April 2024 - In Full Bloom
Spring has officially sprung and while you may be enjoying the longer (and hopefully warmer!) days, with everything in full bloom your allergies might be acting up. Fear not – your trusted docs at DCPP can help you deal with allergies, bug bites, and so much more. So spring into action and connect with your DCPP doc today!
Updates from your DCPP Docs
Walk with a Doc: The outdoor series is BACK starting this month. 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 April, we are walking in Highland Park on April 10 and April 24. Meet at the fountain, and let’s walk our way to wellness!
Rebel Wellness anniversary celebration: Dr. Natalie Gentile’s lifestyle medicine-oriented wellness space in Pittsburgh’s East End is turning 1 – and you’re invited to come celebrate. There will be an open house at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in the studio at 201 South Highland Ave. featuring a Lululemon gift basket giveaway, family-friendly activities, the 1:11 Juice Truck, food from Pure Grub and more. Stop by and say hello – and bring a friend. Learn more about Rebel Wellness at rebelsinwellness.com.
New Class at Rebel Wellness: Rebel Thrive offers tailored workouts for pre/post menopausal women targeting changes and challenges that arise during this unique life phase. Using current cutting edge training techniques, this class will focus on improved strength and bone health as well as mobility and stability taught by Leslie Benedetto. To see the latest class times and to register, visit the Rebel Wellness website.
Dr. Emily Scott talks ticks: Dr. Scott delivered a tick smart workshop to the employees at PennEnergy Resources in Cranberry. The talk covered essential steps if you suspect a tick bite, ways to use repellents effectively, how to master tick-check techniques, and symptoms to look out for that are commonly related to tick-borne diseases.
Dr. Scott named a Top Physician Under 40
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. She will be honored by the ACMS this spring during a ceremony at the Heinz History Center, and by the Pennsylvania Medical Society in the fall in Hershey!
Congratulations, Dr. Scott!
DCPP in the News
- Dr. Kirsten Lin was featured on the “Yinz Are Good” podcast: She joined a panel of medical professionals and a student for a conversation about women’s health and ACMS' newly-formed Women in Healthcare Committee. Give it a listen on Spotify.
- 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 vaccine information
#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.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines: It’s still a good time 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. 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.
Recipe of the Month: Sesame & spring onion stir-fried with crispy tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 block of extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ -1 tsp chili flakes, to taste
- ¼-½ tsp Szechuan peppercorns, ground, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 bunch of spring onions, trimmed and cut into lengths
- 2 cups of green beans, trimmed and cut into lengths
- 1 package of ready-to-use thick udon noodles
- ½ tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp of sesame seeds, plus a pinch to serve
- 1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce, plus extra to serve
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Directions:
- Drain and pat the tofu dry with kitchen paper. Cut into cubes, wrap in more kitchen paper, and place a heavy board over the top. Leave to drain for 15 minutes.
- Mix the cornflour, chili flakes, and ground peppercorns together in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Then add the drained tofu. Toss well to coat.
- Heat half the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, and fry the tofu pieces for 5-6 minutes until golden all over. Scoop out of the pan, and leave to drain on kitchen paper.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir-fry the spring onions and beans for 3-4 minutes until tender and lightly golden. Pour a kettle of boiling water over the noodles in a sieve to loosen. Drain well, and then tip into the pan.
- Fry for a few minutes until piping hot. Add the sesame oil and sesame seeds, and sizzle for a few seconds.
- Splash in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, and then add the tofu.
- Toss well. Then serve in bowls with a pinch of sesame seeds on top and more soy sauce on the side.
Patient Spotlight: Would you like to be featured?
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.