Decisions

Decisions

“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.  When the student is truly ready, the teacher disappears.”  There seems to be confusion about who really coined the phrase.  Whether we give credit to Lao Tzu or Buddha, remember this concept when you are decision making, change is on the horizon or there is something you need to learn.

 

COINCIDENTALLY SPEAKING

John and I are both currently in the midst of decision making.  His are major business decisions, while mine are not quite as pressing.  I will admit, decision making is not my strong suit.  I spent my morning perseverating on how to handle a decision I need to make.  Coincidentally, I stumbled upon a You-Tube video that pertained to my dilemma and helped clarify things.

 

TEST TIME

The woman in the video (my teacher for the morning) is Marie Forleo.  I give her credit for the following ideas.  She said that if you are struggling with a decision, there are 4 tests you can give yourself and see if it decreases the anxiety about your decision.

 

HOW DO YOU FEEL?

The first test is a physical test.  When you contemplate your decision, how does it make you feel physically?  Do you feel expansive or contracted?  You may feel dread or heaviness or perhaps you feel lighter, bigger and better once you decide.

 

WCS

This stands for worst case scenario.  How will it affect you mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially if the worst-case scenario occurred?  Would you feel embarrassed or humiliated?  She suggests you write down the steps you would take to get back on your feet.  Deal with the WCS in advance.  If you decide it is beyond what you are willing to risk, don’t do it.

 

BCS

Let’s look at the flip side which is the best-case scenario. What are the payoffs is the BCS would occur?  What can you learn and how can you grow?  Maybe you can start living your dream.  There could be financial or creative upsides and freedom you’ve never known.  Write a detailed concrete list of the BCS. How does it feel?  Should you take a chance and say yes?

 

WORK IT

Marie’s mantra is “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.”  She calls this the “Work it test.”  Are you able to try this change or opportunity on for size or give it a “road test” before you commit?  If you are mulling over a decision, try it on for size.

 

NOT PERMANENT

Remember, most decisions you make are not permanent and can be reversed.  Maybe not always easily but many are.  Remember, change is constant, growth is optional.  Open yourself up for a new experience and opportunity.  Don’t be afraid of growing pains.   This too shall pass.

 

HDD

If you are making a decision concerning your ultrasound provider, let me make that one for you.  Give High Desert Doppler at call at 505-350-3397.

Idiot

Idiot

Thanks for reading today’s blog.  It is my mission to bring you something interesting, and informative each week.  Sometimes we deal with health issues, other times we deal with motivation or inspiration.  Today, we will deal with something that many of us can relate to.

 

IT’S COOL

Admit it.  We all want to be good at what we do, have knowledge in different areas, be able to perform an array of tasks, speak intelligently about things and look cool doing it, right? No one wants to look like an idiot.

 

IDIOT

When was the last time you were classified as “idiot status?”  Perhaps you said or did something you immediately regretted…gulp!  Maybe it was an action or inaction that landed you the coveted title.  Maybe you weren’t an idiot at all.

 

CHEST PAIN

I have a friend who experienced pain in her chest and jaw.  She went to work hoping it would subside.  She didn’t want to cause any commotion.  How embarrassing!  She refused to call 911 or her doctor in case it turned out to be nothing.  She didn’t want to look like an idiot.

 

LUCKY

Fortunately, she is fine.  Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky.  I assure you, there is not a soul in the ER that is going to think you are an idiot for going in with chest pain or other symptoms that you feel are serious.  I speak from experience, better safe than sorry!

 

HEARTBURN?

I lost my mom 15 years ago to a heart attack that started with symptoms that went ignored until the pain became unbearable.  She went to the ER twice and finally got admitted.  She was released the following day with a prescription for Prilosec and the assurance that it was probably just heartburn.  She died a few days later from a heart attack.  Heartburn, huh?

 

LETS REVIEW

I don’t claim to be a heart expert.  I research then report facts that I wish someone had shared with me when my mom was having heart issues.

WebMD gives us a few symptoms to look for.

