Summer is officially here. And, along with the arrival of summer, we have many more reasons to celebrate with at least 80% of Santa Clara County residents 12 and older having received at least one dose of the vaccine. Our community was in a very different place just a year ago. Our team at Los Gatos Doc is incredibly proud of all of you and the measures you took to keep our community safe in the past year.
Please continue to follow the mask guidance at businesses and other institutions that you are visiting and encourage unvaccinated loved ones to schedule their vaccinations. If you haven’t received the vaccine yet, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you may have and continue to wear a mask to protect those who are more vulnerable.
Read on to learn about migraines, top health benefits of being active outdoors, and so much more. Thank you for being a member of Los Gatos Doc’s family!
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Family Health and Fitness Day
Earlier this month, Dr. V marked Family Health and Fitness Day by going on a hike with his family. Spending time outdoors on your own or with loved ones has been shown to boost your energy levels. Carve out some time in your daily or weekly routines and plan regular outings.
Did you know that people living in the U.S. spend about 90% of their time indoors? Additionally, indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times greater than in the outdoors. Take advantage of the sunnier and longer days in the weeks ahead. As the French proverb goes, “A summer’s sun is worth the having.”
While you connect with nature and engage in more outdoor activities, make sure to stock up on sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Source: Indoor Air Quality | EPA’s Report on the Environment (ROE)
Refer a Friend or Family Member
A new patient referral is the highest compliment and shows our team that you’re confident in the quality of care that you receive. As always, thank you for being a member of the Los Gatos Doc Family, and please do not hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions or concerns. We would love to hear from you!
Contact your primary care team by phone at 408.502.6040 or book an appointment today.
Monthly Health Observance: National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. A migraine is a condition that causes a range of symptoms including but not limited to throbbing pains, pounding sensations, heightened sensitivities to light and sound, and nausea and vomiting. If untreated, it can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.
Did you know that about forty million people in the U.S. experience migraines? About 16 million people have not been diagnosed. How often do you get headaches, and what is your pain level? If you’re concerned that you might be experiencing migraines, reach out to the Los Gatos Doc team by 408.502.6040 or schedule an appointment today!
Pain Safe Recipes
This month’s newsletter features recipes that are known to be “pain safe” and rich in magnesium. Ingredients such as spinach, black beans, pumpkin seeds, and whole grains are not seen as typical triggers for health conditions such as migraines.
Total Prep: 2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 large stalk celery, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 9 cups water
- 4 cups (32-ounce carton) reduced-sodium chicken broth, “no-chicken” broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup pearl barley
- ⅓ cup dried black beans
- ⅓ cup dried great northern beans
- ⅓ cup dried kidney beans
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add water, broth, barley, black beans, great northern beans, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin and oregano.
- Bring to a lively simmer over high heat.
- Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, 1¾ to 2½ hours (adding more water, ½ cup at a time, if necessary or desired).
- Season with salt.
Total Prep: 4 hours
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup unsalted sunflower seeds
- ⅓ cup unsalted pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 cups white whole-wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Combine sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and sesame seeds in a dry medium skillet; toast over medium heat, stirring, until lightly brown and starting to pop, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the seed mixture in a small bowl; transfer the remaining seeds to a large bowl.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to the large bowl; whisk to combine.
- Whisk eggs in a medium bowl, then stir in buttermilk, oats, oil and honey (or maple syrup).
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients; stir and fold together until combined.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the reserved seeds.
- Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes.
- Let cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Ahead Tip: Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 large slices sourdough bread (or alternative)
- 1 avocado, pitted and sliced
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges + zest for topping
- Tofu: 1/2 package tofu, extra-firm, cubed
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/8 tsp smoky paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- Almonds: 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- salt to taste
Instructions:
- Warm a skillet over high heat.
- Add the almonds and toast for one minute.
- Add in the maple or coconut syrup and sauté for another 30-60 seconds, tossing the almonds with the sticky syrup as everything sizzles.
- Turn off heat, toss the almonds in the sticky syrup one last time, and transfer the coated almonds to a small bowl.
- As they cool, the sweetener will become nice and sticky. Top with a pinch of salt – to taste.
- Rinse out the skillet so the leftover syrup does not burn with the tofu.
- Warm the skillet again and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu. Sauté for three minutes, until the edges start to brown.
- Then add in the maple syrup and smoky paprika.
- Sauté for another two minutes. turn off heat.
- Add the salt and pepper to taste and set tofu aside.
- Toast bread.
- Add the avocado to the slices of bread and smash with a fork.
- Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Add the tomato, tofu and almonds over top the avocado. Add pepper and lemon zest on top to taste. Slice and serve.
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!
While it’s possible to remain indoors and exercise, you miss out on the added health benefits of spending time outdoors and greening your exercise. Various research studies have proven the health benefits of spending time outdoors.
Contrary to popular perception, it’s not always your fault if you fumble and find yourself falling behind your fitness goals while others are crushing it. In this article, we discuss how you can reevaluate your current lifestyle, make a sustainable plan, and take action.
“I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.”
– Lucy Maud Montgomery
It’s the season of barbecues, vacations, and block parties! The only homework we have for you is to stay safe and healthy. Feel free to call us when you have a question or concern about your health.
Warmly,
Dr. V, Adriana, & Jessica
P.S. We would love to hear from you! Do you have questions, comments, or concerns? Contact your primary care team by phone at 408.502.6040 or book a Video Visit today. Please note that any replies to this newsletter will not be forwarded to your primary care team in an effort to protect patient privacy.