by Kristi Jain | Jun 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
Hello from rainy New Mexico! Yes, you heard me correctly. I realize when you think of New Mexico, you associate us with being the drought capital of the southwest. You would not be wrong. Sadly, recent wildfires have ravaged our state. Needless to say, we welcome the rain!
SINGING IN THE RAIN
I am one of those souls who loves the rain. I adore the scent of a good storm, and the way the earth responds to a steady rainfall. I can’t say I necessarily want to go sing and dance in the rain however, a cup of tea or a glass of wine, a good book or movie on a rainy day is one of life’s little pleasures.
EEYORE
A gloomy, rainy day might make one think of Eeyore. Eeyore is a fictional character in Winnie-the-Pooh who is characterized as a pessimistic, gloomy, anhedonic little donkey who is ill adept at finding the bright side of life. He perpetually lives life under a cloud. I know folks who hate clouds and rain. Some react poorly to changes in barometric pressure associated with incoming storms which leaves them achy, depressed and not feeling well. If you are one, remember this too shall pass. On the other hand, many rejoice in it. Let’s look at the benefits of rain.
PLUVIOPHILES?
You may be wondering what is a pluviophile. By definition, pluviophiles are people who love rain! You definitely won’t be one who bellyaches about the wet and cold. If you are a person who is exuberant when it rains, there is a good chance you are generally more cheerful the rest of the time as well. Cheerful people tend to be more optimistic, happy and healthy.
A FEW GOOD REASONS
I read an article on curiousmindmagazine.com that gives us a few reasons why people enjoy the rain. Incidentally none of which are remotely related to ultrasound in case you were wondering.
- The air is fresher and cleaner after it rains.
- The smell of rain has a soothing effect.
- Taking a walk in the rain helps you exercise longer and faster.
- Doing physical exercises in wet weather burns more fat and calories that exercising in warm weather.
- Taking a walk in the rain benefits your skin and hair.
- Taking a stroll on a rainy day helps you relax since the streets are less crowded.
QUOTES
“Some people walk in the rain; others just get wet.”
-Roger Miller
“The nicest thing about rain is that it always stops. Eventually.”
-Eeyore
“Only a select few are able to see the true beauty that lies behind what just might seem like a rainy day or a grey sky.”
-Jessica M. Laar
“Regardless of sunshine or rain, be thankful for another great day and treat life as the ultimate gift…because it is.”
-Pablo
HDD
Although we can’t predict the weather, we can help forecast future physical problems or lack thereof. We see what lies beneath the surface. If diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Jun 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
Hello and thank you for stopping in. Today’s blog comes to you from the confines of Covid isolation. Yes, it’s true. Covid hit our happy, normally healthy home. We have managed to escape the beast for 26 months, then…bam! I hate to be a downer but sometimes we need to deal with reality. It isn’t gone!
IMPERVIOUS
I humbly admit, I let my guard down. Once the dreaded mask mandate was lifted and social distancing became a bit of annoying history, my mind told me I was not impervious, but well protected due to being double vaccinated and boosted. Think again. We don’t know what strain hit us, but it really doesn’t matter at this point does it?
FEELINGS
My reason for publishing such personal information in a public forum is this. I want to remind you, don’t put your head in the sand. Covid is alive and well and we are just 2 more examples of it. Along with the obvious signs and symptoms comes the things people don’t often discuss which are the feelings all this generates.
ISOLATION
For those of you who have not yet suffered a setback, be grateful. Many can relate to the feelings of frustration and lack of control an illness or injury brings. One of my BFF’s is suffering from a pinched nerve in her back and experiencing similar feelings. Granted, a mild form of covid and a bad back is not like dealing with cancer or another devasting diagnosis, but illness, pain, frustration and sadness are universal feelings when they belong to you.
COPING
Suffice it to say, there are myriad emotions that accompany illness or injury. Now that it has affected me and mine, I have a newfound empathy for those who have been down this road. I am a female, Gemini, personality type A who finds it inconceivable to be still for any length of time. I am now in day 11 of isolation and finding it challenging to cope with being homebound. Are my feelings normal?
ALL THE THINGS…
This is a reminder that all the things you may be feeling are legit! You are not a weenie if you feel sad, angry or irritable. Moodiness, sleeplessness, loss of interest, changes in self-esteem, and concerns about physical appearance are a real thing. Due to a recent surgery followed by Covid, I haven’t worked in 5 weeks. Talk about a feeling of loss of control!
A FEW IDEAS
Here are some coping strategies brought to you by www.helpguide.org.
- Allow yourself to feel.
- Be patient with the pace of treatment and recovery.
