“Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine.” – Oprah Winfrey
The sun is shining and the weather is just right to head outdoors for some much needed nature inspired therapy. Did you know that July is Healthy Vision Month? It’s an important reminder to care for you and your loved ones’ eye health. If your family has a history of eye disease, it’s important to check in with your doctor periodically. Check out this National Eye Institute article for more information on this important topic. For a referral, contact your favorite primary care team at Los Gatos Doc.
This month’s edition of the Los Gatos Doc newsletter focuses on UV safety awareness, eye health, How To Make Your Home Safer And Life Better and Six Collagen-Rich Foods For Healthier Joints And Skin.
Consider sharing your favorite newsletters with your networks. Perhaps they might be interested in trying a new recipe or would like to learn more about health issues. These newsletters offer great tips and health advice and help you and your loved ones stay informed.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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Recreation Ideas
Classes & Activities in Santa Clara: Gear up for the fall with a variety of recreation classes and special events! The guide covers all the fun from August through December.
Hiking around Santa Clara: Would you prefer an open ended hike to a more formal activity? Check out these hiking and biking options to see if they’re close to you and make a plan with friends and family.
Monthly Health Observance: UV Safety Awareness Month
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, the right time to educate yourself about the health effects of UV rays on your skin. Being outdoors is a great way to connect with nature, alleviate stress, and absorb vitamin D. Some sunshine is good for your health, but is there such a thing as too much sun? Absolutely. According to the CDC, it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure from 10am to 4pm and pay attention to the UV index. When you are spending time outdoors, be sure to take certain precautions such as spending time in the shade, applying sunscreen regularly, and wearing clothing that offers greater skin coverage and protection.
Source: Sun Safety – CDC
In Case You Missed It / Reading Corner:
Collagen is all around us – from our groceries to cosmetics to pills. But what’s the truth about collagen? Dr. V has you all covered in his latest article for Lifehack.
Our homes are one of the most accident-prone locations. But home-related accidents and injuries are preventable. Read our top recommendations to stay protected in your home.
Fresh and Light Summer Recipes
If you prefer to keep your house cool during the summer months, you are not alone. Check out these tasty summer recipes that you can throw together in 45 minutes or less. These are perfect recipes for when it’s too hot to cook!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Ginger Peanut Sauce
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk
- 2-3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
Mango Chili Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup chili sauce (sambal oelek)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 small mango, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil or cilantro, chopped
Summer Rolls
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2-3 cups vegetables, lettuce leaves, shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced bell peppers
- 1 big handful of both fresh cilantro and Thai basil
- 8-12 rice paper wrappers
Instructions
- To make the peanut sauce. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Thin as desired with additional coconut milk.
- To make the mango chili sauce. Combine the honey, lime juice, chili sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. Mix in the mango, cilantro, and basil. Season with salt.
- Squeeze a little lime juice over the avocado. Create an assembly line of vegetables or toss all the veggies into a bowl.
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Add each rice paper sheet, one at a time, for 5 to 10 seconds. Remove and place on a flat surface. Towards one end of the rice wrapper, begin layering avocado, lettuce leaves, herbs, and veggies. Spoon over 2 teaspoons chili sauce. Fold both ends to the center and roll to seal. Keep the rolls covered to prevent them from drying out.
- Serve with both dipping sauces.
Total: 5 min
Prep: 5 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup peeled, diced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Combine the mango, cucumber, jalapeno, red onion, lime juice and cilantro leaves and mix well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Total: 5 min
Prep: 5 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup peeled, diced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Combine the mango, cucumber, jalapeno, red onion, lime juice and cilantro leaves and mix well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (I use Real Salt brand)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 red onion , diced
- 1 red bell pepper , seeds removed & diced
- 1 large cucumber , diced (optional to remove seeds)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes , sliced in half
- 1/4 cup fresh dill , minced
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley , minced
- 2 (15-ounce cans) chickpeas , rinsed and drained
- 3 ounces crumbled feta (optional; omit for vegan salad)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- To the bowl of dressing, add in the diced onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, dill, parsley, and drained chickpeas. Toss well to coat everything in the dressing. Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes, so the flavors can meld.
- Add the crumbled feta to the salad and stir well, then adjust any seasoning to taste. You can add extra lemon juice for a sharper flavor, or extra fresh herbs, if desired. Serve right away at room temperature, or you can store in an airtight container in the fridge to chill until ready to serve.
- This salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that it gets a little soggy, so I don’t recommend making it too far in advance if you plan on serving it to guests. It will look the prettiest if you add the feta shortly before serving.
Source: Summer Dinner Recipes for When It’s Too Hot to Cook | The Everygirl
“In summer, the song sings itself.” – William Carlos Williams
We’re grateful that you’re a part of the Los Gatos Doc family. Consider sharing your favorite newsletters with your networks. Perhaps they might be interested in trying a new summer recipe or would like more information about UV safety. These newsletters offer great tips and health advice and help you and your loved ones stay informed.
Did you know that July is Healthy Vision Month? It’s an important reminder to care for you and your loved ones’ eye health. If your family has a history of eye disease, it’s important to check in with your doctor periodically. Check out this National Eye Institute article for more information on this important topic. For a referral, contact your favorite primary care team at Los Gatos Doc.
We look forward to seeing you in our office soon!
Warmly,
Dr. V, Adriana, & Jessica
P.S. Don’t forget 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. Please contact your primary care team by phone at 408.502.6040 with any comments, questions, or concerns.
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