The Right at HOME Video e-Magazine September 2023 Issue

Your Local Roofer

Buena Vista Theatre

UTSA Downtown Campus 501 W César E Chávez Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78207

Showtimes at 7 pm and 9:30 pm

(parking included in ticket price)

Personalized and Professional

Drs. Prisiliano and Monica Salas are board-certified in both Family and Lifestyle Medicine to provide patients with personalized, holistic medical care.

By Amy Morgan

How satisfied are you with the length of time you spend at your doctor’s office? Could you say your

doctor knows you personally? Ever waited weeks or months for an appointment?

These questions highlight concerns about the way primary care medicine typically is practiced. Even some physicians have grown frustrated that the current system prevents them from providing high quality patient care.

Two such family practice doctors, husband and wife team Drs. Prisiliano and Monica Salas, determined to create a different kind of medical practice – one where they could break free from insurance company control and offer their patients personalized, holistic medical care. Dr. Prisiliano opened Salveo Direct Care, located at the corner of Huebner and NW Military, in 2018, and Dr. Monica joined him two years ago. Owning their own practice allows them to offer a “very high level of patient care that is timely and easily accessible,” said Dr. Monica. “We were both in traditional practices and did the absolute best we could, but the way the medical system is currently structured, most doctors can’t practice the way they intended. Patients aren’t getting the care they need or deserve. It was frustrating and upsetting.”

The couple categorize their practice as Direct Primary Care. Their patients pay an up-front monthly membership fee that doesn’t just guarantee access to the doctors, like in a concierge plan, the cost covers most primary care needs. Because Salveo Direct Care does not contract with insurance companies, patients pay no deductibles or co-pays. The doctors limit their panel of patients, so everyone receives personal, one-on-one service and

quality time with their personal physician. Trained medical professionals answer phone calls, text and emails and often can schedule an office visit or video chat directly with Dr. Salas the same day.

Patients have plenty of time to discuss concerns with their doctor who’ll offer treatment plans that combine the latest medical technology with other holistic modalities. “We’re more of a partner in their wellness journey rather than someone who will see them once a year, talk to them for two minutes, and give them a prescription. We take time to have real conversations so we can give our patients guidance,” Dr. Monica said.

The couple met while obtaining their medical degrees from UT Medical Branch in Galveston. They are board

certified in both Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, the latter promoting healthy lifestyle choices to prevent, manage and even reverse chronic disease while promoting healthy longevity.

The six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine focus on regular exercise and movement, healthy nutrition, restful and adequate sleep, stress reduction and management, an environment of positivity in healthy relationships, and avoidance of harmful substances. The Salveo Direct Care team knows their patients’ wellbeing goes deeper than lab results and integrates both physical and mental health therapies. Their office includes a tranquility suite complete with anti-gravity massage chair, Alpha-stim electrotherapy and access to an in-house mental health counselor and personal trainer. “So much of a person’s health starts with mindset,” Dr. Monica said.

The doctors are committed to helping their patients achieve better quality of life, not just longevity, as they put healthier choices into practice. Their patients report better sleep, stress reduction, and improved health management.

The monthly membership fee starting at $100 per person covers all primary care visits. Primary care includes annual wellness exams, sports physicals, school physicals, chronic care office visits, follow-up visits, telehealth, basic office procedures and treatment of acute illness or minor injuries. Wouldn’t you love to have this kind of access to your physician with minimal wait and convenient scheduling?

Salveo Direct Care’s patients take advantage of wholesale pricing for labs and radiology studies and deeply discounted prescription prices. Each membership includes a full annual lifestyle review that includes stress analysis, quality of sleep, and 3D body scan and body composition analysis, so the doctors can tailor a plan of evidencebased recommendations to each individual patient.

“We want to make it clear that what we are doing is different. We offer a very high level of care that anybody can benefit from – from babies to seniors. We can help you stay healthy. It’s important to have a doctor who actually knows you who can advocate for you when something comes up. Your health is the most important thing you have,” Dr. Monica said.

Salveo Direct Care also partners with businesses to customize an employer-subsidized membership plan. Trained staff members coordinate how to augment the membership experience with a low-cost catastrophic policy to cover unexpected high-ticket medical emergencies. Businesses and their employees both benefit from membership’s convenience and accessibility. People can be seen and have their health problems addressed quickly, reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity, and adding to employee satisfaction.

Their mission statement says it all: “We are passionate about your wellness journey. We take time to understand you and support you when you need us. Together we will change the story of your health. We are your personal physicians for life.” Visit their website at salveodirectcare. com or call 210-899-2549 to get started.

By Amy Morgan

We’regetting back to normal routines that bring us into contact with more cold, flu and Covid germs, just as the fall allergy season picks up. How can you tell if your sniffles are something concerning? Should a runny nose keep you home from work or school?

Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., an emergency physician with 42 years of experience, has some advice to help you make wise health decisions. 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.

First, assess your symptoms. Is your nose running clear or colored? Do you have fever or are you experiencing body aches or chills? Clear sputum without other symptoms is probably due to allergies, Dr. Schwirtlich said, and can be treated as non-contagious. The addition of any other symptom warrants caution. While not so long ago many adults considered it a badge of honor to fight through a cold or flu at work, now doctors recommend people who work inside and have contact with others refrain from sharing their germs.

No matter the cause, what’s most important is to relieve the congestion to keep a simple viral infection or allergy from taking a turn for the worse. Dr. Schwirtlich recommends taking a decongestant like Sudafed to dry up excess fluids. He cautions against using a multi-symptom cold medicine, because some ingredients meant to curb cough actually increase mucus production and can be counterproductive. While Sudafed is available without a prescription, you may purchase the more potent type at the pharmacy counter. If you habitually suffer from allergies, try an antihistamine/decongestant combination like Claritin D.

When any body cavity like the lungs’ bronchial tubes, ears or sinuses becomes clogged with excess fluid, it provides a perfect spot for

bacteria to breed. Bacterial infections can take advantage of a body’s weakened immune system and ramp up just as a person is starting to feel better. Feeling worse again 5-10 days after symptom onset is cause for concern, Dr. Schwirtlich said. He’s seen many cases of bacterial pneumonia, strep, and MRSA – all infections that can make a person very sick and can prove fatal if left unchecked –even for the young and previously healthy.

If you’ve been having symptoms, watch for changes. If you experience fever or your sputum darkens, seek medical attention. Make sure to make your doctor aware of your illness history, so he or she can understand you are quite possibly dealing with a more serious secondary infection and take appropriate treatment steps – most certainly a course of antibiotics at the least. If you experience shortness of breath or cough up blood, head to the ER immediately.

Other ways to stay healthy: exercise, get plenty of rest and eat nutritious foods. Sleep is one of the best ways the body fights illness. 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 B, C, D and Zinc to make sure you are getting enough of those crucial immune boosters. Taking Pepcid helps keep your stomach from upset and enables Zinc to work more effectively, Dr. Schwirtlich added.

This fall, consider a runny nose with caution, and stay home if you are sick. 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.

Community Calendar

Presented by Frost

ACS Ranch Chic Fashion Show – Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m. Cancer survivors of all ages model the latest western wear in advance of the Cattle Baron’s Gala. Shrine Auditorium in Stone Oak, 901 N. Loop 1604 78232; www.cancer.org.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting

Friday, Sept. 15, 5-7 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Don Adolpho’s 19141 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.spn-sa.org.

Zoo Boo! – Saturday, Sept. 16 - Monday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wear your costume at this fun, nonscary Halloween event for the entire family. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Milano’s, 19239 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.spn-sa.org.

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 & 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.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Sept. 1, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Fish City Grill, 5311 N. Loop 1604 78232; www.spn-sa.org.

38th annual Zoo Run Relay & Kids Run Friday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m., 8-mile relay; Saturday, Sept. 9, 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. 78212; www.sazoo. org/zoo-events/zoo-run-relay.

14th Annual Big Texas Rally for Recovery & 5k – Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. the Big Texas Rally for Recovery San Antonio increases awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use. Children’s activities, entertainment, live music, dancers, food; Los Patios, 2015 NE Loop 410 78217; www.bigtexasrallyforrecovery.org.

Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey at La Cantera Resort & Spa – Thursday, Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m. Few Spirits social hour with tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org.

Bastrop Music Festival – Thursday, Sept. 21Sunday, Sept. 24. 40+ live music shows by artists in a variety of genres at multiple venues including the Bastrop 1832 Farmer’s Market, the Old Town Restaurant and Bar and the Sugar Shack. Bastrop 78602. www.bastropmusicfestival.com.

25th anniversary season of Ronald Reagan High School Theatre presents Little Women

Thursday, Sept. 21 - Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. Play adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel. Gloria Robinson Auditorium, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; reaganstage.org.

Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill - the Musical – Friday, Sept. 22, Saturday, Sept. 23, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 23, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. Part of the Tobin Broadway Series. HEB Performance Hall at the Tobin, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

By Amy Morgan

Capitalize Coverage

Dental Insurance Open Enrollment is Just Around the Corner

In the fall most companies offer their employees the opportunity to change health and dental insurance plans. Called open enrollment, this is the one time annually you can compare offers and make a selection. It’s wise to carefully consider your benefit package. Even if your employer does offer dental coverage, you might be surprised to find it doesn’t include everything you think it does, includes a surprising deductible or maxes out at a certain dollar figure.

You should expect dental coverage to include prevention – two cleanings, X-rays and exam annually – and restorative work – fillings, crowns and extractions. Depending on the needs of your family members, you may want to consider if your plan covers orthodontia.

