A Blog by the Physicians at Lonestar 24 HR ER – New Braunfels, TX As temperatures rise and families flock to pools, lakes, and rivers across Comal County, summer becomes the perfect season to enjoy the water—and an important time to focus on water safety for kids. Swimming is fun and healthy, but it’s also essential to take precautions to help prevent accidents. Below are five key tips to help keep your children safe around water: 1. Active Supervision Saves Lives Always have a responsible adult actively watching children in or near water. “Active” means putting down the phone and avoiding distractions. Drowning can happen in seconds—and often without a sound. 2. Start Swimming Lessons Early Enroll children in age-appropriate swim classes as early as possible. Basic skills like floating, treading water, and safe entry/exit techniques can be lifesaving. Local community centers and swim programs in New Braunfels offer excellent instruction for all ages. 3. Use Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets When around open water (like the Guadalupe River or Canyon Lake), make sure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets—especially if they are not strong swimmers. Pool noodles and inflatable toys are not considered safety devices and should never replace proper flotation gear. 4. Set and Enforce Pool Rules Establish simple, consistent pool rules: No running near the pool No diving in shallow water Always swim with a buddy Repetition and consistency help children understand and respect safety boundaries. 5. Know CPR—It Can Save a Life In an emergency, every second counts. Knowing CPR can make a critical difference while waiting for emergency services. CPR courses are available locally, and Lonestar 24 HR ER proudly offers training options here in New Braunfels. Contact us for more information. Stay Prepared, Stay Aware, and Enjoy the Summer Safely With a little preparation and attentiveness, swimming can be a safe and memorable part of your child’s summer. If you have any questions or concerns, the board-certified ER physicians at Lonestar 24 HR ER are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to care for you and your loved ones—right here in New Braunfels.

This blog explores the critical reasons why everyone should prioritize STD testing. Visit our local clinic today for testing.

Dealing with chronic pain? Read on to learn more about three key reasons to visit your local urgent care for effective and timely relief.

In New Braunfels and Canyon Lake areas, where people enjoy an active lifestyle, understanding when abdominal pain warrants a trip to the emergency room is essential. At Lonestar 24 HR ER, we are committed to educating our community about the symptoms and causes of abdominal pain, ensuring that you know when to seek help. Symptoms can often be vague and may require a medical evaluation to determine a benign versus life-threatening reason for the pain. Gastroenteritis, GERD, and constipation are benign causes. However, their symptoms can often overlap with more serious causes such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, and kidney infections. In women, gynecologic problems can present with abdominal pain such as ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancies. Common symptoms include: Cramping: Often benign but can be severe if persistent. Localized Pain: Might indicate an issue with an organ such as the appendix or gallbladder. Diffuse Pain: Can spread across a large area and sometimes indicate infections like gastroenteritis. Chronic Pain: Frequently associated with conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Residents of New Braunfels and Canyon Lake should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe pain, fever, inability to drink fluids, persistent vomiting, blood in your stool or emesis, jaundice or severe pain and tenderness of the abdomen. At Lonestar 24 HR ER in New Braunfels, TX, we understand how unsettling abdominal pain can be. Our emergency room is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced emergency care physicians who are ready to provide you with fast, comprehensive care. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe or persistent abdominal pain, do not hesitate to visit us. We are here to provide the care you need, right when you need it the most. Remember, abdominal pain is not something to ignore. Listening to your body and knowing when to seek professional help can make a significant difference in your health and well-being. Stay safe, New Braunfels and Canyon Lake! Experiencing abdominal pain? Visit Lonestar 24 HR ER for immediate care or call us to speak with an emergency care specialist today. Your health is our top priority.

Are you wondering if it's time for a trip to the emergency room? If you're not quite sure, here are three reasons you may need to take a visit.