- Be open to change.
- Choose the support that’s right for you.
- Don’t let worries about being a burden keep you from reaching out.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Adopt a relaxation practice.
- Get enough sleep.
- Be as active as possible.
HELP
Doing research for this blog was surprisingly helpful for me personally. If you are compromised, I hope it may help you as well! As always, if we at HDD can help you with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Jun 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
Hello again! This week’s blog discusses something each of us has or will face at some point and that is drama and its effect on your health. Whether we create it, participate in it or avoid it at all costs, it seems to be prevalent. Lets talk about who, what, when where and why.
YOU KNOW THE KIND…
Perhaps you’ve been privileged to know at least one “Drama Queen.” If so, you recognize their insatiable thirst for validation that often comes in the form of drama. It takes very little to get the “drama wheels” in motion. Strap yourself in. It can be quite a ride.
DRAMA
The definition of drama is (slang) Rumor, lying or exaggerated reaction to life events; an angry dispute or scene; intrigue or spiteful interpersonal maneuvering. Noun.
CONTAGION
If you bear witness to drama, you understand that it is an attention-seeking attitude that can be quite contagious. Those so called “drama queens” enjoy being the center of the lives of everyone around them. It can be physically, mentally and emotionally unhealthy. How do you steer clear and avoid drama like the plague?
ADVICE FOR THOSE INFECTED
Today, kentuckycounselingcenter.com gives us advice on how to protect your mental space when overly dramatic people infect you and disturb your peace.
- Remember to accept that they most likely won’t change.
- Expect complicated situations to happen. When they do, remain calm and step away from the drama.
- Remember it is rarely about you and more often about them and their own issues and insecurities.
- Don’t feel obligated to solve their problems, instead, set healthy boundaries and offer only what you can and are able.
- Trust that not everyone appreciates drama. Seek the support of a friend who can relate. Just because you want to be in the loop doesn’t mean you want the drama.
EMOTIONAL/PHYSICAL HEALTH
An article from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov reports that emotional distress can create susceptibility to physical illness. “Emotional health is defined as “being confident and positive and able to cope with the ups and downs of life.” Several epidemiological studies have shown that social and emotional support can protect against premature mortality, prevent illness and aid recovery.
WELLBEING
Better Health Channel informs us that “Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It’s a complex combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social health factors. Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. In short, wellbeing could be describing as how you feel about yourself and your life.”
MAKE A CHANGE
If wellbeing isn’t something the describes you, perhaps it is time to make a shift in your paradigm. Let the drama queens relish in their world as you shift into what you truly need and desire in your journey to become your healthiest, happiest, authentic self.
HDD
In summary, physical, mental and emotional health go hand in hand. Ditch the drama. If we at HDD can aid in your road to physical health via diagnostic imaging, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | May 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
As I sit down this morning, draining the last few drops of the coffee in my mug, I was writing this week’s blog in hopes that it might inspire, entertain, inform or motivate you. If the words in this blog can be of help to you in some way shape or form, I have done my job. See if this it has anything to offer you.
FEEDBACK
A friend recently commented that the inspiration that is occasionally included in the blogs shows up for her at just the right time. A patient we saw recently sent feedback that said, a few words from our blog gave him the courage to contact his doctor about a medical issue he was nervous about.
COURAGE
When I hear or see the word courage, immediately I envision the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. On that note, the Tin Man was in serious need of a heart and the Scarecrow had his heart set on a brain. Let’s be honest. We can all use a bit more of each of the above mentioned, right?
WE ARE ALL EQUIPPED
Although some may argue, we are all come equipped with a heart and a brain. So, is what we need is some more courage? Is there an issue you need to confront, but you are afraid to speak up? Is your body telling you something is not right, but you hesitate to get checked because you “don’t want to know?” Perhaps you should tap into your supply and muster up some courage.
FIVE SECOND RULE
Often, I get my blog inspiration from inspirational and motivational speakers. Recently, You Tube introduced to a woman named Mel Robbins. Her latest book discusses “The 5 second Rule.” We are not talking about the “food hitting the ground” 5 second rule. Ms. Robbins suggests when you get a thought, if you don’t act on it, it takes only 5 seconds for your brain to figure out a reason why you shouldn’t do it. Doing it requires courage.
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING?
It isn’t always possible to stop what you’re doing and act on every thought that enters your mind. It is possible to jot down your idea down for later before you forget.
A GOOD FIND
Mel Robbins was a good find for me and I hope her 5 second rule is something you might consider. She says,
- “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
- “When I lost all of my excuses, I found all of my results.”
- “One moment of courage can change your day, and one day can change your life.”
