Right at HOME Video e-Magazine March 2023 Issue

CLIMATE COMFORT

Trust Freedom Air Repair to Keep You Cool This Summer

By Amy Morgan

Last month’s ice storm is just a distant memory, and that means temperatures are about to heat

up. May 2022 was one of the hottest on record. You don’t want to turn on your air conditioner that first warm day and realize your house is not getting cooler! Take steps before a problem arises. Call Albert Borrego at Freedom Air Repair for a low-cost tune-up of your air conditioning unit to prevent an outage before 90-degree temperatures arrive.

Albert started Freedom Air Repair two years ago, braving pandemic shutdowns to go out on his own after 20 years working in the industry. He leveraged his relationships with technicians, installers and service personnel to make the transition to his own business almost seamless. Albert even enlisted his wife of 14 years, Liz, to serve as his dispatcher — convenient as she’s the one who directs service calls — and especially those that happen after hours and on weekends. Freedom Air Repair is available 24/7 for emergencies. (And as we all are uncomfortably aware – HVAC malfunctions often occur at the most inconvenient times.) Phone calls transfer right to the Borregos’ personal phone lines, so they can mobilize a response immediately. “If you call today, we will come today,” Albert said.

Freedom Air Repair’s trained technicians will accurately diagnose and repair problems, including

adding Puron 410a (a newer version of Freon) if that’s what’s needed. Albert has a soft heart for veterans, disabled or elderly customers, often providing discounts or waiving fees depending on their financial circumstances.

“We always do what’s right,” Albert said. “We are about helping the customer out as a person, and we treat everybody like family.” When one of Freedom Air Repair’s four technicians responds to a service call, he’ll take time to explain the problem in easily understandable terms and provide options how to approach a repair or replacement that fits the customer’s budget.

Albert Borrego, owner of Freedom Air Repair, has more than 20 years of experience servicing and replacing HVAC systems.

When starting Freedom Air Repair, Albert built upon his years working with RUUD to qualify as an authorized RUUD Pro Dealer. He’ll negotiate best pricing and on-time delivery with the company if he determines the customer would be better served by replacing an outdated, inefficient model with a new unit.

“RUUD is available to me 24/7, and they always go above and beyond to take care of me and my customers. I can fix Lennox, Trane, Carrier, but when I replace, I replace with RUUD,” he said.

Customers often chose to purchase a new HVAC system to reap the benefits of greater energy efficiency and lower utility costs. Albert recalls a customer who opted to replace a unit that was several decades old. Not only was the new model more efficient and up to code, the woman told him her electric bill decreased by 30%. Freedom Air Repair makes sure they remove, discard and install everything properly following the state’s EPA requirements from the outset, saving customers expensive revisions later. They warranty their workmanship and offer a 100% customer satisfaction

guarantee. Albert understands costs are always a concern, which is why he’s worked out a way to help customers finance their units with 0% interest for four years.

Understandably, we all want to be comfortable with the people we invite into our homes. Freedom Air Repair employees are all bonded, licensed, insured, and pass regular drug tests, so you can feel confident about their competence and safety.

In just a short time in business Freedom Air Repair has earned 5-star reviews on Google, and Yelp and has been Screened & Approved and Top Rated on Home Advisor. The family owned and operated business prides themselves on their customer service, Albert added. The Borregos also contribute to their community. Albert’s sister and brother-inlaw are both members of the San Antonio Police Department, serving as a detective and on the SWAT team respectively. Albert and Liz donate to support law enforcement in their honor as well as sponsor relatives’ Little League teams.

Freedom Air Repair installs a Sensi Digital Wifi Thermostat with each HVAC system replacement.

Swimming Sensation

Senior Student Bridges Gap Between Modern World and Ancestral Traditions

By Amy Morgan

Ronald Reagan Senior student Kai Roybal represents the best of two worlds. On one hand,

he’s a Gen Z teen applying to highly competitive schools like Stanford University to study computer science and engineering. On the other, he’s part of the Native American Piro Manso Tiwa tribe located in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Kai feels the weight of belonging to the bridge generation that brings his heritage forward into the modern world. His grandfather’s family members were born in traditional adobe homes, “a stark contrast to how I live in suburban Stone Oak,” he said. Kai balances his school commitments with attending tribal ceremonies in New Mexico. His college choice reflects his desire to connect with likeminded others also navigating the gap. Stanford holds an annual pow-wow for its strong student Native American community that’s open to the public. Kai remembers attending when he lived in California as a child. The college also sponsors a retreat for its Native American students to unite those with similar backgrounds.

