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.
by Kristi Jain | Apr 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog reminds us that things are not always as they appear. Not everyone thinks like we think, understands what we understand or knows what we know. Often we are misunderstood or misinterpreted. What is black or white to one, is 256 shades of gray to another (only sonographers can appreciate that reference.)
DOPPLER
High Desert Doppler does diagnostic ultrasound imaging. When naming our company, it wasn’t a consideration that some might mistake doppler ultrasound for doppler radar. If I had a dime for every time someone asked me if our company predicts weather, I’d be rich. Since I’m not, I’ll continue writing blogs.
WHAT IS DOPPLER?
In 1842, an Austrian physicist by the name of Christian Doppler proposed that the Doppler effect (or Doppler shift) is a noticeable change in frequency or wavelength of a wave for an observer moving relative to the source of the waves. If that didn’t bore you to tears, please continue on. It gets better. While the above explanation may be simple to some, it may be a bit unclear to another.
EXPLANATION PLEASE
In regular English, I would like to explain what we do. When doing an ultrasound exam, a handheld instrument called a transducer is moved over the surface of the skin. It emits high frequency sound (inaudible to human ears) to develop ultrasound images of what’s happening inside the body. It then records the echoes as the sound waves bounce back to determine the size, shape and consistency of soft tissues and organs. This information is relayed in real time to produce images on a computer screen. This technology is invaluable because of its ability to help diagnose and treat certain conditions. What you may not know is that unlike x-rays, ultrasound poses no health risk.
EYES AND EARS
Ultrasound imaging can be very helpful to your provider during procedures because it is truly the eyes and ears of what is going on inside the body that may otherwise not be seen. If you have ever had a needle biopsy, a surgical procedure or an injection that must be very precise, ultrasound can help guide your provider to the exact spot where he or she needs to be.
NOT JUST BABIES
When some hear the word ultrasound, they think of pregnancy, babies and gender reveal parties. What you may not realize is that there are many different types of ultrasound.
Ultrasound imaging includes breast, prostate, venous, echocardiography, musculoskeletal, pelvic, carotid arteries, arterial, aorta, and abdominal imaging just to name a few.
GOOD HANDS
The gang at High Desert Doppler are some of the best around. They are some of the most highly skilled, credentialed, experienced bunch around. Have you heard the famous tagline “You’re in good hands with Allstate?” Make no mistake, you are in good hands with High Desert Doppler. If your provider determines diagnostic imagine is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
The change of the season is upon us. It is the transition from chilly, dark winter days to breezy warmer springtime weather. Some embrace the change and others resist. The fact is we don’t have a choice, or do we?
CONTROL FREAK
We have no control over the change of seasons, daylight savings time or thermometer readings, however, there are many things that we can control. How about your healthcare? The answer is yes, you have control over your healthcare. For the most part, you have a choice as to who you see, when you see them, but not always why you see them.
IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT
Many of us never see a healthcare provider until something is wrong. That is ludicrous! Although there is no “One size fits all” rule about the frequency that you see your provider, it all depends on your overall health and age. If you aren’t sick, why you should waste your time? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Right? Wrong! The fact is that you should establish a relationship with a trusted healthcare provider that is your “go to” in sickness and in health.
BENEFITS
What are the benefits of establishing a relationship with a primary care provider? For one, they will get a full medical history of your overall health. You will get individualized care, treatment, management of chronic disease and preventative management of dangers or risks early on. You establish familiarity and trust which is important so they can diagnose and treat your exact individual needs.
FAIL!
Think about it. You don’t wait until your brakes fail to get the pads and rotors changed. You don’t wait until your transmission blows to check the oil and you don’t wait till you are stranded on the roadside before you check your gas gauge. Then why do we wait for something to go wrong with our bodies before we get a checkup? It is called preventive maintenance and you should take it very seriously.
IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
If you have ever had the situation arise where you need a healthcare provider or a specialist, and you don’t have one, then you know that is a jungle out there. How are you at jumping through hoops? If you don’t have a primary care provider, may I suggest you find one now. They can and will help you navigate the healthcare jungle. If you don’t have a primary provider, ask around for recommendations to help find one you feel comfortable with.
WELLNESS
Routine checkups are a great idea. Tests, labs and screenings are performed to hopefully confirm your wellness. If that is not the case, tests can detect abnormalities early. If an abnormal result occurs, you can get treatment and the healing process underway as soon as possible, because it is indeed a process. Your wellness is our concern. If HDD can assist you with any diagnostic ultrasound testing that you may require, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog discusses something we all deal with on a daily basis. It pertains to things we do and why we do them. I was reminded of a quote from Dr. Phil Mc Graw that inspired today’s blog. The quote asks, “What’s your payoff?”
- PHIL
Either you love him or hate him. Whatever the case may be, Dr. Phil has indeed delivered some pearls of wisdom. He succinctly said, “People do what works. You will not maintain any behavior that is not providing you with some kind of payoff.”
INTERESTING
Below, I will be quoting Dr. Phil’s words. They are not my brainchild. I do find it interesting how the right person, words, article, book or situation will find their way to you at the time you need it. Allow me to share.
TEN LIFE LAWS
#1: Either you get it or you don’t. Become the one who gets it.
#2: You create your own experience. Acknowledge and accept accountability for your life. Understand your role in creating results.
#3: People do what works. Identify the payoffs that drive your behavior and that of others.
#4: You cannot change what you do not acknowledge. Get real with yourself about life and everybody in it. Be truthful about what isn’t working in your life. Stop making excuses and start making results.
#5: Life rewards action. Make careful decisions and pull the trigger. Learn that the world couldn’t care less about thoughts without actions.
#6: There is no reality, only perception. Identify the filters through which you view the world. Acknowledge your history without being controlled by it.
