maintaining your health. Metabolism also removes toxins from the body. (3)
When dysbiosis occurs in the digestive system, the body’s metabolism does not work correctly. The imbalance changes hormones in the gut, which affects how the body stores fat. These hormones also regulate appetite and food intake. Changes to these contribute to increased body fat. (9)
How it affects heart health
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Every 33 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease. (11) People with cardiovascular diseases may have more inflammation producing gut microbiome. (10) Dysbiosis damages the lining of the intestines by creating chronic inflammation. The inflammation allows the intestines to release more toxins into the bloodstream. (8) Cardiovascular diseases linked to dysbiosis in the digestive tract include:
- Hypertension: gut bacteria affects blood pressure regulation
- Heart failure: circulating toxins from leaking from intestines increase generalized inflammation
- Atherosclerosis: gut bacteria found in plaque that lines artery walls
- Myocardial infarction: increased severity of attack
How it affects diabetes
An imbalance of certain bacteria in the gut that helps produce energy is linked to Type 2 diabetes. The dysbiosis, in this case, causes impaired glucose tolerance. The body’s ability to regulate blood sugar with insulin decreases. This leads to blood sugars getting pushed higher (10)
How it affects mental health
Similar to diabetes, a high number of Americans experience mental illness. Every year:
- 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness
- 1 in 6 children 6-17 years old have a mental health disorder
Mental illness encompasses a variety of disorders, including:
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Bipolar
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
Mental illness is complex and not the result of a single event or cause. Genetics, environment, and lifestyle all factor into a person’s mental health. (14)
The gut microbiome plays a role in producing and regulating neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are substances that send messages between nerve cells. (15) Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters used in the balance of mental health. (13) Low levels of serotonin can contribute to depression. (15) When there is a lack of diversity in the gut microbiome, issues like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder can occur. (15)
What to do to keep your microbiome healthy
The standard American diet contributes to many problems with the gut microbiome. Highly processed foods can change your gut microbiome with the amount of fat, sugar, and low fiber they contain. (6) The changes to the gut microbiome can trigger genetic shifts that get passed on to the next generation. (6) Dysbiosis occurs and triggers inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
- Sugar alternatives, such as aspartame and saccharin, change the microbiome balance.
- Food additives, such as emulsifiers, reduce diversity in the microbiome.
- Some restrictive diets, such as vegan, raw food, or gluten-free diets, are problematic due to their lack of microbiome diversity. (2)
Improving the gut microbiome can occur quickly with dietary changes. Researchers see changes within days to two weeks. (2) Take steps to balance your microbiome.
- Eat a variety of foods. Food variety keeps the microbiome diverse. A low diversity of organisms is a common theme in the health issues related to the microbiome. When there is diversity, the microorganisms work together to keep everything in balance.
- Limit consumption of processed foods. Several additives in processed foods can change the balance of the gut microbiome. Some of these additives trigger hormonal problems that lead to inflammation and chronic health issues. By limiting the number of processed foods you eat, you can help reduce gut inflammation.
- Keep things moving. Regular bowel movements turn over the old and bring in new microorganisms. Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes. Staying active and consuming water throughout the day will help to keep things moving along.
- Limit chemicals. Chemicals such as alcohol and tobacco act like pollutants in your system. Chronic exposure to these chemicals will keep your microbiome from flourishing. Limit the use of these pollutants. Additionally, overuse of antibiotics can wipe out the good and bad bacteria. Limit the use of antibiotics to only when necessary.
- Prebiotics. Prebiotics are foods your digestive system cannot completely digest, but they nourish microorganisms in the gut. (16) Feed your microbiome with prebiotic foods:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Bananas
- Asparagus
- Wheat and whole-grain products
- Apples
- Jicama
- Probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that aid with digestion and bowel function. (15) Eating foods with probiotics helps keep the digestive tract healthy. The probiotics work with prebiotics to keep the microbiome in balance. Probiotic foods include:
- Yogurt
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Buttermilk
Taking care of your gut microbiome is likely an area of your health that you never considered. But the trillions of microorganisms inside your digestive tract play an important in your overall well-being. You can keep the balance of your gut microbiome in check by eating a variety of foods, limiting processed foods, and avoiding toxins. The impact may change your life.