Kai learned to swim as a child growing up in Palo Alto. He moved to Stone Oak in third grade and joined the competitive Alamo Area Aquatics Association swimming club. Kai continues to swim year-round with the club, whose championship meets start after the Rattler swimming season finishes. Kai’s a breast-stroke sprinter, swimming the 100 and 200 yards as well as performing the stroke in the medley relay. At February’s Regionals he placed 10th in the 100-yard race and helped the medley relay achieve an 8th place medal, propelling RHS to a 5th place finish. His times have already landed him a spot in the South Texas Champs and Southern Zone Sectional meets in the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke events. While swimming may seem an individual sport, Kai enjoys the team aspect of competing for Reagan. “The 4 x 100 freestyle relay is at the end of the meet, and the energy is really exciting,” he said. “The team members are all up on deck cheering.”

Not surprisingly, the technology enthusiast mentions his favorite Reagan class was Computer Science with Mr. Arteaga. Kai enjoyed coding the game Connect 4 in Java.

Kai serves as treasurer of Reagan’s National Honor Society. His service project is to supervise the Book Buddies project, where he helps sort donated books for children in underprivileged school districts. He also is part of Mu Alpha Theta, the Math Honor Society as well as DECA, Reagan’s Business and Marketing Club. Last year he competed in the Role Play Scenario in the Principles of Finance category. He was one of six chosen to advance to state. He noted he joined DECA to get outside his STEM comfort zone and challenge himself.

Kai hopes to be a role model for his 12-year-old brother, Tyler, and three-year-old half-sister, Natalie. At Stanford, he’ll lead the way toward a bright future, without forgetting the grounding traditions of his tribe.

Photo credit Sole Spielmann

Community Calendar

Presented by Frost

10th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K and Fun Run - Saturday, March 11, 8:30 a.m. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebration with a dog/ family friendly run. Lady Bird Johnson Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Road 78217; www.iruntexas.net.

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio presents Queen’s Greatest Hits – Sunday, March 12, 8 p.m. YOSA’s popular Classic Albums Live concert series celebrates greatest hits by Queen, backed up with full orchestra. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.

NEISD Spring Break – March 13-17

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, noon1 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 – Saturday, March 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.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, March 3, 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.

Ballet San Antonio’s Alice in Wonderland - Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m. The production brings together choreographer Brian Enos and visual artist Luis Grané. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; tobincenter.org/aliceinwonderland.

Donut Dash – Saturday, March 4, 7:45 a.m. 5 K; 7:30 a.m. 10 K. Original, local race. Dash for the donuts at the finish line and get some great race swag. Flood Control Tunnel Inlet Park, E. Josephine Street 78212; runthealamo.com/donut-doughnut-dash.

Run the Alamo – Sunday, March 5, 6:45 a.m. The original, home grown, spring 1/2 and full marathons in San Antonio start with a multiple musket volley at the historic cradle of liberty, the Alamo, then wind past San Antonio’s cultural icons to an amazing postrace party. The Alamo, 400 S. Alamo 78205; www.runthealamo.com.

The Hero Twins Blood Race at the Magik Theatre – through Sunday, March 5, days and times vary. Live theater production of the action-filled adventure inspired by classic Mayan narratives. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org.

Legally Blonde the Musical – Monday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. Contemporary, sassy musical features memorable songs and explosive dances. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting Friday, March 15, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for a relaxed social event. Luce Restaurant, 11255 Heubner Road 78230; www.spn-sa.org.

Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey at La Cantera Resort & Spa – Thursday, March 16, 6-9 p.m. Maker’s Mark social hour with tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Artisan Show – Friday, March 17- Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Artisan show on the Riverwalk with 40 booths featuring handmade items. River Walk Extension, 602. E. Commerce St. 78205; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ st-patricks-days-artisan-show/.