  • Discomfort, pressure, heaviness or pain in the chest, arm or below the breastbone.
  • Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat or arm.
  • Fullness, indigestion or choking feeling which may feel like heartburn.
  • Sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness.
  • Extreme weakness, anxiety or shortness of breath.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats.

 

CALL 911

If you experience symptoms, call 911!  If you think you are having a heart attack, do not delay.  Immediate treatment of a heart attack is imperative to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.

 

ARE YOU CONVINCED?

The intention of this blog is not to scare you, but I hope you are convinced to take your concerns seriously.  You are not an idiot for giving immediate attention to a health concern. You are an idiot if you don’t.

 

HDD

If HDD can help in the diagnosis of heart issues or any other health concerns you and your provider may have, call us at 505-350-3397.

 

Idiot

Idiot

Thanks for reading today’s blog.  It is my mission to bring you something interesting, and informative each week.  Sometimes we deal with health issues, other times we deal with motivation or inspiration.  Today, we will deal with something that many of us can relate to.

 

IT’S COOL

Admit it.  We all want to be good at what we do, have knowledge in different areas, be able to perform an array of tasks, speak intelligently about things and look cool doing it, right? No one wants to look like an idiot.

 

IDIOT

When was the last time you were classified as “idiot status?”  Perhaps you said or did something you immediately regretted…gulp!  Maybe it was an action or inaction that landed you the coveted title.  Maybe you weren’t an idiot at all.

 

CHEST PAIN

I have a friend who experienced pain in her chest and jaw.  She went to work hoping it would subside.  She didn’t want to cause any commotion.  How embarrassing!  She refused to call 911 or her doctor in case it turned out to be nothing.  She didn’t want to look like an idiot.

 

LUCKY

Fortunately, she is fine.  Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky.  I assure you, there is not a soul in the ER that is going to think you are an idiot for going in with chest pain or other symptoms that you feel are serious.  I speak from experience, better safe than sorry!

 

HEARTBURN?

I lost my mom 15 years ago to a heart attack that started with symptoms that went ignored until the pain became unbearable.  She went to the ER twice and finally got admitted.  She was released the following day with a prescription for Prilosec and the assurance that it was probably just heartburn.  She died a few days later from a heart attack.  Heartburn, huh?

 

LETS REVIEW

I don’t claim to be a heart expert.  I research then report  facts that I wish someone had shared with me when my mom was having heart issues.

WebMD gives us a few symptoms to look for.

  • Discomfort, pressure, heaviness or pain in the chest, arm or below the breastbone.
  • Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat or arm.
  • Fullness, indigestion or choking feeling which may feel like heartburn.
  • Sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness.
  • Extreme weakness, anxiety or shortness of breath.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats.

 

CALL 911

If you experience symptoms, call 911!  If you think you are having a heart attack, do not delay.  Immediate treatment of a heart attack is imperative to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.

 

ARE YOU CONVINCED?

The intention of this blog is not to scare you, but I hope you are convinced to take your concerns seriously.  You are not an idiot for giving immediate attention to a health concern. You are an idiot if you don’t.

 

HDD

If HDD can help in the diagnosis of heart issues or any other health concerns you and your provider may have, call us at 505-350-3397

Magnesium

Magnesium

Here we are, deep in the thick of January.  My mom used to say, “The best thing about January is it is half over.”  So, being halfway through, have you stuck with your New Year “intentions?”  I’m still on my “learning kick” and this week I’ve learned a little more.  Allow me to share.

 

HEALTH

In my endless search of how to improve quality of life and keep this evolving body in the best health that I’m able, I delved into the benefits of yet another supplement.  Last week, we learned about the benefits of collagen.  This week let’s have a look at the benefits of magnesium.

 

MAGNESIUM

For years, John has put a magnesium tablet and a melatonin tablet at my bedside for me to take before we retire.  Lately, I’ve found two tablets of magnesium.  Apparently he had a visit with his physician and was reminded of the benefits of magnesium.

 

WHY?

