by Kristi Jain | Mar 9, 2021 | Uncategorized
Hello again! Today’s blog visits the idea of getting things done. Now that the world is slowing starting to re-emerge from this pandemic, many of us are coming from isolation and stay at home orders to getting back to our jobs, and socialization in a limited capacity. It has been so boring and frustrating. It is high time to get going again (safely of course.)
- (AND MRS.) CLEAN
I don’t know about you however in John’s and my home, things got done during this pandemic. The garage, the closets, the drawers, the fridge and freezer and anything else that needed organization is now officially organized. Things got cleaned. A lot of books got read and to John’s satisfaction, as soon as the courses re-opened, a lot of golf got played.
GET ‘ER DONE!
We are finding our schedules full once again. Twenty-four hours in a day would be super productive if we didn’t sleep for 8 of those hours. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist so when I need something done, I need it done yesterday and perfectly. Who in their right mind would acquiesce to those kinds of demands? Only me, so if I want it done…
IF YOU WANT IT DONE RIGHT
The quote “If you want it done right, do it yourself” is variously attributed to emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, dramatist Charles-Guillaume Etienne and dictator “Zorg” in The Fifth Element. That means we either do absolutely everything ourselves or we learn how to delegate better!
A FEW QUOTES…
I found some quotes by Dr. Andrew Saul who is a biologist and teacher. His area of expertise is in nutrition research and vitamin therapy. He says,
“If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. This especially includes healthcare.”
“No person knows your body better than you. The world’s most sophisticated and sensitive diagnostic apparatus is your body’s own feelings.”
WELLLLLL…
Although there is no argument that nutrition and vitamin therapy are critical when it comes to health care, there may be a difference of opinion when it comes to diagnostic apparatus. While it is absolutely true that no one knows our bodies better than we do, sometimes you need modern technology to aid in diagnostics. Period.
DIAGNOSIS
Without a diagnostic apparatus aka ultrasound machine, I wonder how one might diagnose a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), an abnormality in the heart, circulatory issues, as well as a wide variety of conditions affecting the organs and soft tissues in the body. That’s where we come in.
HDD
Don’t believe everything you read or hear. When it comes to your health, always consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for you. HDD stays abreast of the latest diagnostic technology and brings it to each of our patients. When we want it done right, we do it ourselves. If you and your provider determine diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 2, 2021 | Uncategorized
As always, thank you for taking time to read this week’s blog. Your interest and feedback are what make me continue to write. I’ve been given the highest of compliments in the form of feedback and have been asked how I come up with so many different ideas to support a weekly blog for so many years.
2017
I began writing blogs for High Desert Doppler sometime in 2017. Not having any blog experience, I was asked to give it a try. I can’t say I dove in fearlessly, but I managed. When I look back at my earliest attempts…let’s just say the blogs have improved with experience!
IDEAS
Those of you kind souls who follow our blogs will recall reading about the writers block, lack of subject matter and lack of motivation I’m sometimes plagued with authoring weekly blogs. I look for inspiration in every conversation, picture, article, or story. Obviously, there are only so many blogs that pertain to ultrasound, hence I try to tie some form of healthcare information into them. I am not always successful and today’s blog about houseplants may validate that however…maybe not.
THE BENEFIT OF HOUSEPLANTS?
Seriously? Some might be wondering how that shriveled up, dry, neglected former houseplant will benefit your health in any way shape or form. Yes Sandy, I’m talking to you. The fact is they certainly can benefit your health. See, here is that tie from houseplants into your health as promised. Did you doubt me even for a second?
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN…
Did you know that having houseplants help clean indoor air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity, and producing oxygen? Research has shown rooms with plants have less dust and mold than rooms without any foliage. Not only do plants enhance the appearance of your space (more so when they are alive rather than dead Sandy), they’ve been shown to be therapeutic to care for, can lower levels of anxiety, reduce noise levels, boost mood, productivity, concentration, and creativity.
WHY?
Plants fill an important psychological need. Filling your space and caring for plants can breathe life and color into your space which can in turn boost your mood. Without sounding like a weird plant lady, I read that plants can actually feel and respond to our treatment of them. They have sophisticated systems to detect and respond to light, gravity, temperature, and physical touch. Yes, they also respond to be watered Sandy.
HOW HARD CAN IT BE?
