November 2022 - Here Come the Holidays!
The holiday season is gearing up – and it can be easy to put your health on the backburner during this festive time of year. But fear not! The great thing about having a direct primary care physician is access and support whenever you need it. So no matter the time of year or how overwhelming your schedule may look, taking time to prioritize yourself is the best gift you can give – to yourself and your whole family.
Updates from Our Docs
- Open enrollment is upon us! Know someone who could use a direct primary care physician? Dr. Ashley Loughner, DO,Dr. Rebecca Byard, MD, and Dr. Lela Dougherty, MD are currently accepting new patients at their respective practices. Share the news with them and let’s bring healthcare to the people – without the hassle!
- Join Dr. Byard on Nov. 4 to celebrate her one-year anniversary as a direct primary care physician! She will be sharing this special day by offering free Physical Therapy screenings from colleague Jenna Kantor, physical therapist. Dr. Byard will be waiving her membership registration fee for anyone who signs up with her that day as a new patient. Join us for the fun from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 750 Washington Road, Pittsburgh PA, 15228. *Come in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for exercise.*
- Did you know: Dr. Loughner has a NEW Wexford location! It opens in December 2022, but she is now accepting new patients. She is offering free in-home visits within 5 miles of the office for the initial new patient appointments until the office is ready. Connect with her to learn more!
- Dr. Natalie Gentile’s new venture, Rebel Wellness, LLC, will be opening in early 2023! Until then, you can check out the pop-up events happening this fall.
Walk with our docs: That's a wrap for 2022
Thank you to everyone who walked with our docs this season! Stay tuned for more fun events happening this winter to keep you connected to your community until the walks kick off again next spring! As always, these events are free and open to the public.
Flu Shot Clinics
Need a flu shot? Schedule an in-office appointment with your DCPP doc to get your yearly flu shot. Plus, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 12, Dr. Loughner will be holding a flu shot clinic in the parking lot of her new Wexford office at 1000 Brooktree Road. This will be held rain (or snow) or shine because there is a covered area in front of the building.
Stay Up to Date: COVID-19 and Monkeypox
Have questions about vaccines, boosters and more? We’re here to help you keep track of the latest health guidelines. The DCPP doctors have worked together to create online resources where you can learn about the latest on COVID-19 and Monkeypox.
DCPP News
Check it out! Dr. Gentile was selected as part of the prestigious Pittsburgh Magazine’s “40 Under 40” for 2022! DCPP is so proud of you, Dr. G!
Recipe of the Month: Dr. Dougherty's Fast and Flavorful Chili
Settle into fall with this easy, healthy and yummy weekday meal.
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can of corn (or fresh off of two cobs)
1 large onion, chopped
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
2 cups potato, peeled and chopped (about three potatoes)
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 red pepper, diced
2 tsp curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Roast butternut squash halves at 450 degrees for 45 minutes (or until fork tender).
Meanwhile, saute garlic, ginger and onions in a large soup pot with olive oil or a splash of vegetable broth.
Add in potatoes, celery and corn.
Add vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Scoop out cooked squash and add to pot.
Use an immersion blender to puree (or pour everything into a blender to puree).
Add mixture back to pot and stir in coconut milk, peppers, more corn (if you like the crunch), curry powder, salt and pepper.
Simmer for 15 minutes, and enjoy!
Patient Spotlight
Jenna Kantor is a doctor of physical therapy and a musical theater triple threat: actress, dancer and singer. In her physical therapy practice, she sees out-of-network clients, and her active lifestyle helps her to easily relate to her patients.
It’s important for Jenna to be physically healthy so she can treat her patients and perform on stage. However, before finding DCPP and Dr. Byard, she said she did not have easy access to a doctor and, thus, often wound up in the emergency room.
Jenna trusts Dr. Byard and feels like she gets quality, individualized care. She also appreciates DCPP’s cost structure and the access patients have to their doctors. She highly recommends DCPP, even to those who already have access to in-network care.
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.