STRAWBERRY BASIL MARGARITA

article and photograph by HEATHER LAND

This summer cocktail is way too easy to drink in the Louisiana heat. Alone or paired with something off the grill, it boasts layers of fresh flavor and is visually stunning.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Shaker or Mason Jar with lid Muddler Ice Handful fresh strawberries Generous sprig of fresh basil 1/4 tsp honey 1/2 lime juiced 1.5 oz Cointreau 2 oz Blanco tequila Fresh Jalapeño slices

*Optional: Run your juiced lime around rim of your cocktail glass and dip half of rim in 50/50 sugar/sea salt mixture.Muddle berries, basil and honey in shaker/mason jar. Add emaining ingredients and ice and shake.

Option 1: Rustic - Pour into rimmed* cocktail glass unstrained

Louisiana Summertime

Knowing the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

LOUISIANA SUMMERTIME IS working overtime! With temperatures reaching over 100º, and humidity levels over 90%, this heat is dangerous for everyone. Those most susceptible to high temperatures are the elderly, young children, individuals with respiratory or chronic medical conditions, and people who work outdoors. The Center for Disease Control report 12,000 Americans die annually from heat-related causes, and more than 80% of victims are older than 60. It’s so important we know the signs of heat-related illnesses and check on friends and family. As we age, our bodies cannot adjust to sudden temperature changes as they once did. Sweat is the body’s way of cooling itself. Older adults retain less water therefore their ability to produce sweat decreases. Medications, chronic illnesses, and a shift in body fat distribution are factors that also affect the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. As temperatures rise outside, so does the body’s internal temperature. Being well hydrated is essential to maintaining optimal bodily and cognitive function. Seniors may not feel the urge to drink and can forget to hydrate. Also, many medications that treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease, etc., have diuretic effects. These medications trigger the body to expel water and salt through urination making it difficult to find a healthy “balance” during these hot summer months. If your doctor limits your fluid intake or has you on a diuretic, talk with them about how much you should be drinking during the summer.

Dehydration is a loss of water in your body. It can be serious if not treated.

Warning signs: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.

Action: Drink plenty of water and, if possible, sports drinks such as Gatorade™, Liquid IV, or milk. If the person feels better after drinking fluids but has medical conditions like heart failure or takes diuretics, call the healthcare provider for a follow-up.

Heat Cramps are often the first sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Warning signs: painful muscle spasms usually in the legs and abdomen caused by a loss of fluids and electrolytes

Action: Move to a cool place and sip on a drink containing electrolytes or water. Lightly stretch the muscle and gently massage the area to relieve the cramps.

Heat Exhaustion is a serious health problem caused by too much heat and dehydration.

Warning signs: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, confusion, nausea or vomiting, fast and weak pulse, fainting

Action: Without delay, move to a cool, shady place, and loosen or remove as much clothing as possible. Apply cool wet cloths to the skin or spray with water. If the person is responsive and able to swallow, have them sip a cool electrolyte drink, milk, or water. Call 911 right away if they have high blood pressure or heart problems, or if they don’t feel better after moving to the shade and drinking liquids.

Heat Stroke is a life-threatening emergency.

Warning signs: mental status changes (confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures), trouble seeing, skin is hot to the touch and may appear red or pale, fast and weak pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, vomiting.

Action: Call 9-1-1 immediately, if possible, immerse the person in cold water to cool the body or place ice water-soaked towels over the person’s body, and if available place ice packs on top of the towels. The objective is to cool the body rapidly!

Tips to Avoid Heat Related Illness:

1. Stay in an air-conditioned building. Don’t rely on a fan as your main cooling source when temperatures are high. 2. Drink more water than usual. Talk with your doctor if there are limits on your fluid intake or you are on a diuretic. 3. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 4. Take cool showers or baths. 5. Try not to use the stove or oven to cook— it will make your house hotter. 6. Minimize the intake of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. These dehydrate your body. 7. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in water. Cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon, lettuce, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, spinach, pickles, and cooked squash, fruit juice, yogurt, apples, grapes, oranges, carrots, broccoli, pears, and pineapple 8. Make sure you carry a cold bottle of water with you when you are out. If possible, make your outings early in the morning or late in the evening. (Don’t forget to protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses, and a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.)

Sit in your porch swing and enjoy a lemonade as you breathe in the scents of barbeque, watermelon, and citronella. Summer is your permission slip to be lazy. Enjoy!

HEROIC BEER

styled by TAYLOR BENNETT photograph by ROBERT WRIGHT

Doux Drop is the official conservation beer of Louisiana! This is a delicious wheat ale made with honey malt and orange peel. This beer is produced in partnership with the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Foundation, with a percentage of sales benefitting an annual foundation project. Doux is French for “sweet” and pays homage to our state’s French Acadian beginnings.

Jucee is a Louisiana Pale Ale which is a take on the New England IPA style and was designed to be a more sessional approach with a lighter body and slightly lower ABV to compliment the hot Louisiana summers. Hazy, juicy, and fruit forward with lots of grapefruit, tangerine, and honeydew.

Burma Blonde is a classic blonde lager brewed with American grown two row and Vienna barley. Glacier hops are added throughout the boil to create a crisp citrus finish. Much like the classic pin up, the lager is balanced head to toe and leaves nothing to be desired.