strawberry SWEET It’s springtime and that means that strawberries are in season. Time to enjoy these berries in a variety of ways – we’ve picked the patch for the best recipes around.

5 strawberries, sliced 5 basil leaves 2 oz tequila 1 oz Cointreau 1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons honey Sea salt

Add strawberries and basil to cocktail shaker and muddle leaves. Add remaining ingredients and ice cube and shake vigorously. Salt rim of glass. Strain mixture over ice and garnish with fresh berries, lime and basil

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6 cups strawberries 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/3 cup honey Popsicle molds Wood sticks

Put strawberries, basil and honey in a blender and mix until it’s smooth, around one minute. Pour mixture into molds and place wooden popsicle sticks for about 3 hours.

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French bread, sliced 1 -inch thick 1/2 cup of berry jam 1 cup fresh raspberries 3/4 cup blueberries 1/2 cup blackberries 15 oz ricotta cheese Fresh mint

Preheat over to 375 degrees. Arrange bread slices on large baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes until toasted and let cool. Heat jam in microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Add berries and toss. Assemble by spreading toast with 1 tablespoon of ricotta and top with berry mixture. Garnish with mint and serve.

IF WE SAY SO OURSELVES, THE NEW

Arc AI changes the game with the most advanced Audibel Sound, enhanced connection, with a complete line of styles. With Arc Al, an effortless hearing experience is what you can expect. If you are wanting the ultimate streaming experience and effortless hearing, Arc Al will deliver. This complete line of hearing aids connects seamlessly to your lifestyle.

At Audibel, we understand the impact of hearing loss. Which is why we take every step to make better hearing effortless. With up to 55 million personalized adjustments every hour, our always-on, always automatic approach delivers realistic and genuine sound quality in every listening environment without the need to do anything extra. Exceptional sound quality in a full line of handcrafted hearing aids with key components.

Noise Reduction- With a 40% reduction in noise energy, compared to previous technology, your sound quality is better than ever.

Edge Mode- Hearing better in challenging listening environments is easy with out friendly, on-demand Artificial Intelligence feature that works with or without the Thrive app.

TeleHear- Remote Programming offers even more flexibility and fine tuning wherever you are. By consulting with your hearing professional virtually, remote adjustments can made to your hearing aids.

stylish, and effortless, right? Talk to your hearing professional Audibel about your needs, your lifestyle and how active you are to help find the hearing aid that’s right for you. And if you have single-sided hearing loss we have solutions to help you. For In-ear solutions, they are custom molded to your unique ear canal and is offered in six different color options. With the Over-the ear solutions, the Surface NanoShield helps protect hearing aids from moisture and is offered in seven different color options. Along with a number of color options, you can expect your hearing aids to fit perfectly with your lifestyle. With improved connectivity, the best streaming sound quality, and Remote Programming improvements, Arc Al does exactly that; including fall alerts and reminders. Fall alerts now provide even more accuracy in detection than ever before. With a busy lifestyle ahead, you can get calendar and reminder alerts directly through your hearing aids.

Along with Arc Al being the most effortlessly connection to better hearing, Arc Al comes with multiple wireless accessories. • Remote Microphone+Mini Remote Microphone • Remote • TV Streamer • Standard & Custom Charger • Mini Turbo Charger

Bring any questions you have with you to your appointment with your hearing professional. The professionals at Audibel will discuss the results of your hearing test, discuss the best treatment, and answer any other questions you may have.

BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, M.D., FACS, CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

OVER 200,000 BREAST augmentations are performed annually by American plastic surgeons. Since I to the patient’s desires and her anatomy. At the initial consultation, considerable time is spent discussing the patient’s motivation opened my practice in Monroe in 1990, I have personally done well over 1500. It is by far the most common procedure that I perform, and it is certainly one of the most gratifying. There are very few surgical procedures that in the course of an hour can have such a profound and lasting impact on the way a woman feels about herself.

