by Kristi Jain | Mar 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
This beautiful March morning has me pondering my blog idea for tomorrow. Don’t let the fact that this blog is a recycle from last year keep you from reviewing it. I thought it warranted resurrection, hence may I invite you to revisit “The Eisenhower Matrix” blog.
- PRESIDENT
Before I explain the “Eisenhower Matrix” idea, let’s review a brief bit of history. Dwight Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States and served from 1953 to 1962. Before becoming our President, he was a five-star general in the United States Army.
A BIT MORE
He also served as president of Columbia University, became the first Supreme Commander of NATO, and yet found time to enjoy activities like golf and oil painting. He had an amazing ability to sustain his productivity not just weeks and months, but for decades. It is not surprising that his time and task management skills have been widely studied and emulated.
THE EISENHOWER MATRIX
His productivity strategy is known as the “Eisenhower Matrix.” It is a relatively simple decision-making tool you can start to use right now. This comes in handy for those who sometimes struggle with making decisions. The strategy for planning, taking action and organizing tasks is not complicated. It separates your actions based on four possibilities.
- Urgent and important (tasks you will do immediately)
- Important, but not urgent (tasks you will schedule to do later)
- Urgent, but not important (tasks you will delegate to someone else)
- Neither urgent nor important (tasks you can eliminate)
ACCORDING TO PLAN
We live our lives according to some sort of a plan. Is yours going accordingly? It can’t go according to plan if you don’t have one. Often procrastination and laziness prevent us from making a plan in the first place. The question for many is, how do I overcome procrastination? You can always use the “Eisenhower Matrix” to find out what is priority and what isn’t. Take inventory and find out the things you waste time on each day.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Spend a few minutes each morning going over the priorities for the day. Focus on those things that will have the biggest impact on your life. Somethings are unpleasant or uncomfortable. Discomfort isn’t always a bad thing and it can actually be healthy. Identify and track your procrastination impulses. Make sure your tasks have a goal and finally, create accountability for your tasks. When you have someone who is holding you accountable, you are less likely to give up.
PRIORITIES
Is your healthcare high or low on your priority list? If it involves your health, it simply must be priority. Hopefully, it isn’t urgent, but it is important. Do you have a test or screening that was recommended you get, that is still not done? WWED (What would Eisenhower do?) Remember the Eisenhower Matrix and prioritize. If it involves diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 26, 2025 | Uncategorized
Hello! I hope today finds you happy and well as we dive into a new week. We never know what life has in store. What we do know is along with the anticipation of satisfaction, success and joy, it can also bring failure, disappointment, and stress. How do we cope with this?
10,000
While remaining optimistic, we often experience defeat. Buddha once said that every human life contains 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows. There will be equal measures of both happiness and suffering. Accept them as part of the natural flow of existence.
SPECIALIST
Allow me to share a recent experience. I encountered some surly, inept people while attempting to resolve an issue. A routine phone call went immediately south, when I was transferred from one associate to another then eventually to several supervisors. The problem was, not one of them specialized in anything other than delegating my situation to another. I spent an inordinate amount of time being transferred, repeating the same scenario, account number, names, and issues to the next 8 customer care specialists who clearly didn’t care.
REMAIN CALM
As my frustration ascended, my temples began to throb and I felt my sunny disposition fade. I won’t admit to being rude, however I do think my demeanor certainly deteriorated into terse. Why were options so difficult?
BREATHE
Evidently the benefits of deep breathing could save your sanity. If you encounter a situation similar to mine, try focusing on your breathing rather than giving yourself a stroke. Notice how your body responds when you experience negative situations. It starts pumping stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These physical reactions are tied to health problems like cardiovascular disease, insomnia, high blood pressure, indigestion, increased infections and autoimmune disease as well as depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
BENEFITS
Livingthenourishedlife.com suggests the following benefits of deep breathing exercises.
- Muscle relaxation.
- Improved oxygen delivery to the cells in your body.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Endorphins are released.
- Breathing releases harmful toxins from the body.
ROCKET SCIENCE
Deep breathing and relaxation is not rocket science. It is simple. You just have to remember to do it. When you take slow deep breaths, your body will react in positive ways. If this concept is foreign to you, search YouTube for guided breathing meditation or breathing exercises.
ANYWHERE ANYTIME
Although I find it is best to practice breathing techniques in the quiet and comfort of my own home, you can do it anywhere, anytime. I warn you, you might look like a bit of a bonehead sitting in the crowded lobby awaiting the one person with the exclusive knowledge to skillfully troubleshoot your conundrum, as you deep breathe your way to calm. Let them judge. Do what works for you.
STAY HEALTHY
Stressful situations lie ahead. You are in control of how you react. Keep a cool head, practice patience, kindness, breathe deeply and remember, nothing is worth a stress related illness. If diagnostic ultrasound is indicated by your healthcare provider, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
This week’s blog is a re-cycle from a few years ago. Let me explain the reason for the rerun. The other night, John and I were cooking dinner. He asked If I knew what kind of salt we should be using these days. I recalled writing a salt blog a few years ago. I figured if we didn’t retain the information, perhaps neither did you.