#7: Life is managed; It is not cured. Learn to take charge of your life and hold on. This is a long ride, and you are the driver every single day.
#8: We teach people how to treat us. Own, rather than complain about, how people treat you. Learn to renegotiate your relationships to have what you want.
#9: There is power in forgiveness. Open your eyes to what anger and resentment are doing to you. Take your power back from those who have hurt you.
#10: You have to name it before you can claim it. Get clear about what you want and take your turn.
EARLY DETECTION
The above mentioned advice pertains to life in general as well as your health. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I’ve actually heard people say, “If I have something wrong with me, I don’t want to know.” The phrase “Early detection can save lives” hits home deeply for me, as I lost my sister because early detection didn’t happen. By the way, cancer sucks.
HDD
Our payoff at HDD is that we get to practice what we are excellent at. Diagnostic ultrasound. We get to practice in a lovely office with an amazing staff. We are honored to work with an incredible network of healthcare professionals and get to work with YOU. If you need us call 505-350-3397
by Kristi Jain | Mar 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
Hello! As I am sitting down to type this week’s blog, I have a huge glass of alkaline (Kangen) water sitting next to me that I intend to drink. In the days prior to intermittent fasting, it would be plain water. Now it has a skosh of Himalayan Sea salt in it. Why you might ask? Let me explain.
HYDRATION
Staying hydrated plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The entire human body is 55 to 65% water. The average human can go for 10 days to a few months without food but wouldn’t survive more than three days without water. This brings me to the question, why add salt?
SODIUM
Hydration is important and especially important if you are fasting. You can incorporate sodium (in moderation) into your water to help replenish your electrolytes. Does that answer your question? A question that I had prior to all this fasting stuff is, what exactly are electrolytes?
WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Healthline.com explains that electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help the body maintain optimal function. Electrolytes are crucial to many functions that keep you alive including the operation of your brain, nerves, muscles (including those that keep your heart beating) and the creation of new tissue. They help regulate the balance of fluid in the body and regulate pH levels. You lose electrolytes when you sweat. You must replace them by drinking fluids that contain electrolytes. Water does not contain electrolytes. Common electrolytes include:
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
FOOD
The question becomes, how do you get electrolytes in your body? Most people get enough electrolytes from daily foods and beverages they consume. In some instances, electrolyte beverages such as sports drinks may be a good way to quickly replace fluids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that are lost during extreme activity, sweating or illness such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting. The fact of the matter is there are many foods with electrolytes including:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Coconut water
- Spinach
- Watermelon
- Milk
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
- Leaf Vegetables
- Oranges
- Raisins
- Yogurt
- Kale
- Almonds
- Tofu
- Beet green
- Butternut squash
- Lentils
- Sunflower seeds
- Pickle juice (yes pickle juice)
- Fish
- Turkey
- Chicken
BALANCE
Electrolyte imbalance can occur. This could result from dehydration, certain conditions such as chronic kidney disease that cause high levels of potassium, some people with type 1 diabetes or eating disorders such as bulimia. Also, certain medications may cause this condition to occur. Always check with your health care provider if you have symptoms, issues or questions.
HDD
Here we are at the end of the blog and I drank my entire glass of water while typing. In closing, I remind you that we at HDD cannot possibly see your electrolyte level through diagnostic ultrasound. A simple blood test can give your healthcare provider that information. We can see many of your internal organs, muscles, joints and tendons. If you need us to take a look, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
Hello! Thanks for taking a few minutes to read today’s blog. Hopefully it will redirect your mind for a bit and open you up to a new idea or two. Isn’t it amazing how we like what we know yet we don’t always know what we like?
TRAPPED
Raise your hand if you have ever been stuck in a rut. Often we get trapped in situations or even ways of thinking that make us feel stuck. Feeling safe makes us stuck. So, how do we get unstuck?
STUCK
“Stuck means being unable to move, or being set in a particular position, place or way of thinking; Unable to change or get away from a situation.”
IT WORKS!
Being stuck in a routine or mindset usually has deep psychological and emotional reasons. Our comfort zone is often the culprit that is keeping us stuck. Why do we stay there? Because it works! The question becomes, is it serving me and is releasing my comfort worth the anxiety of the new and unknown? The fact of the matter is, we are not all the same. Many stay stuck because being stuck is comfortable. There is nothing wrong with that. If that’s not OK, take a walk on the wild side and find out if you know who or what you like rather than simply liking who or what you know.
FOR EXAPMLE…
Due to new insurance, I had to see a new dentist. Bummer! I was very comfortable with the old one however they don’t take my new insurance, so what’s a gal to do? The answer is, find a new one. It’s like finding a new doctor, clinic, bank or hair stylist. Sometimes you have a choice, and sometimes you don’t. By the way, I am very pleased with my new dentist!
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE
Now here comes the scary part. How do I put myself out there attempting to escape my rut without looking like an idiot or worrying about what people think? The fact of the matter is, people will have opinions no matter what you say, think or do. The opinion of others is none of your business. Do what serves you.
FATE
An article I read on Quora.com asks the question, “What’s the fate of people who never leave their comfort zone?”
- A routine that becomes stale.
- A life that feels confined.
- An absence of thrill.
- Loss of drive.
- Loss of creativity.
- Loss of imagination.
- Loss of inspiration.
- Loss of self-esteem.
- Never experiencing anything new.
- Never learning anything new.
- Inability to feel pleasure.
- Wondering what if?
- Never knowing what could have been.
Suffice it to say, you simply must do what works for you.
HDD
At High Desert Doppler, we like what we know and we know what we like. We welcome new patients, ideas and suggestions. Our goal is to make your visit comfortable, convenient, professional, and pleasant. When you and your medical professional determine that diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
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