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. Most are done through a small incision in the fold beneath the breast or around the edge of the nipple. Either approach results in a small scar that is well hidden. About 95% of the breast augmentations I perform are with silicone implants. I use smooth implants that are round or disc shaped. All round implants take on a teardrop configuration when they are upright in your body. Implants can be placed either above or below the chest wall muscle. Each of these options has its pros and cons. I use both of them when appropriate, as I try to tailor the operation for surgery and the result she hopes to obtain. A series measurements are taken, and the breast tissue and overlying skin are evaluated so that I have a thorough understanding of the patient. Rib and chest wall asymmetries, differences in breast width, height, projection and shape, and differences in nipple level are all noted and discussed with the patient. I have never seen two breasts that are perfectly identical. Minor asymmetries are normal. As a patient once told me, “breasts are sisters, not twins.” Much of the initial consultation is spent discussing desired breast size. While every woman knows that breasts basically come in two sizes – too large or too small - my job is to align the patient’s wishes with a result I can realistically deliver. Patients generally describe their breasts in terms of cup size. Unfortunately, while France maintains an International Bureau of Weights and Measures to ensure uniformity in meters, grams and minutes, there is no committee of jaunty and erudite Frenchmen who carry out research to ensure uniformity of cup-size. A “C” cup at Dillard’s may be a “DD” cup at Victoria’s Secret. Moreover, breast implants don’t even come in cup sizes; they come in volume sizes and base widths. So, a 300cc implant may make one woman a “B” cup and another a “D” depending on her chest wall width, the pliability of her skin, the amount of breast tissue she starts out with and where she buys her bra!

Choosing the appropriate implant size is more complicated than simply looking at pictures on the internet and picking a number. I try to listen carefully and provide guidance and advice on implant size so the patient can be realistic about the surgical result. In the end, I rely mostly on the patient’s measurements and my clinical judgment. It pays off. In over thirty years of breast implant surgery, reoperation simply to change implant size has occurred in less than 1% of my patients. Overall, complications from breast augmentation are few. Most patients can return to work within a week and can return to full unrestricted activity in three weeks.

So if you have been considering breast augmentation, you certainly don’t need to leave town to have it done. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 for an initial evaluation and a thorough discussion of the procedure, the recovery and the risks. I also encourage you to visit www. mickelplasticsurgery.com, browse the before and after gallery, then decide for yourself. Thirty years of experience matters. Just one hour of surgery can have a positive impact for years to come.

THE ULM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION held the 15th annual Wine Over Water on the beautiful ULM campus bridge. Proceeds from the night benefited the Spirit of the Warhawk Endowed Scholarship, which is instrumental in attracting our local scholars to ULM, and the Alumni Association. The celebration was held on Thursday, April 21st on the Northeast Drive Bridge that overlooks the beautiful Bayou DeSiard.

The Patron Party, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, was held prior to the Bridge party and was held in the ULM Library, on the seventh floor. This gave patrons the best view of campus, and allowed them to begin enjoying the celebration prior to the bridge opening! Lively entertainment was provided by Ace’s Jazz Ambassadors.

Bridge tickets included a commemorative wine glass, wine from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, and beer provided by Marsala Beverage. Sunset boat rides on the bayou were provided by B&L Marine and entertainment featuring Troy Marks & the No Idea Band, sponsored by Land 3 Architect, Inc.

Guests enjoyed food from over 20 restaurants, which included, 2 Dudes Brew & Que, All Things Nash in a Dash, Aramark, Azteca Grill, Catfish Cabin of Monroe, CC’s Coffee, Chicken Salad Chick, Copeland’s of New Orleans, Daily Harvest, Fieldhouse Sports Grill, Firehouse Subs, The Fat Pelican, Jac’s Craft Smokehouse, Miro’s, Newk’s Eatery, Podnuh’s BBQ, Red Lobster, Thurman’s Food Factory, and Waterfront Grill.

