by Kristi Jain | May 10, 2023 | Uncategorized
As I type this week’s blog, beside me is my usual 24-ounce water bottle. While researching and typing, I will unconsciously reach for my bottle and sip until it is empty. Eventually I will get up and refill it. I am killing two birds with one stone. I’m able to churn out the weekly blog and get hydrated at the same time.
FAT VS LEAN
Studies show that the average adult body is 50-60% water. Apparently infants are more like 75%. Obviously body composition varies according to gender and fitness level. I read that fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue. Who knew?
GANDHI
The human body can’t survive on love alone. It must have food and water. It can go a lot longer without food than it can without water. Mahatma Gandhi survived 21 days of complete starvation. The average human would only last 3-4 days without water. Every living cell in the body needs water to keep it functioning. Water acts as a lubricant for our joints, regulates our body temperature through respiration and sweating and helps flush waste from our system.
I’M NOT THIRSTY
Our bodies are constantly losing water. If the lost water is not replaced, you can run the risk of becoming dehydrated. No, I’m not talking about a glass per day. That is not nearly enough to replenish what you lose. What if you aren’t thirsty? Drink water anyway. Thirst isn’t always a reliable indicator of the body’s need for water. Some people don’t feel thirsty until they are already dehydrated!
HOW DO I KNOW
I don’t love drinking water. If I don’t make a conscious effort, I will forget. That is until I’m thirsty. The question is, “How will I know if I’m dehydrated?” Your first clue is thirst. You might notice less frequent urination, dark colored urine, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. Dehydration is serious. Get medical help if you have diarrhea for more than 24 hours, are irritable or disoriented, are sleepy, are less active than usual or have bloody or black stool.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
Believe it or not, water intoxication is a real thing. It is called hyponatremia. Too much water can cause the level of sodium in your blood to drop too low and can be fatal! Don’t get crazy. Get reasonable. Although you will hear different opinions about how much to drink, health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
ULTRASOUND AND WATER
If you have ever had an abdominal ultrasound, you’ll remember, you were asked to drink oceans of water prior to your exam and do not empty your bladder. Although highly uncomfortable, a full bladder actually helps the sonographer view the pelvic organs. The intention is not to cause you grief and discomfort. It is to get the clearest most accurate ultrasound study possible, which is our goal at HDD. If we can assist with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397
by Kristi Jain | May 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog was inspired by an interaction I had with a sales associate at one of our local home décor stores. You may ask why this matters and what is this doing in a blog post from a diagnostic ultrasound practice. The answer is this. Some things are simply universal.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The assistance provided by folks who represent a company, service or product is what we think of as customer service. We are pleased with outstanding service and infuriated when the opposite is true. Bad customer service can sour your taste for a product, practice or business for a lifetime.
MANY HATS
I was shopping one day in search of a specific item. A kind, efficient woman was helping me at the register, pondering a thief who had just bolted out the door and had a line of customers 8 deep. Despite the stress, she offered a contagious smile and efficiently wore one of the many hats expected of her. As if she needed more stress, I asked her if she knew about a specific item. She assured me she would keep her eye out and notify me if she saw it.
EPITOME
She remembered! Days later sent me a photograph of an item that was 100% spot on. She saved me many trips and lots of trouble. She listened closely and produced exactly what I needed. She is the epitome of excellent customer service. Well done Linette.
CATTLE CALL
Products, retail and restaurants are not the only places we expect excellent customer service. This is true in the medical field as well. Have you ever been to a health care facility where it felt more like a cattle call where you can almost hear “Next in line?” I have. The front office wears many hats. I understand how stressful that position can be however that is never an excuse to be curt, unkind or inattentive. The face you see behind the desk should be representative of the excellence you are about to experience. That is our objective at HDD.
JOHN JAIN
The CEO and president of our company is John Jain. He is a busy man who wears many hats and has multiple plates spinning at once. He is in charge of a large operation and the many souls that make this operation a success. Despite this, he has time for each and every patient and client who needs his attention and expertise. Today we were discussing how he is frustrated with the poor customer service he received from a particular vendor. He doesn’t have time for inept or inadequate. Customers, clients and patients have a choice depending on how they feel about the service they are provided with. If they are polite, conscientious and communicative, chances are you have a winner.
HDD
From Home Goods to High Desert Doppler, the goal is the same…excellent customer service. Some things are simply universal. Call us at 505-350-3397. Allow us to give you an example of great customer service.
by Kristi Jain | Apr 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
This week’s blog deals with a subject each of us is aware of minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. Today we are touching on the idea of timing. We’ve all heard of and used the old adage “Timing is everything.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “The ability to select the precise moment for doing something for optimum effect.”
ELUSIVE TIME
Time is one of those elusive things that often we feel like we never have enough of. My mom used to tell me “Everyone has 24 hours in a day. Why do you always run short?” As a clueless youngster, I was late for everything. Adulthood has changed all that. I understand the value of everyone’s time and am rarely if ever, late. Thanks mom.
CONTROL
Time controls our waking and sleeping hours. We need ample time to sleep, wake up, eat, get to work, and to accomplish our daily responsibilities. That’s just for starters. Also requiring our time are our mates, families and friends. Whatever time is left over can be rolled into a social life. I have a handful of friends who are retired and they all say the same thing. “How did I ever get anything done when I was still working?”
CREDIT
Here’s a bit of trivia for you. Do you know who coined the phrase “Timing is everything?” The credit belongs to William Shakespeare who used this phrase in 1599 in his play Julius Caesar.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Time. Nobody controls it and nobody can stop it. The most important time is right now, right this minute. You can’t change what happened in the past and you don’t have control over what happens in the future. Note to self. Be present and live in the moment.
