Also, if you want your estate plan to benefit multiple generations, it can be helpful to have your loved ones understand what money and property they will have access to and your intentions regarding access for future generations.
Myth: The reason there is no money left at the end of the third generation is because of bad investments.
Ivan Ramirez, Attorney at Law
False. How much you divulge is up to you, and being honest with your loved ones can help alleviate misunderstandings that could arise after your passing. Sharing this information is especially helpful if:
Legal Disclaimer - The information provided is designed for general information only and is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it create an attorney client relationship. Consult an attorney before making any legal decisions based on your individual circumstances.
Email: Phone:Website:ivan@ram-law.comwww.ram-law.com210-448-7755
We help clients that are ready to invest in their family and business to protect their wealth and save taxes.
1. You have chosen to treat individuals in the same generation differently.
The answer to this question will depend on your unique situation and may take some soul-searching on your part. For some clients it’s important to treat everyone equally to avoid family conflict after the client is gone. Other clients believe that because everyone is different, the money and property left to their beneficiaries should be used to make sure that everyone has the same access to opportunities and advantages in life. One child may make more money than a sibling, or one grandchild may have special needs while the other grandchildren do not. The client may determine that someone who is successful on their own doesn’t need as much as someone who is financially struggling. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. We can help! Our attorneys can help you with your multigenerational planning. For assistance with these and other business law, tax planning, or estate planning matters, contact our office today! Myth: My estate plan is just for me, so I don’t need to tell anyone about it.
3. You have skipped an entire generation or group or individual that would typically inherit from you (spouse, children, or grandchildren).
The Law Office of Ivan Ramirez & Associates 18756 Stone Oak Pkwy, Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78258
LEGAL BRIEFS
MYTHS & QUESTIONS ABOUT MULTIGENERATIONAL PLANNING
False. While this may seem like the likely answer, a study by The Williams Group, a family wealth coaching company, revealed that unprepared beneficiaries are one of the major reasons why much of a family’s wealth is lost by the third generation, not bad investment strategies. If you want to leave money for multiple generations, it is essential to prepare your beneficiaries. They need to understand what they are receiving and what the ultimate intention is for the money and property you are leaving. You can also prepare your beneficiaries by teaching them proper money management. If a beneficiary does not learn how to manage their money, it shouldn’t be a shock when they spend their inheritance in a short period of time.
Question: Is it better to treat loved ones fairly or equally?
2. You have placed additional requirements or restrictions on how your money and property are to be used.
Stone Oak Neuropsychologist Diagnoses Brain Disorders to Facilitate Best Treatments
Understanding how the brain works and how neurological disorders can change a person’s thinking, feeling and personality has been the life work of Janyna M. Mercado, Ph.D., founder of the Neuropsychological Institute of San Antonio (NIOSA) located in Stone Oak Physicians Plaza Building 1 adjacent to North Central Baptist Hospital. Dr. Mercado spent 17 years on staff and faculty at Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) assisting severely wounded active-duty military and veteran service members before opening a private practice in 2005. Seeing the men and women who served in the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom campaigns grew her passion to help those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. Dr. Mercado was born in Puerto Rico where her father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Methodist University and earned a Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from Texas Women’s University, followed by a two-year fellowship in Neuropsychology at the Audie L. Murphy Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in San Antonio. The mother of two teenage sons, the Stone Oak resident is married to Michael Robare, owner of Robare Custom Homes. Dr. Mercado was recently included in the Inspiring Woman of San Antonio Book. A skilled diagnostician, Dr. Mercado conducts highly specific assessments to help patients with neurological disorders understand their cognitive status, limitations and impairments.
Assessments
Understanding how the brain works and how neurological disorders can change a person’s thinking, feeling and personality has been the life work of Janyna M. Mercado, Ph.D., founder of the Neuropsychological Institute of San Antonio (NIOSA) located in Stone Oak.
Accurate breathing, heartbeat, tells us when we are hungry – until it doesn’t. Millions of people experiencing neurological disorders may suddenly find themselves unable to do the things they normally took for granted.
