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January Newsletter

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“January is the month for dreaming boldly, planning wisely, and starting anew with purpose.”

–  Dr. V

It’s 2025, and we’re ready to start the new year on the right foot, leaving the holiday hustle behind and focusing on fresh beginnings. While you fill your calendar with resolutions of a brighter tomorrow, our team here at Los Gatos Doc wants to ensure you’re beginning your year at optimal health, while staying realistic about achieving your goals.

This month, we’re talking about all of the ways you can stay true to the improvements you hope to make in your life without going overboard. Small, meaningful changes make the most impact in the long term after all, right?

So keep reading to uncover some top tips to stay well during respiratory illness season, as well as our favorite year-starting recipes to keep you healthy and on track rounding out this winter season, and starting your new year fresh!

What Our Patients Are Saying

“Dr. V is very thorough about investigating medical issues. His personality is very approachable and empathetic while taking into account my suggestions for medical care. A very special doctor I would highly recommend.“

-N.K.

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Why Dry? The Method Behind the Madness of Dry Januaryn

As the New Year begins, many embrace Dry January—a commitment to go alcohol-free for the month. But why is this trend gaining traction, and what makes it so impactful? At its core, Dry January is more than just a challenge; it’s a reset for both body and mind.

The Benefits of Going Dry:
Skipping alcohol for 31 days can lead to significant health perks: weight loss, improved sleep, boosted energy, and improved mood, among others. Plus, it’s a great way to assess your relationship with alcohol while giving your liver a much-needed break after the holiday indulgence.

How to Succeed in Dry January:

  • Set Clear Goals: Remind yourself why you’re committing to this challenge. Better health? Clearer mind? A fresh start? Keep your motivation front and center.
  • Replace the Ritual: Swap happy hour cocktails for alcohol-free options like sparkling water or mocktails.
  • Track Your Progress: Journaling how you feel each day can reinforce the positive changes happening.
  • Lean on Support: Whether it’s friends, family, or online communities, connect with others participating in Dry January to stay motivated.

At Los Gatos Doc, we’re here to support your health and wellness journey—Dry January included. Let us help you start 2025 with energy and clarity.

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!

As respiratory viruses make their rounds this winter, there’s one you might not have heard of yet: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Though lesser-known, this virus can cause significant respiratory infections, especially in children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.

At Los Gatos Doc, we’re here to keep you informed and protected. From understanding how HMPV spreads to learning practical prevention tips, staying ahead of this seasonal virus is key to a healthy season. Let’s work together to safeguard your health.

When unmanaged, common workplace stress can lead to larger issues like burnout, anxiety, and depression. In fact, 61% of U.S. workers reported experiencing at least one mental health symptom in 2023.

At Los Gatos Doc, we believe in more than just managing stress; we focus on sustainable self-care to help you thrive professionally and personally. Whether it’s prioritizing breaks, practicing mindfulness, or keeping healthy habits, small changes can make a big difference.

Let’s tackle workplace stress together! Read our guide for actionable tips and learn how Los Gatos Doc can support your mental well-being.

January Wellness Recipes

The beginning of a new year typically sparks an interest in healthier living. While we encourage our patients to follow SMART goals in a smaller more manageable setting, we do love a good healthy meal or snack to kickstart our goals.

Check out our favorite finds for January to dive in to your post-holiday detox with delicious options that are good for the waistline (and budget!)

 

Servings: 4

Ingredients: 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2 celery sticks diced
  • 2 garlic cloves sliced
  • 1 small celeriac
  • (about 800g), peeled and diced
  • 500ml vegetable stock
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 50ml low-fat crème fraîche

For the hazelnut crumble topping

  • 2 tbsp hazelnuts roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • small handful of chives finely chopped

Method:

  1. Heat half the oil in a large saucepan over a medium-low heat. Sweat the onion, celery and garlic with the pan partially covered by the lid for 15 mins, until softened. Tip in the celeriac and pour over the stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 mins, until the celeriac is tender. Remove from the heat, stir in the nutmeg, crème fraîche and some seasoning. Blitz with a hand blender until smooth.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the hazelnuts and breadcrumbs gently for a few minutes, until toasted. Put in a bowl, stir in the chives and season. Ladle the soup into bowls and spoon over the hazelnut crumble to serve.

Source: Good Food

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion; plus more thinly sliced for serving (optional)
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 2 15-oz. cans chickpeas (do not drain)
  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 6 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 1 1″ piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
  • 2 tsp. garam masala
  • 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • ½ tsp. amchur (dry mango powder)
  • ½ tsp. ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp. Kashmiri or other red chile powder
  • ⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus leaves with tender stems for serving
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (optional)
  • Steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread (for serving)

Method: 

  1. Step 1 – Grate 1 large red onion on the large holes of a box grater; set aside. Cut ends off 2 plum tomatoes and grate flesh down to skins; discard skins. Set aside separately.
  2. Step 2 – Bring two 15-oz. cans chickpeas with their liquid to a boil in a medium saucepan; cook, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas swell slightly and are a bit lighter in color, 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3 – Meanwhile, heat 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook 1 tsp. cumin seeds, swirling pan, until seeds start to pop and sputter, 10–20 seconds. Add 6 garlic cloves, finely grated, one 1″ piece ginger, peeled, finely grated, and reserved grated red onion. Cook, stirring often, until most of the water has evaporated, 7–9 minutes.
  4. Step 4 – Add reserved grated tomatoes to skillet and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add 2 tsp. garam masala, 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 tsp. ground coriander, ½ tsp. amchur (dry mango powder), ½ tsp. ground turmeric, ½ tsp. Kashmiri or other red chile powder, and ⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and color deepens slightly, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5 – Add chickpeas with their liquid to pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until mixture thickens and takes on a slightly shiny appearance as the oils start to separate, 10–15 minutes. Stir juice of ½ lime, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, and 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (if using) into chana masala.
  6. Step 6 – Divide chana masala among bowls and top with cilantro leaves with tender stems and sliced red onion (if using). Serve with steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread.Source: Epicurious

Servings: 14

Ingredients

Wet ingredients:

  • 2 large extra ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup (128g) natural peanut butter or almond butter
  • ¼ cup (78g) pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg or flax egg* (for vegan option)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry ingredients:

  • 1 cup (92g) oat flour
  • 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup (95g) old fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons hemp hearts
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • ⅓ cup (60g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for on top of cookies
  • Optional: ⅓ cup chopped walnuts

Topping:

  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Method: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
  2. Mix together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the mashed bananas, nut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Stir in the dry ingredients: Add the oat flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Stir in the oats, hemp hearts, chia seeds, chocolate chips and walnuts (if using). Allow the dough to sit for 5 minutes while you clean up and put away your ingredients.
  4. Scoop the dough: Use a large cookie scoop to scoop the dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 3 tablespoons dough per cookie. Be sure to keep about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Top each cookie with a few extra chocolate chips.
  5. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until they’re set, but still soft.
  6. Cool: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

“January is the month for dreaming and starting afresh, with the year stretching ahead like a blank page.”

— Edith Lovejoy Pierce

So while January unravels and your desires for the new year are revealed, it’s a great time to take a full evaluation of your health and wellness routine. Is it time to have that annual check up?

Thank you for being a part of our community, and we are looking forward to supporting all of your health goals in the year ahead. Make 2025 the year of YOU!

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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