Independence Day

Independence Day

 

Hello!  May I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and healthy fourth of July, AKA Independence Day.  I hope you are taking some time this holiday to reflect upon and appreciate your place in the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

 

CELEBRATE

Our owner and CEO of High Desert Doppler, John Jain and I usually spend the holiday lounging around the pool, riding in our community parade, sipping icy cocktails, grilling burgers, then later protecting our dogs and making sure our house doesn’t burn down from stray illegal fireworks!   How will you celebrate?

 

CELEBRATE

Realistically, we find our country is in the throes of a mess.  Regardless of your views and regardless of mine, I am very grateful to call the good old US of A my home.  As for us, we will celebrate.  We always have and always will.  There is no denying, things could be better but things could also be worse.  With each problem, there is a solution.  Let’s celebrate even the small victories.

 

FREE IS COSTLY

We understand the meaning of free.  It means getting something for nothing.  Who doesn’t love a good freebie?  You can always grab most anyone’s attention at the thought of buy one, get one free.   Let’s face it.  Most folks are more likely to purchase something when it is advertised as free of something.  We see products advertised as free from pesticides, Deet, sugar, fat, artificial colorings, flavorings, carcinogens or myriad other evils.  Have you ever noticed that these things that are “free” from something are considerably more expensive?  True story.  The truth of the matter is that free actually costs.

 

FREE LUNCH

Drs. James Gwartney, Richard Stroup and Dwight Lee write in Common Sense Economics, “Because we cannot have as much of everything as we would like, we are forced to choose among alternatives.  There is no free lunch.  Doing one thing makes us sacrifice the opportunity to do something else we value.  This is why economists refer to “at all costs” as “opportunity costs.””

  • Our most scarce resource is our time.
  • No matter how much income or wealth you possess, you still only have twenty-four hours per day.
  • None of us know how many days we have on this earth.

All choices involve costs, every single one.  Nothing is free, nothing is without sacrifice.  There is no free lunch.

 

YOU ARE FREE TO CHOOSE

When it involves your health, choose your healthcare freely and wisely.  Politics and insurance can dictate our choices however, we do still have choices.  When it comes to diagnostic ultrasound, feel free to contact us, ask questions, inquire about us, look at our Google reviews or drop by for a visit.  We feel confident you will choose High Desert Doppler. Feel free to call us at 505-350-3397.   Happy Independence Day.  God bless the USA!

Gimme Some Skin

Gimme Some Skin

This week’s blog covers a lot.  To be a bit more specific, today let’s talk skin. Your skin covers a lot! I may have some good news.  If you were slightly overweight last time you stepped on the scale, remember skin makes up about 15% of your total body weight.

 

STOP!

About face.  That doesn’t mean you should bolt to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard because you thought that 15% of your weight was fat.  Today we are looking at a few fun facts about the largest organ in your body.  Using the correct medical terminology, skin is part of the integumentary system.

 

WHAAAAT?

This term refers to your body’s outer layer. This is made up of your skin, nails, hair, glands and nerves on your skin. This system protects your muscles, organs and bones from injury, infection and bacteria.  The appearance and color of your skin can define your heritage and ancestry but wait…that’s not all.  There are some cool things about this ubiquitous organ that you may not know.

 

FUN FACTS

  • The average adult has nearly 21 square feet of skin that contain over 11 miles of blood vessels.
  • A single square inch of skin has about 300 sweat glands.
  • The thickest skin is found on your feet and the thinnest is on your eyelids.
  • Your skin renews itself every 28 days and sheds about 9 pounds of dead skin cells every year.
  • Some of the dust in your home may actually be dead skin…eeeooowww.
  • Your skin has nerves that are connected to your muscles to help you react to extreme temperatures or pain.
  • Changes in your skin can be a warning sign of medical conditions or changes in your body’s health.
  • There are at least five types of receptors in the skin that respond to pain and touch.
  • Sleep is vital for healthy vibrant youthful skin.
  • Skin turns sunlight into vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones, reducing cancer cell growth, helping to control infections and reduce inflammation.

 

PARCHED!

This time of year many suffer from dry skin. The fact is dry skin is caused by lack of natural oils. Dehydrated skin is caused from lack of water. Dehydrated skin occurs when your body is losing more water than it’s taking in. Note to self, drink up.

 

GETTING OLD

As we age the number of pigment- containing cells (melanocytes) decreases. The remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin looks thinner and paler. Pigmented spots including age spots or “liver spots” may appear in sun exposed areas.  When many of us were youngsters, slathering on sunscreen was not a thing, slathering on baby oil was.

 

HDD

Speaking of skin, during an ultrasound, high level sound wave technology is used to penetrate deep below the surface of the skin to see what lies beneath.  Ultrasound has difficulty penetrating bone and other dense material hence can only depict the outer surface of a bony structure. This week’s fun facts are brought to you by High Desert Doppler.  If we can assist in any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.

