Fighting to provide ER care to Seniors and Veterans. Need action now!
By Amy MorganAccidents or unanticipated health crises can happen at any moment. Worrying chest pains,
Watch the video and email your Congressman to support the Emergency Care Improvement Act. a fall from a ladder, a baby’s croupy cough… These situations can leave you fraught with anxiety. Is it serious enough to brave traffic to drive into town and face a potentially hours-long wait in a hospital emergency room?
You have a better option. Head to Physicians Premier, a free standing emergency room located west on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus. Physicians Premier offers all the capabilities of a hospital emergency room without the wait or the crowd.
In an emergency, timing is crucial, according to Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., Physicians Premier founding partner, with 43 years of emergency medicine experience. He describes a “golden hour” — the first hour when treatment is optimized for best outcome. You don’t want to waste that time sitting in a waiting room. The location of Physicians Premier is critical to the Far North San Antonio community.
Physicians Premier is staffed 24/7 by board-certified emergency room doctors ready to handle the highest level of emergency situations. Nurses with years of emergency training immediately triage each arrival. The facility can handle any type of traumatic injury or illness, both pediatric and adult, and offers on-site X-rays, CAT scans, a full laboratory and ultrasound. Rather than spending time waiting, patients are seen, treated, and on their way.
Just a few weeks ago, a 52-year-old Tri-Care patient’s life was saved by the quick diagnosis and treatment of his heart attack. The father of three presented to Physicians Premier with chest pain, Dr. Schwirtlich said, and was immediately administered medicine and connected to an EKG to monitor his heart activity. Within less than 10 minutes, the man had a massive heart attack and needed to be resuscitated to re-start his heart not once, but three times.
ON THE COVER: Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Founding Member of Physicians
Premier, Jennifer Meachum, R.D.N., L.D., Regional Marketing Director SA, Zack Baum, M.D., Physicians
Premier Bulverde Medical Director, Jan Lira R.N., Physicians Premier Bulverde Nurse Manager
A team led by Dr. Samuel Simpson was able to revive and stabilize him, all while working with Bulverde/Spring Branch Fire and EMS to seamlessly transport him to interventional cardiologist Keith Nguyen, M.D., who was waiting to perform a cardiac catheterization. Turns out, the rupture was in the largest vessel leading to the heart – known as the “widow maker.” This story has a happy ending, as the man’s life was saved.
“I have to give props to Dr. Simpson and his staff. He saved the patient’s life,” Dr. Nguyen said. “In cardiac arrest, time is very essential. Sometimes even when we save their life, patients end up with residual deficit. It was very good to see this patient awake and moving the next day with no deficit.”
“I’m convinced he would have died on the road if he would have passed us and driven in to San Antonio,” Dr. Schwirtlich said.
But now, continued access to convenient, timely care for Medicare and Tri-Care patients stands in jeopardy. During the COVID emergency, the Federal Government allowed temporary authorization for Medicare and Tri-Care. But unless something changes, freestanding emergency rooms will no longer be recognized as of May 11, 2023, leaving veterans, military service members and senior citizens without the services they so desperately need.
Dr. Schwirtlich has passionately lobbied the Center for Medicare Services for recognition ever since he first started Physicians Premier in Corpus Christi in 2009 after decades of experience both in emergency rooms and as medical director of hospitals in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley. He realized it was
nearly impossible to minimize the volume of patients and wait times at hospital emergency rooms. That’s when Dr. Schwirtlich developed an idea for the lower-cost, higher capability freestanding emergency rooms to relieve the burden and provide better and more accessible care.
“We’ve been seeing Tri-Care and Medicare patients during COVID, and it worked great, with no problems,” Dr. Schwirtlich said. “Our rural farmers and ranchers are essential. We need to maintain their health, and the way to do that is to provide them access to ER care where they need it. We also know that our veterans have served our country well. They should be able to access convenient, high quality emergency care wherever they want. And our military members don’t need to be worried about medical care for their families while they are deployed. We owe it to our heroes to take care of their families.”