“I’ve spent hundreds of thousands of hours with families helping them learn how to live with a person’s abilities as they are now. Correct diagnosis and education are critical to helping the family be supportive,” Dr. Mercado said. This spring, Dr. Mercado’s private practice expanded. She’s one of only two Spanish-speaking neuropsychologists in the area, and the only female. Dr. Mercado felt called to expand her efforts in the private sector, although she does continue to teach one graduate-level course at Trinity University. Her work with TBI patients has led to demand for her expert witness testimony when someone has sustained an injury, primarily traumatic brain injuries, or accident that has caused impairments in cognition and psychological functioning. Dr. Mercado expressively conveys in court the reality faced by one living with a brain injury or PTSD. By Amy Morgan T he brain is a fascinating and mysterious part of the body. Without conscious thought or effort, the brain regulates
Dr. Mercado also helps families obtain proper diagnosis for ADHD – both for children and adults (a rarely publicized yet common occurrence.) If a child is struggling in school, has trouble sitting still or completing tasks, she suggests testing – especially if there’s a family history of ADHD, as the condition is heritable. “Don’t procrastinate any longer. There are many new treatments available, but they all start with the proper diagnosis,” she said. “Help your children have new opportunities for growth and success.” (Pictured L-R) Amber Fahey, Ph.D., Elizabeth Flores, Megan Marcom, RN-BSN, Janyna Mercado, Ph.D. and Regina Medina all make up five of the seven member team at Neuropsychological Institute of San Antonio. At times in life we may find with situations that can be manage.
ourselves confronted
It’s devastating to watch an elderly loved one lose their capacity to communicate or care for themselves. Dr. Mercado works with neurologists and geriatric specialty physicians to provide diagnoses for dementia and Parkinson’s patients. A proper diagnosis is key to access resources and support for both the patient and caregivers. See their website at https://texasneuropsychinstitute.com for a comprehensive list of services.
difficult to
Contact the Neuropsychological Institute of San Antonio at (210) 281-4248 to schedule an appointment for evaluation. Your Health is Their Peace of Mind. TBI’s are rated on a continuum from mild (known commonly as concussion) to severe. Concussions are caused by a blow or a violent head shake such as whiplash. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Many youth sports involve at least some risk for concussion. Dr. Mercado recommends athletes schedule an office appointment for a preseason concussion screening to establish a neurologic baseline. The 45-minute test includes a set of neuropsychological exams developed to assess and score an individual’s brain function ability in coordination, problem solving, vision and response speed. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete can return to the office to re-take the test, which will provide clear, objective results of any cognitive impairment.
The seven-woman team at the Neuropsychological Institute of San Antonio includes two neuropsychologists, a litigation specialist, nurse and other support staff members. Trained clinicians provide evidence-based cognitive processing therapies for trauma recovery or offer compensatory strategies to cope with impairments. A newer phenomenon Dr. Mercado’s been seeing are teens struggling with in-person social interactions as they’ve grown dependent upon their cell phones. Counselors provide psychotherapy and offer help with structures, disciplines and boundaries. They are also available for individual, couples and family therapy.
RESTORE YOUR PEACE OF MIND We help patients suffering from a variety of challenges ranging from: • Clinical and Forensic Evaluations • Dementia • Parkinson’s Disease • Effects of traumatic brain injury • Seizure disorders • Vascular disorders affecting cognitive behavior • Learning disabilities • Neurodevelopment disorders • Infectious diseases affecting the central nervous system We also we work closely with private and public schools in and around San Antonio to get students the accommoda tions that they need to be successful in school. This includes: • Counseling Services • ADHD Testing • Educational Testing Appointments: (210) 281-4248 19016 Stone Oak Parkway Stone Oak Physicians Plaza Building I, Suite 210 San Antonio, TX texasneuropsychinstitute.cominfo@texasneuropsychinstitute.com78258
drapes, toss the sofa blankets and pillows and replace your carpet with hardwood or tile flooring. Did you know most of the dust you see is actually made of dead skin cells - yours and from your pets? Vacuum and dust frequently to remove particles from surfaces. Train your pup not to camp out on your furniture or in your bed. In fact, your allergies will be less severe if you keep your bedroom a pet-free zone. While you can’t stop your pup from shedding, you can minimize the volume. Brush him to encourage the dander to fall off (outside), use a dander-trapping brush like the Furminator and bathe your pet at least once a week with minimizing shampoo.
