Happy Holidays from DCPP!
As 2025 comes to an end, this is a great time to reflect on your journey over this past year and acknowledge how far you have come.
If some of your health goals still feel out of reach, there is no better time to reconnect with your Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh doctor to set up your yearly physical or health screening or share any concerns you may have as we look ahead to a new year. You deserve the care and attention that you give to everyone else throughout the year.
Here are a few no-cost ways to support your own physical and mental well being throughout this holiday season:
- Try resistance training with cans of beans – no really! Check out Dr. Natalie Gentile’s YouTube page for ways to stay strong at home.
- Walk after meals. Do you have 20 minutes after dinner? Take the family (or your pet!) for a walk around the block and support your digestion and heart health while reconnecting with those you love.
- Put down your phone and hang out with a friend. Did you know that social connections are the best determinant for a long and healthy life? Love actually heals us!
- Cut back or cut out alcohol. Alcohol can increase your risk of cancer, dementia or heart disease. Try making some fun holiday-inspired mocktails this season or sip on herbal teas to improve your mental and physical well being.
- Don’t skimp on sleep. Proper sleep helps improve our immune and cardiovascular function and reduces stress. Whether you take a cat nap or sleep an extra hour at night, sleep is important.
How can we support you today?
DCPP Holiday Hours
Dr. Natalie Gentile: Out of clinic Dec. 24-Jan. 2; available for urgent medical needs only during that time.
Dr. Emily Scott: Her practice will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. She will be available for telehealth only Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2.
Dr. Rebecca Byard:Her practice will be closed Dec. 24-25. She will be closing at 12 p.m. on Dec. 31 and closed on Jan. 1.
Dr. Kirsten Lin:Her practice will be closed Dec. 23-26 and Dec.31-Jan. 2.
Dr. Marielle Williamson-Rea: Her practice will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1-2 and Jan. 5.
DCPP welcomes Dr. Marielle Williamson-Rea
Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh is thrilled to welcome Dr. Marielle Williamson-Rea. She is board certified in Family and Lifestyle medicine, with focuses on nutrition, movement, restorative sleep, stress management, social connections and substance avoidance.
Her practice opens this month at 11676 Perry Highway, Suite 2105, in Wexford. Dr. Williamson-Rea is the fifth physician to operate a practice with Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Williamson-Rea is now offering virtual meet-and-greet appointments for prospective patients. These free 15-minute Zoom meetings are for learning about her practice and the benefits of direct primary care; no medical advice, diagnosis or treatment will be provided during this time.
“Joining Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh and opening my new practice here in Wexford is a dream come true. What drew me to DCPP is its commitment to affordable, very high quality, unhurried medical care that fosters a real doctor-patient relationship,” Dr. Williamson-Rea said.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A MEET & GREET
Updates from your DCPP docs
Dr. Gentile has some great offerings beyond group fitness at Rebel Wellness, so stay tuned for health and wellness events popping up throughout the holiday season and in the new year. Did you know DCPP patients can attend classes at Rebel for a discount? Connect with Dr. G. to learn more!
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 your employees could look like.
Out & About: DCPP doctors in the community
Congratulations, Dr. Kirsten Lin, who was named president of the Allegheny County Medical Society. She was recently recognized for her new role at the ACMS Distinguished Awards ceremony (pictured above). “Being surrounded by so many dedicated physicians reaffirmed why I chose to serve as ACMS president,” she said, “to strengthen our medical community, champion physicians wellness and make it easier for all of us to do meaningful work.”
Dr. Scott served as a delegate at the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates this fall. She had a great time representing DCPP and her practice during the Allegheny County Medical Society and the Independent Physician Section of this annual event. “Being part of passing resolutions that reflect the goals that we as physicians have for healthcare in Pennsylvania is an important task,” she said, “and it was great to be a part of it.”
Dr. Scott and Dr. Williamson-Rea attended Uniting for Immunity: The Role of Vaccination in Public Health event, which included more than 180 professionals from across Allegheny county and surrounding health systems. “The conference was a great summary of the current safety and efficacy of vaccines and public health measures, as well as the importance of effective communication with our patients,” Dr. Scott said.
DCPP hosted this fall an Open Enrollment Town Hall (pictured below), which was free and open to the public. The event explored common topics, questions and concerns related to open enrollment season and health insurance. We appreciated the thoughtful questions from attendees and the chance to learn together.
DCPP in the News
Dr. Lin was featured in NHM Magazine as one of the “Women Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Pittsburgh.”
Amid Affordable Care Act uncertainty, more people are considering direct primary care as an option. DCPP weighed in on this topic for a CBS Pittsburgh news report.
Vaccination rates are declining among children in Western Pennsylvania. What impact could that have on public health? CBS Pittsburgh interviewed Dr. Gentile to learn more.
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 supplements. Are they worth the hype?
Have you checked out DCPP’s YouTube page? DCPP co-founders Dr. 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.
Recipe of the Month: Holiday Edition
Sweet Potato Casserole with Apples & Crunchy Rosemary Walnuts (Serves 8)
This vegan sweet potato casserole with apples and crunchy rosemary walnuts is a cozy and delicious side dish. (Adapted from First Mess)
Ingredients
SWEET POTATOES
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, about 3 large
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup full fat coconut milk OR cashew cream OR non-dairy creamer of choice
- If making cashew cream:
- ¼ cup raw cashews
- ⅓ – ½ cup water in a high speed blender.
- Blend until totally liquified and smooth.
- If making cashew cream:
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter (or 2 tablespoons olive oil)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
CRUNCHY ROSEMARY WALNUTS
- 1 ½ cup walnut halves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (1-2 sprigs)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
APPLES
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or avocado/olive oil
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored & sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Prick some holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on the baking sheet. Bake sweet potatoes until very soft, about 1 ½ hours.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the orange juice, coconut milk, vegan butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper in a food processor. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and add it to the food processor, as well. Pulse the sweet potato mixture until totally smooth and evenly combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Make the crunchy rosemary walnuts (preferably while the sweet potatoes are baking to save time). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the chopped walnuts out on the baking sheet and toast in the oven (still at 375°F) for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. While walnuts are toasting, in a small bowl, stir together the rosemary, avocado oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper.
- As soon as you remove the walnuts from the oven, pour the rosemary mixture over the top and carefully stir it in to combine with all of the chopped walnuts. Spread the rosemary walnuts out in a single layer and allow them to cool thoroughly.
- Sauté the apples. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the vegan butter in the skillet and spread it around. Add the apples and maple syrup to the pan and stir. Cook the apples for 10 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned on the edges, stirring here and there. Set aside.
- Assemble the vegan sweet potato casserole! Lightly grease an oven-safe dish (8×8 or 8×11 will both work) with vegan butter or avocado oil. Scrape all of the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Top the sweet potatoes with the sautéed apples in an even layer. Then, top the apples with the crunchy rosemary walnuts. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. Enjoy the vegan sweet potato casserole hot!