The Right at HOME Video e-Magazine April 2022 Issue

Stone Oak Church - Your Neighborhood Church

Celebrate Easter with Stone Oak Church Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 16th, 1 - 3 p.m.

Easter Sunrise Service, Sunday, April 17th, 7:00 a.m. provided breakfast to follow service.

Easter Service with Communion, Sunday, April 17th, 10:30 a.m.

20024 Crescent Oaks San Antonio, TX 78258 (across from Stone Oak Elementary School) 210-497-7974

www.stoneoakchurch.org

Online and In Person Hometown Bank Combines Smart Technology, Personal Service

Kate Crosby, Vice President/Commercial Lending, has been with Frost for 28 years.

By Amy Morgan

T

here’s nothing more frustrating than being forced to wait through a series of automated prompts when you want to talk to a live person. It’s enough to make you want to throw your phone against the wall!

Technology can be as frustrating as it is helpful – we like to be able to pay bills and access information online, but sometimes the only way to solve a problem is to reach a person who can help. Frost Bank balances the need to be cutting edge and old school at the same time. While they are a leader in technology, live operators answer calls 24/7 – even in the middle of the night.

Road HEB.) Lobbies are open for customers to make deposits and notarize documents, and secure loans for small businesses, real estate, equity and home improvement. Frost Bank also offers treasury management services, allowing customers to wire funds online to their business partners, and foreign currency exchange. Kate can even retrieve needed bills from the downtown repository in 30 minutes if necessary. She also can assist someone wiring funds overseas, especially important in a time of global instability.

“We try to set ourselves apart from the ‘press one’s’ of the world,” said Kate Crosby, Frost Bank Vice President of Commercial Lending. “You will reach a live person when you call. That’s a standard we’ve had.”

Kate offices out of the Frost Bank location at 21011 Highway 281 North near the HEB – just one of three Frost financial centers conveniently located in the Stone Oak area. (Others are at 18769 Stone Oak Parkway across from Cornerstone Church, and a location in the shopping center with the 1604/Blanco

The staff at the Frost financial center location at Stone Ridge on US Highway 281 and Evans Road greets each customer with a warm smile.

“We are able to offer validation and guidance to make sure your funds arrive where you intended,” she said.

Kate noted that any money deposited in a Frost Bank account remains safe and insured. “As crazy as things seem to be, whether a disease or world events that are hard to understand, it makes sense to know your funds are safe in your account. You can look online and know they are there, and you can call me if you don’t understand something. We provide real peace of mind about the safety of your money.”

Frost, which started in 1868 in downtown San Antonio’s Main Plaza, is found exclusively in Texas but reaches all over the state. It has operations in the San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Tarrant County, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi regions, and recently opened new locations in the Bryan-College Station area and Victoria. “If somebody is having trouble getting money to their grandmother in the Valley, I can call the Frost Bank down there and help make that happen,” she said.

Tony and Blake Mansfield, owners of Sundance Print Centers, have been banking customers with Kate for over 10 years.

Finding personal solutions to meet customer needs is what has kept Kate enthusiastic through her 28 years with Frost Bank. She knows she can pick up the phone and call senior management if there’s something that’s outside her expertise.

One customer approached her for a small loan to buy a piece of equipment for his newly opened printing business almost 10 years ago. Kate was able to help the couple secure the amount they needed. Since then, Frost Bank has supported them as they’ve expanded. Kate said she finds it so rewarding to see them go from a place of struggle to the thriving business they are today.

Frost hosts an annual authentic chuckwagon breakfast at their location each year to kick off the San Antonio Rodeo. It’s a free community event that residents look forward to in Stone Oak.

Whether it’s helping secure a small business loan, facilitate a wire transfer or oversee a business’s treasury management, Kate works one-on-one with her customers to help them move forward. She noted Frost Bank helped businesses secure the emergency Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that sustained many during the early days of COVID shutdowns.

“We were able to ramp up in just five days. We even took applications through the drive through,” she said. “That was an education for everybody!” Kate noted Frost Bank was one of the largest providers of PPP per volume in the country. “Our dedicated team spent a lot of hours doing loans. We found a way to work quickly while also doing the due diligence to make sure each loan was the right thing for that person.”

Many in Stone Oak are new to the area and are not familiar with the Frost Bank reputation. Kate embraces her role as ambassador. Frost locations host special events through the year: Parking lot taco trucks and free chuck wagon meals treat the public during Fiesta and Rodeo, respectively, and the branches have offered pictures with Santa. The Stone Oak location once even hosted a live petting zoo!