St. Patrick’s Day River Parade and River Dyeing - Friday, March 17, 1- 8 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. River Parade and Festival celebrate the luck of the Irish and dyeing the river green at both the Museum Reach and downtown locations. San Antonio River Walk 78205; www.visitsanantonio.com/event/st-patricksriver-parade.

Foster Perry Travel presents Chris Walker in its Jazz on the Water series – Saturday, March 18, 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.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

Tooth Tales

By Amy Morgan

Professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics provided free cleanings, fillings and extractions

to members of the community for Dental Hope on February 18 as part of the practice’s annual day to give back.

7to7 Dental’s professionals – dentists, hygienists, assistants and administrators – were all on hand to serve the patients rotating through the office’s 23 chairs and ensure all details ran smoothly. By the end of the day, they performed hundreds of dental procedures.

“It is pretty much an all-hands-on-deck event,” said practice Co-Owner Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D. “Our dentists and hygienists see as many patients as they can, non-clinical staff help process the paperwork, direct traffic and change rooms. Friends and family stop by. It’s our favorite day of the year.”

Two patients were able to have all four of their wisdom teeth removed, a significant benefit as the costly procedure ranges from $2,000-$4,000 normally, said 7to7 Dental’s Director of Marketing Travis DeZuba. Leaving troublesome teeth in place would have relegated those patients to a lifetime of mouth pain and continued dental problems, he

added. “We love this day because of the impact it has on the community. It’s life changing for many people.”

Many depend on Dental Hope to alleviate pain that has been lingering and begin lining up before dawn to secure their spot.

Lucky Patients Receive Free Dental Care, Wisdom Teeth Extractions

CEO Justin Coke, poses with some of the team during the Dental Hope event last month where 7to7 Dental provided hundreds of dental procedures at no cost.

Dental Hope could not take place without the help of supporters from the community, Travis said. Check 7to7 Dental’s website and social media pages to find recognition for those whose contributions make Dental Hope possible. 7to7 Dental has recruited professional peers, dental supply companies and local businesses to donate goods and time to allow them to give every patient what they need. Sponsors included Darby Dental, Nestle, Colgate, ASC Promotions, Monarch Trophy Studio, Summer Moon Coffee, CareCredit, Halftime, Mia’s, Little Caesars, sunbit, High Def Communications and Bilia Eatery. Music mixed by DJ Stash kept everyone energized and upbeat during the event, Travis said.

Mark your calendars and spread the word to those who might benefit. Dental Hope is already scheduled next year for Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the practice’s Northwest location at 10103 W. Loop 1604 N, #104, San Antonio, TX 78254.

“The thing I like best about Dental Hope is that it takes away all the barriers like finances and paperwork that are the most frustrating and allows us to just help people,” Dr. Winburn said.

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. The practice’s eight offices are open during spring break – even on the weekends, a perfect time to schedule a cleaning while your children are out of school or home from college.

7to7 Dental is a local business grown in 15 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff, which now employs 262 San Antonio community members. Co-Owners Dr. Winburn and Justin Coke live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.

7to7 Dental & Orthodontics partnered with these generous companies to provide free cleanings, fillings and extractions to members of the community for Dental Hope on February 18 as part of the practice’s annual day to give back.

Bathing Beauty

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

You might fluff your Doodle, shave your Golden or trim your Shih-Tzu, but even a

mixed-breed All American Dog needs a groom at least occasionally to look and feel his best.

Grooming actually entails more than just a bath. Just like humans, your furry family member needs regular physical maintenance to keep him healthy.

Start with brushing, which dogs often enjoy, and which helps stimulate their coats and remove dirt or lose hair. This is a great opportunity for you to spend time with your pup, especially as most love the attention they get with a good brushing. Their healthy coat should be relatively soft, even on short or wirehaired breeds, and it should look shiny, not greasy and shouldn't smell unpleasant.

