May 2024 - Settle into Spring
They say April showers bring May flowers, and we think May is a perfect time to stop and smell the roses. Did you know that being in nature can help reduce your stress level and increase your endorphin levels? Nature can also help provide you with some much-needed Vitamin D, so soak up the sun while you can!
Looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors? Check out details on Walk with a Doc below, and let’s have some fun while improving our physical and mental wellbeing together! May is also a perfect time to visit your local farmers’ markets, which is another way to embrace the warmer weather while supporting our local farmers and eating fresh produce that nourishes us from the inside out. Our doctors will be at various markets all spring and summer, so be sure to say hi if you see them!
Updates from your DCPP Docs
Dr. Scott at Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend: Swing by and say hello to Dr. Emily Scott and her friends from Case Specific Nutrition at the Pittsburgh Marathon Health & Fitness Expo(opens in a new tab) at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. Check them out at Booth No. 424 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 3, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4.
Walk with a Doc: The sun is shining, and we are walking our way to wellness! Join the docs from Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh who are teaming up with Drayer Physical Therapy on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at noon. In May, we are walking in Highland Park on the 8th and the 22nd. Meet at the fountain, and let’s have some fun!
The Active Woman Workshop Series: DCPP’s Dr. Natalie Gentile, founder of Rebel Wellness, is teaming up with experts, including DCPP’s Dr. Scott for a workshop series geared toward all self-identifying women. If you are interested in actively learning about exercise, hormonal health, nutrition and mental health as it pertains to specific phases* of life, this workshop is for you. Learn from experts, including physicians, a dietitian and gynecologist with a background in women’s health research.
*May 18: Pre + Peri Menopausal | June 8: Postmenopausal
Tickets are $50 per workshop, or $80 for both. Founding Rebels automatically receive a 50% discount. Learn more, and register at rebelsinwellness.com.
Dr. Kristen Lin at Career Day: DCPP Co-Founder Dr. Lin recently participated in the Carson Middle School Career Fair (pictured to the left). She shared with the students -- including her daughter -- what primary care doctors do, what direct primary care means and why DCPP is the wave of the future for healthcare.
DCPP in the News
Dr. Scott honored at “40 Under 40” physicians ceremony: Dr. Scott was named to the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Top Physicians Under 40 list for 2024. According to ACMS, this recognition is a testament to the exceptional contributions and dedication to the field of medicine that Dr. Scott exemplifies. DCPP docs attended the recent ceremony at the Heinz History Center to cheer on Dr. Scott as she accepted her award. Congratulations, Dr. Scott!
Dr. Natalie 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 her latest segments on the CBS Pittsburgh website.
Updates on the latest vaccination information:
Updated COVID-19 vaccines: It’s never too late to get your updated COVID vaccines as we continue to see COVID around the region. The vaccine helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death, as well as reduce your chances of long COVID, which has debilitated millions of Americans. Dr. Gentile and Dr. Scott have them available at their respective offices. Please schedule with your DCPP physician today HERE.
- FAQs:
- Does insurance cover the COVID-19 vaccine? Most insurances will cover the vaccine at DCPP, but it's important to check with your physician first for support with evaluating your insurance's coverage. Most pharmacies now have the vaccine, as well. We can’t predict which plans will cover the vaccine so it's always important to contact the pharmacy first to check about coverage. Visit this website to find the vaccine options near you.
- What if I don’t have insurance? Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine? Because this COVID-19 vaccine is now part of routine use, it's not being covered or offered at a lower cost. Learn more here and talk with your DCPP doctor to discuss your options.
- MORE RESOURCES: A guide for navigating cold-and-flu season and guidelines for Paxlovid for COVID-19 are available on the DCPP website under “Patient Resources.”
ICYMI | RSV Vaccine: The FDA has approved two new 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.
#ICYMI: There is a NEW pneumonia vaccine called PCV20 appropriate for children, senior citizens and some adults 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: Vegan Egg Salad
The perfect potluck or springtime picnic dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 14.5 ounce block of extra-firm tofu
- 1/4 cup of vegan mayo (we like Follow Your Heart or Hellman’s Vegan Mayo)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of dill pickle juice
- 2 teaspoons of sweet relish
- 1/8 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- A pinch of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon *black salt or regular salt – plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 green onion, white and light green parts, thinly sliced
- 1 loaf of bread, butter lettuce for serving
- *Black salt has an “egg-like” scent that mimics that of hard boiled eggs. If you don’t have it, regular salt is fine.
Directions:
- Press the tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in paper towels or a clean tea towel. Place something heavy on top of it, like a cast iron pan, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the dressing in a medium-sized bowl: While the tofu presses, whisk together the vegan mayo, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, sweet relish, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Crumble the tofu and add it to the bowl with the creamy dressing, along with the sliced green onions. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes if possible before eating to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve on bread of your choice with butter lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sprouts and whatever else you like. You can also serve this with crackers.
Enjoy!
Patient Spotlight | Small Business Spotlight Edition: de Fer Coffee & Tea
Founded in 2016, Atelier de Fer – which translates from French to “iron workshop” – is a local independent coffee company that roasts responsibly sourced coffee in-house. In its six locations around the city, it serves coffee, custom tea blends, light bites and pastries. At the flagship location in the Strip District, it also sells a wide variety of cocktails and wine, artisan food items such as tinned fish and chocolate, along with everything you’d need to brew the perfect cup of coffee at home.
As a family- and employee-owned and operated coffee company, de Fer strives to provide its team with the best care. The company recently began providing a DCPP membership to employees. de Fer offered staff members Direct Primary Care because the employees wanted a healthcare option that could address their daily needs. Many staff members were patients with DCPP before it was offered by their employer, and their positive testimonies influenced the company’s decision to select DCPP. Merritt Donoghue, who manages de Fer’s human resources and marketing, appreciates her accessibility to her doctor and affordable medications.
“I’ve never felt forced down one path, and I feel like I have someone who is there to guide and help and also respects me as a human,” Merrit says. The company’s leaders appreciate that DCPP is an affordable way to give their employees the benefits they want and is a great option for small businesses.
Learn more about de Fer at defer.coffee or on Instagram @defercoffeeandtea.
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.