“August of another summer, and once again I am drinking the sun and the lilies again are spread across the water.”– Mary Oliver
August is here, marking the beginning of the end of summer. We suggest taking it slow by gazing at the beauty of the glorious sunflowers and sun-kissed skies. Soak in the warmth of August and smell the lilies as you go about your routine.
We’ve curated a selection of resourceful articles such as the connection between dementia and hearing aids, tackling PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) effectively, how to pick the right Medicare Plan for you and all you need to know about blood donations. Since the Barbie movie was a rage this summer, we have some fun healthy recipes based on this theme to spice up your kitchen and taste buds, while keeping your gut happy. There’s also a list of the most happening events in town, and more. Dig right in!
What Our Patients Are Saying
“I was not happy with my last primary care physician, especially the office staff. Dr. V and his office staff are awesome. Dr. V is thorough in his work and cares about your medical history and health. His office staff are organized, reply to your messages quickly, follow through the requests, and are courteous. As a new patient, I am happy to have found them.” – D. A.
Thank you for choosing Los Gatos Doc, D.A.!
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Recreation Ideas
Aloha Beach Party: Our friends at SVACA invite you to their Beach Pawty this Saturday, Aug 26! Come support your local animal shelter– the kiddos will have a blast playing games, have a special opportunity to play with kittens, enjoy a hula dance troop, face painting, building a succulent garden, win prizes and more! Everyone is welcome & admission is FREE! There will be activities for all ages & a chance to win some great prizes. It’s going to be a PAWsome time!
Music In The Park: You don’t want to miss the last concert of the Music in the Park season this Sun, Aug 27! Put on your dancing shoes for the sounds of Andre Thierry! Enjoy this free summer concert series from 5-7 pm at the Los Gatos Civic Center lawn (110 E Main St).
Drums Of The World: Join for this free event on Sunday, August 27 at Addison-Penzak JCC of Los Gatos from 1-4 pm for an unforgettable journey through the richness of diverse cultures and the power of storytelling to bring people of different hues and perspectives together. By embracing our shared Humanity and celebrating our differences, we can create a more inclusive and representative world.
Back To School BBQ!: Spoil the whole family for one last Summer event! Featuring Chef Davis cooking up his world-famous Santa Maria ribs, a few country-style sides, garlic bread, and plenty of Burrell School Vineyards delicious wine, including some cellar wines and new releases. They’ll have a special mocktail for any kids joining the party. Show up anytime on Sunday, August 27 between 3 pm-6 pm to enjoy the live music and sunshine. This casual event in the rose garden should be one not to miss! Grab your tickets now because this will sell out fast.
Fiesta en la Playa’ Fiesta: It’s a family-friendly fiesta at the beach on Saturday, Sep 9, 2023, at 11:00 AM! Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community with mariachi, folklorico dancers, and a free beach concert. Enjoy Boardwalk rides and games, plus fun food and beverage specials throughout the park.
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival: The Mountain View Art & Wine Festival is a festival like no other. It’s Silicon Valley’s World-Class Art, Music & Food Festival, voted Best Festival by Metro readership for more than a decade. This year marks its spectacular 51st Anniversary Celebration, September 9-10! Festival admission is free.
Showers of Bliss: Get yourself drenched in the forest’s beauty and drop the worries of the daily grind behind. Enjoy the showers of bliss from the forest. Walk, hike, and sit in silence amid the forest in the Saratoga Hills. Bring comfortable clothes with layers, a yoga mat to sit and water. Meet at the Sequoia Peterson Grove on Sunday, September 10. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Monthly Health Observance: Summer Sun Safety Month
It’s summer and there’s ample sunshine to bask in and receive the goodness of vitamin D and the other health benefits. Sunlight boosts the serotonin levels in your body, increasing your energy, and keeping your mind focused and your mood positive and calm. You need around 10-15 minutes of sunlight 2-3 times a week during the summer and a bit more during the winter to receive your daily dose of vitamin D.
However, unprotected sun exposure can be dangerous. It can cause serious damage to your skin, eyes, and immune system. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors. Wear long-sleeved clothing, broad-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to reduce sun exposure.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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!
Age-related hearing loss is linked to mental and physical problems. Read more in this article by Scientific American.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder( PTSD) is neither a choice nor a sign of weakness. We break down PTSD, why those who suffer from it cannot “move on”, and how you can help them.
Medicare can be confusing—so many choices, so much jargon. But it pays to do a little homework and pick the plan that’s right for you.
Your blood donation can help save lives and improve the medical care systems. But, not all are eligible for blood donation. Read more in our latest article.
Barbie Themed Recipes
Soak in the Barbie movie trend with these healthy treats to elevate your meals this August.
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 10 ounces watermelon radish slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, optional
Method:
- Peel radishes and then slice them with a mandolin slicer. Make sure to use the guard and stop before the end of each radish. The blade is sharp.
- In a medium-large bowl, add the sliced watermelon radishes, add the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and mix until coated.
- Add the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the air fryer to 300-320 degrees, and cook for 15 minutes and turn over, cook for another 15 minutes, turn, and continue to cook, checking every 5-10 minutes intervals until done. They will shrink a lot and be careful not to let them get brown/burn them. Using tongs, pull out any chips that seem done as they cook and place them on a plate to cool. Sprinkle them with salt and enjoy!
Source: Life’s Little Sweets
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 rice paper sheets
- 2 tablespoons almond butter, divided
- ½ red beet, shredded
- ½ red bell pepper, cored and julienned
- 1 carrot, sliced thin
- 1 medium avocado, pitted and sliced
- Nama shoyu, for dipping
Method:
- Into a large, 3-inch-deep pan filled with room-temperature water, lay a dry rice paper sheet for 5 to 10 seconds. Remove, lay flat on a cutting board, and pat with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Spread ¼ tablespoon almond butter along the center of the sheet. Add ¼ beet, bell pepper, carrot, avocado, and kimchi. Fold the sides over and then roll like a burrito. Repeat with remaining sheets and vegetables and serve with nama shoyu.
Source: VegNews
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup rose water
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 4-6 cups water, amount to taste, start with 4 cups and adjust from there
- lemon slices, for garnishing
- rose petals, food grade, edible, for garnishing
- ice, amount to taste, optional
Method
- In a large beverage dispenser or pitcher, combine 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, rose water simple syrup (1 cup rose water plus 1 cup granulated white sugar), and 4-6 cups of water, and stir to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
- Garnish with lemon slices and additional rose petals, if you wish. Serve with ice, and enjoy!
Source: Life’s Little Sweets
“August is the slow, gentle month that stretches out the longest across the span of a year. It yawns and lingers on with the light in its palms.” – Victoria Erickson
Here’s wishing you bask in the golden light of August! Thank you, as always, for being a member of Los Gatos Doc’s practice. 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 at 408.502.6040 if you have questions about your health.
Warmly,
Dr. V, Adriana, & Jessica
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