July 2024 Newsletter

July 2024 - Stay Cool all Summer Long

Happy July everyone! Whew, it is HOT out there! With summer shaping up to be one of the (if not the) hottest on record, our DCPP docs have some tips for staying cool and beating that summer heat (kiddie pool not included). 

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other hydrating fluids during the day. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you. 
2. Stay cool. If possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned space. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a public space like a local library or connect with your community’s cooling centers HERE. Visit your community pool or take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. Put cool, damp towels around your neck or on your forehead, which can also help reduce your core body temperature. 
3. Limit physical activity. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day and exercise in the early morning or evening when it cools.
4. Wear loose, light clothing. Opt for apparel made from natural fibers like cotton.
5. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Protect yourself with an SPF of at least 50 and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. 
6. Never leave children or pets in vehicles. The heat rises quickly and can be deadly. 

Check on your neighbors, particularly older adults and children. Older adults may have difficulty breathing or moving around in the heat. Young children are also vulnerable to heat, so keep hydrating foods like watermelon handy for them. 

Updates from your DCPP Docs

Walk with a Doc: 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 9:30 a.m. This month, we are walking in Highland Park on July 10 and July 24. Meet at the fountain and let’s have some fun! 

DID YOU KNOW: It's possible to earn money while you walk. Participants with an eligible health plan can get an initial payment of $50 sent to them for being a part of Walk with a Doc. For each three months of activity after that, Grouper will send $20, if you stay active and keep Grouper updated on your in-person social activity. Learn more about how to get paid to walk.

DCPP in the News

• ICYMI: 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 her latest segments on the CBS Pittsburgh website. 

Keep up to date on vaccination information

UPDATES ON COVID-19:The FDA has changed its strain recommendation for the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines. The U.S. Health Regulator is asking manufacturers to update the new shots to focus on the KP.2 variant, if feasible, instead of the JN.1 lineage it sought to target earlier for the fall 2024 vaccines, making it more effective against COVID. More information will be following, but this is exciting news because this variant is currently the most prevalent, and targeting it (also known as the FLiRT variant) will provide more robust protection than the waning JN.1 variant. 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. 

Chat with your DCPP doc about when and if you should receive the latest vaccine when roll outs begin in fall 2024. 

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, senior citizens 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. 

Recipe of the Month: Refreshing Watermelon and Mint Salad

Ingredients for dressing:

• 1 tbsp of olive oil (if oil-free, omit)
• 3 tbsp of lime juice (1 large, juicy lime yields ~3 tbsp)
• 1 tsp of lime zest
• 1/4 tsp of sea salt
• 3/4 tsp of maple syrup or agave syrup

Ingredients for salad:

• 5 cups of watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups of cucumber, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/4 cup of very thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 – 1 thinly sliced jalapeño pepper (or sub 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)
• 1/4 cup of pepitas or roughly chopped shelled pistachios
• 1/2 cup of vegan feta crumbles (optional but recommended / try Follow Your Heart brand)

Directions: 

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, salt and maple syrup.
• To a large bowl, add the watermelon, cucumber, red onion, mint and jalapeño. 
• Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss to coat. 
• Add pepitas (or pistachios) and vegan feta (optional) and toss gently until just combined (avoid over-stirring). 
• Taste and adjust as needed, adding more salt or vegan feta for saltiness, jalapeño for heat, lime juice for acidity or mint for freshness.

NOTE: Best eaten fresh — leftovers become soggy and mint discolors with time. Not freezer friendly.

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.

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