by Guest | Oct 11, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized, Work Well
Let’s face it: Whether you’re a single parent, have a supportive co-parent, or are part of a large, supportive family system, parenting well is hard. Kids, no matter how much we love them, don’t come with instruction manuals and often push us to our limits.
We want to bring our best selves to this parenting endeavor; we know how we treat and invest in our children will have lifelong repercussions . . . but sometimes we need a little support.
Engaging your child resourcefully, creatively, and educationally, boosting and encouraging playful curiosity, and celebrating developmental milestones—that’s what our family educators do every day. We believe that parents are their kids’ first and best teachers and we want to equip parents to engage their kiddos with creative, fun learning activities all year long.
Did you know that year-round support from Healthy Families and Early Head Start is available to families in every part of Tillamook County? Here’s what you need to know about our three Child & Family Programs, all housed under Community Action Team:
Healthy Families:
– Register your child within 90 days of birth
– Known for their diaper program
– Regular home visits, frequency of visits based on need
– Healthy Families – Community Action Team (cat-team.org)
Early Head Start:
– Registration accepted year-round, ages 0-3
– Weekly home visits
– Biweekly socializations/play dates
– Educational and literacy focus
– Seamless transition to Head Start (preschool, ages 3-5)
– www.nworheadstart.org
Head Start:
– preschool (drop off/pick up)
– only available to families living in Tillamook proper at this time
– 2 locations: 1100 Miller Ave, Tillamook, OR and 3808 12th Street, Tillamook, OR
– www.nworheadstart.org
We are a resource for you and want to make your parenting journey a little less
overwhelming, so you can offer your kiddo your very best self!
To reach out and ask questions, please contact:
Christina Pfister
Family Advocate for Early Head Start
971-813-9450
cpfister@nworheadstart.org
Written by Christina Pfister, Family Advocate for Early Head Start
Other wellness questions? Email us at info@tillamookcountywellness.org. For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook and Instagram.
by Guest | Oct 3, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Over the last few weeks, I have been reading a great book about addiction*. Preventing addiction is, after all, the core of my work as a Prevention Specialist. One line in particular stuck with me:
“The prevention of substance abuse needs to begin in the crib—and even before then, in the social recognition that nothing is more important for the future of our culture than the way children develop.”
Whether we are talking about addiction, mental health, or any number of other health outcomes, a child’s early development lays the groundwork for their future wellbeing. The notion that a child’s lifelong development is swayed by their earliest years can add a sense of urgency to days that are already strained in time and attention. The good news is that the conversations and daily interactions that parents have with their children are incredibly powerful in building resiliency, and that there are resources right here in Tillamook County to help parents explore what that means. But more on that at the end.
One side of the adolescent-substance-use-prevention coin is directly teaching kids about how alcohol and other drugs are harmful to their health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign offers information for parents and caregivers on how and when to have conversations about alcohol and other drugs. Though it can feel like children don’t listen, the reality is that parents are among the strongest influences in their child’s decisions around substance use—they do hear you. Consider SAMHSA’s tips on age-appropriate conversations about substances:
- Under age 8: Explain the importance of good health and taking care of their bodies. If they take any vitamins or medications, explain that vitamins are to help them grow and medications are to help them be healthy. However, they should only take vitamins or medications that are given to them by a parent or caregiver, and taking someone else’s medicine could hurt them.
- Ages 8-12: Start asking open-ended questions, like what they have heard about alcohol or drugs. Let them know you are ready to talk if they ever have questions. Use “teachable moments”, like seeing alcohol or substances in movies, ads, or in stores, to explain that these substances are harmful to their bodies and health.
- Ages 13-16: Remember that many teens have peers or friends who may drink or use substances, so be ready to have direct conversations about what they have seen or experienced. Remind them that their brains are still developing until their mid-20s, and that avoiding substances is important to their health and growth. Clearly outline your family rules and expectations about underage substance use.
- Ages 17-20: Maintain clear rules that your child is never to use substances while they are underage or get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or using other drugs. Have conversations about adult responsibilities and decisions, and how they can continue to navigate substances and their health as they become an adult.