The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics realize that many dental insurances either are too expensive or fail to serve the needs of San Antonio families. That’s why they created an in-house membership plan that meets or beats even the most highly rated insurances, according to the practice’s Director of Marketing Travis DeZuba.

7to7 Dental’s plan offers three levels to fit any family’s budget and needs. Each covers two cleanings, all X-rays, and exams at no additional cost. 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. Unlike traditional insurance, family members don’t all have to choose the same tier, and discounts accrue when multiple family members enroll. The Platinum plan includes a 10% discount on orthodontics, a savings that virtually covers the cost of the year’s routine dental care if someone needs braces or Invisalign. Monthly payment in digestible amounts simplifies budgeting.

There’s no red tape associated with 7to7 Dental’s plans and no deductibles. Many traditional coverages are now requiring deductibles for cleanings, Travis said, and annual totals max out quickly, leaving a patient waiting until the next year to complete needed dental work should they break a crown or need multiple fillings. 7to7 Dental’s plans require no waiting period and never max out, so you won’t have to delay treatment and risk potential damaging consequences to your oral health.

Individuals, families and businesses can all benefit from 7to7 Dental’s membership coverage. Small businesses can sign up for their employees to receive an extra 10% discount as part of their group package. 7to7 Dental created this option to support local businesses and offer an attractive incentive to help them retain current employees and attract new ones. If you are responsible for selecting coverage for your employees, contact DentalCoverage@7to7Dental.com to see how their plans might fit your company.

If, after consideration, you feel your employer subsidized options suit your needs, make sure you select a plan that’s a PPO. 7to7 Dental’s experienced team will help patients maximize every dollar of their hard-earned benefits to ensure they pay the lowest out-of-pocket amount possible.

Since 7to7 Dental first opened its doors in San Antonio 15 years ago, their mission has been to provide dental care during days and times that are convenient to the patient, not the doctor. That’s why 7to7 Dental offices are open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies.

This progressive approach to care started with four employees at one office. Since then, 7to7 Dental has grown to include 300 team members across nine locations in San Antonio. Still locally owned and operated by North Central San Antonio residents Justin Coke and Dr. Tiffany Winburn, the friendly neighborhood dentist is here to stay. Come see why 7to7 Dental is a better kind of dental practice for the whole family.

Stray Savvy

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

What to Do If You Find a Lost Pup

It’s happened more times than you can count. You are driving or walking in your neighborhood, and you see a dog on the loose. Looking around, there’s no owner in sight. Upon closer inspection, the pup seems healthy, he might even be wearing a collar. Your heart breaks because you want to help. What’s the best way to reunite this runaway with his frantic family?

If the dog seems friendly and is willing to come to you, carefully try to catch him in a carrier or attach a leash. Always approach animals you don’t know slowly and cautiously while speaking in a calm, gentle voice, advises the American Human Society. You might try to lure him with a dog treat or a piece of lunchmeat. If you are able, secure him in a safe location. Keep him separate from your own furry family members. You don’t want to risk an altercation should your animals or the visitor feel threatened and attack.

One woman whose neighborhood seems to attract lost dogs like a magnet keeps a foldable pen and water dish in her side yard by the garage. She even has rigged an umbrella over the area to offer shade from the scorching summer sun. Friends know they can deposit a found pup safely there while they look for its owner.

First, check for a tag. If you are lucky, the wandering pup will be wearing identification. Sometimes a quick phone call is all it takes to reunite Fido with his worried human parents, who may be searching the neighborhood. The next step: take pictures and post on local apps like Nextdoor or Facebook. Enlist your friends to help if you are part of a homeowner’s

association or a text stream of neighbors. If you still can’t locate the pup’s owner, you can post a “found pet” flier on high traffic spots like an entry gate or mailbox. You can also call your vet and see if they would be willing to scan the pup for a microchip that would reveal his owner’s contact information. If for some reason you are not successful, you can use the same social media networks to see if someone is willing to keep the pup short or long term. You can also call local organizations to see if they might be able to help place a dog with no owner.

If you are unable to convince the pup to go with you, you can still post its picture on social media. If you are worried he’s in danger, call a rescue organization to help. They have special tools and experienced helpers trained in how to collect an animal that’s unwilling.

Few things bring greater personal reward than knowing you have averted heartache and brought great joy and relief when you help a lost pup find his family. If the tables were turned, you’d want a Good Samaritan to do the same for you.

Cheer Champ

By Amy Morgan

School started early this year for Johnson High School senior Bella Benfield. As co-captain of the Jaguar varsity cheerleading team, she’s been hard at work all summer preparing Johnson’s 32 cheerleaders for the upcoming season. Co-captain duties include leading the teams through practice, which can include taking over if cheer coach Mandy Martinez is away. Captains call the cheers during football games, run Johnson’s multiple pep rallies, choreograph new routines and mentor underclassmen, including the executive officers (the position in which Bella served last year) and the new freshmen cheerleaders.