Allergic and Adding a New Family Member? To Doodle or Not to Doodle If you don’t presently own a pup and are considering adding to your pack, there are dogs that are known to cause fewer problems with allergies due to their type of fur (or lack thereof). While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, certain breeds have a predictable, nonshedding coat that produces less dander, according to the American Kennel Club. Consider Poodles, Terriers, and hairless dogs, as well as other popular breeds like the Maltese or Bichon Frise. The AKC suggests allergic prospective pet parents spend 15-20 minutes with an animal to see how the breed affects them. “While someone might have a great reaction to, say, a Schnauzer, their reaction might be less with an American Hairless Terrier or even a Portuguese Water Dog.” They also caution against “designer” doodles. “Mixed-breed dogs or dogs mixed with Poodles have unpredictable genes and do not result in non-shedding dogs. Allergy sufferers will be better off with a purebred dog.”
The good news: there are ways to control allergy symptoms. You’ll probably need to continue to take allergy medication or look into shots, but start with these steps to remove as many irritants as possible from your home. Invest in a HEPA air purifier with a filter to catch the dander and pet hair drifting throughout your home. Fabrics trap allergens, so it would be wise to remove
By Camp Bow Wow Staff Outside pollens cause enough problems without worrying that your precious pup is making you feel sick. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10% of the U.S. population is allergic to dogs. The dander that clings to pet hair is the culprit causing most people’s allergy problems. Unless your reaction is truly unbearable – like worsening asthma that causes trouble breathing – the idea that you might have to give up your precious pooch is unthinkable!
tchy eyes, runny nose, congestion — fall allergies are ramping up. Grasses, molds, ragweed, Fido…. Oh no!
I
What to Do If Your Pup’s the Problem
Allergy Attacks
PET TIP
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A highlight last year was their party themed after the Wizard of Oz to introduce “Big and Little” sisters. The upperclassmen chose an outfit for their “little” younger team member. A match would reveal the pair. Events like this foster the bonds of sisterhood that Isabella counted as one of the best things about being part of the dance squad. “We’re like a family,” she said. Another benefit as a Diamond Dancer, the opportunity to compete at Disneyworld in the spring. Last year the girls finished ninth in the nation in the Kick category, which earned them a spot to dance in front of the Disney Castle in the ESPN center. “That feeling was so amazing,” Isabella enthused. Dancing in Florida brings Isabella back to the state where she was born and first began taking dance lessons at the age of five. Her parents immigrated from Columbia as young adults and met through family connections. Many of her relatives still live in Miami. Isabella and her sister, Nathalie, (a RHS 2019 graduate) remain fluent in Spanish. “I’m very grateful my parents taught me,” she said.
While schoolwork and Diamond Dancers don’t leave much time for other pursuits, Isabella is active in the Holy Trinity parish as well as National Honor Society. She’s enjoyed playing Bingo with the residents at Independence Hill Retirement Community to fulfill service hours and connected with a woman who shared her life experiences as they took a walk together. Isabella shares a passion for interior design with her mother, who majored in architecture and interior design in college. Isabella hopes to follow her mother’s footsteps. “My mom and I love to rearrange things in the house,” she said. Reagan’s architecture class provided inspiration as Isabella learned how to complete computer-based projects using a sketching app. Friends and family members know they can count on Isabella for help if they are moving or redecorating, unless, of course, she’s out on the field performing.
feel to return to normal?! Ronald Reagan senior student Isabella Calvo is one who couldn’t wait for school to start, because fall means football games and the chance to perform as part of Reagan’s varsity Diamond Dancers team. While all of Reagan’s spirit squads appear on the field during games, the Diamond Dancers are known for their Rockettes-style kick line and jump split execution that rival the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. The girls have been training and attending overnight camps this summer to prepare. Because Isabella is the team’s co-president, she attended an additional camp to learn the leadership skills she’ll use as she plans the team’s social gatherings.
