Canker sores are common, shallow ulcers that appear inside the mouth for a variety of reasons such as changes in diet, hormones, injury and stress. They are painful, but they usually go away on their own and are not contagious.

Kids who wear removable retainers must take them out to eat, and with the socializing and distractions of a school lunchroom, we’d probably forget them at least once ourselves. Many of them are also clear, which looks nice for a smile, but makes them hard to find on trays, countertops, etc.

When children are young, they eagerly share stories about their days. Parents can nurture these conversations to continue that connection through the teenage years and beyond.

We often think about improving our homes in two ways: maintaining what we have or renovating when something no longer works. But there is another approach — thoughtful, incremental improvements that keep a home functional, beautiful and valuable over time.

It’s a question almost every parent hears at some point: “Why do I have to learn this stuff?” In most cases, your child is not being obstinate; they’re thinking critically, and that’s something to encourage.

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office?

After years of working with remodeling clients, these are the most popular requests from busy moms.

Oregon is experiencing one of its worst tick seasons, driven by a mild winter and warm early spring that allowed tick populations to surge across the West.

Researchers have found that using screen time as a reward heightens a child’s attraction to it. There’s a dopamine connection that makes detaching from a screen feel painful — and for children who are still developing self-regulation, this can lead to meltdowns.

Bringing the outdoors in isn’t only about plants, colors or materials. It’s also about creating a home that reminds us we are part of the natural world rather than separate from it. The most restorative interiors don’t imitate nature — they help us reconnect with it.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which has substantial risks to your mouth and to your overall health. Vaping may seem like a way around getting yellow smoker’s teeth, but just because e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco doesn’t mean they’re risk-free.

Take your mocktails to a fun and functional new level with extracts from Oregon-based Herb Pharm. Herbs are your ally in this healthy and delicious drink, with passionflower said to calm an exhausted mind.

For this mom of teenagers, holding on while letting go is a wild journey of parenting.

Life goes at a crazy-fast speed for this farrier and mom of three, but she makes a daily effort to slow down and enjoy it.

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office?

From hot chicken to grits, the cuisine of the South is unique and delicious. We can enjoy it right here in the Pacific Northwest, with fresh and local ingredients from the Co-op.

Deciding between a quick refresh or a long-term solution for kitchen cabinets When kitchen cabinets start looking worn or dated, the question becomes, should you refresh what you have, or is it time to start over? The answer depends on more than just budget. It comes down to how your kitchen functions, what your cabinets are made of, and how long you want the results to last.

Back acne doesn’t get the same daily attention as facial breakouts, but it’s just as common in teens — and often related to how the skin is functioning rather than how well it’s being cleaned.

My 3-year-old has taken to feeding our dog dinner with the duty and honor of the Swiss Guard, albeit with the consistency of, well, a 3-year-old. Some kibble ends up on the floor rather than in the bowl, but the dog takes care of most of it. As a parent it’s both funny and rewarding to watch, as it helps my child learn while strengthening the bond they have with our family pet.

When parents ask about the value of early childhood education, and whether it makes sense to invest at this stage rather than waiting until high school, I emphasize the power of beginnings, supported not only by experience but by research from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP maintains that the early years are a period of rapid brain maturation which forms the foundation for all future cognitive, social and emotional development.