Active

Active

I hope today finds you healthy and well.  What was your day like?  Many of us went to work outside the home while some worked in the home.  Most of us worked at something.  No matter how or where you work, get active!  It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you get your carcass off the sofa.  Active can take on many faces.  What exactly does that look like?

 

ACTIVE

Active living is a lifestyle that integrates activity into your daily routine.  It could involve taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  For some, walking to the mailbox is as good as it gets.  Others enjoy going to the gym, walking, swimming, biking, yoga or golf.   No, running to Dunkin Donuts doesn’t count!  To the degree that you are able, just try to move!

 

SPEAKING OF ACTIVE…

Allow me to take a few paragraphs to discuss the paradigm of active.  He happens to be my partner in crime and life, John Jain.  Although he is constantly physically active, his brain, enthusiasm and positive attitude never stop.  John founded High Desert Doppler in 2008, he has worked tirelessly to build this company to be the leader in mobile diagnostic ultrasound in the state.  He will be the first to tell you, it isn’t easy but it is worth it.

 

INVOLVED

John is very active in general and especially in our community.  He is a member of the Del Norte Rotary club.  He was elected as president of the board of directors at Tanoan Country Club.    He meets with a small group of business folks to see how they can be of service and better our community.  He has also started the High Desert Doppler non-profit organization to diagnose hypertrophic cardiac myopathy in young athletes.

 

EXTRA TIME

John sits at the helm of High Desert Doppler as the founder, president and CEO.  He captains a team of 17 employees into chartered but sometimes unchartered waters yet always manages to stay afloat.   With all the extra time (eye roll) he is the very best at being a wonderful husband, dad, family member and friend.  That being said, he manages to spend a healthy amount of time on the golf course conducting even more “business.”

 

LAZY

Not everyone has the energy to be quite as involved as John.  Work is important but so is rest. That doesn’t mean you are lazy.  We all need to do what recharges us.  I hope you actively pursue time for yourself.  Take an active role in practicing extreme self-care.  That should involve working on a healthier lifestyle, becoming more active and getting your body checked and screened.

 

HDD

Early detection saves lives.  Once a year should do it unless otherwise instructed.  You are the best judge of your own health.  If you see something or feel something, get active and say something.  It is always better to have it checked!  If diagnostic ultrasound is indicated in your journey to health and wellness, call us at 505-350-3397

Gimme Some Skin

Gimme Some Skin

This week’s blog covers a lot.  To be a bit more specific, today let’s talk skin. Your skin covers a lot! I may have some good news.  If you were slightly overweight last time you stepped on the scale, remember skin makes up about 15% of your total body weight.

 

STOP!

About face.  That doesn’t mean you should bolt to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard because you thought that 15% of your weight was fat.  Today we are looking at a few fun facts about the largest organ in your body.  Using the correct medical terminology, skin is part of the integumentary system.

 

WHAAAAT?

This term refers to your body’s outer layer. This is made up of your skin, nails, hair, glands and nerves on your skin. This system protects your muscles, organs and bones from injury, infection and bacteria.  The appearance and color of your skin can define your heritage and ancestry but wait…that’s not all.  There are some cool things about this ubiquitous organ that you may not know.

 

FUN FACTS

  • The average adult has nearly 21 square feet of skin that contain over 11 miles of blood vessels.
  • A single square inch of skin has about 300 sweat glands.
  • The thickest skin is found on your feet and the thinnest is on your eyelids.
  • Your skin renews itself every 28 days and sheds about 9 pounds of dead skin cells every year.
  • Some of the dust in your home may actually be dead skin…eeeooowww.
  • Your skin has nerves that are connected to your muscles to help you react to extreme temperatures or pain.
  • Changes in your skin can be a warning sign of medical conditions or changes in your body’s health.
  • There are at least five types of receptors in the skin that respond to pain and touch.
  • Sleep is vital for healthy vibrant youthful skin.
  • Skin turns sunlight into vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones, reducing cancer cell growth, helping to control infections and reduce inflammation.

 

PARCHED!

This time of year many suffer from dry skin. The fact is dry skin is caused by lack of natural oils. Dehydrated skin is caused from lack of water. Dehydrated skin occurs when your body is losing more water than it’s taking in. Note to self, drink up.

 

GETTING OLD

As we age the number of pigment- containing cells (melanocytes) decreases. The remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin looks thinner and paler. Pigmented spots including age spots or “liver spots” may appear in sun exposed areas.  When many of us were youngsters, slathering on sunscreen was not a thing, slathering on baby oil was.

