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July 2025 - Soak in the Sunshine

Summer is in full swing, and many of us are enjoying some fun in the sun, taking much needed vacations or simply relaxing in nature. 

Did you know: Sunlight is beneficial for your health in numerous ways, primarily through vitamin D production and mood regulation. It supports bone health, boosts the immune system and can improve mental well-being by increasing serotonin levels, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. 

So enjoy being out in the beautiful (albeit hot!) weather, but always remember to slather on the sunscreen and stay hydrated to minimize issues with sunburn and heatstroke. (Check out these tips from DCPP’s Dr. Emily Scott for staying safe in the heat.)

Here are a few reasons why sunscreen is your friend this – and every – season:  

  1. 1. Reduce the risk of skin cancer: Sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer, particularly melanoma, by blocking UV radiation that can damage skin cells.​​​​​​
  2. 2. Prevent premature aging: UV exposure damages collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent this photoaging process, keeping skin looking younger.
  3. 3. Minimize sunburn: Sunburn, caused by UVB rays, can be painful and damaging. Sunscreen protects against sunburns, preventing skin irritation and long-term damage.
  4. 4. Maintain an even skin tone: Sun exposure can cause dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen helps prevent these issues, contributing to a more uniform and healthy complexion.
  5. 5. Protect against environmental damage: Besides UV rays, skin faces other environmental stressors like pollution and free radicals. Sunscreen provides a barrier against these factors, aiding in overall skin health.

You can always reach out to the doctors at DCPP for more tips to stay safe and have fun while you beat the summer heat!

It's time to schedule back-to-school physicals

While we may still be in the prime of summertime, back-to-school season is right around the corner. Now is the time to schedule a sports physical so a student-athlete’s start to the season isn’t delayed. 

Talk to your DCPP doctors about options or schedule an appointment online. (NOTE: A patient must be a DCPP member to schedule a sports physical.)

Updates from your DCPP docs

  • Dr. Rebecca Byard gave a presentation to a group of school nurses at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in June. She discussed mental health for school nurses, addressing the topics of recognizing mental health issues in school-aged children and how to support them. She thoughtfully included information on self-care and stress management for the school nurses – because even the healers need healing from time to time. "I felt honored to be a part of their educational process," Dr. Byard said. "School nurses are on the front lines when it comes to our children's mental health, and anything I can do to make their jobs easier and more effective, I want to be a part of that."   
  • Dr. Natalie Gentile has some great offerings beyond group fitness at Rebel Wellness, so stay tuned for health and wellness events popping up throughout the summer. 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 in full swing 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. Join us on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 8:30 a.m. We meet at the fountain to enjoy caring for our health as we connect with our community.
  • 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. Direct Primary Care (DPC) through practices such as ours may be the solution your business is looking for. To schedule a visit or sign up for our services, please submit an online appointment request for a free consultation.

DCPP in the News

  • 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. Kirsten 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. Follow us here for more information and updates.

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. 

There is a lot of conflicting information around vaccines circulating, so please discuss directly with your DCPP doctor to receive the most up-to-date information. DCPP doctors are actively monitoring any changes/updates to immunizations and will keep their patient community updated as needed. 

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 who 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. 

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, all adults aged 50+, and some younger 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. 

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Recipe of the Month: Easy Vegan Tacos

Adapted from ItDoesntTasteLikeChicken.com

Ingredients:

Directions: 

  • Simply drain off the excess water and pat dry. Use the large side of a cheese grater to grate the block of tofu into shreds.  
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion just begins to brown, 3-5 minutes. 
  • Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the shredded tofu. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the tofu begins to brown. The less time you cook the tofu the more tender it will be, and the longer you cook the tofu the more dry and chewy it will be, so cook to your desired texture.
  • Once the desired texture is reached, add the tomato, soy sauce and all of the spices and mix in. Continue to cook for another 2-5 minutes to heat through.
  • Fill your taco shells with the tofu taco meat and top with desired toppings. Allow leftover tofu filling to cool before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Serve with all your favorite toppings such as vegan sour cream, lettuce, vegan cheez shreds, guacamole, salsa, fresh lime, fresh cilantro, hot sauce and more. 

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