by Kristi Jain | Aug 14, 2024 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog discusses the idea of fun. I don’t believe there is a soul among us who doesn’t love to have fun. I haven’t heard it in a while but there is an old saying that “Blondes have more fun.” It could be true. I wouldn’t know because I am a brunette. Do highlights count? No matter what your hair color is, do you like to have fun?
MARILYN
When I mention the name Marilyn Monroe, your mind immediately goes to the platinum bombshell with the infectious smile. Her image was always captured having fun. What was her secret? Was she having so much fun because she was beautiful, rich and famous? Although who wouldn’t want to be any of those things, there is more to fun than what meets the eye.
HEALTHY
This morning’s You Tube video inspired me. It talked about healthy content people whose relationships and activities are meaningful. It suggested that healthy people are more fun. Is this true? The question is, are you any fun, but more importantly, are you healthy?
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The characteristics of healthy people are physical, mental and emotional. Some mental and emotional characteristics include someone who is self-aware, is an effective communicator, deals with stress effectively, is flexible, adaptable, respectful, empathetic, competent and is able to bounce back from adversity.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Here are some physical characteristics you might consider. Is your weight in the expected range, do you have good posture, do you have healthy skin and a steady heartbeat? Are you flexible, do you have a reasonable amount of endurance and strength, do you breathe easily, are your eyes clear, do you keep your vices under control and do you sleep well? Of course, coming from good genetic stock is doesn’t hurt.
HEALTHY PEOPLE ARE NO FUN
Wrong! Healthy people are a bunch of fun. They enjoy days filled with activities and energy that a healthy body allows. It should come as no surprise that healthy people treat themselves. Imagine a life that eliminates an occasional indulgence. No thanks! Pizza and beer sometimes happen. Life isn’t always fun without a little excess.
TREATS
Treats don’t always have to involve forbidden food and a skipped workout. How about a massage, a mani-pedi, a drive to the mountains or a good book? A happy, healthy life involves enjoying the experience, whatever it may be. Allow yourself to have fun.
OPTIMAL HEALTH
If you are in constant pain, have ailments or afflictions, it is harder to have fun. Been there done that. If you find yourself in the above-mentioned category, to the degree that you are able, try to unlock the power of good food, supplements, meditation, prayer, positivity and a hopeful outlook. Healthy people think, practice and behave differently. Observe the habits of healthy happy people. Emulate and adopt some of these behaviors in an effort to achieve optimal health. If HDD can be of assistance in the diagnosis on the road to optimal health, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Aug 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog centers around the idea of expiration. Let’s face facts. Everything in existence will eventually expire. Everything from a food item, medication, a job, a contract, and although tough to think about, the people we love as well as ourselves, will all one day expire. What exactly is that date of expiration?
EEEOOOWWW
Recently John and I returned home from a short trip. After unpacking, I opened the fridge to see what the dinner possibilities were. Eeeooowww! I nearly passed out from the stench emitting from the fridge. After opening every container, I discovered leftover fried rice has a shorter shelf life than I recall. Who knew?
EXPIRED FOOD
After doing a little research, I found out the expiration date or “sell by” date (which incidentally is a guideline for stores to switch their inventory) on any given food items are actually just guidelines. Like everything else, there are exceptions to every rule. Most food is perfectly good past their expiration date. It is suggested that perhaps we should stop wasting so much food simply due to an expiration date. Check your items carefully. I read that the FDA says that food is not necessarily dangerous past their “sell by” date or their “best used by” date. It is merely a suggestion.
WHAT ABOUT MEDICINE?
Interestingly, I read that medication can still be taken even after its expiration date. I did some research and found the FDA added expiration dates back in 1979 to be 1-5 years beyond the date of manufacture. Taking it before the date of expiration guarantees 100% potency. I confess to taking medication past the expiration date and am alive to tell about it. Taking medication beyond the expiration date, (if stored in a cool dry place) is thought to not be unsafe and only slightly less effective. Consider there is probably a change in chemical composition that could prove dangerous. Heed what the FDA has to say then decide if you should take Advil from the jumbo jug you bought at Costco 10 years ago!
THINGS THAT DO EXPIRE
Your body changes daily. As the matter of fact, I read that by the time you finish reading this sentence, 50 million of your cells will have died and been replaced by others. Why are fat cells so stubborn? If you were given a glowing report of good health in the past, don’t assume that is true for all time. That report will change and expire. Even those with the best of intentions who try to be health conscious, eat reasonably well, and exercise may not be granted good health from one year to the next. There is a reason yearly physical exams are recommended.
