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March 2024 - Step into Spring

Spring is in the air – and right around the corner! Here at DCPP, we welcome this time of year as a space to renew and be inspired as we revisit our goals set earlier in the year. If your goals included taking care of your health, it is never too late to make an appointment to see your direct primary care doctor. Did you know that preventative care can help individuals at all stages and phases of life stay healthy and active? Preventative care can also save lives because it can identify and treat medical conditions early – typically when they are easier to treat and manage. Plus, regular screenings and check-ups can help if you have chronic conditions, allowing you to manage symptoms and prevent complications. DCPP is your front line of defense when it comes to supporting your health and overall wellbeing. How can we help you today?

Walk with a Doc: Winter Indoor Edition

Join the DCPP doctors who are partnering with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Pittsburgh for an indoor edition of Walk with a Doc through March. Dr. Emily Scott will lead the final indoor walk on March 12 at 5738 Forbes Ave., in Squirrel Hill. She’ll be joined by some of our PT colleagues from Drayer Physical Therapy Institute. 

NOTE: If you are not a member of the JCC, you will have to register as a guest upon arrival. No other registration is necessary for this free series. All are welcome!

ACMS  Women in Medicine Event

The Allegheny County Medical Society held a speed networking event in February. DCPP’s own Dr. Scott was part of it. Check out this photo from the event.

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North Allegheny School District Collaboration

DCPP’s Dr. Kirsten Lin joined ER doctor Dr. Kimberly Roth to teach a two-day seminar to 8th graders in the North Allegheny school district.  Topics included orthopedics (including how to place volar splints on one another), GI/digestion, heart health, how to use a stethoscope and surgical skills (such as simple interrupted sutures "stitches"). Dr. Lin enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the community and shared this photo recap.

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DCPP in the News

  • 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. 
  • Dr. Lin recently recorded a podcast episode with “Yinz Are Good.” She talked about being a woman in medicine and heart health for February, which was American heart month. The episode will go live in early March. Learn more at yinzaregood.com.

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 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 high levels of 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. 

Still need a flu shot? DCPP can help! 

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Recipe of the Month: Irish Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped 
  • 1/4 cup of fresh chives, minced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 leek, chopped
  • 4 medium to large red skin potatoes, cut into six large pieces 
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced
  • 6-8 cups of vegetable broth, unsalted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

  • Add the olive oil to a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped carrots, leek and onions with a teaspoon of salt. 
  • Stir and cook for 10 minutes, until softened.
  • Add garlic and stir for 2 minutes.
  • Add potatoes. 
  • Pour in 8 cups of unsalted vegetable stock. You can also use 8 cups of water with vegetable bouillon instead.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat. 
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add 2 cups of broccoli. Stir and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. 
  • Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer (in batches) the vegetables and stock into a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth. 
  • Transfer soup back to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chives and more pepper if desired. 
  • Best enjoyed with some delicious crusty bread. 

NOTE: This soup will last one week in the refrigerator if stored in an air-tight container, and it freezes well for up to 6 months.

Patient Spotlight: Cara Garofalo

Cara Garofalo, a professional violinist and professor at Seton Hill University, has not put down her violin since she picked it up at age 4. Growing up in a home filled with music, Cara knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career with her violin. She received her bachelor of music degree in violin performance from Duquesne University, where she studied under Christopher Wu of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and went on to play with many regional orchestras, musical theater productions, weddings and church services. Cara has also played for several national touring acts, including Bruce Springsteen, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Cara loves the preparation and travel her work requires and finds its ever-changing nature to be exciting.

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Cara has held a private studio of students since 2012 and has taught in different school programs. She joined the faculty at Seton Hill in 2022, where she helps to foster her students’ love of music. She enjoys the individualized instruction she is able to offer at Seton Hill and enjoys seeing her students’ growth and the joy their music brings to others.

As a patient of Dr. Lin, Cara appreciates that the DCPP physicians are easily accessible and available to their patients. She’s never felt brushed aside or rushed during appointments, she said, and is grateful for the way Dr. Lin cares for her patients. She appreciates that she has immediate access to her doctor in case of an emergency and can connect with her directly via email when she has a quick question.

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.