by Kristi Jain | Oct 13, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog will cover a bit of necessary medical jargon. Stick with me on this. It could be helpful someday. Most of you that read the blogs are not medical professionals, yet I know a few of you are. The question today is, are medical professionals explaining things thoroughly and are patients understanding?
MEDICAL JARGON
It is important to cover a bit of medical jargon occasionally for those of us who don’t have an extensive knowledge of medical terminology. It is also important for those healthcare professionals to understand many of us don’t understand and extra time needs to be taken to explain.
MY FRIEND
My friend told me that she hasn’t been feeling well. Her doctor ordered blood a test. The test indicated she had high D-dimer. What the heck that is that? I asked her and she also had no clue. It was happening in her own body, yet she had no understanding. Did she not understand the explanation or did the healthcare provider not make it clear? Of course, the first person I ask about this is John Jain. This question is his area of expertise.
JUST IN CASE
I hope you never need to know this information, but just in case, here it goes. Apparently D-dimer is a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis (the breakdown of the fibrin protein in blood clots). D-dimer concentration may be determined by a blood test to help diagnose a thrombosis (blood clot.)
BLOOD CLOTS
Blood clots are fairly common. A thrombus is called a blood clot. It is a healthy response to an injury intended to prevent bleeding but can be thrombosis when clots obstruct blood flow through healthy blood vessels.
PURPLE SOCKS
Back to D-dimer. John explained this to me in layperson terms. Simply because you have high D-dimer doesn’t necessarily mean you have a blood clot. Just because you have a blood clot doesn’t mean you will have high D-dimer. He explained by saying, “Just because you wear socks, doesn’t mean they are purple and just because you own purple socks, doesn’t mean you are wearing them.” Does that simplify it any?
STOP
If you have a medical condition and it gets explained to you in terms that only the chief of surgery can comprehend, STOP! Back that truck up. Ask again and again until you get it. It you are easily overwhelmed or nervous, bring someone with you who can listen, take notes or help remember what you can’t.
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
Informing yourself by asking Siri has its place however, Google and Siri might make you a hypochondriac, scare the heck out of you and throw you into a tailspin of needless worry. It is best to ask a trusted reliable healthcare provider who knows you and your medical history. Remember, one size doesn’t fit all.
HDD
Blood clot = emergency! If you have a concern about blood clots, contact your provider immediately. HDD can help in the diagnosis and treatment of DVT among myriad other conditions. Call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Oct 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog has little to do with ultrasound. It does however concern your health. The subject du jour might be affecting you at this very minute as you use your phone, computer or tablet to read this blog.
OUCH
As you work, study, type, check e-mail, text, play games or do whatever else you use your devices for, do you find yourself tipping your head from side to side in search of that elusive stretch. Why? Your neck hurts!
“TECH NECK”
Tipping side to side, front to back and head rolls may bring relief from what I just discovered is called “tech neck” and it is starting to affect many people in a serious way. The “work from home” phenomenon where the less than optimal workspace seems to be a contributing factor.
WHAT IS IT?
Tech neck is described as the pain experienced when the cervical spine (neck) is tilted forward for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown individuals spend approximately four hours per day staring at their smartphones. The misalignment of your head relative to your neck can cause pain. The average head weighs about 10 to 12 pounds when bent forward. Tipping forward about 60 degrees creates a load of as much as 60 pounds on your neck!
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION…
Have you seen people with hump at the base of their neck? It is called kyphosis and is more commonly known as dowager’s hump. It can result from chronic forward leaning. Along with maintaining good posture, the following tips from goodpath.com could help with dowager’s hump as well as tech neck.
- Evidence shows that regular stretching and strengthening exercise helps improve flexibility and strength of your muscles as well as the ligaments and tendons that support them.
- Take breaks. Research shows break periods are very beneficial in preventing and lessening neck and other musculoskeletal pain by allowing time for you to stretch and change positions. These changes help lessen the effects of maintain a forward head posture.
- Ergonomic changes. Organize your workspace ergonomically to lessen the stress on your body. The couch or your bed with your device on your lap may not be the most ideal position for the health of your neck, shoulders and back.
- Maintaining good posture is the best way to prevent problems.
IN THE LONG RUN
Are there long-term effect of untreated tech neck? The answer seems to be yes. Due to the anatomy of your neck and nearby structures, headaches, shoulder pain and upper back pain are possible. Continued wear and tear on the neck leads to changes in the cartilage and vertebrae of the cervical spine. Over time, the spinal nerves may be affected (pinched nerve.)