 

HDD

Speaking of skin, during an ultrasound, high level sound wave technology is used to penetrate deep below the surface of the skin to see what lies beneath.  Ultrasound has difficulty penetrating bone and other dense material hence can only depict the outer surface of a bony structure. This week’s fun facts are brought to you by High Desert Doppler.  If we can assist in any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.

Complaining

Complaining

How are we doing guys?  Summer 2023 is in full swing.  Do you have a good attitude and a sense of optimism that will help catapult you over most any obstacle that is thrown your way?  I sure hope this summer proves to be fun, happy and healthy.  On that note, look ahead, be positive and quit complaining!

 

COMPLAINTS

Lately we are hard pressed to run across a soul who doesn’t have a slew of complaints about either what has happened, what is happening or what will happen.  Let’s all look at the negative, pessimistic, depressing side of things, shall we?  We get a lot more validation when we commiserate, right?  Wrong.

 

FEET

“I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

 

VALID

The above quote by no means minimizes our concerns nor does it render them invalid.  It is simply a reminder to be grateful for the good things you have.  Have some optimism, positivity and hope for the future and for the love of Pete, keep the complaining to a dull roar.

 

COMPLAINING

Complaining is defined as the expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.  Oh come on.  We all do it probably more often than we care to admit.  Consistent complaining or the propensity to complain is where we run into trouble.  Remember that complaining impacts those around you who, in turn, impact you.

 

CHRONIC

Huffpost.com says chronic complainers don’t usually see themselves as negative people.  They see the world as negative and themselves as merely responding appropriately to annoying, aggravating and unfortunate circumstances.  They complain excessively because they believe that have ample reason to do so.

 

HOW TO QUIT

We are not talking quitting heroine.  We are talking about how we might cut back on the need to complain.  Lifehack.org gives us a few suggestions about how to quit chronic complaining and become the kind of person that people actually enjoy being around.

  • Nourish a positive attitude. Change the way you think.
  • Learn to adapt. The only sure thing about life is that nothing stays the same.
  • Be more mindful.
  • Be assertive.
  • Be less judgmental.
  • Be responsible.
  • Keep moving forward.

 

SELF REFLECTION

As I type the above information, I did a little self-reflection.  I realize that I could personally benefit from the above suggestions. Complaining is a bad habit.  I know that misery loves company.  Maybe we should keep better company as we focus on complaining less and becoming more mindful.  Like they say, if you don’t do it for you, do it for someone who loves you!

 

HDD

As always, we do our best to deliver the highest quality, prompt mobile diagnostic ultrasound to you.  Have we ever had a complaint?  Of course we have.  We have used those complaints as teaching tools to make things right.  We want your ultrasound experience with us to be a great one.  You can reach us at 505-350-3397.

Chapters

Chapters

When was the last time you sat quietly and read a book?  If I ever find time to read, I prefer to hold an actual book in my hands.  I like the smell of a book, turning paper pages and anticipating the next chapter.  I know there are Kindle or tablet fans who may disagree. It doesn’t matter which vehicle you use, the goal is to see a story unfold.

 

CHAPTERS

Books are one of the many things that has chapters.  Life is full of chapters and transitions. Transition is often difficult.  Whether it is the death of a loved one, the transition of a relationship or a changing situation, finishing one chapter then moving on to the next can be challenging. Remember, change is constant, growth is optional.

 

WHY SAVE THE CHINA?

This is random however, I am guilty of saving that special something for the “right time.”  When special occasions approach, I’ll be digging out the china, silver and crystal.  It will be dusty and tarnished since it rarely gets used.  It makes me wonder why we save the china for only special occasions.  Life is short.  Break out the good stuff and celebrate today’s chapter!

 

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES

At the expense of sounding grim, what if tomorrow never comes?  Will you be pleased you resisted that slice of birthday cake, chastised yourself for your weight or appearance, deprived yourself of pleasure and joy, or stayed at work way too late as usual?  Will you reflect happily about the guilt you felt when you didn’t do anything wrong, regretted something you said, did or didn’t do, or worried yourself sick over a situation that may never materialize?

 

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES

Maybe it is time we slow down, stop and smell the proverbial roses.  Life is short, make good use of it.  Our days are numbered.   Do your best to make each one count.

“The trouble is you think you have time.”

-Buddha

Spend time reflecting on the last chapter and anticipate the next one, but don’t spend excessive energy on anything other than now.

 

YOUR BOOK

What do the chapters in your book look like?  Some are filled with happiness and health, while others are less promising.  Whatever the pages in your chapters might say, you choose how you deal with it.  Trust me, nothing on the planet hits you harder than when you or someone you love is given a devasting medical diagnosis.  None of us can predict our health and happiness, yet it is our choice to live the best possible life, given our circumstances.

 

GET CHECKED

This serves as a reminder to get your health checked frequently.  Early detection saves lives.  Make your next chapters be filled with the healthiest and happiest outcome your situation will allow.  If HDD can help with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.