Kate would “love to have everybody bank with Frost,” she said with a smile. “I always wanted to be a teacher, and I am one ….. just in a different industry,” she said. Find Kate at Frost Bank’s 281/Evans Road location or call (210) 220-5118. www.frostbank.com.

Community Calendar Presented by Frost

Foreigner – the Greatest Hits – Tuesday, April 19, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy the hits from one of the most popular rock bands in the world. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.eventvesta.com/events/7484-foreigner-thegreatest-hits.

Community Shred Event – April 23, 2021 from 10am -1pm held at our location 19230 Stone Oak Parkway parking lot for our friends and clients to bring their paper items to be shred on site. We will be greeting the cars as they arrive and taking the items to the truck to be shredded. Hosted by ERA Colonial, sponsored by Guaranteed Rate.

Photo credit: San Antonio Express-News

Valero Texas Open – Monday, March 28 – Sunday, April 3. Venerated golf tournament will celebrate its 100th anniversary in Texas.

TPC, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.valerotexasopen.com.

7th Annual Midnight in the Gardens Saturday, April 9, 7- 11 p.m. Masquerade event benefits Fiesta Youth. Live music, dancing, food, silent auction. San Antonio Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.fiesta-youth.org/midnight-inthe-garden-of-good-and-evil-a-fiesta-2022event.

SA Hope Center Golf Tournament Friday, April 1, 1:30 p.m. Shotgun start.

Tournament benefits the SA Hope Center.

Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Festival de Animales, Saturday, April 9 Sunday, April 10, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Celebrate Oak 78260; the animals, culture and food of Latin sahopecenter.org/event/golftournament.

America, including live performances. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 78212; Fiesta San Antonio —March 31- April 10. www.sazoo.org.

San Antonio’s biggest party is back, with events to please everyone. Fiesta San Antonio L’Etape San Antonio – Sunday, April 10.

Commission, 110 Broadway, Suite 350 Staggered starts beginning at 7 a.m. 100, 78209; info@fiestasanantonio.org.

60 and 25-mile and family cycling courses in Northwest San Antonio. Worldwide amateur Valero Texas Open 100th anniversary Concert - Saturday, April 2, 6 p.m. Outdoor cycling experience with racing and riding options. UTSA, One UTSA Circle 78249; concert featuring Jason Aldean, Darius http://www.letapesanantonio.com.

Rucker and Walker County. Driving Range, TPC, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; Family Fiesta Colonial Hills Methodist valerotexasopen.com.

Church – Sunday, April 10, 5-10 p.m. Day Fiesta Arts Fair – Saturday, April 2, Sunday, of games and food for parents and kids to April 3, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. View contemporary enjoy alike. Colonial Hills UMC, 5247 Vance art from more than 100 artists across a variety Jackson, 78230; www.chumc.org/family-fiesta. of media. Southwest School of Art, 300 Augusta St. 78205; Easter - April 17 www.swschool.org/fiestaartsfair.

Battle of Flowers Parade – Friday, April 8, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Fiesta San Antonio’s founding event. Grayson and Broadway 78205; www.battleofflowers.org.

Reagan Stage Theatre’s R.O.A.D. Show Black Box Theatre – Tuesday, April 19, Wednesday, April 20, 7 p.m. Reagan students direct, act and perform in original and published works. Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; www.reaganstage.org.

Doing Good on the Green – Monday, May 2, 8 a.m.

Shotgun start. 18th annual golf tournament supports the San Antonio Food Bank. TPC, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www,safoodbank.org/doing-good.

17th annual Golf FORE a Cause Classic - Tuesday, May 3, 8:15 a.m. Shotgun start. Play on a PGA Tour tournament on the Oaks Course conditioned right after the Valero Texas Open. Benefits the Ronald McDonald house. TPC San Antonio, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.rmhcsanantonio.org/event.

Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder – Saturday, May 7- June 12. Saturdays at 2 p.m., 5 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Live theater production featuring beloved children’s book character Junie B. Jones. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; magiktheatre.org.

Spa Girl Tri – Saturday, May 7, 6:30 a.m. Sprint distance triathlon for women with a pampering finish.

JW Marriott Resort and Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.spagirltri.com.

Special Olympics Texas Summer Games – May 12-15. Times vary. Texas Summer Olympic Games include cycling, gymnastics, athletics, soccer and tennis.

Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive 78233; www.sotx.org/summergames.

