Digital Newsletter - February 2021

Vol. 8 Issue 2

HOME OFFICE MUSTS

Call the Doctor

Talking About Telemedicine

White Sands National Park  New Mexico

Baked Potato Soup GoodNes

TRAVEL TIME White Sands National Park New Mexico

TELEMEDICINE

Y Nearly 300 square miles of New Mexico desert is covered in massive dunes of gypsum sand, creating the largest white sands dunefield in the world. Take in this natural wonder hiking one of five established trails or pack your bicycles for a memorable ride on packed gypsum sand paths. If you prefer to take it easy, Dunes Drive is a scenic route from the visitor center to the heart of the dunes, with plenty of opportunity to stop at outdoor exhibits, picnic areas and parking areas.

Source: Nps.Gov/Whsa/index.htm

ou’ve likely heard about telemedicine, and possibly even tried it.

Providing medical care remotely, usually using phone and video conferencing, is a rising trend. It’s easier than ever to contact a doctor virtually, and with so many benefits to patients and physicians, this trend might just be here to stay. If you’re skeptical about making the switch, read on to learn what makes telemedicine a trusted option.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of telemedicine is the flexibility it allows patients. It eliminates the time it would take to commute to an office and the time normally spent in the waiting room. Appointments are more efficiently performed and easier to fit into a busy schedule. Similarly, when appointments are more flexibly scheduled, patients are less likely to miss important checkins which may interrupt their care routine or prescription schedule. If you’ve ever grumbled about the required office visit for a simple question or a routine prescription refill, you will appreciate the option to streamline the process and get what you need when you need it.

Virtual doctor visits also provide incredible ease of access. You can select from a wider variety of doctors without factoring in location. Sure, normally you might not want to commit to a primary care physician whose office is 45 minutes away, even if you like the provider. With telemedicine, your network effortlessly expands and gives you more power over your health decisions. Plus, you can access your doctor when traveling. If something major comes up, you can contact your trusted physician, even miles away.

While getting your care from the comfort of home (or maybe a tropical vacation spot) is no doubt convenient, it is also safer. Fewer in-person office visits mean less contact with potential germs and less exposure to sick patients. There is no need to risk getting infected or spreading your illness to others in a crowded office if you can be seen via video call. If you have a condition that requires you take extra precaution in highly populated areas or if you have anxiety surrounding visits to the doctor’s office, telemedicine is a game-changer.

As with any web-based service, telemedicine will continue to improve and change as technology evolves. We can look forward to even better access to health services as more people make the switch to virtual medical care. Of course, there will be still be times when it’s best to see your doctor face to face. If you’re curious about telemedicine, talk to your physician about whether it’s a viable option for the treatment you require.

LIFEWISE

D o i n g U p Yo u r D e s k W

FLAVORFUL

hether you spend one or ten hours a day at your desk, now’s a great time to give your home workspace an upgrade. Rethinking everything from the ergonomics of your chair and desk to your tabletop accessories can make your space go from ok to outstanding.

Perhaps most important to reconsider is your desk and chair. Several studies have shown that sitting all day isn’t good for your health and poor posture at your desk may contribute to chronic neck and back pain. For those concerned, try a standing desk or adjustable architect-style desk. These options allow you to move and keep you energized, with a choice to sit when needed.

Throw in a wireless headset and who says you can’t get in your 10,000 steps while on a Zoom call? Of course, we all need to sit eventually. When it comes to shopping for a seat, look for one that

is adjustable so you can get a perfect fit to your desk, has good back support, and lets you to move about your desk with ease.

Another option? A backless stool or exercise ball which will allow you to work your core when seated. If you aren’t in the market for a new chair, lumbar support and gel seat cushions can make your seat more comfortable.

Also important is keeping your workspace tidy. To keep paper clutter at bay, get a monthly calendar to keep all your deadlines and future Zoom calls organized. Bye-bye sticky notes galore! A reusable erasable memo board notebook is also a great green tool for those who like to write and draw but don’t love wasting lots of paper. Simply take your notes or make your drawings, take a pic and download to apps on your computer, then erase the written page and use the notebook again and again. You can also clean up your indoor air by adding a plant or two to your office. A small cactus is perfect for your desk, while a larger plant for the corner or window area will help promote clean air. And finally, for those who like to munch and sip all day leaving crumbs and spills in their wake, may we recommend a keyboard cover? This floppy keypad lays right on top of the actual keyboard allowing you to type away and then remove the cover to rinse clean if dirty. Brilliant! This work from home thing is working out after all.

BAKED POTATO SOUP INGREDIENTS 1 ½ tsp 1 can 2 cups 2 tbs

Chicken flavor bouillon Evaporated milk (12 oz) Water All-purpose flour

½ cup 2 tbs 3

Chopped onion Butter Baked potatoes

DIRECTIONS Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Scoop potato pulp from 1 potato; mash. Set aside potato skin.

Gradually stir in water, evaporated milk, potato pulp and bouillon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil.

Dice remaining potatoes and reserved potato skin. Add to soup. Heat through.

Season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve with additional toppings, if desired.

GoodNes.com

J

ane Blacker has been a widely-respected member of the Valley of the Sun real estate industry since 2000. With over 30 years as a real estate professional, her

track record remains spotless-something she attributes to always placing her clients’ interests first, providing unsurpassed service, meticulous attention to detail, and staying abreast of market trends and changes affecting the real estate industry.

Jane joined Russ Lyon Realty Company in March 2001. She achieved a topproducer ranking within two years and continues to be a top producer with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Originally from England, her career in real estate began when she joined a commercial real estate company in London and worked for ten years as the Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner.

Her many community activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In 2013 and 2014 Jane was recognized by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding contributions to the community and has been the recipient of two prestigious business volunteer awards.

Jane Blacker REALTOR | SRES

Cell 480.283.3009 Fax 480.624.3711 Jane.Blacker@RussLyon.com Call Jane today if you are thinking about a new home!

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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About Jane