March 2023 - A Spring in Our Step
While spring hasn’t officially sprung yet, the days are starting to get a little longer and a little warmer – which has put a spring in our step! Speaking of steps, have you gotten in your steps today? Did you know walking is one of the best activities to help keep you healthy and improve your mood? Maybe today it’s just a walk around the block. Or maybe it’s taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator.
If the weather permits, perhaps it’s a walk in the park with your dog. Did you know that our very own Dr. Natalie Gentile led Walk at Home videos last year? They are free to access on YouTube and can help you get your steps in even if the weather turns from mild to wild!
Updates from Our Docs
#ICYMI: Dr. Gentile has a NEW East End location at 201 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. It’s also home to Rebel Wellness, her new community space for movement, learning and nutrition.
#DidYouKnow: Dr. Ashley Loughner has a NEW Wexford location at 1000 Brooktree Road, Suite 211, Wexford, PA 15090 and is accepting new patients. Plus, beginning this month, she'll be seeing patients in Allison Park one day a week.
COVID-19 Support and More
We may be over COVID, but COVID is not over us. Do you have questions about vaccines, boosters and staying healthy? We’re here to help you keep track of the latest health guidelines and what you can do to keep your family safe.
The DCPP doctors have created online resources where you can learn about the latest on COVID-19, the latest variants and more at directcarepgh.com.
We are here to answer any questions or schedule visits as needed. We believe in healthcare without the hassle!
Strep throat is making the rounds in our communities: What should you know …
This is the time of year when we see more strep throat, and, boy, are we seeing it!
Strep throat is the common way to say Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis.
Prevention: Wash your hands often, and do not share food or drinks with others. (Be careful kissing, too.)
Symptoms: Sore throat. Strep also can cause fever, chills, stomach ache, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Can you get over strep throat without antibiotics? Yes, your immune system can fight off streptococcal pharyngitis on its own, and it usually takes 3-5 days without antibiotics, but ...
There are 4 reasons we treat strep throat with antibiotics:
- Decrease in severity and duration of symptoms
- Decrease the spread of the infection to others
- Prevent acute complications, including ear infection, sinus infection, peritonsillar abscess, blood infection, meningitis and rheumatic fever
- Prevent long-term complications such as rheumatic heart disease, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease) and possibly reactive arthritis and PANDAS
If you are having symptoms of a sore throat, you should see your DCPP physician to be evaluated for strep throat.
DCPP News
Little Medical School is hosting its first family friendly carnival at Temple Ohav Shalom in Allison Park from 10 a.m. to noon March 5.
Speaking of Little Medical School, Dr. Kirsten Lin was recently featured in the Tribune Review talking about the importance of this program.
Interested in creating a living will? The Allegheny County Medical Society and Allegheny County Bar Association created an advanced directive document, and they are co-hosting an event on March 31 to help people understand and complete these documents. Learn more HERE.
Recipe of the Month: "We wish it was Spring" Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of snap peas (cut in halves)
- 2 cups of fresh asparagus (cut into 2" pieces)
- 2 cups of fresh arugula
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
1 16 oz. box of pasta (Recommended: rotini or farfalle)
*TIP: Use gluten-free pasta to make this a gluten-free dish!* Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil water for pasta. Once boiling, add pasta and cook until al dente, drain.
- Wash and prepare fresh ingredients.
- In a pan on medium heat, add olive oil and garlic, cook until fragrant and mixture starts to brown.
- Add peas, asparagus, salt and pepper. Saute for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add pasta and arugula to mix.
*Recipe can also be adjusted to use your favorite pesto on the dish. We love Trader Joe’s vegan kale pesto. If you use pesto, only use 1 tbsp of olive oil to saute the garlic and veggies. Add pesto at the end.
Enjoy!
Patient Spotlight: Pamela Stephens, BEMER Distributer
Pamela Stephens is a distributor of BEMER mats and accessories, a natural biotechnology product that temporarily enhances blood flow to help the body function optimally. This product works by sending low-intensity signals that stimulate healthy muscles to help the body system work more efficiently by better dispersing oxygen and removing CO2. The BEMER is a full-body mat that is designed for users to lay on for two, eight-minute sessions per day. Additional attachments are available to target specific problem areas.
The BEMER can also help with healing but is ultimately designed for lifestyle enhancements. BEMER is the only product of its kind that is an FDA Class II-cleared consumer medical device. Pamela offers a free consult and BEMER session to anyone interested. She’ll also train you on how to use the product to help you set up your mat and attachments if you purchase BEMER products. You can learn more by contacting her at pamelad.bemergroup.com, 412-519-3347 or abetteru@msn.com.
Pamela sees a direct primary care doctor because she feels as though the traditional healthcare system is broken. At DCPP, she appreciates the time her doctor spends with her. Pamela values a natural approach to medicine and healing so, when looking at new medications, her doctor shared her research with Pamela and allowed her to choose the one with which she was most comfortable.
Would you like to be spotlighted? Do you know another DCPP patient who would make for a great profile? Let us know, and you could be featured in a future newsletter.