Taco Fest: Music Y Mas – Saturday, May 14, noon – 11 p.m. Festival with tacos, food trucks, live music, cooking demonstrations and expanded children’s area. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. 78205; tacocapitaloftheworld.com.

Zac Brown Band – OUT IN THE MIDDLE TOUR Sunday, May 22, 7-9:30 p.m. Zac Brown Band is a multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning group known for its dynamic live acts. Real Life Amphitheater, 16765 Lookout Road, Selma 78154; www.tobincenter.org/zacbrownband.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

MEMBER FDIC

Get the best of both worlds with online banking, mobile banking, 1,200+ ATMs and a banker who answers the phone when you call.

Visit us at 21011 US Highway 281 North in San Antonio or call (210) 220-6576.

PET TIP

Viva Fiesta!

Pup Friendly Parades/Events If you are looking for an event designed with pups and their pet parents in mind, look no further than the Pooch Parade. The event is organized by and benefits Therapy Animals of San Antonio. This year’s 22nd annual event will be held at the Alamo Heights Swimming pool on April 9. The costume contest begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 4K parade at 9:15.

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

F

iesta – San Antonio’s biggest party. After two years of cancelled or diminished revelry, we're once again ready to celebrate.

Consider one of Fiesta’s pet-friendly events.

You don’t want your furry family member to miss out on all the fun.

Well-behaved pups are welcome at many official Fiesta runs and walks. Try the Fiesta Especial Inclusion 5K and parade in Windcrest or Our Lady of the Lake’s Confetti Run. The King William Fair, the Fiesta King’s Cup Polo Party in Schertz and the Earth Day Celebration at Woodlawn Lake are also billed as pet friendly. Fiesta even has its own canine royalty – El Rey Fido and King Anbarkio.

The King William Fair goes out of its way to welcome canine companions. In addition to the parade, there’s a doggy fashion show, rescue agencies with pups available for adoption, and vendors of dog-related products. A first aid station just for pups will offer complimentary water and waste bags as well as a spot for Fido to rest should he become overtired or overheated.

Humans and pups alike participate in costume contests or marvel at the creativity of others.

Categories include Best in Show, Most Creative, Best Fiesta Flair, Best Matched Human and Animal, Top Dog and Most Patriotic. Take photos in the “selfie booth,” watch retriever agility demonstrations, try an interactive training course and visit booths to pick up dog-related products and information.

You can purchase tickets to walk the parade route with your pup or ride a float cheered on by sightseers. There’s even a short-cut for those who might not be able to make the entire course. Water stops and treat stations are available along the way.

Before you trot Fido to any festivities, make sure he’s on a leash, is current on his vaccinations, minds you and is able to socialize well with others. These events will draw crowds and include many other dogs and children with various degrees of self-control. Don’t let a poor mannered pooch rain on the parade. Your well behaved, friendly pup will delight festival goers and pet lovers of all ages.

Watch Our Video! "Greetng from Camp!"

FREE

Sniff & Seek Enrichment with the purchase of (2) enrichment services.

DENTAL DIGEST

Mouth Maladies Dental Professional Recommends Remedies to Common Oral Problems

By Amy Morgan

T

here’s nothing more appealing than a radiant smile. Shiny, healthy teeth and fresh breath are a real confidence booster.

But what happens when you realize something has gone awry? Rachel Pajarillo, Registered Dental Assistant with 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics, has some advice to help you diagnose and solve common oral health problems. Rachel has worked at 7to7 for the past year since she graduated from UTSA with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She plans to apply to dental school, with hope to become a dentist in the future.

Rachel Pajarillo, Registered Dental Assistant with 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics, demonstrates proper flossing technique.

Rachel encourages everyone to brush their teeth twice a daily, use mouthwash, never miss a day flossing and remain vigilant about biannual dental checkups. These practices will help keep most mouth maladies at bay. However, despite best efforts, sometimes you may notice: 1. Gingivitis – gum disease caused by bacteria forming under the gums that leads to inflammation. Symptoms of gingivitis are bleeding when flossing and gum tenderness. If the bacteria is not removed from the gumline, it will begin to harden and lead to bone loss. While it may seem counterintuitive to floss when it makes your gums bleed, flossing is actually the best way to remove any food trapped between teeth. This prevents not only gingivitis, but also: 2. Halitosis — bad breath. Rachel says the lingering scent is most often caused from food stuck between the teeth. The sooner you can get what’s in your mouth causing bad breath out, the less it will smell and/or cause tooth damage.

