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September Newsletter 2023

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“By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” – Helen Hunt Jackson

September means the start of the last quarter of the year. It’s our last shot at making our yearly healthy goals a reality. Whatever it is you’re starting new this month, it’s always good to reflect on your personal health. 

Maybe you’ve been waiting to schedule your annual physical or check in with Dr. V about an ailment that’s been troubling you. Well, September is the perfect time to get into your best health just in time for the holiday season! Book an appointment today to discuss seasonal illnesses, have your annual wellness exam, and get your cholesterol checked.

To help you make the most of September, we’ve curated a selection of resourceful articles such as managing Psoriasis effectively, the shots you should get this Fall and Winter, awareness about a forgotten cancer called Sarcoma, and why the shrinking number of primary care physicians is worrisome. We’ve also compiled the skinny versions of your favorite foods so you can indulge without care this September. Look out for the family-friendly events in town, and more. Dig right in!

What Our Patients Are Saying

“Office is clean and he doesn’t keep his patients waiting too long.  Dr V is very professional and focused on the health of the patient.  I love his team as well.  One of the best doctors!” – L. C.

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Monthly Health Observance:  National Cholesterol Education Month

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. We, at Los Gatos Doc, encourage you to know your cholesterol levels—and take steps to prevent or reduce high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. People with high cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than people with lower cholesterol levels. Everyone can benefit from knowing their cholesterol numbers and doing what they can to prevent or reduce high cholesterol levels. Uncontrolled cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. But high cholesterol has no symptoms, so patients might not know that their cholesterol is too high—unless it’s measured by a doctor with a blood test. While some risk factors—such as family history—may be out of our control, there are other ways to reduce or prevent high cholesterol, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking medication as prescribed. Book your appointment with us here: https://tinyurl.com/ywz3p49a

Source: CDC

National Cholesterol

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!

What to consider this fall and winter when it comes to vaccinating for COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV (Respiratory syncytial). Read in TIME.

Our article about psoriasis is to help you feel supported as you understand the chronic autoimmune skin condition better. Read how to understand and manage the condition.

New evidence shows that people who maintain a range of healthy habits, from good sleep to physical activity to strong social connections, are significantly less likely to experience depression. Learn more in this article by NPR.

We discuss a particular cancer called Sarcoma, also known as the ‘Forgotten’ or ‘Lonely’ cancer, in our latest article. Read now.

The percentage of U.S. doctors in adult primary care has been declining for years and is now about 25% — a tipping point beyond which many Americans won’t be able to find a family doctor at all. Read more.

Fall Recipes

Enjoy the slimmed-down versions of your favorite foods and indulge without a care this September.

Skinny Cheese Fondue

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded 
  • 8 ounces of reduced-fat Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 
  • 1 large clove of garlic
  • 1 tsp lemon juice 

Method:

  • In a food processor, combine the beans, mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and half the wine. Process until smooth. 
  • Heat mixture in a saucepan until simmering. Add remaining wine, then add 1/4 of the cheese at a time, stirring well to ensure it melts before adding more cheese. 
  • Once the cheese has melted, transfer it to your fondue pot or a crock pot set to low. Makes 12 servings (1/4 cup)
  • Serve with blanched broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or carrots; chunks of whole-grain bread and breadsticks; grilled chicken or turkey chunks; or raw mushrooms, pepper strips, or cocktail onions. (Add-ons not included in calorie count!) 

Source: SparkRecipes

* Pro Tip: Ceramic fondue pots are better for cheese fondue; use metal pots for chocolate fondue.

Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

FOR THE BURGER

  • 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground chicken breast
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder (cumin can be substituted if needed)

FOR THE SAUCE

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled, grated & strained
  • A pinch of kosher salt

Method: 

  • Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and sauté onions for 4 minutes until tender and set aside to cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, ground chicken, salt, parsley, garlic and curry powder. Evenly divide the mixture and shape it into flour patties.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, mint, cucumber, and salt to make the sauce.
  • Heat the remaining tbsp of oil in a pan and cook patties for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Place burgers on buns and top with yogurt sauce and desired accompaniments.

Source: Weelicious

Chocolate Banana Nice Cream

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 6 frozen bananas, chopped
  •  2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup almond milk or milk of choice

Method

  • Place all of the ingredients in a blender.
  • Puree on a medium setting for 15-20 seconds, using the tamper of your blender to push down or stopping to push down with a spatula. You can this to be a fast process so the ice cream doesn’t melt. 
  • Scrape down the sides and puree again. Repeat the process until the mixture is smooth like frozen yogurt/ice cream.** Sprinkle with favorite toppings! ***
  • Serve.
  • Here’s a great way to freeze bananas! Place them in a Ziploc bag (make sure to lay the slices out flat in the bag when you freeze so they don’t stick together) and leave them in the freezer so you can always make this treat on a moment’s notice.

Source: Weelicious

“Let’s strive to be better in September!”– Charmaine J. Forde

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

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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