April 2023 - Say Hello to Spring

Spring is officially here! That means the birds are singing, the grass is growing and the trees are blooming – and allergies. If you suffer from allergies, our doctors are here to help you feel better during the transition of seasons. Tick season has come earlier to our neck of the woods, as well, so be sure to ask your doctor about the best ways to prevent and treat tick bites.

There’s no need to suffer while we enjoy the great outdoors! DCPP brings you healthcare without the hassle.

Updates from Our Docs

#DidYouKnow: Dr. Ashley Loughner has a NEW Wexford location at 1000 Brooktree Road, Suite 211, Wexford, PA 15090 and is accepting new patients. She is now seeing patients once a week at the Allison Park office, as well!

#ICYMI: Dr. Natalie 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. She is hosting a launch party event happening April 15. Follow Rebel Wellness on Instagram for the latest party plans.

DCPP in the News

Are you looking to get CME credits? Join us for our first VIRTUAL Mastermind event on April 29-30.

This event will offer CME lectures on a variety of sexual health topics, including HRT management, Testosterone Evaluation and Replacement, and Pelvic and Testicular Pain Syndromes. To register, visit dpcalliance.org/event-4894185.

Dr. Gentile will be featured regularly on the new KDKA-TV talk show, “TALK PITTSBURGH.” See her segment at 3 p.m. every other Wednesday to discuss the health issues that matter most to you! Her first episode aired March 28; watch the clip on the CBS Pittsburgh website.

COVID-19 Support and More

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
The DCPP doctors can help answer any questions you may have or schedule visits as needed. We believe in healthcare without the hassle!

Dr. Kirsten Lin's Fresh-as-a-Daisy Tabbouleh Salad

Credit: Cookie + kate (cookieandkate.com/best-tabbouleh-recipe)

Ingredients:

½ cup bulgur
1 cup diced cucumber (1 small-to-medium)
1 cup diced tomato (1 large)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
3 medium bunches curly parsley
⅓ cup (⅔ ounce) chopped fresh mint (optional but recommended — you can chop it in the food processor with the parsley)
⅓ cup thinly sliced green onion
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
1 medium clove garlic, pressed or minced

Directions:

Cook or soak the bulgur until tender, according to package directions. Drain off any excess water, and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, combine the diced cucumber and tomato in a medium bowl with ½ teaspoon of the salt. Stir, and let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes, or until you’re ready to mix the salad.
To prepare the parsley, cut off the thick stems. Then, finely chop the parsley and remaining stems; you can do this by hand, but it’s much easier in a food processor with the standard “S” blade. Process 1 bunch at a time (it should yield about 1 cup chopped), transferring the chopped parsley to a large serving bowl before proceeding with the next.
Add the cooled bulgur, chopped fresh mint (if using) and green onion to the bowl of parsley. Strain off and discard the cucumber and tomato juice that has accumulated in the bottom of the bowl. (This ensures that your tabbouleh isn’t too watery.) Add the strained cucumber and tomato to the bowl.
In a small measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, garlic and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Pour it into the salad and stir to combine. Taste, and adjust if necessary. Add another tablespoon of lemon juice for zing, or salt for more overall flavor.
If you have the time, let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle. Otherwise, you can serve it immediately or chill it for later. Tabbouleh will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

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DCPP Patient Spotlight: Neal Yakopin

Neal Yakopin is a professional drummer currently on tour with country music artist Nate Smith. Growing up in a musical family, Neal began to play the drums in middle school. After graduating from college, Neal entered into the insurance business, playing the drums for local bands on the side. Choosing to pursue his music career, Neal moved to Nashville, Tennessee about three and a half years ago.

Around the same time, Neal was rehearsing with country music duo, the Hobbs Sisters. While playing together, Neal and Lauren Hobbs fell in love and got married in December 2022. Neal’s career has included exciting highlights such as playing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Beginning May 4, Neal will join Nate Smith to open for Thomas Rhett on a national tour that will visit 40 cities and 27 states. Neal was initially connected to Dr. Lin as an insurance agent, but quickly became a patient.

As an insurance agent, he understands the value of the direct primary care model. Although he lives in Tennessee, he schedules physicals when he’s in town and appreciates the convenience of being able to connect with Dr. Lin no matter where he is. For a traveling musician, this accessibility is priceless.

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.