I’m no horticulturist yet I know that simple routine watering and feeding of your plants is not that complicated. Plants have a sense of peace around them. They simply sit around and grow helping to create beauty, life, and a docile sense of calm. Go ahead and give it a try. How hard can it be?
HDD
I hope today’s reminder about ways to improve your health was fun and informative. May I also remind you that if you require diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 505-350-3397. Our office has a lovely collection of plants that Sandy is slowly learning to care for. Let’s hear it for Sandy!
by Kristi Jain | Feb 23, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog asks the question, have you found yourself in the unenviable position of doing something you don’t want to do because you feel like you should? You would rather be somewhere else, yet you find yourself doing what was expected because you don’t have the guts to say “No?” If this is you, read on and see how to just say no.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
The act of saying no when you really don’t want to do something may take a bit of practice. Many can’t say no because they feel guilty or they don’t want to hurt the feelings of others. Remember saying yes to one thing means saying no to another. Choose wisely.
A BIT OF ADVICE
Grammerly.com reminds us that saying no isn’t always easy but it is often necessary. Here are 5 examples of how to say no nicely.
- Cushion your “no” with kindness or a compliment. Give the recipient a few words to feel good about despite the rejection.
- Give your reasons. The person you’re saying no to might appreciate a brief explanation.
- Be brief but not brusque. You don’t always have to explain yourself, but it is considerate to provide an explanation rather than being thoughtless and non-responsive.
- Leave the door open. Sometimes you don’t want to say “no” so much as “not now.”
- Offer an alternative. If your answer is no, suggest an alternative.
SERIAL PEOPLE PLEASERS
Many have a hard time saying no because we are people pleasers. We don’t want to let someone down even if it is the right thing to do. The word no often takes planning. It’s perfectly reasonable to delay your response until you’ve had time to think it through. It becomes easier to then offer an alternative that is more preferable to you.
ART
The art of saying no is empowering. Imagine the freedom when you no longer feel the need to cater to the needs of someone else. You can now make room for what you would rather do. Learning to say no is an essential part of self-care. Setting healthy boundaries is critical in maintaining physical and emotional strength so you can still care for others without losing yourself in the process.
R E S P E C T
After reading that last header, couldn’t you just hear Aretha Franklin belting out her famous R E S P E C T? That being said, when you say no when that is what you really mean, it indicates respect you for yourself as well as the other person because you are being your honest and authentic self. Good for you!
HDD
We prefer to say yes! Yes, we would be happy to assist you with your diagnostic ultrasound needs. Yes, we will see you as soon as humanly possible. Yes, we respect your time and your situation. Do we have all the answers? No. Will we do everything within our power to come up with workable solutions? Yes! Call us at 505-349-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
Hello again! This morning as I sat in the kitchen eating breakfast, I was wondering what the inspiration for this week’s blog would be. As expected, inspiration was in short supply. I continued to search my brain as I munched down the remainder of my Greek yogurt and chopped apple and behold…this week’s blog was born!
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
Greek yogurt and apple sounds a little lackluster and it is. Sometimes I add insult to injury by mixing in a bit of low-fat cottage cheese, some chia seeds, a few nuts that I have on hand and maybe a little honey or monk fruit sweetener. I smoosh it all together and that is normally breakfast. Why would I eat that? Because it is good for me!
AN APPLE A DAY
Remember the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well, it seems there is specific meaning behind that statement because there is truth behind it. The fact is that apples are good for us. Why? Glad you asked.
APPLE FACTS
What exactly does an apple have to offer? Healthlone.com offers the following information.
- Calories: 95
- Carbs: 25 grams
- Fiber :4 grams
- Vitamin C: 14% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Potassium: 6% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI
What’s more, the same serving provides 2-4% of the RDI for manganese, copper, and the vitamins A, E, B1, B2 and B6. Apples are also high in polyphenols. To get the bang for your buck, leave the skin on to receive these health benefits.
WHAT ELSE?
Apples may aid in weight loss because they are filling due to their high fiber content. Apples may promote heart health in myriad ways. They are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol. They also have polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and stroke risk. Eating apples has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This is possible due to their polyphenol antioxidant content. The type of fiber in apples feeds good bacteria and may be the reason they protect against obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
AND IF THAT ISN’T ENOUGH…
Apples have several naturally occurring compounds that may help fight cancer. Observational studies have linked them to a lower risk of cancer. Apples contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help regulate immune responses and protect against asthma. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may promote bone health as well. According to animal studies, apple juice may help prevent the decline of neurotransmitters that are involved in memory.