SCREENINGS
In other news, www.hopkinsmedicine.org reminds us that a screening test is done to detect potential health disorders or diseases in people who may not have any symptoms of disease. The goal is early detection and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of disease or to detect it early enough to treat it most effectively. Be sure to consult your health care provider regarding the appropriate timing and frequency of screening tests based on your age, overall health, and medical history. The following are some examples of common screening tests:
- Cholesterol measurements
- Fecal occult blood test
- Pap test
- Prostate specific antigen
- Mammography
- Colonoscopy
- Diabetes or prediabetes
“Health is not valued till sickness comes.”
-Thomas Fuller
HDD
Health and disease are universal human experiences. Keep in mind that early detection saves lives. Timing is critical when it comes to disease detection and health management. If you and your health care provider determine that diagnostic ultrasound is indicated to identify or rule out a particular health concern, call us at 505-350-3397. There is no time like the present.
by Kristi Jain | Apr 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
This time of year makes me a little nostalgic and turns my blog writing into a trip down memory lane. Many just celebrated Easter, spring is officially here and summer is right around the corner. Vacations are being planned. Lots of spring and summer activities center around friends and family, if you are lucky enough to have them and healthy enough to enjoy them.
CELEBRATIONS
Occasionally I’ve envied those with large families who gather for vacations and large celebrations. Although we have wonderful smaller celebrations, we have no large family or no such gatherings. I do miss those special times with my parents. My mom passed away 15 years ago and my dad followed the love of his life a short 11 months later. Why am I telling you this? Read on.
WHEN THEY MADE YOU, THEY THREW AWAY THE MOLD
My folks were truly remarkable people. I can very clearly see my mom’s beautiful face and can still hear my dad’s powerful words. They loved each other fiercely. He used to tell her “Love, when they made you, they threw away the mold!” No one could ever fill my mom’s shoes (nor dad’s for that matter) nor should anyone even try. Any such mold no longer exists.
DO YOU FIT THE MOLD?
Speaking of mold, what if we don’t exactly fit into the standard mold? We’ve all taken tests or filled out forms that require you to “Check the appropriate box.” How many of us have found ourselves unable to fill out the box provided when it don’t exactly apply? It has been awhile since I have been required to check the box. Surely by this time, they should have a box that says, “Create your own box.”
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
Have you seen those goofy articles of clothing that claim, “One size fits all?” Give me a break! I’m no fashion designer however I am aware that there is a difference between a size 2 and an 18. I can guarantee the same thing will not fit both. Times are changing and our individuality is being respected. Not everyone thinks, feels or looks the same. It’s okay to check your own box because when they made you, they threw away the mold!
ONE DIAGNOSIS DOES NOT FIT ALL
Like clothing, one medical event, circumstance or diagnosis does not fit all. Simply because you may display similar symptoms as someone else, do not rely on their “expertise” or experience. You should never self-diagnose, rely on “Dr. Google” or heaven forbid share medication.
NO LUMPING ALLOWED
If you have a medical question or condition that concerns you, don’t lump yourself into a standard mold or check the box that doesn’t fit your situation. Your circumstances are unique. Consult your provider. One size does not fit all. We at HDD wish you health and happiness so you can enjoy this beautiful new season. If you and your provider ever determine that diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Apr 12, 2023 | Uncategorized
This week’s blog was inspired from several visits I’ve recently had with various healthcare providers. My mom used to tell me “Don’t get old because it isn’t for weenies.” Well mom, getting old beats the heck out of the alternative. Read on to see how your next visit can actually be pleasant!
EXPECTATIONS
Every healthcare provider along with their staff that I’ve seen have been very pleasant. When we visit our providers, we have certain expectations. News flash. They have the same for us. Is that news to anyone? What are those expectations?
RESPONSIBILITY
When seeing our provider, we expect to be seen promptly, treated respectfully, informed thoroughly, instructed completely and made to feel like we matter. What exactly do our providers expect from us? It is our responsibility to arrive on time. Have you ever had your provider run late? Of course you have. If your appointment is at 1:00 o’clock, you expect to be seen at 1:00 o’clock, right? Not so fast. Occasionally unforeseen circumstances arise where your provider must spend extra time with a patient, hence they run behind. Please exercise patience. If you need extra time, you will want your provider to take that time with you as well. Trust everyone is doing the very best they can!
WHAT ELSE?
Obviously we treat the provider and staff with courtesy and respect. We abide by their rules regarding masks, smoking, noise and use of our devices while in their facility. If we opt to not follow recommendations or refuse treatment plans, we are responsible for what transpires. We are responsible for paying our deductible, out of pocket or any other expenses regarding our care. It is also our responsibility for respecting their property, their rights and the rights of others.
RESPECT
Prior to a recent eye exam, I made sure my teeth were brushed and I popped 2 breath mints before I was face to face with my ophthalmologist. It’s called respect. Your dentist, proctologist, gynecologist and podiatrist have seemingly extra unpleasant jobs. If we can make their job a bit more pleasant by exercising a little extra personal care, I’m certain it won’t go unappreciated!
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Scripps.org gives us a few pointers in building a strong relationship with your health care provider.
- Be prepared for your appointment and be on time.
- Prioritize health issues you want to discuss.
- Follow COVID and other safety precautions.
- Bring a companion to your appointment when necessary.
- Be honest with your physician.
- Be sure you understand your care plan.
- Communicate with your physician and familiarize yourself with the patient portal.
- Follow your care plan.
- Be kind, patient and understanding.
HDD
Trust that the team at HDD are doing their very best to get you seen promptly, professionally and courteously. In turn we appreciate the effort you put forth. Together we can make it one of the most pleasant medical appointments you will experience. If we can help with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.
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