Rachel also suggests a mouthwash not only to freshen breath but improve gum health. She selects those that have gum detoxifying ingredients or fluoride to strengthen the teeth. A pro tip: Let a fluoride mouthwash sit on the teeth.

Rinsing immediately washes the effective ingredients down the drain.

3. What if you notice your tongue is black? Little hair-like projections called papillae line our tongue. Bacteria and fungus can grow on its warm, wet environment. Tobacco, red wine or some medicines can stain the papillae, and dairy products also can create a film. Part of brushing your teeth includes brushing your tongue. Some toothbrushes include a rubber side for the tongue, or you can buy an inexpensive tongue scraper. If systems persist, you might need an antibiotic or antifungal medicine to treat the problem.

4. A cracked or chipped tooth may not cause immediate pain, but it should not be ignored. An untreated crack could progress, break off, and/or hit a nerve, which causes extreme pain. If the crack travels below the gumline, it might require a root canal. Rachel cautions not to ignore a problem. Just because something is not painful does not mean it’s not causing damage. Seek the advice of your dental professional to assess and recommend the best course of action.

The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics care about your oral health and are available 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. 7to7 Dental is a local business, grown in 14 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff. Co-Owners Dr. Winburn and Justin Coke and many of the 250 staff members live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.

Join The 7 to 7 Dental Membership Today!

Are you tired of the red tape with your current coverage? The Membership with 7 to 7 Dental has no waiting periods, no annual maximums, & no deductibles to be met! The affordable yet highly inclusive coverage has quickly become the chosen dental option for individuals, families, & businesses!

210-495-2000

www.7to7Dental.com

Facebook: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics Instagram: @7to7Dental Call or book online with ease

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Military Mission Family Service Inspires Reagan Senior

By Amy Morgan

T

his month ushers in new seasons in the life of Ronald Reagan High School senior Laurien Brown. The eighteen-year-old will enjoy one of her last club volleyball competitions when the team travels to Puerto Rico to face off against top players from around the country. Although she’s looking forward to the experience, thoughts of her future won’t be far from her mind as she waits to learn if she’s been accepted at the United States Naval Academy.

Success is a good possibility. Laurien secured a Presidential nomination, and the high achieving, well-liked student had no trouble recruiting Reagan teachers to write her recommendations.

In fact, her Algebra 1 teacher Ms. Rangel even called Laurien’s mother personally to praise the student’s work and attitude.

Laurien’s no stranger to military life. She’s traveled to more than 10 countries worldwide, as both of her parents are officers in the United States Air Force. She’s lived overseas and attended five different elementary schools. Her father retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Dr. Brown now teaches Cyber Security at a local university.

Her mother, an active-duty Major and PA-C, works as a Physician Associate at Lackland AFB. Laurien hopes to combine interests from both parents and major in biomedical engineering.

Ironically, despite her world travels, San Antonio remains Laurien’s hometown. She was born at Lackland AFB and spent her first years of life in the Stone Oak home where the family currently resides. The Browns kept their “forever” home so Laurien could return and attend Reagan after spending her middle school years in Germany.

Laurien played volleyball at Reagan for two years, then stepped back to focus on academics. She’s remained busy completing her community service hours for National Honor Society. She served as the photographer for Bush Middle School’s fun run fundraiser and helped her father set up and judge a robotics competition at St. Anthony high school that promoted STEM learning. One of the notable teams was a trio of sixth graders who were coding in advanced languages, she said. A favorite Reagan memory is attending the homecoming football game with friends. She especially loves the extravagant mums.

Laurien’s happiness will be complete if the second-degree Tai Kwando, Jujitsu and Karate black belt will be able to resume physical sparring after years of her dojo being closed by the pandemic. She been training in martial arts since she was four years old and has missed teaching the younger ones and being able to work through her Katas in person.

Hopefully soon, she’ll be trading her volleyball uniform and martial arts Gi for Navy whites.

The Good Neighbor of the Month presented by Travis Slaydon State Farm Insurance

Professional Volunteer Military Wife Serves the Community through PTA, Church

By Amy Morgan

E

very parent’s experienced it. The desperate pleas for help from harried teachers or organizations. Most kids’ activities are undergirded by parents’ hours of volunteer service. Whether its shelving library books, serving field day popsicles, selling snacks or supporting teachers and staff, parent volunteers are the Good Neighbors that fill in the gaps to keep our communities running smoothly.

