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Fall 2026 - Fall(ing) Into Healthy Habits

Autumn has arrived, and this is a season of transitions, gratitude and harvesting all the good we have done for ourselves and others. 

The change in seasons can also cause sleep disruptions, a return to routines and adding even more items to already busy to-do lists. So what does this mean for your health?

This is a great time of year to connect with your DCPP doctor to see what goals you have hit, plan for the future and check off important healthcare milestones including:

  1. Are you at the age for a mammogram? Your DCPP doctor can help get you scheduled! 
  2. Do you need a colonoscopy screening? We can help set that up, too!
  3. Have you received the updated COVID-19 vaccine? Check out our vaccine section below for more on this, along with details about flu shots, RSV, measles and more. 

Whatever your healthcare needs are, remember you are not alone. Working with a direct primary care doctor means that this fall season is about prioritizing your health and wellbeing. Don’t wait until the holiday madness hits! Check in with your doctor now so you can enjoy this special (and very festive!) time of year, feeling your best. 

Updates from your DCPP docs

Flu shot and COVID vaccine clinics:

  • Dr. Marielle Williamson-Rea has flu, RSV and updated COVID-19 vaccines available by appointment. CLICK HERE to schedule. 
  • Dr. Emily Scott also has flu and COVID-19 shots available. Schedule an appointment online.

Dr. Natalie Gentile’s studio Rebel Wellness has an incredible lineup of fall workshops. Check out the full list HERE. A highlight includes: 

  • Family Meals on a Budget with Chef Tia: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9

Be sure to follow @rebelwellnesspgh on Instagram for the latest event announcements. Connect with Dr. G. to learn more! 

Calling All Employers: DCPP as an Employee Health Benefit

Are you an employer looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance for your employees? 

At Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh, our physicians provide one-on-one, individualized services that allow your employees to truly feel seen and cared for. Learn more here, including how to connect with us to explore what a DCPP option for you or your employees could look like. 

DCPP in the Community & in the News

Dr. Kirsten Lin, co-founder of DCPP, had the opportunity to speak at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Physician Wellness Conference, sharing thoughts on “Finding Your People: How Community Sustains Physicians.”

Dr. Natalie Gentile recently co-chaired “Be Here for Health: An evening to come together for health and community,” presented by Adagio Health.

Dr. Natalie Gentile with a group of people

Dr. Gentile is regularly featured on KDKA-TV’s No. 1 morning show “Pittsburgh Today Live” to share fitness tips and tricks. Check out one of her recent segments here. 

Dr. Gentile also 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 one of her latest segments online.

Have you checked out DCPP’s YouTube page? Dr. Lin and Dr. Gentile chat about why they became direct primary care physicians, how they avoid burnout and ways DCPP helps both patients and small businesses. Watch the videos here.

DID YOU KNOW: DCPP is also on LinkedIn. Follow us here for more information and updates for patients, small business owners and physicians.

Stay up-to-date on vaccination information

There is a lot of conflicting information circulating about vaccines. Please speak directly with your DCPP doctor for the most up-to-date guidance. Our DCPP doctors are actively monitoring changes to immunization recommendations and will keep the patient community informed as needed.

Measles is unfortunately on the rise, in part due to widespread misinformation. The good news is that most people are immune, either through vaccination or previous infection. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide long-lasting protection for most people.

  • Born before 1957: They are generally presumed to have had measles and be immune. Healthcare workers born before 1957 should still have documentation of immunity.
  • Born after 1957: If you have not been vaccinated with MMR, or aren't sure of your vaccination history, talk with your doctor about whether you should receive the vaccine.
  • Born between 1963 and 1968: Some people received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine that was less effective than the live vaccine. Talk with your doctor about whether you should receive an MMR dose.
  • Children 6 months and older: During a measles outbreak, vaccination may be recommended starting at 6 months. Otherwise, routine vaccination begins after the first birthday, with a second dose at 4-6 years.
  • International travel: Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before departure, regardless of destination.

