by Kristi Jain | Apr 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog asks the question, do you ever have that gut feeling? Of course you do. We all do. What we are now finding is that there is more of a gut/brain connection than previously thought.
DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY
The medical community is now realizing that gut health and its incredible complexity is more important than ever to our overall health. A healthy gut it crucial for a plethora of bodily functions.
LINKS
In the past two decades, numerous studies have shown links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions and cancer.
WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?
Mercola.com tells us that your brain and gut communicate via the vagus nerve. Recently researchers have come to realize the gut serotonin regulates emotions in a much more complex way than originally thought. Not only can your emotions influence your gut, but your gut can influence your emotions.
PRETTY SIMPLE
Our digestive system was once thought to be a relatively simple body system comprised of one long tube. You eat, it passes through, then comes out the other end. Simple right? Not so fast. According to Dr. E. M. Quigley, his study on gut bacteria says having a variety of “good gut bacteria” can enhance your immune system function, improve symptoms of depression, help combat obesity and provide numerous other benefits. Not as simple as previously thought.
COMMON SIGNS OF AN UNHEALTHY GUT
- Upset stomach
- A high sugar diet
- Unintentional weight changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Constant fatigue
- Skin irritation
- Autoimmune conditions
- Food intolerance
WHAT CAN I DO?
For one, you can try lowering your stress level, which is hard on your body, including your gut. Try getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted shut eye. Eat slowly so you can get full digestion and absorption of nutrients, which help reduce digestive discomfort and maintain a healthy gut. Drink up. No, not martinis. Staying hydrated has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the mucosal lining of the intestine as well as on the balance of “good” bacteria in the gut. Consult your doc before you try prebiotics. They can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live good bacteria. Check for food intolerances. If you have abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, nausea, fatigue and acid reflux just to name a few, you may have a food intolerance and might want to consider changing your eating habits.
YOUR SECOND BRAIN
Can gut health be the key to happiness? Tone up your digestive system. Keep both brains happy and healthy and moving. When waste passes out of your body in an efficient manner, your gut will produce chemicals like serotonin that keep you feeling good.
HDD
If you and your healthcare provider have a “gut feeling” that you may need an ultrasound exam, give us a call. Although we are unable to see much in the gut or intestines via ultrasound, there are many other things we can see. Our number is 505-350-3397. We are waiting to hear from you!
by Kristi Jain | Apr 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
Hello! How is the world treating you on this beautiful spring day? It is all how you look at it. There is a lot going on. While some have resorted to violence and division, so many of us understand that we can choose to be happy, peaceful, and hopeful.
MEMORIES
One of my childhood memories involved an American humorist by the name of Erma Bombeck. She had a syndicated column describing suburban life from 1965 to 1996. Her column appeared in the newspaper and even though I was young, I appreciated her wisdom.
NO ULTRASOUND REFERENCE TODAY
I normally try to make the blogs relate to healthcare or ultrasound in some way. Today is not one of those days. I don’t claim to be a mental health guru but thought that the inspiration for today’s blog by Ms. Bombeck was a great mental health tune up in a time when we need it. The woman who made the world laugh also had some pretty serious, profound positive thoughts to share.
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding patten if I weren’t there for a day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love yous” and more “I’m sorrys.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it…live it and never give it back.
DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, respect or appreciate you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
-Erma Bombeck
A REMINDER…
Although the article feels a bit antiquated, the deeper meaning holds true and I am grateful for the reminder. Live your life to its fullest which includes taking care of yourself. If we can assist you in that endeavor, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog comes to you courtesy of me listening to motivational and inspirational teachings. I’ve been listening to a book called “The Path Made Clear.” Audible can read it to me in a few hours. I finished the book, then started it again. I’m amazed at what I missed the first time.
PETE AND REPEAT
I was moved and inspired. There are many words and thoughts worth repeating. There were myriad ideas I considered profound, but one in particular stuck with me and kept gnawing at my blog brain. The question is, “Is your glass half empty or half full?
WHERE IS THE PITCHER?
Who among us wouldn’t like to live the life of a true optimist? We hear it all the time. Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty kind of person? Although I don’t have much experience with depression, I’d imagine many see their glass as half empty. One of the book’s featured guests said, “It doesn’t matter if the glass is half empty or half full, what matters is that we know where a pitcher is in which to fill it from.”
- OPTIMIST
I am happily married to Mr. Optimist, John Jain. Even when he is down, he is up. I admit to being human and find myself with an occasional bout of doubt or pessimism. When John noticed I had some lower vibrational energy recently and my glass felt only about half full that day he told me, “You ought to read your own blogs.” Noted John, thanks!
A FEW QUOTES
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because the thorns have roses.”
-Alphonse Karr
“There is nothing that can happen TO you that can’t also happen FOR you…if you’ll let it.”
-Mandy Hale
“Whether your cup is half-full or half-empty, remind yourself that there are others without one.”
