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Love Your Health

February & March Newsletter 2024

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“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson

Stepping into the warm ambiance of Spring, the Los Gatos Doc team invites you to consider prioritizing your wellness journey. Let’s carry the commitment to health and self-care into the new month, ensuring a vibrant and nurturing start to March 2024.

In this month’s newsletter, we encourage you to embrace the essence of March – a time to sustain our focus on well-being and welcome the prospects of a healthier year. Explore nourishing early spring recipes, discover valuable insights on maintaining wellness throughout the colder days, and enjoy a curated selection of tips designed to infuse a dose of health into your March celebrations.

Discover the following highlights in our early spring edition:

Heart Health:

  • February was the month of love, but how are you taking care of your heart?
  • Heart Healthy Recipes

Practice Gratitude:

  • Do you take time to reflect on what you have and hold dear?
  • Is self-love a part of your daily routine?

As we head towards spring through the remaining winter landscape, your health remains our utmost priority. We extend our appreciation for your continued presence in the Los Gatos Doc community. May Spring bring you an abundance of well-being, meaningful connections, and the joy that accompanies a fresh start.

Wishing you a revitalizing and health-filled continuation of the year.

What Our Patients Are Saying

What do you get when you combine a great physician with amazing medical/office staff? You get excellent health care-D.A

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Share your experiences with the Los Gatos Doc on our website today! It’ll take less than 2 minutes of your time.

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Heart Health in Spring

Spring is a perfect time to show your heart some extra care. Here are three simple yet effective tips to prioritize your cardiovascular well-being:

  1. Stay Active: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
  2. Heart-Healthy Diet: Opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars.
  3. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health. Early detection can make a significant difference.

Cultivating Gratitude

As the month of love unfolded last month, we invite you to embark on a journey of gratitude. Explore the transformative power of appreciating the present moment and expressing thanks for the blessings in your life. While there are many ways to do this, here are our top 3 favorites.

  1. Gratitude Journaling:
    • Discover the art of keeping a gratitude journal. Learn how jotting down moments of gratitude each day can shift your perspective and enhance your overall well-being. We’ll provide practical tips on starting and maintaining a gratitude practice.
  2. Expressing Appreciation:
    • Dive into meaningful ways to express gratitude to your loved ones, friends, and community. Explore creative ideas for heartfelt gestures, notes, or acts of kindness that can strengthen connections and spread positivity.
  3. Mindful Gratitude Practices:
    • Immerse yourself in mindfulness techniques centered around gratitude. From guided meditations to mindful walks, we’ll share practices that help you stay present, cultivate gratitude, and foster a sense of joy throughout the month.

Let gratitude be the guiding force that enriches our lives and strengthens our connections. Join Los Gatos Doc in embracing gratitude as a way of life.

Wishing you a month filled with appreciation and joy.

Source: https://www.mindful.org/an-introduction-to-mindful-gratitude/ 

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!

Embark on a journey to understand the transformative potential of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists in the realm of weight loss. Traditionally recognized for their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes, these medications have now taken the spotlight for their appetite-suppressing qualities. Dive into our article as we explore the world of GLP-1 agonists, introducing you to mainstays like Wegovy and Saxenda, FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Discover the science behind these medications, their connection to type 2 diabetes management, and potential health benefits beyond weight loss. Uncover the list of GLP-1 agonists and gain insights into their impact on heart health. If you’re grappling with type 2 diabetes or struggling to shed excess weight, this article is your guide to understanding whether GLP-1 agonists might be a beneficial addition to your wellness journey.

Embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of the digital health realm with our comprehensive guide. In an era saturated with health information, discerning credible sources is paramount as you navigate decisions about your well-being. We work to equip you with essential steps to check the credibility of health information, emphasizing identifiable sources, credentials, and red flags to watch out for. Dive into the accuracy assessment process, exploring the importance of scientific evidence, source verification, and the need for up-to-date information in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn to identify red flags, including anonymous information, conflicts of interest, miraculous claims, and the significance of grammar and spelling in assessing information quality. Stay informed and empowered in your health journey by mastering the art of navigating the digital health information landscape.

Healthy Heart Recipes

Celebrate matters of the heart with our exquisite selection of heart-healthy recipes designed to elevate your well-being this March. Immerse yourself in a curated array of culinary creations that add a nutritious twist to cherished classics. Embrace the love for good food and good health as you savor the delightful flavors of our heart-conscious culinary creations.

Miso-Maple Salmon

Servings: 8

Ingredients: 

  • 2 lemons
  • 2 limes
  • ¼ cup white miso
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 (2 1/2 pound) skin-on salmon fillet
  • Sliced scallions for garnish

Method:

  1. Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler to high. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  2. Juice 1 lemon and 1 lime into a small bowl. Whisk in miso, oil, maple syrup, pepper and cayenne. Place salmon, skin-side down, on the prepared pan and spread the miso mixture on top. Halve the remaining lemon and lime and arrange around the salmon, cut-sides up.
  3. Broil the salmon just until it flakes with a fork, 7 to 12 minutes. Serve with the lemon and lime halves and sprinkle with scallions, if desired.

Source: Eating Well

Zucchini-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Tahini-Ranch Sauce

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons tahini, divided
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 teaspoons white miso, divided
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons onion powder, divided
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons garlic powder, divided
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons ground pepper, divided
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives plus 2 tablespoons, divided
  • 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
  • ½ cup shredded zucchini
  • ⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 whole-grain hamburger buns, toasted
  • 1 cup packed fresh arugula
  • 4 slices tomato

Method: 

  • Combine 2 tablespoons tahini, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon miso, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in water until the mixture is smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon chives. Set aside.
  • Place chickpeas, cumin, salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons tahini, 2 teaspoons miso, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon pepper and 3/4 teaspoon onion powder in a food processor. Pulse, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides, until a coarse mixture forms that holds together when pressed. Add parsley and the remaining 2 tablespoons chives; pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and incorporated into the mixture. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Squeeze zucchini in a clean kitchen towel to remove extra moisture. Add the zucchini and oats to the chickpea mixture; use your hands to combine, pressing to mash together. Form into 4 patties.
  • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until golden and beginning to crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes more.
  • Serve the burgers on buns with the tahini-ranch sauce, arugula and tomato slices.

Source: Eating Well

Mushroom & Tofu Stir-Fry

Servings: 5

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons peanut oil or canola oil, divided
  • 1 pound mixed mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 large clove garlic, grated
  • 1 (8 ounce) container baked tofu or smoked tofu, diced
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce (see Tip)

Method

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large flat-bottom wok or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in scallions, ginger and garlic; cook for 30 seconds more. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and tofu to the pan. Cook, turning once, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the vegetables and oyster sauce. Cook, stirring, until hot, about 1 minute.

Source: Eating Well

“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

Embrace the spirit of Spring as we extend our warmest wishes for a time filled with positivity, well-being, and heartfelt connections. With the dawn of a new month, we want to express our gratitude for your continued presence in the Los Gatos Doc community. Whether you seek health-related guidance or support in achieving your well-being aspirations, Los Gatos Doc is here for you throughout the exciting journey that lies ahead. Here’s to a month overflowing with love, gratitude, and a vibrant continuation of the year!

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 or Request an Appointment today with any comments, questions, or concerns.

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