Finding Your Vaccination Records

You may be able to confirm your vaccination history through paper records, your healthcare provider or your state's Immunization Information System (IIS). If you don't have records from your childhood pediatrician, your state IIS may be able to help. CLICK HERE for tips for locating your vaccination records

COVID vaccine updates: The COVID-19 vaccine has been updated for the 2026–27 season to better match the COVID-19 viruses that are currently spreading.

Who should consider getting vaccinated?

COVID-19 vaccination is especially important to discuss with your doctor if you:

  • Are 65 or older
  • Have a health condition that puts you at higher risk for severe COVID-19
  • Have a weakened immune system due to a previous COVID-19 infection or other underlying condition
  • Live with immunocompromised or high-risk individuals 
  • Are pregnant
  • Are an infant or young child
  • Have other factors that may increase your risk of becoming seriously ill

Why get vaccinated?

The COVID-19 vaccines work to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death, as well as reduce your chances of long COVID, which has disabled millions of Americans. 

Long COVID is now the No. 1 chronic illness in children. Children and adolescents were twice as likely to experience long COVID after catching COVID for the second time, compared to their peers with a single previous infection, according to a large study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in Lancet Infectious Diseases. These results run counter to the popular perceptions that COVID in children is "mild" and that reinfections with COVID do not carry the same risk of long COVID that initial infections do.

RSV VACCINE UPDATE: The FDA has approved three RSV vaccines for older adults. They are currently available at several pharmacies. People can visit their local pharmacy website for more information. It can be given concurrently with a flu shot but not with a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Have questions? Talk with your DCPP doctor. 

inkedIn. Follow us here for more information and updates for patients, small business owners and physicians.

Recipe of the Season: Zuppa Toscana

Enjoy this flavorful and healthy stew, perfect for the cooler fall nights that will leave you feeling comforted and satisfied! (Adapted from Mississippi Vegan)

Ingredients

  • 1 package of vegan Italian sausage, crumbled
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • 2 cups of chopped carrots (about 2 medium)
  • 2 cups of chopped leek (1 large; white and pale green parts only)
  • 1 head of garlic (9–12 cloves), diced
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup of nutritional yeast
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon of smoked sea salt, or a few drops of liquid smoke
  • 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of full-fat oat milk
  • 3 cups of peeled and chopped potatoes
  • 2 cups of butterbeans, frozen or canned
  • 8 cups of vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1½ teaspoons of salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 bunch of fresh kale, rinsed and chopped
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Smoked olive oil, for garnish (regular olive oil works, too)
  • Flaky salt, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage: In a large pot, add the crumbled sausage and a drizzle of olive oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sausage is golden brown around the edges, about 10 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  2. Cook the carrots and leeks: In the same pot, add another drizzle of olive oil. Add the carrots, leeks and a sprinkling of salt. Sauté over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring often, until soft.
  3. Add the garlic: Add the garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring every so often, until caramelized.
  4. Add the seasonings and flour: Add the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, nutritional yeast, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked sea salt or liquid smoke. Add the flour and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, to lightly toast the flour and spices.
  5. Add the oat milk and remaining ingredients: Add the oat milk to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping and mixing with a wooden utensil as needed. Add the potatoes, butterbeans, vegetable stock, fresh rosemary, rice vinegar and salt.
  6. Simmer: Mix well and bring the heat up to medium-high. Cook until the soup begins to simmer and bubble around the sides. Keep it at a bubble for 5 minutes to help the potatoes cook.
  7. Turn the heat down to low and continue cooking, uncovered, for 40 minutes, stirring every so often.
  8. Finish the soup: Taste and add any additional salt and pepper as needed. When ready to serve, add the kale and sausage. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the kale is soft.
  9. Serve in bowls with a sprinkling of chopped parsley, a drizzle of smoked olive oil (plain olive oil works too), and a sprinkling of flaky salt.