REFERENCES:
- National Cancer Institute, NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Microbiome. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/microbiome
- Valdes, A., Walter, J., Segal, E., & Spector, T. (2018). Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. BMJ, 361. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2179
- National Cancer Institute, NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Metabolite. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/metabolite
- Cleveland Clinic. (April 16, 2024). Dysbiosis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/dysbiosis
- Corliss, J. November 1, 2023. How a healthy gut helps your heart. Harvard Health, Heart Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-a-healthy-gut-helps-your-heart
- Shi, Z. (2019). Gut microbiota: An important link between Western diet and chronic disease. Nutrients, 11(10), 2287. DOI: 10.3390/nu11102287
- Yao, Y., Cai, X., Ye, Y., Wang, F., Chen, F., and Zheng, C. (2021). The role of microbiota in infant health: From early life to adulthood. Frontiers in Immunology, 12. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.708472
- Patterson, E., Ryan, P., Cryan, J., Dinan, T., Ross, R., Fitzgerald, G., & Stanton, C. (2016). Gut microbiota, obesity, and diabetes. Postgrad Medical Journal, 92(1087), 286-300. DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2015-133285
- Vetrani, C., DiNisio, A., Paschou, S., Barrea, L., Muscogiuri, G., Graziadio, C., Savastano, S., & Colao, A. (2022). From gut microbiota through low-grade inflammation to obesity: Key players and potential targets. Nutrients, 14(10), 2103. DOI: 10.3390/nu14102103
- Tang, W.H., Kitai, T., & Hazen, S. (2017). Gut microbiota in cardiovascular health and disease. Circulation Research,120(7), 1183-1196. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.309715
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts, October 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Obesity, January 23, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/php/about/index.html
- Xiong, R., Li, J., Cheng, J., Zhou, D., Wu, S., Huang, S., Saimaiti, A., Yang, Z., Gan, R., & Li, H. (2023). The role of gut microbiota in anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders as well as the protective effects of dietary components. Nutrients, 15(14), 3258. DOI: 10.3390/nu15143258
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. About Mental Illness. Mental Health Conditions. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/
- National Cancer Institute, NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Probiotic. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/probiotic
- Catanese, L. (2024, May 15). Prebiotics: Understanding their role in gut health. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/prebiotics-understanding-their-role-in-gut-health
by Guest | Mar 24, 2025 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized, Work Well
Written by: Sarah Ermer, MPH, CHES; Prevention Specialist at Tillamook Family Counseling Center
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and when it comes to a behavior that can cause significant harm and remain hidden so easily, awareness is key. You may only picture gambling addiction as someone losing their life savings at a casino, and while many still experience gambling addiction in this way, gambling today takes more forms than it did even a decade ago. Technology has changed gambling, access to gambling, and how addiction takes hold—sometimes in ways we don’t even recognize.
If you’ve ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, telling yourself “Just one more minute” only to realize an hour has passed, you’ve experienced how technology can hijack our attention. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts use algorithm-driven content and intermittent rewards—features that stimulate the brain’s reward system much like gambling. Every swipe holds the potential for something exciting, unpredictable, and engaging. This taps into something psychologists call our variable reward system, which is the same mechanism that drives gambling behaviors. The uncertainty of what’s coming next (a viral video, a big payout) keeps us engaged far longer than we intend. This is why gambling addiction, like social media overuse, isn’t simply about willpower. It’s about the way our brains are wired for reward and reinforcement.
Let’s zoom out a little more, beyond gambling and social media, to another related pastime: video gaming. Though distinct activities, the line between gaming and gambling is becoming blurred. Many video games have features that replicate or explicitly mimic gambling. Spin-to-win rewards and loot boxes where players can pay real or in-game currency to win an unknown prize are both examples of how video games are exposing younger and younger players to the hook of gambling, not to mention games where players can enter and gamble within virtual casinos. And the younger a person is exposed to an addictive behavior, the more likely they are to experience addiction later in life. That’s why some countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Australia have restricted or banned loot boxes from video games.
Moving back to the present-day landscape of gambling itself. Gambling is no longer confined to casinos or lottery games. In 2019, Oregon legalized sports betting, allowing people to place wagers anytime, anywhere via their smartphones. While convenient, this also means that gambling addiction can develop in secrecy. Someone could lose thousands of dollars without ever leaving their home. The accessibility of gambling apps makes it easier to engage impulsively, making problem gambling harder to recognize until significant harm has occurred.
Sports betting platforms, casino apps, and online poker sites are designed to keep users playing, using features like quick deposits, loss-chasing prompts, and VIP rewards. Without physical cash changing hands, it’s easy to underestimate losses. And because gambling doesn’t leave visible signs like drug or alcohol misuse can, it’s often called the “hidden addiction.” That’s why it is necessary to learn the warning signs of gambling addiction, both in ourselves and others.