I guess the next question might be, “Why do I need Magnesium?”  Mayoclinic.org says that most Americans don’t’ get enough in their diets.  Although it is possible to get enough through diet from foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, leafy veggies, milk, and yogurt, that may not be enough.   Interestingly enough, some laxatives and antacids also contain magnesium.  Magnesium is a mineral that plays crucial roles in the body such as supporting muscle and nerve function and energy production.  Chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain and osteoporosis.

 

NIGHTY NIGHT

Magnesium helps the body to relax which can reduce stress and help you sleep longer.  In contrast, melatonin helps you get to sleep faster.  Both magnesium and melatonin can be used in combination to help treat insomnia. Who can’t use a better night’s sleep? As usual, always consult with your healthcare provider before you start taking anything!

 

CHOICES

Rootfunctionalmedicine.com says that many forms of magnesium are available.  Magnesium citrate is helpful for those ailing from constipation and has a mild laxative effect, while the magnesium glycinate (also called magnesium bisglycinate) form is more useful for conditions like anxiety, stress and inflammatory conditions.

 

HOW DO YOU KNOW?

If you are wondering how you would know if you were deficient in magnesium, the following are a few symptoms.

  • Muscle cramping, pain
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Mood changes like anxiety or depression
  • Insulin resistance and craving sweets
  • Low energy
  • PMS
  • Trouble sleeping

 

YOU KNOW BEST

You are the best judge of how your body is feeling and functioning.  If something “feels off” make an appt with your healthcare provider and make sure you are functioning at the optimum level of health and fitness that you are able to.

 

HDD

Although diagnostic ultrasound can’t possibly see through your skin to see if you are magnesium deficient, it can see many other things such as reproductive organs, muscles, joints, tendons, bladder, thyroid, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, heart and blood vessels just to name a few.  If we can help, call us at 505-350-3397.

Collagen

Collagen

Hello!  We are a few days into 2022.  How does it feel?  Are the days following New Year’s Day any different than they were the past 365 days, or have you made new “intentions” to do things differently?  Keep in mind that zero effort yields zero results.  New year, new you.

 

ADD NOT SUBTRACT

This year, rather than berating myself for a few extra pounds or failures, I choose to add rather than subtract.  That doesn’t mean I want to add a few more pounds.  It means I want to add healthier choices.  Rather than quit doing things, I want to start doing and learning new things, for instance…

 

COLLAGEN

What did I learn this week?  I learned about collagen.  Yes, we have all heard the term, but do we really understand?  I did a bit of research and now I’m on the collagen bandwagon.  Give me a few paragraphs to explain.

 

WHAT IS IT?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body.  Healthline.com gave me the information that I share with you.  It explains that collagen is the main component of connective tissue that make up several body parts including tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles.  It provides your skin with structure and helps strengthen your bones.

 

AGE

John and I are not getting any younger yet there is no reason we have to feel our age.  Supplements are an important part of our daily intake however collagen was not on the list till now.

 

BENEFITS

Collagen supplementation provides a variety of benefits including…

  • Skin health. It strengthens skin and plays a role in elasticity and hydration, reducing wrinkles and dryness.
  • Joint pain. It helps maintain your cartilage which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints.
  • Bone loss. Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and strength.  Our body deteriorates with age.  So does bone mass. Collagen may inhibit bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis.
  • Muscle mass. Studies show that collagen supplements help boost muscle mass in those with sarcopenia which is the loss of muscle mass that happens with age.
  • Heart health. Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body.  Without collagen, arteries can become less flexible possibly leading to atherosclerosis which is a disease characterized by the narrowing of the arteries.  This could lead to heart attack or stroke.
  • Hair and nails. It may increase the strength and help them grow longer and stronger.
  • Gut health. Although there is no concrete evidence, some experts say it could help leaky gut syndrome.

 

CONS

Healthline says the collagen supplements may lead to mild side effects such as bloating and heartburn.  If you have food allergies be certain the supplement doesn’t contain your allergens. Do your research, check with your healthcare provider then decide if this is something you’d like to incorporate.

 

HDD

As always, if we at HDD can help on your journey to better health, call us at 505-350-3397.