Pineapples and People

On today's show we were looking for creative ways to use pineapple. One of my listeners suggested grilling the rings. Sprinkle with just a little bit of lemon juice, grill for a few minutes and you'll have a delicious, refreshing dessert. Or top a scoop or two of ice cream and drizzle chocolate syrup over the top. You can also scoop out the fruit and use the shell as a "bowl" or "boat". You can serve a mixture of fresh fruits and top with a little bit of toasted coconut.

I purchased a pineapple corer/slicer a few years ago after staying at a bed and breakfast with my daughter. The innkeeper showed us the tool that he had gotten at Williams/Sonoma. (I'm sure you can find this tool in other places, too.) It works GREAT! You just twist off the top leaves, slice the top to level and place the tool on top of the pineapple. You rotate the slicer until it almost reaches the bottom, pull it up and you've got perfect slices! If you don't take the tool to the bottom, you can use the pineapple shells for serving your Pina Coladas or other specialty drinks.

We spoke with Dr. Martin J. Bergman, clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Drexel University College in Pennsylvania and a full time rheumatologist and Shari Witley, President and CEO of Women's Workout World, in Chicago, a mother of three who has rhuematoid arthritis. They discussed the myths associated with arthritis, how it affected Shari's life and how medications can help. Shari's main advice: don't ignore pain and work with your doctors and/or specialists to find a treatment that's right for you. Dr. Bergman's advice: arthritis is not just for senior citizens and treatment is available.

In the Book Nook segment next week:

• Monday we'll be talking about Cancer Survivors Day


• Tuesday: Picnicking spots in the Milwaukee area (just in time for Memorial Day)


• Wednesday we'll have our final Garden Doctor program with Dick Zondag from Jung's Garden Center


• Thursday we will featur a local author (Watertown) who has written a number of books about the area. This one is titled, "Wicked Watertown" and we'll travel back in time to hear about the many "dastardly deeds" that happened in Watertown, Wisconsin


• Friday we will talk to Trey Rogers about Briggs & Stratton' first ever "Yard Smarts Boot Camp".

I will also be having a "guest co-host" on the show on Friday. More about that next week...