The other side of the adolescent-substance-use-prevention coin is, simply put, helping children build resiliency. The ability to manage stress and overcome challenges will serve children for their entire lives. This is certainly easier said than done. Many adults, myself included, struggle to consistently practice heathy ways of coping with stress. Fortunately, parents and caregivers in the Tillamook/Clatsop/Columbia region can take an Active Parenting class for free. This Active Parenting series will teach over 3 sessions: communication, problem-solving, discipline, family enrichment, and encouragement. Active Parenting provides an opportunity for parents to connect, while learning how to make the most out of those daily interactions and conversations with their children, how to pass on resilience, and how to focus on intentional, positive interactions and relationships with our children.
If you want to take advantage of the resources that are available to parents and caregivers, here is how you can find out more:
- “Talk. They Hear You.” webpage: samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
- Active Parenting: The next Active Parenting series will be held on November 7, 14, and 21 from 6:00-7:45pm, via Zoom. To sign up, email MelissaCS@tfcc.org.**
- Parent and Caregiver Resource Workshop: An opportunity to connect with others to learn about and share information on resources available for parents, caregivers & children and why they matter. This workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 8 from 6:00-7:30pm, via Zoom. To sign up, email MelissaCS@tfcc.org.**
- “Resilient Me” is a coloring page for kids to help them identify the tools that they already have to help them be resilient. Download, print, and work through it together!
Be well, and happy fall!
* In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts– for any who are curious. Though first published 17 years ago, the content and propositions have largely stood the test of time.
**Mis is one of the amazing facilitators for Active Parenting, and is an invaluable resource for parenting education here in Tillamook County. Attending her sessions fills the soul!
Written by: Sarah Ermer, MPH, CHES; Prevention Specialist at Tillamook Family Counseling Center
by Michelle | Aug 10, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Move Well, Uncategorized
August is a busy month! There are several free wellness activities coming up, some of which you can learn more about at the Tillamook County Fair.
“Treasure Your Wellness” Treasure Map: This interactive map can be found at the Tillamook Library bookmobile located near the Master Gardener’s garden by the east entrance of the fairgrounds. This fun, free, and family-friendly adventure runs From August 5th to September 30th . Explore wellness destinations like Activity Island, Be Well-Nourished Bay, Community Cove and the Isle of Inner Peace. Each location includes activity challenges —volunteer, cook a healthy meal, visit a rec center, start a savings account and more. Complete at least one activity on each island and you could win incredible wellness-themed prizes, like cornhole, pickleball, and disc golf sets or the grand prize of an ATX bike valued over $500! In addition to being available at the fair, maps can be found at local library branches, Kiawanda Community Center, Tillamook YMCA, North County Recreation District and Food Roots or on- line at This Way to Well-Being | Tillamook County Wellness.
Health Literacy Campaign: Materials from our recent health literacy campaign can also be found at the Tillamook Library booth at the fair. Bookmarks and other materials highlighting important health information like finding a primary care provider, getting vital health screenings and knowing when to visit your doctor, urgent care or emergency department, are just a few topics covered. You can also find more information here. Community Health Survey: When you visit the Library Bookmobile at the Fair, be sure to take our Community Health Needs Survey. Tell us what you and your family most need to live your best life and your areas of greatest concern impacting your health and well-being. You can also take the survey here.
Financial Wellness: Visit the Habitat for Humanity booth – located in the main pavilion building, under the stairs near the fair office – for community conversations on what financial health means to you. While you are there, learn more about first-time home buying and other ways you can work toward your financial goals. While you are at the Habitat for Humanity booth be sure to sign up for:
- FUNancial Wellness Event – Come to the Tillamook YMCA, Monday, August 19th, 2024, 5:00- 6:30 PM for food, fun and financial learning opportunities for kids 3rd -6th grade. This FREE event provides kids and families an opportunity to learn about saving, spending, growing and protecting money. Kids will take home more than just knowledge with free giveaways and prizes. Learn more and register for the event here.
- Sign Up to become a “FinLit” Financial Literacy Volunteer – This program relies on volunteers to deliver free curriculum from Financial Beginnings. Classes are held in English & Spanish at multiple community locations, including Tillamook Bay Community College, Helping Hands, and Trask High School.