HDD
It is important to have your overall health monitored and have those exams and testing done to be on the safe side. Early detection saves lives. Remember that diagnostic ultrasound can detect things that lie beneath the surface. If ultrasound is indicated call at 505-363-8489.
by Kristi Jain | Jul 31, 2024 | Uncategorized
Hello and thanks for taking time to read this week’s blog. I’d like to relay 2 different experiences I had recently and the dichotomy between the two. One is a prime example of exuberance and positivity while the other is that of chronic complaint and negativity. Both instances are my clients in their early 80’s. The difference in attitude between both inspired today’s blog. See if this story has you doing some soul searching.
LET’S CALL HER ANN
Example number one is a long-time client of mine. For the sake of the blog, I’ll call her “Ann.” She is a stunningly beautiful human being both inside and out. Her history involves the loss of two husbands, one of which suffered Alzheimer’s, she battled breast cancer including a mastectomy, melanoma, and a difficult knee replacement a few years ago. She has had her share of hard knocks yet exudes positivity. I adore her.
ENTER ELLA
While I also love “Ella”, she is unable to muster much positivity about anything. She has also had her share of hard knocks. Most who have circled the sun 80 plus years might tell you the same. Some people have the innate ability to focus on joy while others tend to ruminate on bleakness. Bless Ella’s heart. She falls into the latter category. Both clients have a piece of my heart, yet I find exceptional joy spending time with the one who makes an effort to be positive. These examples help me put my own attitude in check.
ESCHEW NEGATIVITY!
There is no question that emotions and thoughts can affect your health. Negative emotions can zap mental energy and negatively affect the body leading to health problems. Negativity can lead to chronic stress which upsets the hormone balance of the body, depletes the brain chemicals required for happiness and can damage the immune system. Chronic stress can actually decrease our lifespan.
ON THE OTHER HAND…
Studies show that positive emotions benefit you in many ways including faster recovery from disease, better sleep, fewer illnesses, and a greater sense of overall happiness. With practice and mindfulness, we can learn to develop a mindset of positivity, gratitude, joy, good health, and wellbeing even though sometimes circumstances make it a bit more challenging.
FILL YOUR CUP
Think about yourself for a minute. When you interact with others, do you fill their proverbial cup? If your cup is empty due to mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion, it is impossible to pour from an empty cup. Think about ways to fill your cup and recharge your batteries.
“It’s not about whether the glass is half-empty or half-full, it’s about making the most of whatever is in the glass.”
-Rachel Wojo
HDD
We are concerned for your health and sincerely hope that you find a way to fill your cup if you find it is only half full. These are challenging times. Keep your chin up and keep reaching for the stars. If we can help, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Jul 24, 2024 | Uncategorized
Today’s HDD blog is about creatures. You may wonder what creatures have to do with ultrasound or healthcare. The answer is probably more than you think. We are all living creatures, but we are especially creatures of habit. Do you find yourself doing things strictly out of habit? Read on and see if any of these creature habits sound familiar.
SERIOUSLY?
This past week, I decided to sit down and read an old-fashioned book with paper pages and a hard cover. Remember those? As I neared the bottom of the page, I automatically used my index finger to scroll up the paper page to advance it. Seriously? Apparently I’m used to reading a screen not a real book. I’m such a creature of habit.
LETTING GO
The following quote is especially profound as we are required to change, adapt, reconsider and reevaluate old habits and beliefs as we navigate through the challenges we find our planet in.
“It is hard to let old beliefs go. They are familiar. We are comfortable with them and have spent years building systems and developing habits that depend on them. Like a man who has worn eyeglasses for so long that he forgets he has them on, we forget that the world looks to us the way it does because we have become used to seeing it that way through a particular set of lenses. Today, however, we need new lenses, and we need to throw the old ones away.”
-Kenichi Ohmae
WE LIKE WHAT WE KNOW
Do you find yourself eating the same foods, purchasing the same items, shopping at the same stores, and doing the same routines simply cause you’ve always done it that way? Are you sporting the same hairstyle you did 25 years ago? Do you see the same physician you did as a kid even though he is nearing his 85th birthday? Being creatures of habit, I’d venture to say we like what we know, we don’t always know what we like.
VENTURE OUT
I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try something different. Venture out into uncharted waters. You already know what you like and what feels comfortable. Take a walk on the wild side and see if breaking some of your old habits may be of benefit to you. Look to find new things from unexpected sources.
HAVE YOU EVER…
Have you ever had an ultrasound exam? If you’ve been pregnant, have blood flow issues, heart problems, blood clots, or abdominal problems, just to name a few, then you probably have. If you’ve had a medical procedure or injection where the doctor needs guidance to see what lies beneath your skin, they might require ultrasound guidance. This is where we step in!