HDD
High Desert Doppler can’t help with your tech neck. Only you can prevent that. We can however help when musculoskeletal ultrasound is indicated. We can see detailed, real-time ultrasound images of muscles, joints and cartilage. If we can help, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Sep 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
During a recent gym visit, I noticed one of the trainers sporting a t-shirt with a saying on the back that caught my eye. If you are sporting a few extra pounds, this is the blog for you. If you are skinny, you may want to tune in as well.
YOU CAN’T OUTRUN YOUR FORK
The t-shirt the trainer was wearing said “You can’t outrun your fork.” Many years ago, that would not have made a bit of sense to me. It certainly does now. So, what exactly does that mean?
80/20
Many have heard the 80/20 rule. When it comes to weight loss, does the adage “80 % diet, 20% exercise” hold true? The answer seems to be yes. According to an article from Women’s Health Magazine, the key to successful weight loss is taking in fewer calories than you burn.
COMBINATION
Remember it is easier to see results when you combine moderate exercise with thoughtful eating. It all comes down to this. It is easier to cut out a few hundred calories from your diet than burn a few hundred calories through working out.
SHOULD I DITCH THE WORKOUT?
Absolutely NOT!!! Exercise is essential to help maintain a healthy body. John and I have a cardiologist friend who reminds us, “No exercise, no dinner”. There is no magic elixir or mystery for weight loss. The secret is out. Clearly, a combination of reduced caloric intake and a reasonable amount of exercise is the elusive magical mystery.
SURVIVOR
Many of you have seen or heard of the TV reality show “Survivor”. The premise for the reality competition is, a group of strangers are placed in an isolated location where they must provide food, shelter and fire for themselves. By the end of the competition, the remaining players have been at their location around 40 days. Their weight loss is shocking. With such a drastic calorie reduction, dramatic weight loss is a given.
NO NEED TO STARVE
What the Survivor contestants prove is that calories do count, and by reducing the number of calories we ingest, weight loss becomes more successful. Just because you are reducing the number of calories you ingest, doesn’t mean you need to starve. It is all about smart choices and moderation.
BE SMART
Whether you are thick or thin, try to be a bit more health conscious. Even skinny people can be dangerously fat on the inside. Research shows that fat can build up around the abdominal organs including the heart, liver and kidneys. It is called visceral fat. This can act as a silent killer because people can have a lot if it despite appearing thin. Watch your diet. Exercise. Be smart. Get checked.
ULTRASOUND
Remember, ultrasound is not a crystal ball, yet it can help us to see what lies beneath the surface. If you and your healthcare provider have questions or concerns as to what is going on inside you, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Sep 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog asks the question, “Do you ever have a gut feeling?” Of course you do. We all do. What studies are now finding is that there is more of a gut/brain connection than previously thought.
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
The medical community is now realizing that gut health and its incredible complexity is more important than ever to our overall health. In the past two decades, numerous studies have shown links between gut health and overall health including the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions and cancer.
WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?
Mercola.com suggests that your brain and gut communicate via the vagus nerve. Recently researchers have come to realize the gut serotonin regulates emotions in a much more complex way than originally thought. Not only can your emotions influence your gut, but your gut can influence your emotions.
PRETTY SIMPLE?
Our digestive system was once thought to be a relatively simple body system comprised of one long tube. You eat, it passes through, then comes out the other end. Simple right? Not so fast. According to Dr. E. M. Quigley, his study on gut bacteria says having a variety of “good gut bacteria” can enhance your immune system function, improve symptoms of depression, help combat obesity and provide numerous other benefits. Not as simple as previously thought.
COMMON SIGNS OF AN UNHEALTHY GUT
- Upset stomach
- A high sugar diet
- Unintentional weight changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Constant fatigue
- Skin irritation
- Autoimmune conditions
- Food intolerance
WHAT CAN I DO?
For one, you can try lowering your stress level which is hard on your body, including your gut. Try getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted shut eye. Eat slowly so you can get full digestion and absorption of nutrients, which help reduce digestive discomfort and maintain a healthy gut. Drink up. No, not martinis. Staying hydrated has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the mucosal lining of the intestine as well as on the balance of “good” bacteria in the gut. Consult your doc before you try prebiotics. They can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live good bacteria. Check for food intolerances. If you have abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, nausea, fatigue and acid reflux just to name a few, you may have a food intolerance and might want to consider changing your eating habits.
YOUR SECOND BRAIN
Can gut health be the key to happiness? Tone up your digestive system. Keep both brains happy and healthy and moving. When waste passes out of your body in an efficient manner, your gut will produce chemicals like serotonin that keep you feeling good.
