April 2025 - Step into a Healthy Spring
Spring is in the air, and it’s a perfect time to get outside and stretch our legs after a long, cold winter! The sun is shining, birds are chirping and the doctors of Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh are here to help you have a healthy season.
Allergies can be in full force for some people this time of year, so be sure to talk to your physician about things you can do to alleviate the runny nose and watery eyes that are common when everything starts to blossom.
And did you know that April is National Minority Health Month? This is an effort to bring awareness to the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in minorities. Connect with your DCPP doc to get up to date on screenings and ways to improve physical, mental and emotional wellness.
Regardless of what month it is, we are here to support you in your health goals. Please reach out today to set up an appointment!
Updates from your DCPP docs
- Dr. Natalie Gentile will be joining other experts in the plant-based community, and she will deliver the keynote talk, titled the “Relationship Between Food Choices and Heart Disease.” The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Triveni Center (275 Center Road, in Monroeville). Click HERE for tickets.
- Dr. Gentile has some great offerings at Rebel Wellness, so stay tuned for fresh fitness and other health and wellness events popping up throughout the springtime – including the annual Rebel birthday celebration in May. Did you know DCPP patients can attend classes at Rebel for a discount? Connect with Dr. G. to learn more!
- Walk with a Doc is back for its sixth season in Highland Park. Walks this year will be led in collaboration with Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh, Rebel Wellness and Drayer Physical Therapy. Walks will be the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 8 a.m., as well as the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 8:30 a.m. Walks will kick off Thursday, April 10. Let’s meet at the fountain and enjoy caring for our health and connecting with community. Follow @walkwithadoc_pittsburgh on Instagram to learn more.
- NEW physical therapist available at Dr. Gentile’s and Dr. Emily Scott’s practices. Diana Jordan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) who specializes in treating orthopedic injuries and pelvic health. She’s passionate about helping individuals stay active and functional, especially when managing injuries or nagging pain. She excels at treating a variety of orthopedic concerns, from sprains and strains and pre- or post-operative conditions to chronic pain and other ongoing issues. Email her to learn more: diana@striveptpgh.com.
DCPP in the News
- Dr. Kirsten Lin was recently on KDKA Radio to discuss the shooting at UPMC memorial hospital in York, Pennsylvania, and how it relates to a recent surge in violence at healthcare settings.
- Dr. Gentile was recently on KDKA Radio to discuss vaccine hesitancy and how we can protect ourselves from airborne viruses such as the flu, COVID-19 and the measles.
- Dr. Gentile has a regular segment on KDKA-TV’s talk show, “TALK Pittsburgh.” See her segment at 3 p.m. every other Wednesday to discuss the health issues that matter most to you. If you missed them, watch online her latest segments, including one about setting the record straight on false health fads.
- Have you checked out DCPP’s YouTube page? DCPP co-founders Dr. Lin and Dr. Gentile chat about why they became direct primary care physicians, how they avoid burnout and how DCPP helps both patients and small businesses. Watch the videos HERE.
- DCPP has a NEW LinkedIn page. Check it out here for more information and updates.
Congratulations Dr. Gentile — Women of achievement award winner
Cribs for Kids honored 22 women of achievement and five junior honorees – including Dr. Gentile!
“As a physician and small business owner, I pour my heart and soul into my work. Essentially every waking moment I am thinking about my patients, my businesses and trying to come up with creative and effective ways to engage with my community,” Dr. Gentile said.
“This award is especially important to me as it recognizes those of us who commit with our whole being to our missions in life. I'm a lifelong Pittsburgher, and serving this community is an incredible blessing."
Stay up-to-date on vaccination information
With COVID-19, the flu and other airborne viruses like measles on the rise, now is a great time to talk to your DCPP doctor about which vaccines are right for you and your family.
Who should get a measles booster?
The good news is that most people have immunity to measles, either through immunization or previous infection. The two MMR shots given to children are considered full immunization for life, and no additional vaccination is needed.
- People born before 1957 are considered to have “presumptive evidence” of immunity, because nearly everyone born during this period got the disease during childhood. But health-care workers born before 1957 who don’t have proof of immunity should consider getting the vaccine.