The event would not have been possible without the generosity of local businesses. The advocacy of our sponsors demonstrates their commitment to ULM, the Alumni Association and Northeast Louisiana.

Thank you to the Cabernet Sauvignon Sponsor: Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment.

Thank you to the Merlot Sponsors: Argent Financial, Johnny’s Pizza House, Architecture+, Waste Connections, Little & Associates.

Thank you to the Pinot Noir Sponsors: Homeland Bank, The Luffey Family, Centric Federal Credit, Morehouse General Hospital, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Lincoln Builders, Atmos Energy, Holyfield Construction, Kimpa Hayes Boyd, CPA, Regions Bank, Strauss Interests, Thomas & Farr Agency, Entergy, Bank of Oak Ridge, Boles Shafto LLC

Thank you to the Zinfandel Sponsors: Louisiana National Bank, Sheriff Jay Russell, Johnson, Perry, Roussel, & Cuthbert, CPA, Julie O’Brien, First Horizon Bank, Origin Bank, Vantage Health Plan, North Delta Title Company, Bancorp South, Sunquest Properties, Bayou Bowl, Progressive Bank, Skent N Dent, Alberto Ruiz, Intermountain Management

Thank you to the In Kind Sponsors: The Radio People, KEDM, Bare Necessities, Sir Speedy.

We also want to thank KNOE and KTVE for hosting us on their shows to promote the event. A special thanks goes to ULM’s Office of Marketing and Communications for creating all the marketing material for Wine Over Water.

Stay Connected. Get Involved. Change the Future with us, TODAY! To learn more about the ULM Alumni Association or how to get involved, please visit ulm.edu/alumni.

BY DR. MOHAMED BAKEER

MANY MYTHS SURROUND SKIN cancer. Before we delve into those myths, let’s focus on one truth: 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer before age 70. What does that tell us? We need to protect our skin.

Melanoma (skin cancer) is the most common cancer in young adults, 25-29, and the second most common cancer in people ages 15-29.

are immune to skin cancer. While skin cancer occurs more frequently in lighter-skinned people, the death rates are higher in those with darker skin tones. Some physicians and patients don’t immediately consider skin cancer as a possibility for people of color. Subsequently, the cancer is diagnosed at a much later stage.

will avoid skin cancer. A “healthy suntan” does not exist. Any change in your skin color indicates skin damage. Each time your skin color changes after sun exposure, your risk of developing sun-related disease increases. The sun’s rays, called ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, damage your skin. This leads to premature wrinkles, skin cancer, and other skin issues. Even if you don’t burn, frequent exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.

When ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning booth meet your skin, they damage your skin cells’ DNA. Your body sends melanin to your skin’s surface to protect your cells. Essentially, your skin darkens at the cost of your health.

enough vitamin D. You can get enough Vitamin D from minimal sun exposure, food, and if necessary, a supplement.

cancer. Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, but there are other risk factors: • Ultraviolet radiation exposure from tanning beds • Family history • Age • A weakened immune system • People with fair skin and freckles and several unusual moles

cloudy day. Many people assume they can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day. However, even in cloudy weather, it is possible for the sun to cause long-term damage. You should wear sunscreen every day, no matter the weather or the season.

Myth 7: The higher the SPF, the better. The differences in SPF are minimal. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun’s burning UV rays, while SPF 50 absorbs slightly more – 98%. And, SPF 100 absorbs 99%. In addition to wearing protective gear, it is essential to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

significant skin cancer risk. Tanning beds radiate the same harmful UV rays as the sun and in greater amounts. Some states have banned tanning beds for those under the age of 18.

Remember: When we’re examining unusual lesions (moles), we usually look for ones that are asymmetric, have variations in color and irregular borders, measure more than 6mm, or are evolving in size.

In addition to Dr. Bakeer, the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana is home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, and Dr. Patrick Smith. To learn about skin cancer removal, contact the clinic.