Dr. Schwirtlich’s made many friends among legislators who recognize the value of the services facilities like Physicians Premier offer, including Representative Jodey Arrington who introduced the Emergency Care Improvement Act before the legislature now. If you would like to be able to use Physicians Premier ER for your emergency medical needs, please contact your local U.S Congressman (for most, that’s Chip Roy). Let him know you support the bill and ask him to enlighten his colleagues.
“God forbid, we can’t let 5/11 go by and not get this, it will be horrendous for our patients!” Dr. Schwirtlich said.
Henry Cuellar (D) District 28
(210) 271-2851 (Local)
(202) 225-1640 (Washington D.C.)
cuellar.house.gov/contact
Tony Gonzales (R) District 23
(210) 806-9920 (Local)
(202) 225-4511 (Washington D.C.) gonzales.house.gov/contact
Chip Roy (R) District 21 (210) 821-5024 (Local)
(202) 225-4236 (Washington D.C.)
roy.house.gov/contact
Joaquin Castro (D) District 20
210-348-8216 (Local)
202-225-3236 (Washington D.C.) castro.house.gov/contact
Fiesta Fitfest presented by HEB – April 16, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Burn it to earn it - enjoy a weekend of fitness and fun so you can earn those margaritas and chicken on a stick. UTSA, 1 UTSA Way 78249; www.fiestafitfest.com
L’Etape San Antonio – Sunday, April 16, staggered starts beginning at 7 a.m. 100, 60 and 25-mile and family cycling courses in Northwest San Antonio. Worldwide amateur cycling experience with racing and riding options. UTSA, One UTSA Circle 78249; www.letapesanantonio.com
Activities at the Walker Ranch Senior Center — Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hot meals served daily from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for qualifying seniors and their spouses. Exercise, field trips, bingo, loteria, movies, arts and crafts, free health and wellness screenings vary daily. 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.
Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon -1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.
Shooting leagues and classes – Days and times vary. Introduction to firearms, CDL classes, date nights, kids’ classes, men’s events and shooting sports leagues for all skill levels on an indoor range. Buck and Doe’s Mercantile, 24250 U.S. 281 78258; 820-980-3637.
Tejas Rodeo – Saturdays through November, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble. Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; www.tejasrodeo.com
Foster Perry Travel presents Kirk
Whalum in its Jazz on the Water series Friday, April 1, 7 and 9:30 p.m. By Land & Sea Concert features nationally recognized Smooth Jazz artists. 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. 78207; www.buenavistalive.showare.com.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, April 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for a relaxed social event. Tiago’s Cabo Grill at the Rim, 17711 W IH 10 78257; www.spn-sa.org
Inherit the Wind UIL One-Act Play presented by Reagan Stage Theater Wednesday, April 5, 7 p.m. Adaptation by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Gloria Jennings Robinson Auditorium, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; www.reaganstage.org.
Culinaria's Master of Chicken sandwich challenge – Saturday, April 8, noon4 p.m. Watch chefs compete to earn the title of Master of Chicken. Event includes tasty beverages, live music, vendors and prizes. Grille 254 at La Cantera Resort & Spa, 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org
Easter - April 9
JLSA 3rd annual Golf FORE a Cause Classic - Friday, April 14, 8 a.m. Shotgun Start. Donation includes green and cart fee, breakfast and lunch. Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak 78260; www.jsla.org
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for a relaxed social event. Cover 3, 1806 NW Loop 1604 78232; www.spn-sa.org.