HDD
If your healthcare provider recommends ultrasound, ask if being seen by the experienced, professional staff at High Desert Doppler is an option. If calling on HDD isn’t on your radar as a rule of thumb or a habit, we urge you to give us a try. Call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Jul 17, 2024 | Uncategorized
The subject for this week’s blog is something most of us can relate to. The concept is so basic, human, simple, relatable and refreshing, yet often it is something we opt not to do. It really requires zero to little effort to readjust the mindset to just do what is expected. What is it?
SHOW UP
We show up for daily for things like work, meetings, engagements, appointments, events, commitments and other obligations. Ask yourself this question. When you show up, do you fully and completely show up and commit or do you allow those distractions?
POWER
I read on article on www.shondaland.com where a fellow by the name of Pete Davis, a Harvard Law graduate gave a commencement speech about the power of showing up and committing. I will synopsize by saying when we are pulled in many different directions, we are not giving anything our full attention. We are in infinite browsing mode. We worry that we are missing out if we don’t take that call or respond to that text. We can be present in the physical sense yet far away in our thoughts and actions. Guilty as charged. What lies on the other side of missing out? The depth of joy by showing those you are with the honor and respect of being totally and completely present in the moment. With the exception of an emergency, the call, text or photo opportunity can probably wait.
UNCONDITIONAL ATTENTION
Showing up and giving unconditional attention is an integral part of strong and important relationships. It is a reflection of your integrity. Showing up is half the battle. It involves physical and emotional presence. Be attuned to the feelings of others. Psychology today says that showing up is sometimes for ourselves and sometimes for others. Whether our relationships are strong or fractured, simply showing up and being there is what nourishes and strengthens those relationships and the connection points that make and keep them vibrant and alive.”
QUOTES
“Showing up is half the battle. Success is not about being the best. It’s about showing up when others choose to stay home. Every day you show up, you’re investing in your future self. Don’t underestimate the power of attendance.”
-Maya Angelou
“The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, It’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome.”
-Brene Brown
“Show up messy. Show up imperfect. Just keep showing up.”
-Jenna Kutcher
“You can beat 80% of the competition just by showing up.
-Harvey Mackay
“Don’t mistake routine for commitment. Just showing up is not enough.
-Tommy Amaker
“The world is run by those who show up.”
-Unknown
HDD
At HDD, we are totally and completely committed to do what is expected of us. We consistently show up and provide you with prompt often same day service for your diagnostic ultrasound needs. If you and your provider determine that an ultrasound study is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Jul 10, 2024 | Uncategorized
Thank you for dropping by to see what this week’s blog has to offer. Today we will touch on something everyone makes fairly often, if not daily. We all make them yet no one likes them and most people are afraid of them. What am I referring to? Read on and find out.
MISTAKES
This morning I listened to an incredible podcast. Along with myriad inspiration, the thing that stood out to me was the idea of making mistakes. Have you made any today? Me too. Suffice it to say, mistakes will inevitably happen. The question becomes, how will we deal with them?
THEY HAPPEN
Mistakes are decisions and actions taken that may not have been the best option. For example, they can happen due to lack of attention to detail, dealing with incomplete information as well as becoming reactive instead of proactive. Often mistakes happen during periods of fatigue, stress, high emotion, conflict, misunderstandings, disagreements, miscommunication, errors in judgement and poor decision making.
REPEAT AFTER ME
I made a mistake but I learned. An article by Linked.com says that if you talk to any successful entrepreneur, scientist, politician or athlete, they all have the same thing to say about mistakes. They are inevitable and play a crucial role in achieving success. It goes on to say that mistakes aren’t setbacks, they are opportunities. Each time you blunder, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. By accepting our missteps and using them to power our progress, we can turn failure into success!
STOP
Wikihow.com give is some examples on how to stop making careless mistakes.
- Figure out why you made the mistake.
- Keep track of patterns with mistakes.
- Prepare for tasks.
- Slow down.
- Leave time to double check
- Stay in the moment.
- Do one thing at a time.
- Utilize checklists and to-do lists.
- Prioritize your tasks each day.
- Set reminders on your phone.
- Use a calendar for time sensitive events.
- Learn from your mistakes.
QUOTES
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
-Thomas Alva Edison
“Experience is simply the name we give to our mistakes.”
-Oscar Wilde
“Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.”
-Benjamin Franklin
“Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts.”
-Nikki Giovanni
“What is done cannot be undone, but at least one can keep it from happening again.”
-Anne Frank
HDD
Make no mistake. At HDD we are all in this together to make your visit with us a positive experience. Our highly professional and experienced team of experts strive for perfection. We encourage you to communicate with us so that your visit will be pleasant, courteous, efficient and informative. If a diagnostic ultrasound appointment is on your radar, it is never a mistake to choose High Desert Doppler. Call us today at 505-350-3397.
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