Once their children complete their school years, most volunteers take a much deserved break. But not so Katie Brown. The long-time NEISD PTA volunteer agreed to spearhead this year’s NEISD PTA Council Used Book Sale, despite the fact that the youngest of her three children graduated from Reagan last year.

Katie became involved in Stone Oak’s PTAs in 2013, when she and her husband, Steve, determined to make his San Antonio Navy posting their last.

With the Brown children entering their teen years, they decided to put down roots in Stone Oak. A permanent address allowed Katie to take the position of PTA President at Lopez in 2016/2017, during which time she received the PTA Lifetime Achievement award. Once her children headed to Reagan, Katie busied herself as a band booster, serving as Co-VP of Concessions for two years, President for another two and finally Co-President her last year on the board. She counts chaperoning the close to 300 students who made the trip to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as one of her favorite Reagan memories.

“North East has such wonderful extracurricular programs for the kids with so many opportunities for them to explore the things they really love to do,” she said. Katie believes volunteers make a difference.

“I am very fortunate that I don’t work outside the home, so I get to volunteer and help other people,” she added. “I wanted school to be the best experience possible both for my kids and others. PTA provided a place to serve.”

Katie joined the 30-member NEISD Council of PTAs in 2017. Council members host district-wide PTA events including Founder’s Day, Reflections and the used book sale, which involves volunteers and donations from all 67 eligible NEISD schools. Books are sorted and displayed at the Littleton Gym at Blossom Athletic Center. The more than 90,000 titles cover every inch of the floor. Proceeds are returned to the PTA chapters to fund their programs. Katie stepped up to chair the committee this year when the original leader was offered fulltime employment sooner than expected.

“It is a huge undertaking, but we have a tremendous committee. There are people who look forward to it every year,” Katie added. “I like to say, there’s a book here for everyone.”

During the early days of the pandemic when school volunteer opportunities slowed, Katie packed and distributed boxes of food through Catholic Charities.

Her family attends Holy Trinity’s Parish, where she taught CCD when the Brown kids were younger.

Katie also helped at San Antonio’s COVID vaccine clinics last year. Once her council term is completed, Katie’s next chapter includes learning how she can get more involved at Holy Trinity. One thing she won’t do – rest on her laurels.

Surprisingly great rates that Do You Someone fitKnow any budget.

Doing Good In Your Neighborhood?

Nominate them for our Good Neighbor of the Month presented by Travis Slaydon State Farm Insurance

Email your nominations with their full name, phone number and email address to: 112StoneOakInfo@gmail.com

ydon, Agent e Oak Parkway Ste o, TX 78258 96-3276 on.mv2l@statefarm.com Friday 9:00 - 5:00 s by Appointment ustomer Service

Su I can help you bundle your gre home and auto insurance, fit at a rate that may surprise Surprisingly great that you. rates Call me for a quote today. fit any budget.

Travis Slaydon, Agent 19190 Stone Oak Parkway Ste 112 San Antonio, TX 78258 Bus: 210-496-3276 ® travis.slaydon.mv2l@statefarm.com Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 After Hours by Appointment 24 Hour Customer Service

Like a good neighbor, Surprisingly State Farm is there.

Surprisingly Travis Slaydon, Agent I can help you bundle your 19190 StoneInsurance Oak Parkway Ste 112 great rates that ual Automobile great rates that home and auto insurance, San Antonio, TX 78258 at a rate thatbudget. may surprise and budgets will vary by fit any Individual premiums Bus: 210-496-3276 mnity fitCompany any budget. travis.slaydon.mv2l@statefarm.com you. Call me for a quote today.

and Casualty Company Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 eral Insurance Company After Hours

by Appointment 24 Hour Customer Service

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL

customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements. Availability and Like a good neighbor, State Farm isof there.

State Farm Florida Insurance amount discounts and savings vary byCompany state.

Winter Haven, FL ®

State Farm Mutual Automobile Travis Slaydon, Agent Insurance da Insurance Company I can help you bundle your Company Individual premiums and budgets will vary by I can help you bundle your State Farm Indemnity Company 19190 Stone Oak Parkway Ste 112 L home and auto insurance, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company customer.

All applicants subject to State Farm

12

®

San Antonio, TXInsurance 78258 State Farm Company home andGeneral auto insurance, requirements.

Availability and atunderwriting a rate that may surprise Bloomington, IL Bus: 210-496-3276 amount of discounts and savings vary by state. nty Mutual at a rateInsurance that may Company surprise you. Call me for a quote today.