YESTERYEAR
Remember the olden days when eggs, butter and salt were supposed to be a few of the evils of the nutritional world? That is currently old news. The aforementioned are now healthy dietary staples according to today’s findings. Butter and salt are temporarily taking a backseat as all the attention is focused on the cost of eggs!
CONSFUSION
Those of us who have had a few revolutions around the sun will recall the old fashioned “food pyramid” and the evils of certain foods. New studies has proven to debunk these antiquated ideas. Unless you do some research into the new findings, you may find yourself a bit confused and salty. What are we supposed to believe?
INTERMITTENT FASTING
Today is not the intermittent fasting blog. What John and I learned among myriad information is the necessity for a small amount of sodium consumption especially while fasting. Salt is not necessarily the evil it was once thought to be and actually necessary to replace electrolytes.
REVISIT
Too much sodium has been linked to conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. That’s the bad news. The good news is that is has numerous benefits. Saltwater rinses are a natural remedy for those with gum disease, mouth sores or infections. Folks require sodium in moderation to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles and maintain the proper balance of water. Salt deficiency is a real thing. Look it up.
CHOICES, CHOICES
Yes, there are many choices when choosing your preferred salt including iodized table salt, kosher salt, sea salt, black and pink Himalayan salt. Did I miss any? All types of salt are made of sodium chloride and contain minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. Try to opt for natural salt and avoid table salt as it is heavily processed.
BENEFITS REVISITED
Today, instead of harping on the deleterious effects of sodium, let’s tout the benefits.
- Helps you stay hydrated
- Promotes good vascular health
- Balances electrolytes and prevents muscle cramping
- Supports a healthy nervous system
HDD
In summary, it is imperative to do your research and check with your provider to determine what is best for you. Suffice it to say, diagnostic ultrasound cannot see nor determine your appropriate sodium level. It can however help diagnose heart and vascular disease, blood clots, abnormal growths, gallstones, aortic aneurysm, kidney or bladder stones just to name a few. If we can be of assistance with your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
Thanks for tuning in today. I read an interesting article that discussed words most often mispronounced in the English language. I got a chuckle out of some of the common mispronunciations of medical terminology in particular.
KNUCKLEHEAD
This bit of information might come in handy the next time you are discussing medical terms and don’t want to sound like a knucklehead. I know they helped me elevate my verbal skills a notch.
RINGING IN YOUR EAR
Tinnitus is commonly known as ringing in the ears. Most of us say “Tin-eye-tis.” The correct pronunciation is “Tin-it-us.” Note to self.
BETTER TO SEE YOU WITH MY DEAR
The next time you have your eyes examined, it is probably by an Ophthalmologist. It is not pronounced “Op-ti-mologist” rather “Off-thu-mah-luh-just.”
HOW SWEET IT IS
If you are one who’s pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, you might suffer from diabetes. The word is pronounced “Die-uh-bee-teez” as opposed to “Die -uh-bee-tuss.”
I DON’T RECALL
In case you forgot, the word Alzheimer’s should be pronounced “Altz-hy-murz.” It isn’t as much of a tongue twister as some might make it, and it is very definitely NOT pronounced “Old-timers!”
DON’T MENTION IT
This word is probably not something you discuss at the dinner table or a cocktail party however, if the subject does come it, the word is Kegel and is pronounced “Kay-gull” as opposed to “Kee-gull.” Now you can speak a bit more intelligently about this particular subject at your next social gathering.
DID YOU SEE THAT?
At your next eye exam, your doctor may want to dilate your eyes. Not “Die-uh-late.” There are not three syllables in this word. It is simply pronounced “Die-late.”
YOUR PRESCRIPTION IS READY
This one is no brainer however, you hear this mispronunciation all the time. For the record, the word is prescription is pronounced “Pri-scrip-shun” not “Per-scription.”
YOU SOUND LIKE A BOOB
When we are discussing the word mastectomy, remember, it is pronounced “Mass-tek-toe-mee.” Don’t skip over the first “t” or you will sound like a boob.
IT GOES TO YOUR BRAIN
The major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to the brain are called “Ca-rotted” arteries. Spare yourself the embarrassment. They are not pronounced “Ca-roh-toid.”
HABITUAL OFFENDER
This is the one that gets top billing for the most commonly mispronounced medical term. Folks, it is not a “Prah-strate.” The correct pronunciation is “Prah-state.”
NOT STENOGRAPHER
The highly qualified staff member at High Desert Diagnostics who performs your ultrasound exam is NOT a “Stenographer.” This term defines someone whose job is to transcribe speech in shorthand. Our ultrasound technologists are referred to as “So-naw-graphers.”
BUYING A HOUSE?
This is not a medical term mispronunciation but I hear it often. The word realtor is commonly mispronounced. The correct pronunciation is “Real-tor” using two syllables as opposed to “Real-i-ter” or “Real-a-ter.”
