“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” – Albert Camus
California is looking cozier and more picturesque with the arrival of fall, bringing longer, golden-hued days and a gentle warmth to the air.
Fall is the perfect time to embrace change and add a touch of excitement to your daily routine. Perhaps consider taking up a new hobby, like painting the beautiful autumn landscape or taking scenic hikes with your family. Alternatively, immerse yourself in nostalgia by delving into old family albums, creating a scrapbook of cherished moments, or enrolling in an unconventional fitness class to add some spice to your workout regimen. This season, let’s shift towards experiences that uplift your spirits.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find delectable, autumn-inspired recipes that bring warmth to your table, along with guidance on selecting the right fall vaccines for your changing healthcare needs. We’ve also included resources on Breast Cancer Awareness and valuable information on Medicare as we approach Open Enrollment season.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for being a cherished member of Los Gatos Doc’s practice. Wishing you a wonderful and vibrant fall season ahead.
What Our Patients Are Saying
“Office is clean and he doesn’t keep his, patients waiting too long. Dr V is very professional and focused on the health of the patient. I love his team as well. One of the best doctors!” -L.C.
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Insurance Changes
To help you navigate these changes smoothly, we have created a guide that answers questions you may have about insurance-related changes at Los Gatos Doc.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at 408.502.6040.
The 5 Pitfalls of Medicare
Seniors seeking Medicare coverage face hidden pitfalls that can disrupt their healthcare in big ways – and many seniors are not aware of their risks. In the most recent coverage of this topic from The Wall Street Journal, The Big Mistakes People Make in Medicare, and How to Avoid Them this was illustrated in the case of Lothaire Bluteau, a 66-year-old actor from West Hollywood who learned after enrolling with Medicare Advantage that he could not access his desired specialists due to network limitations. When he attempted the switch to traditional Medicare, insurers rejected him due to his cancer diagnosis. Seniors hoping to avoid this same disruption of care should remain vigilant of 5 key pitfalls during open enrollment to ensure the protection of their own care.
- Medigap Trap: People with health issues may want to switch to the original Medicare but are unable to buy Medigap policies, leaving them vulnerable to high out-of-pocket costs.
- Wrong Doctors: Medicare Advantage plans often have limited doctor networks. Which can limit the choice of care. Verify network directories and consider that your favorite doctors may not be in the network.
- Paperwork Problems: Medicare Advantage plans can delay or block care. Understanding these hurdles is crucial.
- Drug Deficits: Ensure that your prescriptions are covered under your drug plan through Medicare.gov as well as your insurer’s website.
- Biased Advice: Be careful of biased advice that you may receive from insurers or online agencies. Favorite sites that end in .gov or .org consult Medicare resources and seek clarifying questions from a doctor you trust.
At Los Gatos Doc we know that understanding Medicare can be tricky from time to time, but it is important for seniors to make informed choices – especially during Medicare open enrollment. If you need guidance on where to look for the best information, please contact us – we will be sure to point you in the right direction.
Source: The Wall Street Journal: The Big Mistakes People Make in Medicare, and How to Avoid Them
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!
Are you looking for the best vaccines to keep you safe this fall/winter season? Here are the top 3 on our list for you to consider:
It is no secret that October is breast cancer awareness month, but what does that mean for you, your family history, and your own personal health journey? Are you aware of your risks and how to give yourself the best odds against this disease? Knowledge is power, for the most up-to-date facts, read our blog post below.
Fall Recipes
As the weather begins to change, and the leaves begin to fall, we could all use a little comfort food. Take a look below to see our top 3 recipe picks for that warm-and-fuzzy (but healthy) fall feeling.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ c. milk
- 1 c. pumpkin puree
- ⅓ c. maple syrup
- 3 tbsp. Instant espresso powder
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 c. Old-fashioned rolled oats, divided
- 8 tsp. Chia seeds, divided
- ¾ c. vanilla Greek yogurt, divided
Method:
- In a large measuring cup, combine the milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, espresso powder, brown sugar, vanilla, and pie spice. Divide the mixture among 4 (12-ounce) jars or airtight containers.
- Stir ½ cup of the oats and 2 teaspoons of the chia seeds into each container, ensuring the oats are submerged in liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.
- Dollop the yogurt over the oats. Dust with pie spice, if you like, and serve chilled.
Source: The Pioneer Woman
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and light green parts only
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery
- 4 cups slivered kale leaves
- 1 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-fat, no-salt-added cottage cheese
- 1 cup instant or quick-cooking brown rice
- 6 ounces smoked turkey breast or smoked tofu, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
Method:
- Heat oil in a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add kale and tomatoes and cook, stirring, until the kale begins to wilt 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cottage cheese, rice, turkey (or tofu), water and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, position the rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat the broiler.
- Stir the rice mixture, increase the heat to medium, and cook, uncovered, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 10 to 12 minutes. Spread cheese on top. Broil until the cheese is bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes.
Source: Eating Well
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups milk Dairy or non-dairy milk, look for something rich, rather than thin
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of pumpkin puree canned is fine
- fresh grated nutmeg
Method
- Pour soy milk into a saucepan. Add egg and yolk, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon salt & vanilla. Turn stove on med-high and whisk well.
- Continue to whisk regularly, just before the mixture comes to a boil you will notice it thicken and the froth at the top will start to hold it’s form better. At this point remove the pan from the burner and quickly whisk in the pumpkin.
- Pour into serving mugs and grate nutmeg over the top
Source: Mom Foodie
“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery
Wishing you a delightful Fall season filled with cherished moments with your loved ones. We deeply appreciate your presence in the Los Gatos Doc family. Don’t hesitate to share your favorite autumnal newsletters, brimming with valuable seasonal insights and well-being guidance to keep you and your loved ones in the know. Call Los Gatos Doc at 408.502.6040 if you have questions about your health.
Warmly,
Dr. V, Adriana, & Jessica
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