Did you know that February is the shortest month of the year? As poet Charmaine J. Forde says, “Though February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.”
Los Gatos Doc celebrated Valentine’s Day by doing what we do every day, caring for our patients and doing our very best to meet their primary health care needs. Thank you for entrusting our team to support you in achieving your best health. This month’s newsletter features information about American Heart Month, heart healthy recipes, and steps you can take to improve your overall fitness.
Spread the love this February and share this informative newsletter with your friends and family members.
If you haven’t booked your Annual Physical or need to schedule an appointment for another reason, take a few moments to book your appointment online today.
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February is American Heart Month
February is the perfect time to learn about risk factors for heart disease and steps that you can take to be heart healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 3 in 4 adults with hypertension do not have their heart condition under control. Do you know your health numbers? Since there are no signs or symptoms for high blood pressure, the only way to know is to get checked. If you haven’t had your annual check up, February is the right time to come into Los Gatos Doc to check on your blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Knowing these numbers will help Dr. V and you determine your risk for cardiovascular disease and other health issues.
Show your friends and family how much you care by spreading awareness to friends and family about American Heart Month.
Accessing Your COVID-19 Vaccination Record
Did you misplace your vaccine card? If so, Santa Clara County’s Public Health Department shares the steps you can take to replace your vaccination card. Your options to verify your vaccination status are to:
- electronically request this information from the state
- visit the county office in person or access the record via your health care provider
- request your vaccination record by visiting the Public Health Department Travel/Immunization Clinic in person or emailing a form
Click here for more information on how to access your COVID-19 vaccination record.
Please be mindful of sharing personal health information with unofficial sources. Follow Los Gatos Doc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date. If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out to Adriana and Jessica at 408.502.6040.
In Case You Missed It / Reading Corner:
We have stepped into the new year. It’s the perfect time to take stock of your health goals and ensure that you have a sustainable plan in action. Check our latest blog for proven tips to help you easily achieve and maintain your new year’s health resolutions.
You don’t need to have a medical problem to visit your doctor. Many effective and beneficial preventive services can improve your health. Check out our latest blog.
Our latest article focuses less on losing weight and more on building tiny healthy habits towards improving your overall fitness. Read more on this by following the link below.
Eat Smart for Your Heart
Since February is American Heart Month, this newsletter features three heart healthy recipes that are low in sodium and saturated fat. The month’s recipes feature butternut squash, kale, mushrooms, and poblano chiles. Let us know if you try any of these recipes. We would love to hear from you!
- Active: 25 mins
- Total: 45 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cups diced peeled butternut squash
- 2 medium poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (14 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 8 corn tortillas, warmed
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce (see Tip)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add squash and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add peppers and onion and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in beans, 2 tablespoons cilantro and chile powder. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Place about 1/2 cup of the squash mixture in each tortilla and roll. Place, seam-side down, in the prepared baking dish. Top with enchilada sauce. Sprinkle it with cheese and cover with foil. Bake until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, toss cabbage with lime juice, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Serve the enchiladas topped with the slaw and more cilantro, if desired.
Tip: Store-bought enchilada sauce is a fast and easy way to add a ton of flavor to a dish, but it can be high in sodium, so look for one that has less than 300 milligrams per serving.
Source: Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas Recipe | EatingWell
- Active: 30 mins
- Total: 30 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chickpea rotini or penne (see Tip)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, sliced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper
- 8 cups chopped kale
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring once, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add kale, mushrooms, thyme and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the pasta and enough of the reserved water to coat; cook, stirring, until combined and hot, about 1 minute more. Serve topped with Parmesan, if desired.
Tip: We chose chickpea pasta for this dish instead of whole-wheat because it’s packed with tons of fiber, protein and nutrients—some brands provide more than 40% of your daily recommended fiber, plus 20 grams of protein per serving. Look for it with other gluten-free pastas.
Source: Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale Recipe | EatingWell
Active: 35 mins
Total: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup avocado oil or canola oil
- 2 cups chopped seeded Anaheim or poblano chiles (about 3)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- Fresh Onions
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, rinsed
- 1 large zucchini, diced (about 3 cups)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus wedges for serving
Directions:
- Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chiles, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add quinoa, oregano, cumin, salt, coriander and pepper; cook, stirring, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Stir in broth and beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add zucchini; cover and continue cooking until the zucchini is soft and the chili has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes more. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.
Tip: To make ahead: Refrigerate chili for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Spring Towards Your Best Health
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
– Oprah Winfrey
As we inch towards spring and warmer weather ahead, take a moment to organize your medical information and book any pending health appointments. Remember to visit Los Gatos Doc on Facebook and like us to stay up-to-date on current health issues and receive office updates from your favorite primary care team.
Warmly,
Dr. V, Adriana, & Jessica