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.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
I know, I know. I’m growing weary as well. We get a tease of mid 50’s weather here in “The Q” and we are ready for spring. Then the following few days we get a healthy blanket of snow. NO! I’m done. I’m sick of layers and a frozen nose. I want shorts and flip flops. I’m ready for spring!
WHOA
Whoa, slow down there partner. We have a good month before we can even remotely get our hopes up. My mom used to say the best thing about January is that is ends. February is making a pretty quick exit as well. We don’t want to wish our lives away however, spring is “just around the corner!”
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
Languagehumanities.org defines the term “just around the corner” or “just around the bend” to suggest that something you are anticipating is going to happen in a very short amount of time. For those who don’t adore winter, while we wait out the last few weeks, perhaps we should do something productive until spring has sprung.
SPEAKING OF WHICH…
The faithful have a religious holiday on the horizon which starts with 40 days to focus on spiritual matters, along with fish on Fridays and no meat just to mention a few. Others have candy, bunnies, parties and an Easter dress in mind. I have personally never been big on the idea of “giving things up” but prefer to “do something” instead. I read an article on blog.oakkknoll.org that reinforces what I try to adhere to. If you choose to give something up…by all means go for it. Might you also consider doing something kind for someone as well as yourself as we move toward spring. We are just around the bend for a time of renewal and restoration.
- Volunteer your time. Everyone has 24 hours in their day.
- Take up a collection or donate to those who may need it. What is an extra couple of bucks to you?
- Clean out your closet and give to someone who has less than you do. Do you really need 10 blankets, 20 coats and 30 sweaters?
- Call a friend or relative who might love to hear your voice. They may be feeling lonesome.
- Invite someone to coffee or lunch. Be the good you want to see in the world.
- Help with a task. Many hands make light work.
- Give a sincere compliment. You’ll probably make their whole day.
- Make someone laugh.
HDD
Random acts of kindness can change a life. With the change of seasons can come with a change of attitude, habits and actions especially when it comes to your health. At HDD we strive to focus on patient care and relations no matter what season is upon us. We recognize you, the patient, as the most important part of our team. Without you, there is no us. Thank you for your trust in our company and thank you for your continued support. As always, when diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog will cover something that I have never been remotely interested in until recently. The subject du jour is stretching. I know…boring. I am one of those who just wants to immediately hit the weight room floor or hit the pavement for a walk. I’m far too hyper to waste my time stretching…until now.
IT’S TEMPTING
Especially when you are in a hurry, it is easy to become tempted to skip stretching. I am guilty as charged. I always felt like it wasted my time. Clearly I was wrong. Stretching is very important to improve circulation, increase blood flow and prevent injury.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE
I’m ashamed to say that I have been actively stretching for only about a month now. I’m here to tell you it makes a huge difference even in that short amount of time. Nasm.org give us the 5 biggest benefits of stretching.
- Increases flexibility to prevent injury.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Improves strength.
- Allows freedom of movement.
- Improves relaxation and mental wellbeing.
STATIC
There are a few different forms of stretching. Static stretching is possibly the most common form. This type of stretching involves lengthening a muscle to its furthest point and holding that position for at least 30 seconds. This type of stretching can lengthen a tight muscle and increase flexibility when performed often if not daily.
DYNAMIC
Dynamic stretching is movement based stretching. It requires working muscles through a range of motion to increase flexibility and mobility. Unlike static stretching, these poses are not held.
YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD!
I am proof that you aren’t too old. Although I admit I’m still not a fan of stretching, I now do it because I understand how important it is. I can’t say it is comfortable just yet but I imagine it will become more so with practice. If you are new to stretching, go slowly so you don’t hurt yourself and gradually build up the amount of time you hold a static stretch as well as how often you do it.