Schoolhouse Rock Live at the Magik Theatre – Saturday, April 15 - Sunday, June 4, days and times vary. Live theater production of the fun-filled retro musical featuring classic songs like “Just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction.” The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
Fiesta San Antonio – April 20 - April 30. San Antonio’s biggest party is back, with events to please everyone. Fiesta San Antonio Commission, 110 Broadway, Suite 350 78209; info@fiestasanantonio.org
Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey at La Cantera Resort & Spa – Thursday, April 20, 6-9 p.m. Bahnbrecker social hour with tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org
El Rey Fido Coronation – Saturday, April 22, 10-11:30 a.m. Support homeless pets in the community in this feel-good spin on the Rey Feo Fiesta royalty tradition. Hops N Hounds, 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road 78247; www.sahumane.org
Fiesta Arts Fair – Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, April 23, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. View contemporary and traditional art and craft from more than 100 artists across a variety of media. UTSA SW Campus, 300 Augusta 78205; www.swschool.org/fiestaartsfair.
Doing Good on the Green – Monday, April 24, 9 a.m. Shotgun start. 19th annual golf tournament supports the San Antonio Food Bank. The Club at Sonterra, 901 Sonterra Blvd. 78258; www.safoodbank.org/doing-good.
Taste of the Northside – Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. The Northside’s Fiesta party. Sip and savor tastings from 25+ of San Antonio’s premier restaurants to benefit the Brighton Center. SSFCU Event Center, 15000 W Interstate 10 78249; www.brightonsa.org/taste/taste-2023
Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.
All photos courtesy of Betsy Newman Photography
tooth decay problems. Provide water during the day, and never leave your child with a sippy cup or bottle full of milk or juice at naptime or overnight.
By Amy MorganYour young family is growing. Just as you make sure your children have proper medical care
for their developing bodies, dental care for their newly emerging teeth is just as important. Even toddlers need to see a dentist regularly to maintain good oral health.
7to7 Dental & Orthodontics takes care to make visits for your youngest family members pleasant experiences that set them up for happy future returns. Registered dental hygienist Mandy Dennis, who hires and trains 7to7 Dental’s staff, even wrote a book for parents to demystify an upcoming dental visit for their child. I Spy with My Little Eye … at the Dentist captures what children see from their perspective as they come to the office (7to7 Dental starts “happy visits” at two). The book describes how children climb into the chair, clip on the “superhero” cape, and use the “super straw” to suction water out of their hand.
Hygienists like Mandy provide hands-on care and cleaning but also educate parents how to prevent problems like tooth decay. Parents should begin by wiping their toddlers’ new teeth with a damp washcloth or baby-sized toothbrush with soft bristles. Mandy advises using fluoride toothpaste, but only a small amount – not a full strip recommended for an adult. Just a rice-sized dab will do, as very small children are likely to swallow the toothpaste rather than spit.
Parents also should start flossing children’s teeth when the back molars erupt. Practice makes perfect to avoid being bitten. Mandy suggests trying plastic floss sticks to make the task easier. Mandy cautions parents against serving children a sippy cup full of sugary drinks or juice, which can really contribute to
Once children develop their first permanent teeth, known as the six-year molars, 7to7 Dental recommends sealing the crevices and lines on the teeth’s biting surfaces that can trap food and bacteria. Kids ages six to 11 without sealants have almost triple the number of first-molar cavities as kids with sealants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How often?
Schedule dental visits every six months unless your dentist suggests otherwise. In some cases, the professionals might want to see a child with high risk for dental disease more frequently to stave off problems with extra cleanings or more frequent fluoride treatments.
The team at 7to7 Dental realizes people lead busy lives and getting the family to the dentist is not always convenient. Their location at the corner of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road includes 12 chairs so multiple family members can receive dental care at the same time. 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 15 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff. CoOwners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D, and Justin Coke and many of the 262 staff members live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.
Mandy Dennis - RDH, Director of Hygiene 7 to 7 Dental
Achildhood dream to become a dentist motivates
Garcia and has directed her curriculum choices at Ronald Reagan High School. Unlike many peers, she remembers loving going to the dentist as a child. A dental mishap that causes her mother to now suffer chronic pain did not dampen her dream. In fact, her mother’s injury further cemented it. While the tragedy has taken a toll on her family, “It has inspired me to become a better dentist,” she declared.