Ronald Reagan Senior Student Ready for the Season
Diamond Dancer S chool’s back in session, and the fall sports seasons are in full swing. How good does it
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
By Amy Morgan
Photo Credit: MySA.com
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
Magik Theatre Presents Selena Maria Sings – Sept. 10 - Oct. 2, days and times vary. Live theater production tells the story of music, family, love and inner strength. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
Women of Joy – Friday, Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m. –
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Mays YMCA Sports – Leagues for kids 3-14. Days/times vary by sport and age. Soccer, baseball, football, basketball, volleyball. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; 210-497-7088.
Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.
Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon -1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org
Single Professionals Networking Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 21, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, 1400 Pantheon Way 78232; www.spn-sa.org.
Labor Day Artisan Show – Friday, Sept. 2 – Sunday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Shop along the River Walk from dozens of booths featuring handmade pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings and more. San Antonio River Walk www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/78205; labor-day-artisan-show.
Zoo Boo! – Saturday, Sept. 17 – Monday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wear your costume at this fun, non-scary Halloween event for the entire family. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org.
39th annual Jazz’SAlive festival – Friday, Sept. 23, Saturday, Sept. 24, 5-10:30 p.m. Jazz talent will take over three stages in Travis and Legacy parks. VIP experiences available. Travis Park, 311 E. Travis St. 78205; www.saparksfoundation.org/event/jazzsalive
Community Calendar
Zoo Run Relay & Kids Run – Friday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m., 8-mile relay; Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m., kids’ run. Lace up your running shoes for the annual San Antonio Zoo run benefitting wildlife. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. www.sazoo.org/zoo-events/zoo-run-relay78212;.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Sept. 2, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Scuzzi’s, 4035 N. Loop 1604 W. 78258; www.spn-sa.org.
Courage Girls’ Night Out at Cornerstone Saturday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m., Marketplace beginning at 3 p.m. Worship and uplifting message featuring Kendal Hagee and Lisa Bevere. Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.sacornerstone.org
Bastrop Music Festival – Thursday, Sept. 22 – Sunday, Sept. 25. 40+ live music shows by artists in a variety of genres at multiple venues includng the Bastrop 1832 Farmer’s Market, the Old Town Restaurant and Bar and the Sugar Shack. Bastrop 78602. www.bastropmusicfestival.com
Chosen Women’s Event – Friday, Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Enjoy powerful worship, inspirational messages, marketplace, and food trucks. Summit Church, 2575 Summit Church Road 78259; chosen@summitsa.com.
First Shots Class – Fridays, Sept. 2, 16, 6 p.m. Introduction to firearms for individuals 10+. Learn gun safety, shooting sports and fire on the indoor range. Buck and Doe’s Mercantile, 24250 U.S. 281 78258; 820-980-3637.
Presented by Frost
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.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. Presenters include Lysa TerKeurst, Jennifer Rothshild and Mandisa. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St. 78205; www.womenofjoy.org
Reagan Rattler Cheer Camp – September 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Students K-8, join the Ronald Reagan High School cheerleaders for a spirited cheer camp. Learn sideline cheers, band dance, jumps and tumbling, capped off with a finale performance at Reagan’s varsity football game Sept. 23 vs Marshall. Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; jsalaz5@neisd.net.
For more than 150 years, the way we treat our customers hasn’t changed—even when the way our customers bank with us has. Visit us at 21011 US Highway 281 North in San Antonio or call (210) 220-6576.
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Elevate Realty Team Candice and Truth Clark 9480Licensesellingsa365@gmail.com505-610-4622ID:694629HuebnerRd.,Suite 200 San Antonio, TX 78240 Website Email Truth has learned how to position a client’s property to receive the best offer. “We want to make sure the client is getting the most money for their home and that they’ll perceive their real estate commission as an investment rather than a cost,” Truth said. The Clarks reassure potential clients that even though the real estate market is shifting, San Antonio’s future will remain strong. “San Antonio’s market didn’t crash in 2007/08 like the rest of the nation did,” Truth said. “It’s not about when you buy, it’s about when you sell,” Candice added. “Don’t be fearful. Get with the right person who will navigate the market and will get you the best value.” Find Elevate Realty Team at https://www.facebook. com/sellingSA365/.