-Matshona Dhliwayo
“Dear Optimist, Pessimist and Realist, while you guys were arguing about the glass of water being half full or empty, I drank it.
-The Opportunist
YOUR HEALTH
Whether your mental, emotional or physical “health glass” is half full or half empty, consider locating that pitcher with which you continue to fill it. Let’s face it. We all have some sort of health concern at one time or another. Some things are easily identified and treated. Others are not quite as easy. Whatever your situation, see if you can maintain at least a glass half full and keep pouring. If diagnostic ultrasound is indicated along your health journey, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
I’m happy you’ve taken a few minutes to see what today’s blog has to offer. The content of my blog is often the result of whatever inspirational or motivational speaker I hear on a podcast or YouTube. Today is no exception. I’ll share with you what I was asked to contemplate. As you start your day and go through your routine, think about what your goal is. Do you have one?
ROUTINE
Every day, we get up and start the ole’ routine. We wake up, hit snooze, make the coffee, listen to the news, get dressed, eat and head out to the old salt mine for another 8-5. The question is, why do we do what we do? It is most likely habit, routine, expectation or necessity. When we do what we do, is there a goal in mind or are you on auto pilot and simply spinning your wheels?
ACHIEVING OUR GOALS
When you have a goal in mind, you need to plan. How you are going to accomplish it? Your starting point may very well be chilling on the couch as you consider your options. That is fine, however, it won’t be until you get yourself up off that couch that things will start to happen. When you execute your plan, you need to be disciplined in the things you commit to doing and do it consistently for it to become a habit. Discipline + Consistency = Goal
ARE YOU A QUITTER?
One of John’s and my very best friends will tell you I’m a quitter!” She is quite proud of that fact and doesn’t mind telling you. Her honesty and ability to say what she means and mean what she says is part of her intoxicating charm. I certainly admire her willingness to admit, she won’t continue to do what doesn’t serve her. On the other side of that coin, there is something to be said for tenacity and sticking with it. Are you one of those who quit smoking or drinking…until…you quit quitting!
QUIT QUITTING
Did you quit exercise, a better diet, a healthy lifestyle, routine exams and follow ups because you couldn’t consistently commit? Perhaps you just don’t have the discipline it requires. If a longer, healthier, happier life is your goal, you might want to quit quitting.
IT WON’T BE EASY, IT WILL BE WORTH IT
No one said that goal setting, consistency and discipline were going to be easy. They said it was going to be worth it. Zig Ziglar once said, “You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness.” If you want it, lose the excuses and go get all the great things you deserve. What are you waiting for? If diagnostic ultrasound is indicated by your provider, let us help. Call us at 505-350-3357.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
This beautiful March morning has me pondering my blog idea for tomorrow. Don’t let the fact that this blog is a recycle from last year keep you from reviewing it. I thought it warranted resurrection, hence may I invite you to revisit “The Eisenhower Matrix” blog.
- PRESIDENT
Before I explain the “Eisenhower Matrix” idea, let’s review a brief bit of history. Dwight Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States and served from 1953 to 1962. Before becoming our President, he was a five-star general in the United States Army.
A BIT MORE
He also served as president of Columbia University, became the first Supreme Commander of NATO, and yet found time to enjoy activities like golf and oil painting. He had an amazing ability to sustain his productivity not just weeks and months, but for decades. It is not surprising that his time and task management skills have been widely studied and emulated.
THE EISENHOWER MATRIX
His productivity strategy is known as the “Eisenhower Matrix.” It is a relatively simple decision-making tool you can start to use right now. This comes in handy for those who sometimes struggle with making decisions. The strategy for planning, taking action and organizing tasks is not complicated. It separates your actions based on four possibilities.
- Urgent and important (tasks you will do immediately)
- Important, but not urgent (tasks you will schedule to do later)
- Urgent, but not important (tasks you will delegate to someone else)
- Neither urgent nor important (tasks you can eliminate)
ACCORDING TO PLAN
We live our lives according to some sort of a plan. Is yours going accordingly? It can’t go according to plan if you don’t have one. Often procrastination and laziness prevent us from making a plan in the first place. The question for many is, how do I overcome procrastination? You can always use the “Eisenhower Matrix” to find out what is priority and what isn’t. Take inventory and find out the things you waste time on each day.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Spend a few minutes each morning going over the priorities for the day. Focus on those things that will have the biggest impact on your life. Somethings are unpleasant or uncomfortable. Discomfort isn’t always a bad thing and it can actually be healthy. Identify and track your procrastination impulses. Make sure your tasks have a goal and finally, create accountability for your tasks. When you have someone who is holding you accountable, you are less likely to give up.
PRIORITIES
Is your healthcare high or low on your priority list? If it involves your health, it simply must be priority. Hopefully, it isn’t urgent, but it is important. Do you have a test or screening that was recommended you get, that is still not done? WWED (What would Eisenhower do?) Remember the Eisenhower Matrix and prioritize. If it involves diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 505-350-3397.
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