YOUR HEALTH
It’s almost snack time isn’t it? Put down the donut and grab an apple. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a little far fetched but it couldn’t hurt right?
HDD
We are concerned for your health hence the health-related information included in most blogs. Apples and ultrasound have nothing to do with each other, but may I remind you, should you require diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 9, 2021 | Uncategorized
Hello! In case you hadn’t noticed, the weekly blogs have been missing in action for a few weeks as we have re-designed our web page We are grateful for the pure genius of our web developer, Miguel Martinez, for helping us with this new undertaking. Thanks for your patience. Now, on to our regularly scheduled blog!
REAR VIEW MIRROR
How is the world treating you now that we have 2020 in the rear-view mirror? There is a lot going on. While some have resorted to violence and division, so many of us understand that we can choose to be happy, peaceful, and hopeful.
MEMORIES
One of my childhood memories involved an American humorist by the name of Erma Bombeck. She had a syndicated column describing suburban life from 1965 to 1996. Her column appeared in the newspaper and even though I was young, I appreciated her wisdom.
NO ULTRASOUND REFERENCE TODAY
Normally try to make the blogs relate to healthcare or ultrasound in some way. Today is not one of those days. I don’t claim to be a mental health guru but thought that the inspiration for today’s blog by Ms. Bombeck was a great mental health tune up in a time when we need it. The woman who made the world laugh also had some pretty serious, profound positive thoughts to share.
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding patten if I weren’t there for a day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s” and more “I’m sorry’s.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it…live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
-Erma Bombeck
A REMINDER…
Although the article feels a bit antiquated, the deeper meaning holds true and I am grateful for the reminder. Live your life to its fullest which includes taking better care of yourself. If we can assist you in that endeavor, call us at 505-350-3397
by Migz Martinez | Feb 9, 2021 | Uncategorized
10/28/2020
Here we are deep in the thick of a COVID fall with All Hallows Eve just days away. Halloween will always be one of my favorite celebrations! It will be a bit different this year. Traditional trick or treating and costume parties may be on hold but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a spook-tac-ular celebration. Rather than lamenting about what you can’t do, be grateful for the things you can do. Get creative and have some serious, socially distant, safe fun!
BARE BONES
The Halloween celebration might be down to bare bones, but the fun can be ratcheted up a few notches. How about a creative spooky meal? One year John and I prepared spaghetti and eyeballs with witch finger breadsticks. Another year we started our meal with monster brain dip (guacamole inside a skull) and bat chips (tortillas cut with a bat cookie cutter.) We’ve had meatloaf shaped like a brain drizzled with blood (ketchup) and mashed potato ghosts. Gross, yes. Fun, YES!
SPEAKING OF BONES…
Yes, I have a skeleton hanging from a noose off our bedroom balcony. Mr. Bones is a challenge for me to assemble each year. The head, hands, pelvis, and feet are easy. The bones of the arms and legs take a bit more thought. Each year when I assemble him, it reminds me that our skeleton is a pretty complex piece of machinery.
DID YOU KNOW?
WWW.bidmc.org helped me with a few fun facts about the bones of a human body that might be of interest to you.
- The adult body has 206 of them.
- There are 26 bones in the foot.
- The hand including the wrist contains 54 bones.
- The femur, or thighbone, is the longest and strongest bone of the skeleton.
- The stapes, in the middle ear, is the smallest and lightest bone.
- Arms are among the most commonly broken bones accounting for almost half of all adults’ broken bones.
- The collarbone is the most commonly broken bone among children.
- The only bone not connected to another is the hyoid, a V-shaped bone located at the base of the tongue.
- Bones are made up of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and collagen as well as other minerals.
HDD
You may be wondering what HDD and diagnostic ultrasound have to do with bones and skeletons. The fact is that ultrasound cannot penetrate bone. It can only see the outer surface of bony structure and not what lies beneath. It can however produce pictures of muscles, tendons ligaments, nerves, and joints through the body.
When you and your provider determine diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, we will move our bones as fast as possible to take care of you. Call us at 505-350-3397.
Have a safe and fun Halloween!
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