The official start to summer is just a few weeks away. With warmer temperatures and increased daylight on the horizon, take a few moments to re-evaluate your weekly routines. Are you able to take some time out for yourself to meditate outdoors? How about heading to a new trail? As we transition from spring to summer, remember to stock up on sunscreen and be sure to pay attention to the UV index.
Thanks for being a part of our practice and let us know if there’s any way we can help you meet your health needs. Like Los Gatos Doc on Facebook, schedule an appointment, and try out the outdoor-friendly Spring recipes featured below!
Spring into Action
There are many benefits of outdoor activity including building stamina, improving coordination, and alleviating stress. Take a walk in your neighborhood or head over to a hiking trail nearby. Are you spending more time outdoors? What kinds of activities have you and your loved ones been doing? Consider recording your outings and observations in a journal. This might also help in tracking your physical activity and prompt you to plan more outings.
What kinds of activities are you interested in trying out? Let us know! Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
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Give Yourself A Boost
Last May, we shared about the impact of polio vaccinations and mass inoculation efforts that took place about six decades ago in the U.S. History has shown that through widespread vaccinations we can help ourselves and our loved ones thrive by reducing the risk of transmission and our risk for greater health complications.
About 6 decades ago, streets across the U.S. were filled with widespread celebrations. The occasion? The advent of the polio vaccine and successful mass inoculation efforts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the adoption of the polio vaccine by the vast majority in the U.S. prevented over 10 million cases of paralysis and 500,000 deaths since 1988.
Vaccines save lives. Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccination? Check out the Center for Disease Control’s FAQ about the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are still unsure or have follow-up questions, feel free to reach out to Dr. V, Adriana, and Jessica via the patient portal or by contacting us at 408.502.6040.
If you’ve already received your first two doses of the vaccine, thank you for doing your part! Please note that if it’s been 5 months since your second dose you might be eligible for a booster. Visit the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department for more information and book your appointment today.
Sources: CDC Global Health – Immunization – Infographic: Eradicate Polio and The Last Time a Vaccine Saved America.
Mental Health Awareness Month
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” – Fred Rogers
Did you know that in late June 2020 almost half of U.S. adults shared that they were grappling with mental health or substance abuse? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge, share, and reflect on your mental health habits and approach. This observance serves as a reminder to check in with yourself and those around you. Who are the people in your support system? What are your coping strategies and how are they serving you in times of high stress and anxiety? If you haven’t reached out to your primary doctor recently, connect with Dr. V and his team. They are eager to support you in achieving your best health.
Source: Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In Case You Missed It / Reading Corner:
Each month, we provide you with the best, most current research and information on health topics that affect you. Read our latest blogs about current medical conditions that will keep you up to date and in the know!
Dr. V discusses the connection between coffee and energy, the right way and the best time to consume coffee for energy and productivity in his latest article for Lifehack.
Learn the benefits and dangers of salt consumption, and how to consume it safely, making it easy for you to stay healthy.
Snacking often gets a bad rap, but it is the one of the most important meals of the day. Learn why snack time is so important and how to get it right for a sustainable fitness plan.
Outdoor Eats & Treats
What should you eat on your next outdoor adventure? Check out these recipes featuring blueberries, asparagus, and peaches. With a little planning, your outing can be both healthy and energizing!
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
Directions:
- Step 1: Combine oats and milk in a large bowl. Cover and let soak in the refrigerator until much of the liquid is absorbed, at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 12-cup nonstick muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Step 3: Stir egg, maple syrup, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder and salt into the soaked oats until well combined. Divide the mixture among the muffin cups (about 1/4 cup each). Top each with 1 tablespoon of blueberries.
- Step 4: Bake the oatmeal cakes until they spring back when touched, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Loosen and remove with a paring knife. Serve warm.
Tips
- Make Ahead Tip: Wrap airtight and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Equipment: Nonstick muffin tin with 12 (1/2-cup) cups
- Storage smarts: For long-term freezer storage, wrap your food in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. The plastic will help prevent freezer burn while the foil will help keep off-odors from seeping into the food.
- People with celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity should use oats that are labeled “gluten-free,” as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley.
Total: 25 mins
Active: 25 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and diagonally cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound sweet mini peppers, stemmed, seeded and halved lengthwise
- 2 medium zucchini, diagonally cut into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
Directions:
- Step 1: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high (400-450 degrees F). (Or, for a charcoal grill, build a fire with coals in the bottom center of the grill and let it burn down to medium-high heat, about 400-450 degrees F.)
- Step 2: Toss asparagus, mini peppers, zucchini, oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated. Divide the mixture evenly among 6 sheets of foil. Working with 1 foil sheet at a time, bring up 2 sides of the foil to meet in the center. Create a tight 1/2-inch fold to seal. Fold over 1 more time, making sure to leave space in the packet between the vegetables and the foil. Fold the other sides of the foil in, creating a sealed foil rectangle.
- Step 3: Place the foil packets, sealed-side up, on the grill rack; grill, covered, for 4 minutes. Flip the packets; grill until the vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes more. Remove from the grill.
- Step 4: Stir butter, parsley and chives together in a small bowl. Carefully open the foil packets. Place 1 teaspoon butter mixture in each packet; reseal the packets and let stand until the butter melts, about 1 minute.
Total: 20 mins
Active: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- ¾ cup mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Torn fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions:
- Step 1: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high, build a fire in a charcoal grill or build a campfire and let it burn down to medium-high heat (about 450 degrees F).
- Step 2: Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Rub cut side of peaches with oil and place on the grill, cut-side down. Cook, rotating often, until well browned, 3 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish.
- Step 3: Whisk mascarpone, half-and-half and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Serve the peaches with the mascarpone mixture and garnished with mint, if desired.
Tip: To oil a hot grill rack, soak a paper towel in vegetable oil and hold it with tongs to rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)
Source: 34 Healthy Camping Recipes for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
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“Spring is time of plans and projects” – Leo Tolstoy
Spring marks a period of rebirth and renewal. It’s a great time to revisit unfinished projects or make new plans. Perhaps an outdoor excursion during the warmer temperatures would renew your spirits. Pack a picnic lunch filled with healthy goodies, go on a hike, or biking on a mountain path. As always, Los Gatos Doc is here for you. Feel free to reach out to us by phone or via the patient portal with any questions or concerns. Stay healthy and safe!
Warmly,
Dr. V, Adriana, & Jessica
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