The shortest month of the year is drawing to a close and spring is around the corner. With vaccine rollout underway, we are cautiously hopeful. Please continue to exercise precautions as recommended by CDC: Wear a mask, Watch your distance, and Wash your hands. Thank you for all that you do to keep one another and our communities safe.
Visit the Santa Clara County Health Department to find out if you are eligible for the vaccine. As of February 23rd 2021, here’s the latest from our local health department:
- Anyone 65 and older in Santa Clara County is eligible to receive a vaccine from anywhere in the county
- Santa Clara County teachers and other essential workers will be included in the next phase
- People ages 16-64 with ailments and disabilities are expected to be eligible on March 15th
- Contact Santa Clara County’s COVID-19 Vaccination Support Line (1-833-560-0560) for assistance with eligibility questions and to schedule your vaccination.
Please be mindful of sharing personal health information with unofficial sources. Follow Los Gatos Doc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest on vaccine eligibility. If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out to Adriana and Jessica at 408.502.6040.
Spread the love this February and share this informative newsletter with your friends and family members.
If you haven’t booked your Annual Physical or need to schedule an appointment for another reason, take a few moments to book your appointment online today.
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Monthly Health Observance
Each February we raise awareness about American Heart Month. This month is the perfect time to learn about risk factors for heart disease and steps that you can take to be heart healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 3 in 4 adults with hypertension do not have their heart condition under control. If you’re not sure about your risk factors, check in with your Los Gatos Doc primary care team to see what you can do to help your heart.
Since there are no signs or symptoms for high blood pressure, the only way to know is to get checked. Show your friends and family how much you care by spreading awareness to friends and family about American Heart Month.
Heart Healthy Recipes!
Heart healthy meals are typically low in saturated fat and sodium while high in whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats. The month’s recipes feature fresh vegetables and pasta topped off cookies packed with oatmeal. Let us know if you try any of these recipes. We would love to hear from you!
Active: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup sliced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons vinaigrette, such as Annie’s Light Raspberry Vinaigrette
- ¼ medium avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons toasted walnut pieces
Directions
- Combine spinach, onion, and strawberries in a medium bowl.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette; toss to coat.
- Top with avocado and walnuts.
Active: 20 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 8 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 (9 ounce) package fresh tagliatelle or linguine
- 8 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Directions
- Put 10 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add breadcrumbs and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until toasted, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer to a small bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan and parsley. Set aside.
- Whisk the remaining 6 tablespoons Parmesan, egg yolks, egg, pepper and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cook pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute.
- Add spinach and peas and cook until the pasta is tender, about 1 minute more.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Drain and place in a large bowl.
- Slowly whisk the reserved cooking water into the egg mixture.
- Gradually add the mixture to the pasta, tossing with tongs to combine.
- Serve topped with the reserved breadcrumb mixture.
Total: 40 min
Prep: 25 min
Cook: 15 min
Yield: 1 dozen cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
Directions
- Combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
- Beat the butter, sugar and molasses in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth, about 2 more minutes.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low, add the flour mixture and beat until combined. Stir in the raisins by hand.
- For the best flavor and texture, cover the dough and chill at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Form the dough into 12 balls, about 2 tablespoonfuls each, and arrange 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten with the back of a fork.
- Bake until the cookies are golden, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
Source: Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies Recipe | Food Network Kitchen
In Case You Missed It
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!
Earlier this month, Dr. V shared his experience of getting the COVID-19 vaccination. Watch our latest video where Dr. V shares the latest updates of the COVID-19 vaccination and what it means for our community.
Your thyroid helps to regulate your metabolism, temperature, and heartbeat. Read our latest blog to know all about thyroid health.
A healthy cervix lies at the crux of a woman’s health. Yet many women are clueless about this less-often talked about reproductive organ. Even though small, it is a powerful organ which shoulders a whole lot of responsibilities. Read our latest blog to know more about the cervix, how to reduce the likelihood of cervical health conditions such as cervical cancer, and ensure that your cervix is healthy and functioning at its optimal best.
A Special Thank you to J.W. for A Kind Yelp Review!
“Dr. V is always prepared with my blood work results and I have confidence that he is on top of what is going on with me. I appreciate his attentiveness and personal manner!
Thanks for all the follow-up that he and the team do between our visits. I didn’t think I would like to have my doctor visits over the phone or the computer, but it has been a real pleasure and a time
saver!
Thanks Dr. V and staff!“
Spring Towards Your Best Health
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
— Oprah Winfrey
As we inch towards spring and warmer weather ahead, take a moment to organize your medical information and book any pending health appointments. Remember 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.
Warmly,
Dr. V, Adriana, & Jessica
P.S. Don’t forget to share this newsletter with 3 friends, family, and co-workers. Spread the New Year Cheer by helping them achieve their health goals in 2021!
Dr. V and his staff would love to hear from you! Do you have questions, comments, or concerns? Contact your primary care team by phone at 408.502.6040. Please note that any replies to this newsletter will not be forwarded to your primary care team in an effort to protect patient privacy.