Bella has a heart for younger girls. For the past several summers she’s taught the “littles” — pre-k to eighth grade participants — at the annual fundraising Junior Jags camp held in June. The JHS cheerleaders lead the week-long event that culminates with a performance for parents. The older athletes don’t allow the younger girls to stunt without their help, so Bella personally lifted a third grader so she could be standing in the air when she yelled, “Go Jags!” “It was so cute,” Bella enthused. “Everyone loved it! It made all the work worth it.” The cheer squad raised $20,000 for their efforts as well.

Johnson cheerleaders give back to the community in other ways. In September they cook and deliver a spaghetti dinner for firefighters at the three stations closest to the school. “Every day they put their lives at risk,” Bella said. “Spaghetti doesn’t even do justice for what they do for us.”

Bella’s looking forward to traveling with the team to Nationals at Disney World again this year. Johnson was one of only a small group of teams that made the finals last year in the Gameday category, despite only having one senior on the squad. Bella feels this year is already off to a great start with returning veterans including fifteen upperclassmen.

Bella served as a camp counselor for elementary girls at CBC’s Camp Tejas, which she remembers being her favorite part of summer growing up. She’s as active in CBC’s youth group as she can be as she juggles school, cheer, and part-time work at Christy’s Closet, a local specialty boutique that personalizes items and carries school-spirit themed merchandise.

Bella is part of the JHS student council and National Honor Society, as well as the Stone Oak chapter of the National Charity League, a mother-daughter organization with which she’s logged more than 400 hours of community service – activities included making food for Haven for Hope and helping those in need shop for clothes at SA Threads. She was named the organization’s 2021 Daisy Award winner as the student from the class of 2024 with the most volunteer hours. Bella also has earned both NEISD’s Student and President’s Volunteer Service Awards multiple times, while taking home Cheer honors. She’s received both the National AP Scholar with Honor and the National Hispanic Recognition awards from the College Board. Bella hopes to attend TCU and major in business with a potential career as a sports broadcaster.

The senior credits her work ethic to the values instilled by her parents, both of whom were raised by immigrants. Her mother’s heritage is from Mexico, while her paternal grandmother emigrated from Thailand. Bella noted that her family’s traditional Thanksgiving meal includes tamales and spring rolls. “When I’m in an officer position and I have to make a tough choice for the team, I’ll think about what my parents would do and follow their example,” she said.

Johnson High School Senior Co-Captain’s Ready for the Season

Happy Hour Fundraises to End Alzheimer’s

By Amy Morgan

Chances are you or someone you know has lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors dies from it or another dementia, and more than 6 million live with the disease in America alone. Like so many of you, David Cohn and his colleagues at Perspective Wealth of Steward Partners have personally experienced a relative’s struggle. David also saw firsthand how some of the newer medicines slowed the progression of his father’s symptoms so that he never completely lost recognition of his family, a great gift.

Others are not so fortunate. David’s business partner Leah Schwarz’s motherin-law declined until she no longer knew her children, which was heartbreaking. Alzheimer’s literally “robs somebody of who they are,” David said.

Two years ago, David and his group of financial advisors decided they wanted to join the fight against the disease in tribute to their loved ones. The Alzheimer’s Association holds an annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in more than 600 communities across the country to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

But the Perspective Wealth of Steward Partners’ team dreamed bigger. In 2021 they developed a happy hour event prior to the walk to jumpstart fundraising. The first year they raised $20,000, all of which went directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, a total they hope to increase this year. Their team now has become one of the top San Antonio corporate donors to the Alzheimer Association’s local chapter, and one of the partners,

This year, their kickoff happy hour will be held Oct. 17 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Alamo Beer Garden Co., located at 202 Lamar Street. The downtown San Antonio venue not far from the Alamodome will be open only to eventgoers at that time. Local classic rock band Southbound 35 will provide live music, and patrons will enjoy raffles, prizes, food catered by Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q, and, as you’d expect at a beer garden, Alamo Beer’s own craft brew. Notable silent auction items include a week at the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in St. Martin or a week in Port Aransas at Coral Cay. For an in-town experience – bid on four tickets to a Jazz on the Water concert.

You can help the Alzheimer’s Association as they are “Fighting for a Different Future.” Call Annette Cordoba at 726-888-6388 for more information or go to http:// Act.Alz.org/goto/ENDALZWITHPW to directly support the team’s fundraising.

Zach McCown, even joined the Association’s board of directors.

The team from Perspective Wealth of Steward Partners, including David Cohn and Leah Schwarz, raised more than $20,000 last year at their kickoff Happy Hour benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association in their quest to end the disease.

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