MANY FACTORS HAVE FUELED RECENT ASCENT to coolness. Grab that vintage tee, baseball cap and tennis shoes for a perfect outing with friends. It’s a new season with new items at HARTFORSTYLE. I’d count the pandemic-induced pursuit of comfort to the newest style trends. The hip items for spring and summer are prominently a collection of tennis skirts, which suggests a trend with legs. That is a perfect solution to our ever so changing Louisiana weather.

Designers are covering new styles with retro postcard prints— which hark back to the 1940s—these are equally appropriate for your next trip or your next staycation. After a year or more on the home front, Americans are beginning to travel—or at least dream of traveling. Stop by and see us for the latest and greatest outfit pairing with HARTFORSTYLE.

You may have seen HARTFORSTYLE at Spring Market 2022. We hope you picked up a piece or two from our booth. It was a great event to show off the array of vintage clothes that dorn our store. We enjoy participating in local events and meeting some of the fashionistas in our community. Hearing the ooh’s and ahh’s about our unique finds are what makes the thrill of thrift shopping so much fun. Look for us to “pop up” again real soon!

We are all about shopping local…. As small business, we know the importance of supporting what is in our community. HARTFORSTYLE is a part of Mercantile Monroe, which sells vintage clothes and goods from local makers. We are located in the heart of Downtown Monroe. Stop by and shop from HARTFORSTYLE in a storefront type setting as well as shop from our website hartforstyle.com. We have a selection of men’s, women’s and kids fashion along with all the necessities to make your outfit pop. Your friends will be asking where you got that outfit.

HARTFORSTYLE is a second-hand online thrift business that focuses on the importance of repurposing clothing and preserving vintage fashion. 19-year-old West Monroe native Hartley Waldrop is the owner and curator of this business. Hartley’s goal is that everyone would find their “heart” for style and learn to love vintage and unique fashion just as much as she does. Since starting this business when she was just 16 years old, HARTFORSTYLE has gained a following and a name for itself. Get to know Hartley and all that her business is about!

After all, Where Ones Heart is Found Within One’s Style…. HARTFORSTYLE Facebook: @hartforstyle Instagram: @hartforstyle www.hartforstyle.com now located inside Mercantile Monroe

WHAT MAKES A MOM? A MOM IS SOMEONE WHO cheerleads, taxis, feeds, and heals the hurt. A mom is someone who cares for those around them, helping where she can, and giving her all to her little ones. A mom is born in many ways. I entered motherhood after watching so many come before me. I watched those around me enter motherhood through childbirth, adoption, in vitro fertilization, and through loss. I have never seen stronger women. Every mother’s story is different, and each story is just as important as the next.

The Woman’s Clinic has been caring for the mothers of Northeast Louisiana for over sixty years providing the very best care for each of our stories. The physicians of The Woman’s Clinic have played major roles in all our lives, no matter how we came to motherhood. They have held our hands as we wept, they have celebrated with us the gift of life, and they have walked along the hardest paths with us as we try to build families. They rejoice in our happiness and grieve with us when we suffer.

The mothers in my life are not only in my own family, but those around me. My friends, my colleagues, and even strangers. Our village is what we make it, and through the pandemic my village has only grown. I have seen strength in this village unlike any other and I have learned the priceless value of leaning into each other, lifting each other up, and being each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

I heard a phrase once “mother the mothers,” and I appreciate that each time it crosses my mind. Motherhood is hard. It is the hardest thing many of us will ever go through, and it never ends. Once we enter motherhood, we may each walk a different path, but we see one another. We have a unique opportunity to celebrate each other and lift each other up. This Mother’s Day we should do exactly that and celebrate one another. Share a story! Is there a mom in your life that deserves celebration?

Signed, A Mom

Share a story about a mom in your life with us by commenting on our Mother’s Day Facebook post on May 8th. All that share a story will be entered to win a Mother’s Day gift basket from The Woman’s Clinic.

The Woman’s Clinic 312 Grammont Street, Monroe 417 McMillan Road, West Monroe 931 N. Trenton Street, Ruston 318.388.4030