INFLEXIBLE
John and I have a dear friend who is about 5 years younger than we are. We occasionally tease him because he absolutely cannot sit in the “Criss-cross applesauce” position because he is so inflexible. I’ve thought of him many times as I’ve embarked on my new stretching routine. Sworkit.com reports that stretching helps with flexibility, decreases the risk of lower back pain, promotes circulation, prepares the body for exercise, improves functional performance, reduces muscle tension, enhances muscle relaxation, helps reduce and manage stress , improves posture, helps relieve post exercise aches and pains, could help reduce your risk of injury as well as decrease muscle stiffness and increase range of motion.
HDD
In case you don’t know, here at HDD, we are able to see your muscles (hopefully they are nice and stretched out,) joints, tendons, ligaments nerves and joints with musculoskeletal ultrasound. If you and your provider determine diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
Happy stretching!
by Kristi Jain | Feb 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
It’s time again for the hump day blog. I hope this week finds you happy, healthy and ready to tackle the rest of the week. I’m sure today is filled to the brim with a laundry list of “to do’s” that grows by the minute. Where on earth do we begin? Unless you are in intermittent faster, let’s start with breakfast.
WHAT’S FOR BREAKFAST?
Try starting your day with the most difficult item on your to do list. John always calls the most arduous tasks of the day “eating frogs.” If you tackle the most undesirable things first, other tasks become much more palatable. If you eat a frog for breakfast, everything else you eat that day tastes better!
FROG DAY
Was it a successful day or did you encounter a failure? In attempting to keep the blogs uplifting and positive, let’s substitute the word feedback for failure. If things didn’t go exactly as you anticipated today, think about the kind of feedback you received that made you realize there are improvements to be made. Don’t get your knickers in a twist. Remember there is a new selection on the breakfast menu tomorrow morning. Wake up with a powerful hunger to swallow that frog, deal with that issue, have that conversation then move on!
THE GREATEST LESSON
The biggest problem you face today could be the thing that teaches you your greatest lesson. Are you tuned in and receptive? Look for opportunities in opposition. Hear the word feedback instead of failure. If at first you don’t succeed, keep after it. Don’t back down. Develop a taste for frogs!
STUBBORN
Have you ever been accused of being stubborn? I’m guilty as charged. It is probably not one of the finer personality traits we possess. Think about why you do the things you do. Is it because it is the correct way, or is it because it is your way? Perhaps someone else might have an idea that can be even more workable than the one you conjured up. Try this experiment. Stop being stubborn.
GET CHECKED
Let me ask you this. How is your health? I’d be rich if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard someone way, “If I have something wrong with me, I don’t want to know.” Woulda, coulda, shoulda doesn’t need to be part of your vocabulary. Illness or disease doesn’t give a rip if you are a procrastinator, don’t prefer frogs or are just plain stubborn. Listen to your body. If you have concerns or symptoms, get checked. The colonoscopy is not comfortable, the MRI is scary, ultrasound is unfamiliar and needles make your knees weak. Are these good excuses to not get checked? Only if you aren’t interested in early detection and prevention.
HDD
Why don’t you check the box on your to do list and eat that frog that has been trying to get your attention. It is the breakfast of champions. If it involves diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog inspiration comes from a social/business luncheon I recently attended. There were approximately 75 people in attendance. I observed different interactions among the crowd. Some were extroverts and had no problem shaking hands and looking you in the eye. Others felt more comfortable from the safety of their table.
OBSERVATION
I fall into the extrovert category and can make conversation with a rock. Those in the introvert category may want to avoid folks like me like the plague. I observed those who made eye contact and those who chose not to. There is no good, bad, right or wrong, simply an observation in non-verbal communication.
COMMUNICATION
These interactions got me thinking, “I wonder what my eyes are saying?” If asked, I would say my eye contact would convey a welcoming, approachable kind of person. Others might avoid such contact as it could be awkward and uncomfortable. It is a fact that people can communicate with their eyes while never uttering a sound. Our eyes can communicate emotion and interest or lack thereof.