State Farm Florida Insurance Company travis.slaydon.mv2l@statefarm.com Winter Haven, FL for a quote today.

Call me m you.

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00

ds

State Farm County Insurance Company After Hours byMutual Appointment of Texas Lloyds 24State Hour Customer Service Like a Farm good neighbor, Richardson, TX

State Farm is there.

2101550 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance ®

®

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®

Company Individual premiums and budgets will vary by State Farm Indemnity Company Individual premiums and budgets will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm Insurance Company customer.

AllGeneral applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Availability and Bloomington, IL

State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX 2101550

I can hom at a r you.

Like State

Individu custom underw amoun

MEDICAL MINUTE

Water Warnings Stay Safe, Alert to Avoid Accidents

By Amy Morgan

W

hen the weather heats up, the refreshing water of the Texas lakes, rivers and coast start singing their siren song. Heed the advice of the health care professionals at Physicians Premier to make sure you stay safe as you surf and swim.

Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., the founding partner of Physicians Premier, a free-standing emergency room located west of Highway 281 on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus, has been an emergency physician for the past 41 years. He’s seen firsthand what happens when a day on the water takes an unexpected turn.

First and foremost – Dr. Schwirtlich reminds everyone to keep an eye on each member of their party when near any kind of water. Drowning can happen more quickly than you would imagine.

Another caution, don’t drink alcohol while driving a boat. The laws for drinking and operating a watercraft are similar to those with a car. You could be arrested or, even worse, cause an accident because of your slowed reaction time.

Saltwater creates another hazard – the potential for flesh eating bacteria to penetrate the skin through a puncture wound caused by a “Don’t ever leave kids unsupervised around water,” he said. “It only takes five minutes for someone to drown and hook, catfish spine or stingray barb. If you do sustain a wound, clean be past the help of resuscitation.” Another way to protect it thoroughly, then visit the ER for a course of doxycycline to prevent infection or worse. Dr. Schwirtlich speaks from experience when he children is to make sure they learn how to swim as early as possible. “You want them to be able to save themselves reminds people to shuffle their feet when wading. If you step on a sting ray, their automatic response will be to immediately flip up their spiny if they fall in the water for any reason,” Dr. Schwirtlich tail. Soak the affected area in water as hot as you can stand to relieve says. In case of an adult slipping in, he reminds a the pain. potential rescuer to attempt to throw something to pull the person to shore. “Don’t just jump in,” he cautioned, Likewise, encountering jellyfish tentacles is an all-too-common occurrence because a person is liable to pull you down with them in on our Texas beaches. Ammonia and meat tenderizer change the their panic. composition of the toxin to relieve the pain. Dr. Schwirtlich recommends keeping window cleaner with ammonia D handy to spray on the area in Life preservers will keep you buoyant should case of a sting. Packing with meat tenderizer also helps. you fall or flip a jet ski or boat. Dr. Schwirtlich, an avid fisherman and surfer, advocates everyone wearing some type of flotation device. He prefers a thin net vest that can Don’t let your fun in the sun be ruined by the unexpected. A little preparation will help you enjoy many happy water-filled memories. inflate in an instant with a CO2 cartridge instead of a Physicians Premier allows patients to access the care they need when bulky jacket. they need it, saving time, money, Never dive into flowing water, Dr. Schwirtlich warns. Even alleviating concern and allowing for if you check for obstacles, a submerged log could drift into a healthier patient and community.

Find them at MDpremier.com. your landing spot while you are climbing up the cliff. A careless dive is not worth a broken neck!

When fishing or water skiing in fresh water, don’t drift too close to the shoreline – a prime nesting spot for Water Moccasins. These aggressive snakes will come after you if you disturb them. Their bite is poisonous and requires immediate treatment. If bitten, keep pressure and ice on the wound to prevent venom from spreading and seek attention at an emergency room that stocks antivenom, Dr. Schwirtlich says.

Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D. Board Certified in Emergency Medicine

EMERGENCY CARE 24/7!

20475 Highway 46, Suite 100 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (830) 438-6911 MDPremier.com

Watch our customer testimonial video about Maid Brigade.

ANIMALS IN THE ATTIC? We trap, remove and seal up your house against…

RACCOONS SNAKES OPOSSUMS SQUIRRELS RINGTAIL CATS ARMADILOS INSECTS & MORE

Call about our Mosquito Barrier Treatments and General Pest Control Services

Ask about our 15-month Guarantee!

Office: (210) 201-0064 l www.CritterOne.com

Watch Our Project Videos.