“June is the gateway to summer.”
– Jean Hersey
As we step into the sunny days of June, the team at Los Gatos Doc encourages you to focus on your health and wellness. This month is packed with important health awareness topics and practical tips to keep you thriving all summer long.
In this month’s newsletter, immerse yourself in the spirit of June with valuable insights and tips to enhance your health and well-being. From raising awareness about PTSD to celebrating yoga, we’ve curated a selection of topics to support your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
Discover the following highlights in our June edition:
PTSD Awareness Month:
- Gain essential insights on recognizing and understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Learn about the support and resources available for those affected by PTSD.
National Blood Donor Day [June 14th]:
- Celebrate the lifesaving power of blood donation.
- Find out how you can contribute and make a difference in your community.
International Day of Yoga [June 21st]:
- Embrace the physical and mental health benefits of yoga.
- Discover tips and resources to incorporate yoga into your daily routine.
Summer Tips for Staying Hydrated and Protected:
- Stay informed with expert advice on maintaining hydration during the hot summer months.
- Learn about the importance of sun protection and ways to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays.
As we embrace the vibrant energy of June, your well-being remains our top priority. We express our gratitude for your continued presence in the Los Gatos Doc community. May this month bring you health, connection, and the joy of sunny days.
Wishing you a healthy and invigorating June!
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Keep Stress Away with 3 of Dr. V’s Favorite Tips:
June is PTSD Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on managing symptoms and enhancing your mental well-being. At Los Gatos Doc, we recognize the challenges of living with PTSD, and we’re committed to supporting you with practical advice and resources. We have compiled three of our favorite tips from the Office of Veteran Affairs.
Here are three essential tips to help you manage PTSD symptoms and enjoy a more peaceful and fulfilling June:
- Practice Grounding Techniques – Grounding techniques are invaluable for managing PTSD-related stress and anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or sensory grounding (focusing on sights, sounds, smells) can help you stay present and reduce the intensity of flashbacks or intrusive thoughts. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you build your coping skills.
- Engage in Therapeutic Activities – Physical activities like yoga or Tai Chi can serve as therapeutic tools for managing PTSD symptoms. These practices not only promote physical health but also encourage mindfulness and body awareness, which are beneficial for grounding and reducing hyperarousal. Additionally, creative activities such as art therapy or journaling can provide an outlet for expressing emotions and processing traumatic experiences in a safe manner.
- Seek Social Support – Connecting with supportive individuals is crucial for managing PTSD. Spending time with understanding friends, family members, or participating in support groups can provide validation and reduce feelings of isolation. Talking about your experiences with trusted individuals or seeking professional help from a therapist who specializes in PTSD can significantly aid in your recovery journey.
Remember, managing PTSD is a personalized journey, and it’s important to explore different strategies to find what works best for you. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can reduce symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Together, let’s raise awareness and support those living with PTSD during this important month and beyond.
Thank you for trusting Los Gatos Doc with your health. Here’s to a stress-free and healthy June!
Staying Healthy in the Summer Months
As we dive into the sunny days of June, staying hydrated, healthy, and protected from the sun is essential. At Los Gatos Doc, we are dedicated to supporting your well-being throughout this vibrant season. Whether you need advice on summer wellness, routine check-ups, or tips for sun safety, our dedicated team is here for you.
Take advantage of our services to stay informed about essential health practices for the summer months. From understanding the importance of hydration to learning how to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, we’re ready to assist you in maintaining your health and vitality.
Your health journey is unique, and at Los Gatos Doc, we strive to make it seamless. Reach out to us for any concerns, appointments, or information you may need as we enjoy this sunny season together. June is a time for outdoor activities and fun in the sun, and your well-being is our priority.
Thank you for entrusting us with your care. Here’s to a safe, hydrated, and healthy summer ahead!
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!
On June 14th we honored World Blood Donor Day by raising awareness about the crucial need for blood donations. Read our recent blog to discover why donating blood is vital, learn essential facts, and understand who can and can’t donate. Together, we can make a significant impact in our community by ensuring a steady blood supply for those in need.
Celebrate International Day of Yoga on June 21st by discovering the numerous benefits of this ancient practice. From improved flexibility and strength to reduced stress and enhanced focus, yoga harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, our latest blog at Los Gatos Doc explores yoga’s rich history, its physical and mental health benefits, and offers easy poses for beginners.
Summer Wellness Recipes
Embrace the vibrant energy of summer with our collection of refreshing and nourishing recipes, specially crafted for your well-being during this sunny season. Dive into our carefully curated assortment of summer wellness recipes, each offering a healthier spin on beloved seasonal classics.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 4 4-ounce chicken breast cutlets, pounded thin
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 6 cups baby arugula
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
- 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
Method:
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and fresh pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high, clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, heat on medium-high heat and spray with oil.
- Divide the arugula, 1 1/2 cups each on 4 plates.
- Grill the chicken 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through then top with mozzarella. Cook 1 more minute, to melt then transfer to the 4 plates.
- Top the chicken with cherry tomatoes and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Finish with fresh basil.Source: Skinny Taste
Servings: 3
Beans:
- 15 oz can butter beans, drained and pat dry, liquid reserved (or gigante beans)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- coarse sea salt, to finish
Green Dipping Sauce:
- 2 cups parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup mint, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flake
- 1 tablespoon extra olive oil
Method:
- Dry the beans well on paper towels until completely dried.
- In a medium bowl, toss beans with 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the onion powder and smoked paprika.
- Transfer to the air fryer basket and air fry 380F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. When done, finish with sea salt.
- While the beans cook, make the dipping sauce. Combine 1/3 cup of the bean liquid, parsley, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon onion powder and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender.
- Blend until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl & top with chili flakes.
- Serve the roasted beans with green dipping sauce.
Source: Skinny Taste
Servings: 16
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 16 oz orzo pasta, wheat or gluten-free
- 1/2 cup halved pitted kalamata olives, plus 2 tablespoons brine
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced small
- 3 cups from 1 large English cucumber, diced small
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
- fresh oregano, optional garnish
Method:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions for al dente, adding an extra minute.
- Drain and rinse under cold water, drain.
- Meanwhile, In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Add the olives, red onion and brine from the olives and mix to combine.
- Stir in the pasta with the cucumber, tomatoes and bell pepper and toss well. Taste for salt and adjust as needed.
- Add the cheese just before ready to serve.
Source: Skinny Taste
“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.”
– John Steinbeck
As we head into the warmer months of summer, take a moment to reflect on the first half of the year. Have you achieved all that you set out to do? If you’re looking for a bit of a change, now is the perfect time. Let the sun fill you with warmth and positivity as you tackle your goals, both health-related and otherwise!
As always, thank you for being a valued member of the Los Gatos Doc community. We are here to support you through all seasons and to answer any questions that may arise as the days get warmer. Give us a call or book an appointment today.
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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