HDD
If there is a healthcare situation you are avoiding, gather your courage and make the call. That call can be lifesaving. Deep vein thrombosis, blockage in your veins or arteries, or a heart condition don’t wait for you to gather courage. Knowing what you need to do to improve your life takes wisdom. Pushing yourself to do it takes courage. If we can help, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | May 18, 2022 | Uncategorized
The blog du jour will touch on the idea of rules and rule following. If someone ordered you to sit down every Wednesday at 9:00am to read the weekly blog, you might resist thinking, “I’ll read it at my leisure if I read it at all. You can’t tell me what to do or when to do it.” That is a ridiculous rule!
THAT MAKES NO SENSE
I will tell you right off the bat, for the most part, I am a rule follower. I am married to a rule follower if the rule makes sense. Some say rules are made to be broken while others believe there are good reasons rules exist. There is a valid argument for both points of view.
ARE YOU A RULE FOLLOWER?
If a rule is generally reasonable, most of us are willing to comply. Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline gives us a few questions to ponder if we are deciding if we are going to be a rule follower or a rule breaker.
- What is the rule?
- Whose rule is it?
- What is the rule’s purpose?
- Is there a compelling reason to break the rule?
- What are the consequences of breaking it?
DOS AND DON’TS
The reason for today’s blog about rules is, I have recently undergone a medical procedure. I was given a pretty hefty booklet of “dos and don’ts” to follow both prior to and after the procedure. I won’t go so far as to say they are rules, but these recommendations are strongly suggested the patient follow to insure a successful procedure and recovery.
OPINIONS ARE LIKE NOSE HAIR
Opinions are like nose hair. Everyone has them. I have a friend who has undergone a procedure similar to the one that I recently had. Her provider gave her much different restrictions than the ones I was given. Her doc is pretty lenient about when she can start to resume normal activities. Mine is quite a bit more conservative. Common sense tells us the body takes time to heal. It is better safe than sorry.
THE BRAIN WON’T STOP
Most of us have had countless medical issues that require compliance in once way or another. I speak from experience, the brain says one thing while the body says another. After my procedure, my brain is saying it’s time to get back to normal life. It won’t stop thinking of all the things I need to get done. On the other hand, my body is reminding me it’s too soon. Listen to the voice of reason and err on the side of caution. It is worth repeating, it is better safe than sorry.
HDD
If you and your provider need answers to medical issues that diagnostic ultrasound can help detect, let us know. There are no rules other than communicationg your concerns with your provider and following the advice of your chosen medical professional to stay in optimum health. If we can help, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | May 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog discusses the idea of tackling. No, I don’t mean on the football field. I’m referring to the idea of tackling challenges. In my experience, avoidance and procrastination leads to stress. Often, if you don’t tackle a challenge, it may fall by the wayside. Sometimes it is better to just get ‘er done!
PROCRASTINATION
As we all know, each day presents us with both expected and unexpected challenges. Some are good and some aren’t. Occasionally, those less than pleasant challenges are easily put on the back burner till we muster the courage to tackle them. Enter procrastination.
TACKLE
Life is full of ups and downs. One moment you think you’ve got a situation handled and the very next it kicks you square in the keister. A website called “University of the People” gave me a few reminders on how to overcome challenges that I like to share. These are all things we already know, but a reminder is certainly refreshing.
- Accept and let go. This is your life at this time. Remember everything is temporary and accepting it may help you let go of stress, anxiety and fear. Meditation is a great way to learn and practice acceptance.
- Observe and decide. When facing a challenge, step back from your feelings as you devise a plan. Although it is important to acknowledge your feelings, when you decide on an action plan, you want to be as objective as possible.
- Face fears and act. Taking action is a huge step in overcoming challenges. It’s possible that a large part of whatever you’re facing is challenging due to underlying fear. Attempt to identify what it is you fear then take steps to mitigate that fear.
- Practice gratitude. The majority of us tend to exist in our comfort zones. When change or challenges are presented, some may find them hard to deal with. Practicing gratitude can help you look at challenge and deal with it in a new way.
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
Take a minute to reflect on your day. How many challenges did you face, how did you deal with them and how might you have handled them in a more effective manner? The bottom line is life is challenging. Persistence and a good old fashioned positive attitude will help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with challenges. Often it comes down to basics. A dear friend of mine often reminded me, “This too shall pass.”
HDD
We at High Desert Doppler are genuinely concerned about your health and the challenges you may face. Remember to listen to your body, as you are the best judge of what is right and what is not quite right. Don’t try to tackle these challenges alone. If you feel something, say something. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. If diagnostic ultrasound if indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
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