- Older children, adolescents and adults born after 1957 should get at least one MMR shot if they have never had the measles or haven’t been vaccinated for the disease (or aren’t sure if they have) — that is, if they don’t have written documentation or other proof of immunity, according to the CDC.
- Anyone 6 months or older should be vaccinated if they are in an area where an outbreak is occurring. If they will be traveling internationally, the CDC provides advice on being fully vaccinated before they leave, regardless of their destination.
- Another group that may be at risk is adults born between 1963, when the first measles vaccine was approved, and 1968. During that period, some children received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine that was less effective than the live vaccine. If you know that you got the inactivated vaccine or aren’t sure, you should get at least one dose of the live MMR vaccine, according to the CDC.
There are a few ways to confirm your vaccination status, including records on paper or in a database. If you don’t have records from your childhood pediatrician, your state may have an Immunization Information System (IIS). The CDC provides more information on locating vaccination records on its website.
Alternatively, you can talk to your medical provider about having an MMR immunity blood test, which can show whether you have antibodies against measles. Ask your DCPP doc about the right option for you, and let’s keep ourselves and our communities free from measles.
Which COVID-19 vaccine is right for you? In the U.S., there are three covid vaccines available:
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (2024-2025 Formula, mRNA vaccine, based on KP.2 variant): Approved for individuals 12 years and older and available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children aged 6 months to 11 years.
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (2024-2025 Formula, mRNA vaccine, based on KP.2): Approved for individuals 12 years and older and available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children aged 6 months to 11 years.
- Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (2024-2025 Formula, protein-based vaccine, based on JN.1): Available under EUA for those aged 12 years or older.
CDC recommends vaccination with a 2024-25 vaccine (any of the three options) for all individuals age 6 months and older. Vaccination is particularly encouraged for older adults (ages 65+), immunocompromised individuals and those with multiple chronic medical issues because these populations are at the highest risk of severe outcomes with COVID-19 infection.
If an individual had previously received other COVID-19 vaccine doses, the 2024-25 formula vaccine dose should be given at least two months after the last dose. Additionally, for those who have previously received COVID-19 vaccination(s), any of the 2024-25 formula vaccines can be subsequently used; people do not have to use the vaccine from the same manufacturer as the original doses.
As always, a layered approach to safety is recommended – including masking in crowded public spaces, testing if exposed to COVID or feeling sick and isolating when you don’t feel well. The COVID-19 vaccines work to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death, as well as reduce your chances of long COVID, which has debilitated millions of Americans.
“The important thing for the public to note is that all three vaccines met the FDA metric for efficacy, which is based on seropositivity, meaning how well the vaccine stimulates your body to produce antibodies,” Dr. Lin said. “Get whatever vaccine your local pharmacy has on hand.”
Chat with your DCPP doc about when and if you should receive the latest vaccine, available at most pharmacies.
RSV VACCINE: The FDA has approved two RSV vaccines for older adults. They are currently available at several pharmacies. People can visit their local pharmacy’s website for more information. It can be given concurrently with a flu shot but not with a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your DCPP doctor to see if it's a good choice for you.
PNEUMONIA VACCINE: The latest pneumonia vaccine is called PCV20, appropriate for children, older adults and some adults who are considered to be high risk. Please ask your direct primary care doc if you qualify and how it could support your overall health. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Recipe of the Month: Springtime Minestrone Soup
This colorful spring soup — full of healthy veggies such as carrots, leeks and asparagus — can be prepped in a mere 20 minutes. (Adapted from Good Housekeeping)
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tbsp. of olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 medium leek, thinly sliced
- 8 sprigs of fresh thyme, tied together
- 3 large red potatoes, chopped
- 2 qt. lower-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bunch of asparagus, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz.) white beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. In an 8-quart saucepot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat.
2. Add carrots, leek, fresh thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
3. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring.
4. Add red potatoes and vegetable broth.
5. Partially cover and heat to boiling on high; reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. Add asparagus and simmer for 3 minutes or until tender.
7. Discard thyme. Stir in beans, dill, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper.
Serve with a piece of good crusty bread and enjoy!