HDD
Today’s blog was fun but now it is back to business. Remember, if our technologists can assist you with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
My phone alerted me earlier this week with a news update. Usually the alerts report political news, climate change, a traffic delay or the city’s latest homicide. Imagine my surprise when the alert was reporting the latest study informing us that red meat may not be as unhealthy as previously thought. Sweeeeet!
WHERES THE BEEF?
You may remember an ad for Wendy’s years ago with a crotchety old lady complaining about the size of the meat in her hamburger. “Where’s the beef?” With all the negative press has gotten over the years, many of us have cut back and it has left us wondering the same thing.
THINGS ARE DIFFERENT
10,000 years ago, the beef people ate was quite different than we eat now. Back then cows roamed free, ate grass, insects and other foods natural to them. Fast forward to today. The New York strip you enjoy likely came from animals raised in a factory, fed grain-based feed and given growth-promoting hormones and antibiotics. Yummy!
DIFFERENT MEATS
Healthline.com tells us it important to distinguish between different types of meat. There is processed meat like sausage and bacon. Conventional red meat (including lamb, pork as well as beef) is fairly unprocessed however factory farmed. Then there is your white meat like chicken and turkey. Last but not least we have grass fed organic meat which comes from animals that have been naturally fed and raised organically without drugs and hormones. They don’t have any artificial chemicals added. It contains heart-healthy omega-3s, the fatty acid CLA and higher amount of vitamins A and E.
THAT’S RIGHT…
Although some may argue, apparently red meat is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. Really? It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and various other nutrients that can have profound effects on your health. It is reported to have the following.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): 25% of the RDA
- Vitamin B12: 37% of the RDA (this vitamin is unattainable from plant food)
- Vitamin B6: 18% of the RDA
- Iron: 12% of the RDA
- Zinc:32% of the RDA
- Selenium:24% of the RDA
Red meat is a protein also rich in important nutrients like creatine and carnosine which non-meat eaters are often low on.
HUMMMMM…
Some studies show a link between meat intake, diabetes, heart disease and increased risk of cancer. Other studies suggest this only applies to processed meat not unprocessed meat. Healthline.com says that several controlled trials indicate that the intake of unprocessed red meat does not have negative health effects (as long as your meat isn’t charred or smoked) and may even have some benefits.
IN SUMMARY
As long as you choose unprocessed and preferably grass-fed red meat and avoid burnt or charred pieces, there is probably nothing to worry about. Along with a previous blog about the benefits or red wine and today’s report of beef (in moderation of course), let’s celebrate a healthy, happy you. Although today’s blog has nothing to do with ultrasound, don’t hesitate to call if we can help at 505-350-3397.
Bon Appetit!
by Kristi Jain | Jan 28, 2025 | Uncategorized
This is random however, do you remember a movie called “Groundhog Day?” The premise was that Bill Murray woke up each day and found that every day was an exact repeat of the previous day. Do you feel like your life is like Groundhog Day?
HAMSTER ON A WHEEL
When we have the same exact routine every day, we get the same exact result. We are like a hamster on a wheel, going nowhere fast. How is that working for you? If it isn’t, try something different. Remember, change is constant, growth is optional.
IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT
Change resistant folks adopt the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. You may remember renowned British physicist, Stephen Hawking who passed away about 7 years ago said, “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”
HIGHLY RESISTANT
Are you or do you know some of those older folks who refuse to adapt to modern technology? I actually knew an older fella who got downright angry at the idea of a smart phone or a Roku. He has since passed but would roll over in his grave at the idea of AI!
WHY
Why are some people so highly resistant to change? The same reason we would resist walking off the edge of a cliff blindfolded. Let’s review a few reasons people resist change.
- Loss of control. That is self-explanatory.
- Uncertainty. The unknown can be scary.
- Change from status quo. Everything feels different.
- Changes to routine. People love their comfort zone.
- Emotional attachment. Change is departure from the past.
- Fear of failure. Can I do it?
- More work. Change is indeed more work.
- Timing. Is it ever right?
- Not being consulted or threat to expertise. If there is no understanding the need for change or feeling threatened, expect resistance.
- Lack of Knowledge. It can make people feel helpless.
IMPLEMENTATION
If you are the one implementing change, or you are the “victim” in the midst of change, try diagnosing the source of resistance. It can minimize the discomfort that change can bring. Change can be risky, so people change when they believe it is in their best interests to do so.
CHANGES IN YOUR HEALTH
We mature adults might notice changes going on in our bodies and in our minds. With aging, millions of cells die and regenerate each day. Nothing is the same as it was nor will it be again. Accept it with grace and anticipate something new and perhaps wonderful. You know the drill. It requires a little effort on your part like diet, exercise and minimizing bad habits and getting routine checkups.
HDD
If the changes you see happening are less than ideal, determine what is happening and decide on your next course of action. Don’t be the hamster on a wheel going nowhere fast. If your situation requires change, change it. If it requires advice, seek it. If it requires action, take it. If High Desert Doppler can help, call us at 505-350-3397.
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