Speaking of dog odor, although your pup will be perfectly happy without a bath, a good wash will eliminate oil and dirt that builds up and causes that stink. You can bathe your pup at home in the tub, sink or shower using mild baby shampoo or suds specially formulated for tougher doggie dirt. Professional grooming usually includes a bath and blow out. Some establishments offer DIY washing stations for those who’d like to contribute the sweat equity but skip the post-bath clean up.

Overly long, tangled hair can mat and cause skin problems, so at some point Fido will probably need a trim. You can call your vet, look online or check out social media for recommendations for a reputable groomer. Make sure the groomer is experienced and familiar with your furry family member’s breed and hairstyle. If your pup is scratching or showing signs of trouble with their coat or skin, talk to your vet about what you can do to resolve the problem.

Your Pup’s Grooming Needs

Regular trims keep nails from curling under and causing sore paws. An additional benefit, shorter claws will cause less damage to your floors and keep Fido from scratching his humans. If your pup is compliant, you can use a nail trimmer and/ or Dremel tool to smooth the rough edges and handle his mani-pedi at home. Otherwise, seek help from the professionals. Pet stores often offer drop-in nail service at low cost. Your veterinarian can include a nail trim as part of an exam. Mobile groomers also may add a trim to a grooming session. Prices vary widely, so ask about costs before scheduling.

The AKC also recommends hygienic practices such as teeth brushing and ear cleaning as essential aspects of regular dog care, regardless of the breed. Once again, you can tackle these yourself or enlist professionals. Your vet will keep you abreast of any oral health needs and may even recommend professional cleaning if tooth plaque build up becomes extensive. In the meantime, keep your pup groomed, trimmed and clean as part of his happy, healthy lifestyle.

By Amy Morgan

You may remember the headlines when celebrities Sonny Bono and Natasha

Richardson died after sustaining head injuries while skiing. Although our hill country slopes are not snowy enough to support the sport, recent ice storms reminded us that a small slippery patch can easily cause us to lose our footing and make it feel like we’re on skis …. until we land with a thump.

If that thump includes a head bump, consider going to Physicians Premier free-standing emergency room to make certain you are not seriously injured. Physicians Premier is located just west of Highway 281 on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus. The facility is staffed with trained professionals equipped with all the diagnostic tools available in a hospital emergency room ready to rule out or treat injuries and illnesses without the wait or the crowd.

Accidents can easily happen. You could hit your head on a windshield, be struck in the head by a high-impact object (like a baseball) or fall off a horse. In fact, any fall from a height of more than five feet (three feet for infants or small children) should be treated as suspect, and especially if you are on blood thinners like coumadin, Xarelto or Eliquis, said Gregory Yu, M.D., Pharm.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Yu has worked with Physicians Premier for three years and has six years’ experience as an emergency room physician. He trained at Georgetown after practicing as a pharmacist for seven years and earning a master’s degree in Public Health from Harvard University. Blood thinners make it more likely that head trauma could cause an intracranial bleed, which may result in severe neurological symptoms or, as in the case of the above-mentioned celebrities, death, he said.

After a head trauma you might notice symptoms like severe headache, ringing in the ears, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or drowsiness, blurry vision, confusion, amnesia, inability to move a part of the body, dizziness or blacking out. Dr. Yu noted it is difficult to evaluate those who are non-verbal, especially small children, so if behavior is “off,” that’s also a sign to bring someone in.

Dr. Yu and his colleagues will conduct a full physical and neurological examination as well as potentially order a CT scan of the head to see what’s going on inside. If indicated, they can transfer a patient to the hospital or a neurosurgeon to surgically repair a bleed with no treatment delay.

Dr. Yu noted the question parents ask him the most frequently is if their child has a concussion, and if so, how can they obtain documentation both to prove it, and to clear the child to return to activity later. Unfortunately, concussion does not show up on a CT or X-Ray, he said, but Physicians Premier can complete a post-concussion exam to clear a student if their symptoms have resolved.

Physicians Premier allows patients to access the care they need when they need it, saving time, money, alleviating concern and allowing for a healthier patient and community. Find them at MDpremier.com.

Dr. Gregory Yu, MD, PharmD, MPH

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