The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
41°F
Current Conditions
Scattered clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now
Treva Lind

Treva Lind

Current Position: features writer

Treva Lind joined The Spokesman-Review in 2016, after 12 years working as a correspondent. She is a reporter for the News Desk covering health, aging and family issues.

Email
treval@spokesman.com
Phone
(509) 459-5439

All Stories

News >  Family

Family’s miracle: Winning No. 1 prize at Christmas Tree Elegance

Vladislav and Svetlana Khashchuk won the Tree No. 1 package with $4,500 cash at Christmas Tree Elegance, just a month after launching a GoFundMe to help pay for diabetes treatments for two of their four children. Two sons have Type 1 diabetes, including their youngest child recently diagnosed, and the parents hope to pay for new stem cell treatments after learning about some positive results.
A&E

A silent calling: Raised by deaf parents, medical student seeks to serve the underserved

Luke Johnson’s childhood was atypically quiet. His parents were deaf, and he only spoke in American Sign Language at home. He didn’t start to hear English consistently until preschool, and he needed academic help to catch up. Today, he’s one of 60 medical students who started fall 2017 in the University of Washington School of Medicine’s program in Spokane. His background fueled dreams of being a doctor who serves others who struggle or have limited access to health care.
News >  Family

Feeling alone? That can make social interactions go poorly

We all experience times of temporary loneliness – often during the holidays or after major life change like divorce – but a new study suggests it’s best to avoid forcing connections right away when you’re feeling negative. Gonzaga University psychology assistant professor Sarah Arpin collaborated on new research that examined the social consequences of temporary loneliness.
A&E

Many babies don’t sleep through the night, and it’s OK

Parents might expect babies to start sleeping through the night by around 6 months old to a year, based on a common premise to look for that milestone. However, McGill University researchers in a study found that more than half of babies typically don’t have solid slumber, and it’s OK as far as infant development.
A&E

Rocking awareness: Spokane couple leads music video project to raise diabetes awareness

A new music video uses “The Price” song of ’80s band Twisted Sister for a diabetes awareness project backed by Mead resident Kris Maynard, a firefighter at Fairchild Air Force Base. He appears in the video for a cameo as does others – kids and adults – all who live with diabetes. Maynard has Type 1. He and his wife Paula spent about $12,000 to make the video for its release Nov. 1.
News >  Family

Where are we with female equality? Things parents can do to keep daughters happy, healthy

Since the 1960s, more U.S. women have made successful gains in education, athletics and careers, including science and technology. But debate continues on if we’ve really reached gender equality. That’s just one part of the equation, says Spokane family counselor and author Michael Gurian. He calls for understanding science-backed differences in how boys and girls learn and emote.
A&E

As cold weather comes, preventative steps can help you avoid winter flakes

Cracks on heels and overall dry skin problems usher in with colder weather, and often, people set themselves up to worsen issues in part because of those tempting long, hot showers that strip natural oils. You can take preventative steps to avoid dry skin problems, from use of an indoor humidifier and body moisturizers to wearing gloves.
News >  Family

Is there a boy crisis? Things parents can do to keep their sons happy, healthy

The past 50 years have redefined being female in American, but some experts argue that boys in higher numbers have fallen way behind. Generally, more boys get in trouble at school, withdraw, or become depressed – some to the point of violence. Spokane counselor and author Michael Gurian links depression to trauma, toxins and lack of attachment. It also helps to know how most boys are wired.
A&E

Astrocytes: Sleeping under the stars takes new meaning

Star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes appear to play an essential role in sleep, a new study at Washington State University Spokane found. Researchers in the Sleep and Performance Research Center published a study showing that astrocytes communicate to neurons to regulate sleep time in fruit flies and suggests it may do the same in mammals, including humans.
A&E

Mega-dosing vitamin D: Doctor-prescribed 50,000 IU vitamin D may be right for some patients

Today, you can grab over-the-counter vitamin D with dosages typically from 600 international units to 2,000 IU. For people with a severe vitamin D deficiency confirmed in tests, some health care providers are prescribing a mega-dose: 50,000 IU vitamin D taken once a week for six to eight weeks. Medical groups say it’s typically safe, under physician supervision, to get levels back to a normal.
News >  Family

Support group launches for “kinship” caregivers

More than 43,000 people in the state care for a relative’s child younger than 18 – as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and older siblings – some temporarily and others for the long haul. In Spokane, a new support group is forming so kinship caregivers can meet to share ideas and frustrations, with the first session scheduled Nov. 14.
News >  Health

Study: Helping low-income obese patients lose weight

Using a free phone app, low-income obese patients in a Duke University study achieved clinically meaningful weight loss in a year-long focus including regular coaching from primary care providers. Locally, CHAS in Spokane and Heritage Health in Coeur d’Alene have started low-cost patient programs for weight loss, with ongoing dietician counseling and access to exercise facilities.
News >  Family

Arc-sponsored conference focuses on looming issues for the disabled

A Thursday public forum will address the challenges facing people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, along with break-out work sessions on community solutions. Titled “A Courageous Conversation,” the session includes a talk by Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc, a national organization with over 600 chapters that serves people with disabilities.
News >  Family

Uncovering shame holds power to heal

Nichole Mischke didn’t set out to tell stories of pain and shame, much less her own, until last November, when the former KHQ reporter publicly shared for the first time about her eating disorder, and found healing.
A&E

Documentary examines the need for diversity in bone marrow donations

Vanessa Shafer of Liberty Lake had a life-saving medical procedure in July 2017 thanks to a donor who lives nearly 3,000 miles away in Boston. Shafer, 29, received stem cells for leukemia treatment through a national marrow donor program, and she is now cancer free. Her donor, a 25-year-old woman, almost forgot she signed up for the Be The Match.org online registry program about three years before getting a call.
A&E

Handling Halloween safety

Costumes. If children are heading outside for trick-or-treating, look for costumes that are bright, reflective and have a length short enough to ensure a kid won’t trip. If a costume needs a wig, make sure it’s flame-resistant. Glow-in-the-dark. If a costume doesn’t have glowing qualities, add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Small attachable lights are another option. Stores such as REI sell armband ones for runners or $10 clip-on lights that blink.
A&E

Keeping Halloween fun for those with special needs

Some families face fears around the Oct. 31 holiday in relation to childhood diabetes, food allergies, autism or mobility issues. In some cases, parents just dread all that sugar. But there are ways to bring spooktacular activities to kids with different abilities.
A&E

Win the war on sugar

Worried about the candy struggle with kids? Consumers will spend about $2.6 billion on Halloween candy this fall, based on a survey by the National Retail Federation. Here are some ideas to add some balance and control to that mixed bag of candy.