Warning signs of gambling addiction can include:
- Spending more and more time gambling
- “Chasing” losses with more gambling
- Feeling the need to bet more money to feel the same excitement
- Creating special occasions for gambling (canceling other plans)
- Frequently borrowing or losing money with no clear explanation
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression linked to gambling outcomes
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back
If you choose to gamble, these steps can help minimize harm:
- Decide in advance how much time and money you can afford to spend, and stick to that limit
- Avoid chasing lost money. The more you try to recoup your losses, the larger your losses will be.
- Make it a private rule not to gamble on credit. Don’t borrow money to gamble.
- Avoid gambling under stress. Don’t gamble as a way to cope with physical or emotional pain.
- Take breaks. The longer you play, the harder it is to stick to your limits. Step away regularly.
- Know when to walk away. If gambling stops being fun or causes distress, it’s time to stop.
Lear more warning signs and safer gambling guidelines by visiting OPGR.org.
I hope this article can be your introduction to learning about gambling harm and addiction. A few sentences about gaming or sports betting doesn’t begin to cover the depth of the issue, and there is always more to learn.
Remember, gambling addiction isn’t just a matter of willpower, and help is available. If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harm, help is free and confidential. Go to OPGR.org, or call 1-877-MY-LIMIT.
by Guest | Mar 14, 2025 | Eat Well, Featured, Recipes
This twist on a classic favorite is versatile and can be adapted based on the ingredients you have available.
Ingredients:
1 large head of cabbage
1 pound lean ground beef, pork, poultry (uncooked)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided (see Notes)
1 cup cooked brown rice (see Notes)
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped bell pepper
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ to ½ teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup chopped parsley, dill or cilantro (optional)
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Use these steps to remove 12 cabbage leaves from the head:
- Trim off the bottom of the cabbage and carefully remove the core with a sharp knife.
- Place cabbage, core-side down, in a deep microwave-safe dish along with one inch of water.
- Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove cabbage from the microwave.
- Let cool until safe to handle.
- Pull leaves from the outside of the cabbage and set aside. Return to the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, if needed, to remove enough leaves.
- Spread ½ cup tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×12-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the beef, rice, ½ cup tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, basil, oregano, paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Put about ¼ cup meat mixture in the middle of a cabbage leaf near the core end. Roll the bottom edge of the cabbage over the meat, then fold each side into the middle and continue rolling tightly. Place the roll seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil and bake for 1 hour. The cabbage leaves should be tender and the inside temperature at least 160 degrees F on a food thermometer.
- Spoon a little sauce from the bottom of the dish over a serving cabbage rolls and top with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes:
- Use any cooked beans or grains in the filling, such as white beans and barley.
- For a flavorful tomato sauce, add 1 teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon each cumin and coriander before dividing. You can also make a sauce with chopped vegetables such as carrots and zucchini.
- Use the remaining cabbage for a salad, soup or stir-fry.
- No microwave? You can soften the cabbage leaves other ways:
- Place the trimmed and cored cabbage in a deep pot. Cover with boiling water and simmer for about 4 minutes. Remove leaves with tongs as they soften.
- Place the trimmed and cored cabbage in the freezer. Defrost cabbage in the refrigerator. The leaves will peel off easily.
From FoodHero.org
by Guest | Mar 12, 2025 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
We each deserve to spend the last months, weeks, days, and hours of our lives in an environment that makes us feel empowered, human, and whole. But doing so requires frank conversations about death, which many of us struggle to have, even with ourselves. According to a 2018 national survey by the Conversation Project, only 32% of people have discussed their wishes for end-of-life care, even though 92% believe it’s important to have those discussions.
When we do manage to have those discussions, the systems around death and dying are complex and often exhausting to navigate, meaning many people who are terminally ill or dying end up with unmet needs, even when their support system is doing everything they can.
Those situations are where a death doula—also called an end-of-life doula—can be helpful to have.
What is a death doula?
A death doula is a companion and guide through the end-of-life process. Their primary client is the dying person, though they also work with other members of the family, community, or care teams. Many death doulas take on small caseloads, allowing them to meet with clients more often and for longer sessions than care providers with intense caseloads or family caregivers with multiple responsibilities may be able to.
Death doulas provide six areas of support:
- Presence: Acting as a nurturing, calming companion.
- Emotional support: Being there for patients to talk to, being the person who doesn’t shy away from talking about death.
- Information sharing. Educating on relevant topics as needed.
- Proactive guidance. Anticipating patient needs and planning accordingly.
- Resources connection: Referring out to appropriate providers and community resources.
