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Cholesterol

September Newsletter 2022

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Autumn’s here and there’s even more beauty exploring the outdoors for optimal health. Since we’re already in the last quarter of the year, perhaps, it’s time to take stock of how you’ve been faring so far with your health and nutrition goals. 

This month’s edition of the Los Gatos Doc newsletter focuses on National Cholesterol Education Month, all you need to know about the upcoming flu season, recreation ideas you can enjoy on your own or with loved ones and heart-friendly recipes. 

Consider sharing your favorite newsletters with your networks. Perhaps they might be interested in trying a new recipe or would like to learn more about health issues. These newsletters offer great tips and health advice and help you and your loved ones stay informed.

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Recreation Ideas

Santa Clara Parade of Champions: Be a part of this historic event which celebrates our community and front-line heroes every year in Downtown Santa Clara. There will be marching bands, multicultural dance performances, food trucks, and more in this all-day festivities. 

Annual Campbell Oktoberfest: The Campbell Chamber celebrates all things German in the free annual Oktoberfest in historic Downtown Campbell. Top-notch German beers, mouthwatering authentic German food, German music, German dancing, stein holding, best dressed contests, and more. Don your dirndl and lederhosen and join in!

Free Family Mini Photo Sessions in Los Gatos: A free, fun, 30-minute photoshoot for you and your loved ones (furry ones included). You only pay for the photos you love at a discounted rate.

Children’s Spooktaclara Halloween Party: A free event for ages 10 and under with trick-or-treat row, costume parade at the pumpkin walk, carnival games, food, giveaways, games and more.

Monthly Health Observance: National Cholesterol Education Month

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. All age groups can be prone to high cholesterol, including children, young adults, and older adults. Less than half of young adults who have risk factors for coronary heart disease don’t get a cholesterol screening, even though a quarter of them have high cholesterol. High blood cholesterol typically has no signs or symptoms but can lead to heart attacks and strokes. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting your cholesterol checked (all it takes is a simple blood test) and finding the management plan that works best for you. You can make healthy lifestyle choices every day to lower your risk. Here’s a quick guide to understanding cholesterol and how to manage #BloodCholesterol for good health: https://tinyurl.com/3a522xth

Source: Cholesterol – CDC

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In Case You Missed It / Reading Corner:

Flu season is just around the corner. So, when is the best time to get a flu shot? Or can you take the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, or booster shot? Find out in our article.

Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder of delayed gastric emptying or the inability to move food along the digestive tract. Learn more about gastroparesis and the best treatment for you.

Hepatitis is a condition characterized by an inflammation of the liver and has several causes. It can be acute or chronic. Learn more in our latest article.

Heart-friendly Recipes

Get in top shape and health for the festive season. Here are some delicious, creative, and diverse meals to make your heart happy.

Spaghetti-Squash Spaghetti

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 spaghetti squash (3 pounds)
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (minced) 
  • 1/2 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 cup tomatoes (diced) OR 8 oz. canned, no-salt-added, diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried, salt-free herbs, Italian blend
  • 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 16 oz canned, no salt added tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup small “bite size” fresh mozzarella balls or cubes 
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped, or, torn basil OR 1 tsp. dried basil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Cut spaghetti squash in half. On a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, place halves of squash face down and bake for 1 hour or until tender.
  • Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, pepper, herbs and red pepper flakes. Cook until liquid has evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. Add tomato sauce and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Let squash sit at room temperature until just cool enough to handle. Take a fork and scrap flesh from outside working in, creating “spaghetti noodles”.
  • Add squash “noodles” to sauce and remove from heat. Toss with mozzarella balls and fresh basil and serve.
Indian-Spiced Pumpkin-Apple Soup

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp canola or corn oil
  • 2 peeled apples, such as Fuji or Gala, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup water, up to 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup water, divided use
  • 2 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 1/2 cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon OR curry powder
  • 1/2 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream (optional)
  • 1 tbsp plus 1 teaspoon unsalted shelled pumpkin seeds, dry-roasted

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the apples and onion for 5 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in 1/4 cup water. Cook, covered, for 7 minutes, or until the apples and onion are very soft, uncovering only once or twice to add 2 tablespoons of water as needed to prevent sticking (adding no more than 1/4 cup water total).
  • Gently stir in the pumpkin, broth, garam masala, cinnamon and remaining 1/2 cup water. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • In a food processor or blender (vent the blender lid), process the soup in batches for 10 to 15 seconds, or until slightly chunky. Carefully return to the pan.
  • Slowly pour in the milk, stirring until blended. Cook over medium heat for 30 seconds, or until heated through.
  • Garnish each serving with the sour cream and pumpkin seeds.
Eggplant, Cheese & Tomato Bake

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant, sliced (about 16 to 20 slices)
  • 2 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tsps olive oil
  • 3 cups sliced button mushrooms
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 28-ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1 8-ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 3 tbsps chopped fresh or dried basil
  • 3/4 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup plain or whole-wheat bread crumbs or panko

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet and a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Arrange the eggplant, zucchini, and onion in a single layer on the baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the foil. Bake for 10 minutes.
  • In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the mushrooms, water, garlic, and pepper for 6 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and basil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In the baking dish, layer half the tomato-mushroom mixture; half the eggplant, zucchini, and onion; all the ricotta; half the mozzarella; the remaining tomato-mushroom mixture; and the remaining eggplant, zucchini, and onion. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over all. Top with the bread crumbs.
  • Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Source: American Heart Association

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne

We’re grateful that you’re a part of the Los Gatos Doc family. Consider sharing your favorite newsletters as they offer great tips and health advice and help you and your loved ones stay informed. Call Los Gatos Doc if you have questions about your health. Have a wonderful fall season. 

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 with any comments, questions, or concerns.

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