REALTOR® REPORTS
Candice excels at developing relationships that create the wordof-mouth referrals that build clientele. “Candice spends so much time really getting to know her clients. She establishes connections and is able to communicate on a personal level,” Truth said. “Our priority is not closing the deal, but what is best for our clients.” While Candice’s fortes are customer relations, listing and selling houses, Elevate Realty also includes a Buyer Specialist, Jomae DeGuzman Peavie, who handles research and showings to find a buyer their dream home. Another secret to their success, Elevate Realty’s affiliation with their Transaction Coordinator/Interior Designer Michelle Uhrig. Michelle ensures Elevate Realty’s contractual obligations are satisfied. “There may be 100 different steps between contract and closing,” Candice said. “Michelle makes sure the appraisals, inspections, paperwork going back and forth are all accurate, timelines are being followed appropriately, and everything is perfect, so we have no issues.” As a licensed interior designer, Michelle stages sellers’ houses, whether virtually or with physical items. Truth, Michelle, Candice and Jomae all focus on their area of expertise, synergy that makes the team stronger.
Husband and Wife Team Build Elevate Real Estate Agency Realty Team. Since Candice earned her real estate license in 2017, she’s sold more than 100 properties totaling $30 million in volume. The team with which she started was recognized as one of San Antonio’s Platinum Top 50 Teams, then she began winning individual awards in 2019. In 2020 Candice became Premiere Realty Group’s number one individual producer, and in 2021 her volume topped $10 million. While awards tell part of Elevate Realty’s story, the numbers are only concrete evidence of the heart behind the team. The Clarks’ goal is to elevate others’ lives through real estate, Candice said. Truth left a highly decorated military career as a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, ranking among the top ten percent of Military Training Instructors, to develop their agency.
Candice and the couple’s two daughters, Zhyli and Kailah, had weathered his three deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Turkey before the family’s move to San Antonio. Another pending transfer prompted Truth to separate from the military and join Candice at Elevate Realty to run operations and marketing, which includes maintaining all the computer software and infrastructure. As Candice puts it, “Truth moved the business into the twentyfirst century… I feel very blessed that he gave up his Air Force career to support my dream.”
By Amy Morgan T ruth and Candice Clark partner in marriage and business as they work together to build the award-winning Elevate
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you are ready and continues for a year from that date,” Travis said. “There’s no waiting period or annual maximum. We remove the red tape. If your child has a toothache, it benefits no one to wait. You can come in and be seen right away.”
The Platinum plan includes a 10% discount on orthodontics. If a family member is considering braces or Invisalign, the discount alone comes close to covering the annual cost of the entire plan. Another advantage, 7to7 Dental’s plans never include a deductible, so there’s not any additional out-of-pocket cost for preventive care. Unlike traditional insurance that expires on the calendar year, 7to7 Dental’s in-house plan allows patients to begin
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, which now employs 240 San Antonio community members. Co-Owners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., and Justin Coke live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community. Membership Plans Rival Employer Dental Benefits I nsurance open enrollment is just around the corner. Does your employer offer a dental plan as part of your benefits? Be wise! Take inventory of your package every year. You might be surprised at what you find. Money Magazine recently conducted a study that compared the best dental insurance plans across the country by categories of coverage – braces, restorative work, prevention. The in-house membership plan offered by 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics meets or beats even the most highly rated among the plans, according to the practice’s Director of Marketing Travis DeZuba.
Coverage Check-up
“The recent societal trend dubbed the ‘Great Resignation’ caused many people and their families to lose their benefits as they changed career paths,” Travis said. “Our membership allows the coverage to stay with individuals no matter their employment status.”
7to7 Dental offers three plans to fit any family’s budget and needs. Each covers cleanings as well as X-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns, and implants. Patients can consider which option is best for them. Plans range from $20.99-$49.99/month per person, depending on level of coverage desired. Monthly payment in digestible amounts is easy, and discounts accrue when multiple family members enroll.
“Coverageanytime.startswhen
7to7 Dental also prides itself on being a good neighbor to the community. This is the seventh year the practice will donate school supplies to three local Title One schools in the north San Antonio communities where their offices are located. A volunteer team from 7to7 Dental will deliver more than $3,000 worth of backpacks, lunchboxes, markers and crayons to Stahl, Ed Cody and Brauchle Elementary Schools.