- Comfort measures: Using non-medical means to ease physical discomfort.
- Logistical support: Including household help, coordinating community care, etc.
Why might you work with a death doula?
Since wants and needs at the end of our life are as unique as each of us, there are many reasons why you might engage a death doula. Common ones include:
- You want the assistance of a compassionate guide when having those difficult conversations about death and end-of-life planning with yourself, or with someone else.
- You’re unsure how to start planning your end-of-life care and want help navigating the process.
- You have a limited support system and want a companion through your final months, weeks, or days.
- You want more companionship, emotional support, comfort measures, or logistical support than hospice, caregivers, or the other members of your care team have the capacity to provide.
- You want someone to help plan and/or participate in your vigil.
- You have knowledge, stories, etc. you want to pass on and need help with legacy planning/projects, which have been shown to increase patient and caregiver wellbeing.
- You want help planning your deathbed ecosystem; where you pass away, who is present, what the room looks, sounds, and smells like. You have every right to cultivate a deathbed ecosystem that brings you comfort, peace, even joy.
- You’re nowhere near death but you want to be on the safe side by planning proactively.
How to choose a death doula
Currently, death doula work is not heavily regulated. Organizations like the National End-of-Life Doula Association and the Internation End-of-Life Doula Association offer certifications in order to lend a degree of consistency and accountability for doulas. But certification isn’t legally required for someone to advertise as one.
When contacting a death doula, you can ask if they’re certified, and by who, and what training they’ve undergone; in Oregon, the Peaceful Prescence Project is commonly used and well-regarded. You can also familiarize yourself with the death doula scope of practice; that way, you can identify if a death doula is offering services outside their capacity to provide.
It can help to spend time thinking about what death doula services you want, as the exact services offered can vary between providers. Knowing what matters most to you in your end-of-life care makes it easier to find a death doula who’s a good fit.
You can find more advice on selecting a death doula at NEDA. If you decide to work with a death doula, you can use the NEDA “Find a Doula” directory or this state-by-state directory to find one near you.
Written by contributor Sam Wall, LMSW NEDA-Proficient, and trained in death doulaship through the Peaceful Presence Project. You can visit Sam’s website for more information here: https://morningstardeathdoula.com/about/
by Guest | Mar 3, 2025 | Being Well, Featured, Move Well
Progress over Perfection Update Written by Emery Edwards
Almost a year ago, I wrote and published an article about my journey of pursuing progress over perfection. I’m a year and a half into my journey, so I thought it’s time for an update.
Having a progress over perfection mindset has changed my life for the better. Before last year, I believed that if I couldn’t do something perfectly the first time, I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, do it at all. This was a toxic mindset and not only limited my journey towards physical health, but also my creativity. I wish that someone had been realistic with me about what this actually looks like. Even now, it’s hard not to compare when I see people accomplishing their weight loss, fitness, or other health goals, in shorter periods of time. However, if you’re interested in pursuing your goals with the progress over perfection mindset, it’s important to recognize that comparison is the thief of joy. Your body, your goals, what you enjoy, and your circumstances, will never be the same as someone else’s. And for me, I’m still changing my habits and learning what works for me. In the process, however, I’ve found so much more joy and happiness than I have ever known possible, but that isn’t reflected on the scale at the doctor’s office.
When I began this journey of progress over perfection, I felt so out of touch with my body and I was constantly inflamed, bloated, and in pain. I had lost a significant amount of muscle mass during a particularly bad bout of depression; and combined with the effects of staying indoors during COVID, I felt trapped inside myself. I couldn’t move the way I wanted; I didn’t feel the way I wanted and had no idea how to fix it. How can you change decades of poor eating habits, and a lifelong toxic relationship with food and exercise? Well, the answer for me was I had to start somewhere. Anywhere, really. And that’s the key with having a progress over perfection mindset- start anywhere and make small, incremental changes that you can sustain for the rest of your life. So, that’s what I did. I started by just trying to get more protein and fiber. Then I started walking along the bay. I discovered I enjoyed doing it, so I started walking more often. There were days when I wanted to go on a walk and yet I felt stagnant and trapped. I found on those days, saying ‘if I get out there and don’t want to anymore, I’ll go home’ helped, because I have never regretted going for a walk. Not even the time I got stuck in a sudden hailstorm.