Volunteers can commit to as many or as few classes as works for their schedule. To learn more or to register to become a volunteer, visit Financial Beginnings (finbeg.org). If we don’t see you at the fair, here are other ways you can get information about these and future wellness events.
AUTHOR: Michelle Jenck, Adventist Health Tillamook Director of Community Well-Being
by Renee Aufdermauer | Jul 5, 2024 | Eat Well, Featured, Recipes, Uncategorized
Give this Healthy Peach Ice Cream from the ‘Little Sunny Kitchen’ blog a try! Made with only 4 ingredients in just 5 minutes—no ice cream maker required!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen peaches
- 3 Tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 1/2 cup natural yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Add the frozen peaches, honey or agave, yogurt, and lemon juice into a food processor and process until creamy. Serve immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Resource: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/five-minute-peach-ice-cream/
by Guest | Jun 21, 2024 | Eat Well, Featured, Lunch & Snack Recipes, Recipes, Uncategorized
These kid-friendly strawberry chia yogurt pops offer a delicious, healthy way to cool down on a hot summer day! With a winning combo of brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, gut-healthy probiotics, and muscle-strengthening protein, this will surely be your new favorite treat to beat the heat.
Ingredients:
1 cup finely chopped strawberries
3 Tbsp honey
2 cups 2% or whole Milk Greek Yogurt
1 Tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp vanilla
6 popsicle sticks
Chia seed garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, using a fork, mash ⅓ cup of the strawberries. Add honey and mash to soften. Stir in yogurt, chia seeds and vanilla.
Spoon and divide yogurt mixture into molds, tapping on counter to eliminate air bubbles. Sprinkle with more chia seeds on top (if using) and insert popsicle sticks.
Freeze until solid, 3 to 4 hours. To remove from mold, dip casing into cup of warm water to loosen yogurt pop.
Tip: For a fun decorative look, slice one strawberry. Fill molds halfway and slide a slice directly on wall; top with remaining yogurt mixture.
Submitted by: Lewis Martin, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition Director with Oregon Dairy Counsel
by Guest | Jun 7, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Cancer screening can seem really scary, time consuming, like a waste of time, or a host of other things that it doesn’t have to be! It’s sometimes uncomfortable, stressful, and anxiety-inducing until you get those negative results. Nevertheless, cancer screening saves lives! Increased cancer screening, along with fewer people smoking and improved cancer treatments, have contributed to preventing about 3.2 million cancer deaths from 1991-2018 (American Cancer Society, 2021). The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers. Early detection of these cancers can substantially improve a patient’s chances at entering remission and having less intense treatment.
There are things we can do for our bodies to naturally decrease our cancer risks, though anyone can get cancer. The ACS has several recommendations aimed at reducing cancer risks:
- Stay away from tobacco
- Get to and stay at a healthy weight
- Get moving with regular physical activity
- Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Eliminate alcohol consumption. If you do consume alcohol, have no more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 per day for men.
- Protect your skin (i.e. SPF, UV protectant clothing, etc.)
- Know yourself, your family history, and your risks
- Get regular check-ups and cancer screening tests
(ACS)
Following these recommendations and participating in the recommended screenings at the appropriate ages can substantially reduce your risk of serious cancer illness and even death. Even the ‘healthiest’ person may develop cancer, so it is important to follow screening guidelines. Barbara Klein, a 60-year-old school bus driver ignored recommendations for screenings like many Americans, until a 40-year-old friend was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. This shocked her, but motivated Barbara to order Cologuard to check her colon health at home. Presuming she was in good health with nothing to worry about, the call that something abnormal was found in her colon shocked her further. Barbara was eventually diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer, promptly underwent surgery, and as of June 2022, had been cancer-free for 5 years (Klein, 2022).
Barbara’s story started with devastating news of a friend, but yours doesn’t have to. Keep up with your own cancer screenings to reduce your risks of advancing cancer. Contact your primary care provider if you have concerning symptoms or are overdue for a cancer screening. Knowledge can be one of the best prescriptions for cancer risk reduction!
Written by Guest Blogger, Emery Edwards