HDD
Although we are unable to see much in the gut or intestines via ultrasound, give us a call if there is something we can see. Our number is 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Sep 7, 2021 | Uncategorized
I’m glad you joined me to see what the blog du jour has to offer. As I was sitting at the breakfast bar this morning, I was mentally checking off all the things I needed to tackle for the day ahead. The first order of business was a healthy bowl of oats, a few supplements and a large glass of water.
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
Many simply can’t stomach breakfast and opt for a quick cup of joe and a few vitamins. WebMD reminds us that a healthy morning meal can help with a better memory and concentration, lowers levels of “bad” cholesterol and lowers chances of getting diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
SUPPLY THE SUPPLEMENTS
In addition to the morning meal, I take a variety of supplements, one of which is biotin (aka B7.) As middle age approaches, many of us become “follically challenged” aka thinning hair. Although there is little conclusive evidence that biotin works for thinning hair, it remains a popular supplement for hair, skin and nail growth. It is the opinion of some that it stimulates keratin production in the hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth. I did some research about B7 and how it differs from the other B’s.
NOT ALL B’S ARE CREATED EQUAL
The Better Health Channel reports there are 8 types of B vitamins. They include:
- Thiamin (B1) which helps convert glucose into energy.
- Riboflavin (B2) which is involved in energy production and helps vision and skin health.
- Niacin (B3) is essential for the body to convert carbohydrates and fat into energy.
- Pantothenic acid (B5) helps produce red blood cells and steroid hormones.
- Pyridoxine (B6) necessary for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, the formation of red blood cells and certain brain chemicals.
- Biotin (B7) is necessary for energy metabolism, fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism and glycogen synthesis. Too much can contribute to raised blood cholesterol levels.
- Folate or folic acid (B9) is needed to form red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. It helps development of the foetal nervous system, as well as DNA synthesis and cell growth.
- Cyanocobalamin (B12) helps produce and maintain the myelin surrounding nerve cells, mental ability, red blood cell formation and the break down of some fatty and amino acids to produce energy.
A LOT OF INFO
My research yielded a lot of information about B vitamins. I also read about other supplements and the advantages vs disadvantages of taking them. Keep in mind that simply because medication and supplements are readily available over the counter doesn’t mean you should freely ingest them! Do your research. Over ingesting medications or supplements can have deleterious results.
CONSULT A PRO
Many of us are guilty of self-diagnosing and medicating. If you are unsure about a condition, medication or supplement, visit with your healthcare provider to get the answers that are tailored specifically for you. Speaking of consulting a pro, if you and your provider determine diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call High Desert Doppler at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Sep 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
Thanks for reading today’s blog. It was born from some gym experiences I thought I’d share. As you probably know, most gyms are covered in wall to wall mirrors. Mine is no exception. It got me wondering why we have such a need to look at ourselves. Is it a bad thing? Maybe it is a good thing, and we should look at ourselves a bit more carefully and more often. What exactly is your reflection telling you?
IT TAKES ALL KINDS
I’ve belonged to the same gym for about 29 years now. I’ve been witness to the unabashedly narcissistic, the shy and intimidated and those of us in between. Most of us are just “regular people” who are simply there to get a bit of exercise because maintaining our health is important to us. I’m guilty of glancing in the mirror occasionally during my workout. They are everywhere so it is hard to avoid.
REFLECTION
My reflection shows a middle-aged woman with a ponytail, no makeup and sweats doing the best she can with what she has. I can’t compete with folks half my age, nor do I want to. Although my gym experience is less than glamorous, the only reflection this ole’ gal is interested in is my own.
CHOICES
The mirrors serve as a reminder that what we see reflects our choices. What do you see when you look in the mirror? We sometimes tease about the puffed up bodybuilders who spend their life pumping iron and eating a diet that would starve a bird. Their choices and dedication are reflected in their physique. There are those who’s feet have never crossed the threshold of a gym, donned a pair of athletic shoes or have the slightest interest in healthy eating. How do your choices affect your health?
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL
Is the mirror reflecting a somewhat healthy lifestyle or is it the opposite? Can you walk for at least 30 minutes without feeling like you might die? Can you lift something heavier than a 16 oz beer? If so, good for you! If your image is reflecting an overweight, out of breath, low energy individual complaining of chronic aches and pains, perhaps it is trying to tell you something. Remember, mirrors don’t lie!
THE JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES…
Let’s say your reflection is showing you an unhealthy mind, body and spirit. Now what? Get started. You are in competition with no one. Do your personal best with a healthier you as a goal. Do you need to reduce the portions, snuff out the cigarettes, cut back on the booze, and get off the couch? Start with baby steps. Every little thing you do counts. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
HDD
If HDD can help improve what your reflection has to say about you through diagnostic ultrasound, we’d be happy to help. Give us a call at 505-350-3397.
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