Perfection is the enemy of good. The enemy of feeling good. If I kept quitting after not reaching my unrealistic goals the first time, I wouldn’t be where I am today – a happier, healthier version of myself than I ever thought possible. I make delicious and nutritious meals, I forage, I take walks, I don’t get winded on the stairs, I dance for hours with my friends, hike for miles… the list goes on. It’s a far cry from when I started – unable to walk a half mile without fatigue. For me, taking a step to tap into what I enjoyed doing as a kid, like bike riding or gardening, helped me be more successful. Even collecting things can be physical activity! I spend hours walking miles along the beach looking for agates or in the forest foraging for mushrooms. Try different things and see what works for you and stick with it, not because you must, but because you want to. Getting physical activity in doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym unless you want it to. In my experience, walking and spending time in nature has become a favorite pastime. I do it for fun now and it’s helped me regain my creative spark. I have built muscle, I have regained my confidence, I sleep better, I create more often, I have the energy to show up for my community, and the scale still hasn’t changed. It’s changing your habits slowly and consistently that will get you to where you want to be. Not shame, blame, or perfectionism. Instead, it takes time, love, and care.
Someone once told me that every meal is a chance to learn more about yourself. Every meal, whether you’re following your goals or eating a mound of french fries for dinner, has something you can learn from it. Paying attention to the feeling you get when you eat different things is important. Do you eat that mound of fries and then feel exhausted after? Do you have energy after eating that chicken caesar? No amount of research will tell you the perfect plan for you and your lifestyle, but it can provide you with guidelines and ideas. Eating more protein and fiber, building muscle, being active, limiting your sugar intake… are all important features of a healthy lifestyle. But this world is full of challenges when it comes to eating healthfully, exercising, and maintaining the habits that help you feel your best. Advertising, social pressures, holidays, and a host of other circumstances put those of us who struggle to self-regulate our eating habits and physical activity in daily battles. Sometimes, especially during the holidays, it can feel like an all-out war. A physician can tell you to follow a certain diet, follow the weekly guidelines for physical activity, avoid certain foods, etc. Work with your healthcare provider to find a plan that works for your physical and dietary needs—getting a dietician was so helpful for me!
At the end of the day, it’s always easier said than done, but this is where progress over perfection comes in. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your ideal habits and lifestyle won’t be, either. It takes hard work, determination to feel better, and the willingness to try and fail over and over. It takes trial and error to figure out what works for you, and that’s what the perfection mindset robs you of. So, this year, instead of trying to adhere to strict, unrealistic, New Years Resolutions, I have a new challenge for you. Try, fail, and try again. I think you’ll find some things that are worth sticking to for the long term. Who knows, you might enjoy it!
by Guest | Feb 26, 2025 | Featured, Work Well
Written by Marian Johnson
In 2005, my husband, two children, and I moved to Hebo, Oregon, in search of a fresh start. We lived in the front room of single-wide trailer. The bathroom floor had collapsed, and holes in the walls made life challenging, but even then, we felt blessed. Compared to many of our neighbors, we were fortunate to have one of the few working bathrooms in the area.
At the time, my three-year-old son, Trevon, wasn’t speaking yet, which led us to enroll him in Head Start in Beaver, Oregon. He was also picked up by Northwest ESD Tillamook for additional services later in the day. Tre started attending Head Start to address his developmental needs, but what I gained from the experience was far more than I ever expected.
Every day, a small bus would pick up Trevon from our trailer. They kindly made room for me and my one-year-old daughter as well. Head Start didn’t just serve Tre—they fed all three of us and offered me invaluable guidance on how to move forward with my life. They counseled me on returning to school and taking steps to improve my family’s situation.
Even though Trevon went to Tillamook for part of the day, the bus would drop my daughter and me back home, where we waited for his return. It was during those quiet hours, sitting in the front room of that trailer, that I made the decision to enroll in nursing school. It wasn’t an ideal time—without stable housing and with two small children—but I knew it was a step I had to take.
The challenges didn’t end there. We eventually moved to Tillamook, but we lost our home again and were forced to live in a motel funded by the CARE office until they could help us find stable housing. When we finally moved into a house, it felt like a turning point. I still live in that home today, and I’ve even been able to purchase it—a symbol of everything we’ve fought for as a family.
Today, I sit here as the manager of a labor and delivery unit. This achievement wasn’t mine alone; it’s the result of the countless people and organizations that supported me during those difficult years. From Head Start and Northwest ESD to the Oregon Food Bank, CARE, and many others, these groups surrounded my family with warmth, meals, encouragement, and hope. They didn’t just help us survive—they empowered me to dream and take action for a better future.
Sixteen years later, I reflect on how blessed I am to have been part of such an incredible community. I’ll never forget how much these organizations helped me when I had nothing to give my children for Christmas or how they provided food and shelter when everything else seemed to fall apart.