Sophia has been part of Reagan’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) but now spends much of her class time at NEISD’s CTech site, where she earned her dental assistant’s license in March. She praises her teacher, Ms. Sonya Brown, a licensed hygienist and assistant, who came to the district after 20 years of experience in the military.
“She is a wonderful teacher, and she doesn’t mess around,” Sophia said. CTech’s space includes a replicated dental office, with X-Ray machine and four operating chairs. Lab time allows her to master skills she’ll use soon in the real world. Sophia and her classmates have taken impressions, made retainers, attached tooth brackets and practiced X-Rays on “Dexter” the mannequin. The students also take preexams created to prepare them to pass the certification to become Registered Dental Assistants through the UT Health Science Center. The class will conclude with a job fair to help graduates find their first position in a dental office.
Although she now works as a hostess at Le Peep, Sophia looks forward to working in her field of interest to help defray the costs of
tuition at the University of Incarnate Word. The Provost Scholarship she was awarded will also benefit, as the Biology Science major hopes to study abroad at one of 100 sister schools where she can participate in a dental public health mission. The practicing Catholic is an active member of Holy Trinity Church.
Sophia was born and raised in Stone Oak to high school sweethearts who graduated from Clark. As a San Antonio native, she loves celebrating Fiesta by attending the Battle of Flowers and River Parades with her parents’ families and childhood friends. One of her mom’s friends was even a past Rey Feo, she reported.
This motivated senior is well on her way to achieve her dental dreams.
Last month’s annual Fest of Tails pooch parade and pet costume contest at McAllister Park
launched San Antonio’s spring festival season. While many events are pet friendly, two Fiesta offerings were created just for pup parents and their canine companions. An added bonus, their proceeds benefit non-profit organizations serving needy animals in our city.
Nothing says Fiesta more than a coronation, and our furry family members are not left out of the tradition. El Rey Fido will be crowned on Saturday, April 22, between 10-11:30 at San Antonio’s dog park/ restaurant/bar Hops & Hounds. Proceeds from this feel-good, canine spin on the Rey Feo Fiesta royalty tradition benefit the San Antonio Humane Society.
What began as a pun (and lots of fun) has since evolved into an annual fundraising competition that raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for countless needy dogs and cats at the San Antonio Humane Society, according to the organization.
Who will be El Rey Fido XXI? The pooch/parent pair who raise the most money will be bestowed the honor of the crown and dressed in a bedazzled cape. Four runner-ups join El Rey Fido’s Royal Court (Prince/ Princess of the Food Bowl, Duke/Duchess of the Chew Toy, Duke/Duchess of the Fire Hydrant, and Knight/ Maiden of the Royal Court). Find out more at www.sahumane.org.
The following Saturday, April 29, you can join the Fiesta Pooch Parade, which begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool. The event includes a family friendly, relaxed dog walk, costume contest and photos with King Anbarkio, the parade’s annual Grand Marshall. King Anbarkio wears Fiesta regalia replicating King Antonio’s, complete with trademark blue jacket, red cape and plumed hat. Therapy Animals of San Antonio bestows the title on one of its therapy dogs each year.
Booths and demonstrations continue until noon, as pups and their pet parents get their Fiesta on, arriving in all sorts of costumes to compete in categories
including Best in Show, Top Dog, Most Creative, Most Patriotic, Best Fiesta Flair, and Best Matched Human and Animal. The nonprofit, all-volunteer group behind Pooch Parade includes more than 60 teams of animals and handlers who visit nursing homes, assisted living centers and children’s shelters to provide free animalassisted activities for patients and residents, according to the organization. Find out more at www.therapyanimalssa.org/poochparade.
Before loading Fido in the car, make sure your furry family member is festival ready. Does he like being around other dogs? Enjoy all types of people, including kids and unpredictable adults? Is your pup comfortable in noisy environments? Does he have good leash manners, and will he come back to you if he slips out? If your answers are yes, consider bringing him along to join the fun.
Whether with or without your pup, you can enjoy the spectacle of costumed pets on parade and festival fun, knowing you are also helping improve life for less fortunate pups in the community.
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