January 2025 - New Year, Healthier You
It’s a new year and that means a new you! Just kidding – at DCPP we like you just the way you are! What we do encourage, however, is to kick things off right with a visit with your doctor to ensure that your health goals can be created, adjusted or checked off the list. Good habits are the first defense against any disease or illness, and your doctors at DCPP are committed to empowering you on your journey to good health, whatever that looks like for you. So, let’s get started! Reach out to Dr. Kirsten Lin, Dr. Natalie Gentile, Dr. Emily Scott or Dr. Rebecca Byard today!
DCPP in the News
- Dr. Kirsten Lin was recently on KDKA radio to discuss the current state of healthcare and health insurance. Stay tuned for more segments with Dr. Lin on issues that impact you!
- Dr. Emily Scott was also on KDKA radio on Dec. 21 sharing tips to stay active during the cold winter months. You can check it out HERE.
- 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 online, including one on navigating work-life balance.
- Dr. Gentile can be heard regularly on 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA sharing her thoughts on the state of medicine and weighing in on healthcare news and trends.
- 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.
Stay up-to-date on vaccination information
With winter surges of COVID-19, the flu and other viruses on the rise, now is a great time to talk to your DCPP doctor about which vaccines are right for you and your family.
UPDATES ON COVID-19: The FDA has changed its strain recommendation for the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines, which are now available. Before fall, the vaccines were updated to target the KP.2 Omicron variant, a descendant of the JN.1 sublineage.
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.
“The important thing for the public to note is that all three vaccines met the FDA metric for efficacy, which is based on seropositivity, meaning how well the vaccine stimulates your body to produce antibodies,” Dr. Lin said. “Get whatever vaccine your local pharmacy has on hand.”
Chat with your DCPP doc about when and if you should receive the latest vaccine now that they are available at most pharmacies.
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.
PNEUMONIA VACCINE: There is a new pneumonia vaccine called PCV20 appropriate for children, older adults and some 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.
There is a new pneumonia vaccine called PCV20 appropriate for children, older adults and some 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(opens in a new tab). Plus, the CDC just dropped the age from 65 to 50 years old for the pneumonia vaccine Prevnar20. These vaccines are available at DCPP for anyone age 50+ (or younger folks who may have some other medical issues like lung problems or immunocompromised status).
Dry January
Did you know: In time for Dry January — or when people opt to not consumer alcohol during the first month of the year — the Surgeon General has shared a warning on the link between alcohol and certain types of cancer. To read the full report, click HERE(opens in a new tab). Talk with your DCPP doc if you have any questions.
Recipe of the Month: Windy Hearth Stew
After the holidays, a warming and healthy stew is just what you may be craving! And we have a great one for you!
INGREDIENTS
Rice:
- 1 cup red rice, dry (or any rice you like). You can use quinoa, as well.
- 2 cups of water
- pinch of salt
Aromatics:
- 1 tbsp. of coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. of ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. of ground savory
- 1/2 tsp. of ground turmeric
Sustenance:
- 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed
- 6 cups of water
- 1 medium sweet potato, cubed small
- 2 cups of dried sprouted beans (we recommend TruRoots Sprouted Bean Trio)
- 2 tsp. of kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. of ground black pepper
Conclusion:
- 1 tbsp. liquid amino acids or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 15 oz. can of full-fat coconut milk
DIRECTIONS:
- Cook the rice according to your package and/or rice cooker.
- Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil over medium-low in a large soup pot. Add the remaining aromatic ingredients and saute for about five minutes or until the onions are tender.
- Defrost the spinach, then add to the soup pot along with the remaining sustenance ingredients.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Cover and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the beans and sweet potato cubes are tender.
- Remove from heat and add the conclusion ingredients. By now the rice should be done cooking and can be added as well. Stir to combine.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Patient Spotlight: Would you like to be featured?
Do you know a DCPP patient who would make for a great profile? Let us know, and you could be featured in a future newsletter. Talk to your DCPP doc to learn more.