“We like to give the bigger items like backpacks that are more difficult for parents to purchase,” Travis said, “especially this year when parents are finding making ends meet more difficult than ever. If we can take away one of their expenses, we can give these kids a fair shot at a good start.”
By Amy Morgan DENTAL
DIGEST
210-495-2000 www.7to7Dental.com Facebook: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics Instagram: @7to7Dental Call or book online with ease
Michal Waechter, MHA, FACHE Founder and Michal@WaechterConsulting.comCEO Healthcare Business Consulting Optimize Performance. Grow Volume. Waechter Consulting Group is committed to providing new and established medical practices with customized business development strategies which optimize business performance and grow patient volume. www.waechterconsulting.com We take care of our physicians so they can take care of their patients. Call to request an initial consultation (210) 913-4871
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Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., an emergency physician with 41 years of experience, has some advice to keep you healthy this season. Dr. Schwirtlich is the founding partner of Physicians Premier, a free-standing emergency room located west of Highway 281 on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus. One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy immune system is to exercise daily, Dr. Schwirtlich maintains. Simple aerobic exercise for as little as 20 minutes five days a week will increase metabolic rate and get rid of toxins. An added benefit, regular exercise helps regulate weight, lowers risk of heart disease and keeps blood sugar levels in check. The risk factor that predicted those who experienced the worst cases of COVID was obesity – even in children, he Don’tcautions.getstuck in a rut. Vary types of exercise to avoid an overuse injury that might derail your efforts. Dr. Schwirtlich suggests alternating swimming, biking, or elliptical with walking to keep you moving. Other ways to stay healthy: drink alcohol only in moderation and eat well. Dr. Schwirtlich recognizes that our diet of processed food makes it extremely difficult to consume enough fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, so take a multi-vitamin to achieve optimal nutrient levels. Dr. Schwirtlich prefers those made from freeze-dried produce. Check recommended doses of vitamins D, C and Zinc to make sure you are getting enough of those crucial immune Theboosters.CDC reminds us to wash our hands and use hand sanitizer. Do you remember when touching public surfaces was also discouraged?
natural defenses can be overrun if the viral load of exposure exceeds the body’s ability to combat it. Plan for smaller crowds or hold gatherings outside to allow air circulation to decrease viral concentration.
Tips to Stay Well this Fall your immune system strong to avoid catching a cold, flu, or the latest COVID strain?
By Amy Morgan W e’re returning to normal fall activities: school, sports, festivals. How can you keep
MEDICAL MINUTE
Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D. Emergency Medicine Physician Founding Partner of Physicians Premier
Increase Immunity
Lastly, don’t smoke (or vape). While most vape products don’t contain the tar found in traditional cigarettes, they incorporate oil to deliver chemical ingredients. The cells in our lungs depend on a compound called surfactant to allow them to open and close well, which affects breathing — important when fighting a respiratory illness. Any kind of petroleum product in the lungs breaks down that surfactant, Dr. Schwirtlich explains. The oils in the vaping products decrease compliance and can cause secondary infections when the lungs can’t clear fluid and breathe out contaminants. Smoking (vaping) is horrible for your immune system and body!
Dr. Schwirtlich suggests we revisit some of those best practices to reduce the opportunity to pick up germs. Our bodies were designed with defense mechanisms to stave off disease, but
While nothing is 100% certain, taking a few simple steps can decrease your chances of becoming ill from your fall festivities. A bonus – your overall well-being will improve as you continue to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes. 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.
EMERGENCY CARE 24/7! 20475 Highway 46, Suite 100 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (830) 438-6911 MDPremier.com
NEW WEBSITE Launch COMMUNITY EVENTS DIGITAL DOWNLOADS ONLINE MEMBERSHIP NEW STORIES DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVORITE Issues STAY Connected TO YOUR COMMUNITY Browse OUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLICKHere Stone Oak Church Sunday Service @ 10:30 a.m. Children’s Sunday School @ 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study, Sunday @ 9:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study, Wednesdays @10:00 a.m. 20024 Crescent Oaks San Antonio, TX 78258 (across from Stone Oak Elementary School) 210-497-7974 www.stoneoakchurch.org Stone Oak Church - Your Neighborhood Church Children’s Sunday School @ 10:30 a.m.
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