EASY?
Those who looked me in the eye made me feel as though my presence mattered. Seriously, who doesn’t want to feel like they matter? Eye contact may not come easy to everyone. As a matter of fact, it can be downright painful for some. Although it is normal and natural for many of us, it is definitely an acquired skill yet a very important one.
FOR EXAMPLE…
A few years ago, John and I sat in a meeting with a prominent politician here in town. There were three gentlemen in the meeting as well as myself. This politician went on his diatribe, shared eye contact with the other two gentlemen yet not once did he make eye contact with me. My assumption was that he didn’t desire my presence. Perhaps that wasn’t his intention but that’s what his lack of eye contact conveyed to me. To this day when I hear his name, I’m simply not a fan.
VITAL
Eye contact during a conversation is vital (crucial really) and shows attentiveness and interest in what is being said. Similar to a conversation, eye contact goes back and forth between those who are engaged in a discussion.
INTERESTING
An interesting fact from www.betterup.com says research has shown that eye contact activates the limbic mirror system. This means that the same neurons that are firing in someone’s brain will also fire in yours when you share eye contact with them. Interesting! Eye contact shows and earns respect. Looking away too quickly when you break eye contact can make you appear nervous, shy or lack confidence.
HDD
If I could see you, I’d look you directly in the eye and tell you that if you and your provider determine diagnostic ultrasound it indicated, you have come to the right place. You can expect outstanding, prompt and professional service from our team of friendly, experienced and qualified staff from your first phone call to the final report that is delivered to your provider. Call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog is something I find interesting and would not have given much credence to prior to a few months ago. That is before I did some extensive research. The subject matter is intermittent fasting. Why you ask? Let me tell you what I’ve learned.
ANOTHER FAD?
A few months ago, I rejected the idea of intermittent fasting. I lumped it into the category with other fad diets, weight loss gimmicks and other nonsensical miracle quick fixes. Research is showing that it has numerous health benefits including but not limited to weight loss!
EXPLANATION
Intermittent fasting means that you don’t eat for a period of time each day or week. There are different approaches from alternate day fasting to daily time restricted fasting. Obviously, approaches and results vary.
CHANGES
Fasting changes where your body gets its energy. Typically, your energy comes from sugar. If you eat continually or sporadically while awake and don’t exercise, your body runs on the calories you consume. If you don’t use all the sugar you ingest during the day, your body stores it as fat. When you go for hours without eating, your body eventually runs out of stored sugars to use. Instead, it begins to burn fat for energy. If you opt for intermittent fasting, be active throughout the day so you don’t lose muscle while torching fat.
HEALTH IMPROVEMENT
Losing weight and being physically active helps lower your risk of obesity related diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnea and some types of cancer. Healthline.com gives us a few evidence- based benefits of intermittent fasting (AKA IF).
- IF helps you eat fewer calories while boosting slightly metabolism. It’s an effective tool to lose weight and visceral fat.
- IF decreases your risk for diabetes by controlling blood sugar and reducing your body’s resistance to insulin, the hormone that helps control the amount of sugar in the blood.
- IF reduces oxidative damage and inflammation in the body helping to slow the aging process and the development of numerous diseases.
- Studies show that IF can improve numerous risk factors for heart disease such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers.
- Fasting triggers a metabolic pathway called autophagy which removes waste material from cells.
- IF may have important benefits for brain health. It may increase growth of new neurons, protect the brain from damage as well as neuro degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
While intermittent fasting is safe for many people it is not for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney stones, diabetes, eating disorders or other medical issues, consult your health care provider. Although it’s not always easy, it is definitely not difficult and like anything else, it requires patience and commitment to reap the benefits.
HDD
I hope you found the content of today’s blog interesting and informative. John and I are planning on this IF endeavor to become part of a healthier lifestyle. Whatever lifestyle or improved health plan you embark upon, if you and your health care provider determine diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
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