Combine these simple ingredients in a pitcher and you have a delicious and refreshing punch for summer parties.
Ingredients
6 scoops raspberry sherbet
Fresh raspberries, for garnish
Fresh pineapple, for garnish
Fresh starfruit, sliced, for garnish
Directions
Add all ingredients to a large pitcher, stir, and serve immediately.
Note: Add water and ice, if desired, to make less sweet.
These mini blueberry tarts are made with a homemade crust, filled with a creamy, vanilla custard and are bursting with fresh blueberry flavor!
Makes: 8 servings
Pastry:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 8 oz cold unsalted butter, chopped
– ¾ cup icing sugar
– 1 egg yolk, beaten lightly
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Custard:
– 2
– 1 vanilla bean
– 3 eggs
– ½ cup caster sugar
– ¼
– 1 teaspoon butter
Additional ingredients:
3 cups fresh ripe blueberries, washed and dried
Icing sugar, for dusting
Making the pastry:
Making the vanilla custard:
To assemble and serve:
When the mixture has cooled, spoon a level amount of the custard into each cooked pastry tart.
Tightly pack blueberries on top of the custard on each tart, dust with icing sugar and serve.
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
August is not only the hottest month of the year – it’s also Breastfeeding Month, a time for discussing new babies and how best to help them flourish. This year, however, we want to focus on the heroic new mothers, and the ways they can take care of themselves during the postpartum period.
The first months with your new baby are quite the adventure, and for many it can be an overwhelming time. In addition to recovering from pregnancy and childbirth, you’re also experiencing a wealth of new physical and emotional changes. Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, your body is undergoing immense upheaval and it’s important to take steps to look after yourself as well as your lovely new baby.
One of the most significant challenges facing new parents is the lack of sleep, and most new moms will be incredibly exhausted. The important thing is to remember that this is normal and to do what you can to ease the strain.
A tried and tested method is to make sure you take the chance to sleep when the baby sleeps, even if it’s just a few hours here and there to close your eyes. For others, the disruption to your sleeping cycle can make it hard to relax when you do have the chance. Many find hot baths are a good way of easing stress, while others look to herbal remedies like chamomile teas (Traditional Medicines, Stash and other brands), capsules, such as valerian root (Nature’s Bounty Valerian or Kalms) or lavender products such as Nature’s Truth Lavender Oil in the bath or Traditional Medicines Lavender & Chamomile tea.* Equally – be kind to yourself. Allow your partner, family and/or friends to help with things like housework, so you can focus on caring for yourself and your new arrival.
Nutrition is also a great way of aiding sleep, maintaining energy levels and helping you recover from pregnancy and childbirth. It can be hard to pay attention to food, but eating a balanced, healthy diet could make all the difference.
It’s a good idea to plan quick and simple meals that pack in the nutrients your body needs. Fruits and vegetables are key, alongside whole grains and lean proteins, such as fish and beans. If you’re struggling to get the nutrients in, a multi-vitamin such as your prenatal vitamin (Sanatogen, Materna etc.) or Pregnacare New Mum as well as other supplements like iron (Ferrograd and Spatone), calcium (Caltrate or Calcium Citrate) and magnesium (Nature’s Truth Triple Magnesium Complex) can also help improve both energy levels and your sleep cycle.* Fluids are equally essential, especially for breastfeeding moms, and it’s helpful to have plenty of drinking water around the house for as and when you need it.
It’s also crucial you take time to check-in with your mood. The majority of moms experience ‘baby blues’ in some capacity, such as crying, mood swings or anxiety. However, if you or someone you know develops more severe symptoms, such as feelings of isolation, despair or confusion, it is vital that you speak to your GP. Postpartum depression impacts more than 10% of all new moms, but it is easily treated with the right medical support.
New babies are wonderful – and hard work. All moms are different and do the best they can in their individual situations. If you have any questions or concerns about yourself or another new mom, the pharmacy or your GP is the best place to start.
*Breastfeeding moms should always check with a doctor before ingesting herbal remedies or supplements
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
Ready in minutes and easy to make, this baked salmon is tender, flaky, and flavourful.
Ingredients
1 (2-3 pound) salmon fillet, whole
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh dill, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Combine parsley, dill, garlic, panko, olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl then set aside.
Place the salmon skin-side down onto the lined baking sheet.
Brush the top of the salmon fillet with olive oil. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon the Parmesan-herb mixture over the top of the fillet. Press the mixture firmly onto fillet with the back of the spoon.
Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flaky, and the Parmesan crust is golden brown.
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
All across Bermuda, there’s excitement in the air. Bags are being packed, flights are being booked, out-office-emails are ready to roll – yes, it’s finally time for your summer vacation!
Alongside your passport, your swimsuit and your summer reads, you need to make sure your body has everything it needs too. Whether you’re heading across the globe, or staying closer to home, it’s important to be prepared.
Different countries and climates require different preparation so make sure you do your research and plan ahead. For many destinations, you will need specific vaccinations to protect you from tropical diseases. Those travelling to very hot areas of the world such as Asia or South America, for example, will need Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Diphtheria vaccinations, and additional shots for diseases like rabies or cholera if you’re visiting certain regions. Vaccinations don’t come cheap, so it’s important to factor the cost into your holiday budget.
The best thing to do is see your pharmacist or travel nurse at least six-eight weeks before you’re due to travel, to find out exactly what vaccinations you need.
Foreign environments can put the body under stress, even if you’ve had all the required vaccinations, so it’s always good to give your health a boost before you go. Make sure you’re topped up on your vitamins and minerals, both through a varied, nutritious diet and with supplements such as Centrum and Rainbow Light where needed. You can also help ready your immune system for a different climate with natural remedies like Echinacea and Goldenseal by Nature’s Bounty or Nature’s Truth. High in antioxidants, Echinacea can be taken in tablets or teas, and is known to reduce inflammation, boost your immunity and soothe feelings of anxiety that can arise when travelling long-distance.
Busy packing your suitcase? You should also consider what you’ll need once you arrive at your destination. Allergies can turn any holiday sour if you’re not fully equipped. For instance, many people suffer from sun allergies such as rashes or itchiness when they encounter stronger sunlight than they’re used to, so it’s helpful to have a sun cream of SPF 30 or more on hand, such as Raw Elements, Blue Lizard and Neutrogena or even a sun screen specifically developed for sensitive skin such as Raw Elements and Think Baby.
Insects can also play havoc with your skin while you’re away, especially those pesky mosquitoes we’re all so familiar with. It’s Fight the Bite month in Bermuda this month and it’s just as important to keep yourself safe from insects and the diseases they spread while you’re away. Prevention is key, and with insect repellents for your skin, Off, Cutter or Badger Sunblock + Repellent, and your bedroom – essential oils like peppermint and citronella are fantastic natural repellents and they smell nice too! – You can help keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay. However, anyone can get caught out. With the right vaccines, there’s no need to panic, but it’s good to have a handy bottle (or tube) of Hydrocortisone, Benadryl or Anthisan creams in your case to sooth those irritating bites and get back to enjoying your holiday.
Still a bit unsure? Speak to your pharmacist or GP. We can talk you through everything you and your family need to stay healthy on holiday, from the best sun cream to accessing medical services abroad. By preparing in advance, you can head off on vacation with peace of mind and get straight to the important business of relaxing and enjoying yourself. Trust me, you deserve it.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
Spicy skillet fried shrimp, bell peppers and onion served on tortillas with sliced avocado and chopped scallions.
