To avoid a return visit to your doctor, that is always paid, ask about everything that you haven’t understood very well, before leaving the office. If the information you received is still somewhat unclear, ask if they have something printed, or if the doctor recommends any reliable website on the subject. If despite this you’re still in doubt, but the doctor is already seeing another patient, ask to talk to the nurse or a medical assistant.

And most importantly of all, avoid asking what the doctors here call a “doorknob question”. Those questions at the ‘very end’ of the consultation, when he is already on his way to the door and you bring to light that difficult question that’s in your head, but you die of shame to mention it. If this happens, you will not have much of a quality response and little time to discuss the matter that you were so afraid to discuss. Put that question at the TOP of your list!

Now about the tests, IF you have to take them:

And the secret is super simple: BE PREPARED.
If you’re prepared, your tests will be done with total accuracy and efficiency.
Planning in advance will save you time, prevent them from having to retake the same examinations and most importantly, save your life.
The more direct on ‘target’ results achieved, the easier for the doctor to find the problem… when your body is still well to combat them.
So…

Before taking your blood pressure: a deep breath a few times.
EYE EXAM: bring everything you use for your eyes.
CHOLESTEROL EXAM: Go hungry!
GLUCOSE Intolerance: Go with great desire to eat carbohydrates.
MAMOGRAMA: do not use deodorant.
PAPANICOLAU: lubricate down below and check the calendar.
COLONSCOPIA: do not eat foods containing iron.
EXAMINATION FOR SKIN CANCER: remove nail polish.
BEFORE AN MRI: do not drink coffee and do not use jewelry.

Knowing what to expect in this area of examinations, greatly decreases fears, speeds results and helps the doctor to detect problems before they progress.

There is an Arabic proverb that reminds us that if we have health we have hope and if we have hope we have all. To me, the greatest wealth is being healthy.

Below, our Texas Blubonnets with the most common butterfly here, the Queen butterfly.

Your time is absolutely LIMITED.  

Not here, of course… I’m talking about the incredible ‘shrinking’ time of doctor visits in this country, in case you need one… But I’ll teach you how to use it wisely:

Because, after waiting two months of waiting until your day comes to go to the doctor, spending 15 minutes looking for a place to park the car, plus the seemingly endless time browsing through magazines in the waiting room, you will probably see the face of your doctor – for 11 to 15 minutes MAXIMUM!

So go well prepared, because the time you have with him must be QUALITY time. It’s no use telling stories of what happened with a friend, relative or acquaintance. Stay objective.

Make sure the receptionist knows why you are there. Organize your thoughts well by making a list of questions about your health concerns. Go to the medical consultation, as if you it were an important business meeting.

Doctors are pressed for time because of the insurance companies, and it’s for this reason they are focused on reaching the final diagnosis. Period.

Do not forget to do some research beforehand on your symptoms and conditions. If you go there well informed you will not need to ask basic unecessary questions.

Another important thing, arrive there saying, “there are two or three things I want to mention…”, so he doesn’t waste time just talking about one of your problems.

If it is a visit that involves a lot of new information, take along a relative or friend to help you remember everything and/or even take notes.

Many people are very nervous and anxious in medical examination rooms, so having someone there next to you who you trust can help you a lot!

That’s the way I am: if I have an appointment with you, I owe you punctuality, I have no right to waste your time. But if by chance you’re in New York or Los Angeles and arrive late to your doctor’s appointment say: “I took a taxi”

TO BE CONTINUED:

These barbecue restaurats are all over the state of Texas and beyond.

Now tell me: who does not like our Brazilian food? I have never met anyone who could tell me that! But I did meet someone who does the ‘reviews’. He wanted to keep the restaurant Emporio Brazil a secret , here in Houston because he wanted to keep that place special and not let everyone know about it.  Hum, um…

It seems that every walk I take is more and more surprising than the last… Just look so what awaited me at the corner of the house this week… Of course they were frightened and flew away when they saw me, what would have been the best shot… But still, it was a reward of life.

Watching this majestic scene, seeing the freedom and what little they have, at the same time while listening to the sound of happiness coming from the group, made me a little jealous.

Where we live, my favorite of favorites: dolphins, but I was not so lucky YET… Keep hoping…

But I have I am very happy with what I have seen, and also with what I have in my hands and under my care.

But, more and more I’m learning to remove my ‘non-essentials’, because life is simple, and we complicate everything.

The problem with the ‘simplistic life’ is that even though something gives us great happiness, and awakens much creativity, it is not THAT simple.

Look here, I am always magnetized by this tree, but residents still it haven’t not come to greet me, and there must be many since the space is very big!

Finally I decided to take a picture of this tree: the perfect residence, hiding place of…

But she it is always empty.

Well then, you do not have anything in your home that is not useful or which you do not find VERY beautiful… I’m trying. I SWEAR.

But I like to walk among the beautiful things that adorn the world, so it is easier to exercise.

Every winter this tree is like this, dressed in red.

They are not beautiful? They are so happy on such a gray day! And they seem happy with what they have. They are rich and successful in life because all they want is all they really need.

The owner sits in a wheelchair, perhaps for this reason he planted them there.

Have I said everything simple that interests me?

He was so nice! He didn’t fly away… I do not know his name, but they are my neighbors and see them more frequently than humans.

The other day I used the word ‘Frugal’ post recently, which in our language is the same and has the same meaning, and found that in my country it’s used very little and even somewhat unknown. Here the word is used quite often… but not practiced much, not well understood and much less enjoyed.

I GUARANTEE: not wanting something is just as good as having it.

These are a few rewards of simple living: the elements of the universe are enough. Water, air… Wonderful. If you feel physically renewed for a walk daily… Enjoy it! Being thrilled with the stars at night… Romantico. If you feel ‘high’ at just finding a nest or a flower… Celestial…

Look who lives above my house:

Squirrels! At least I see them come out there all the time…

I’m not the only one crazed by branches and stumps… The artist Carl Woodland is also, who created this simply wonderful Christmas tree.

Driftwood Furniture