Recent Blog Posts

  How to Avoid Foods that are Harmful to Your Thyroid   Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It releases hormones that control metabolism (how your body gets energy from the food you eat), and if this process becomes interrupted it can lead to heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility and, in rare cases, even coma and death. Women over 50 are most likely to have hypothyroidism. More specifically, your thyroid produces two main hormones thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3), which are responsible for: Maintaining the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates Helping control your body temperature Influencing your heart rate Helping to regulate the production of protein Your thyroid also produces a hormone that regulates the amount of calcium in your blood. Hypothyroidism: The Most Common Thyroid Disease Thyroid disease, which impacts 27 million Americans according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, can cause your thyroid to use energy more quickly (hyperthyroidism) or more slowly (hypothyroidism) than it should. Over 20 percent of menopausal women in the United States are [...]

  Coronary Microvascular Syndrome (CMS): The Hidden Heart Attack Risk They STILL Aren't Checking For   As many as 3 million U.S. women may be unknowingly at risk of heart disease because they suffer from coronary microvascular syndrome (CMS), according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study. Women who have chest pain yet an angiogram comes out clear may still be at high risk of a heart attack if they have coronary microvascular syndrome. Women with CMS may have shortness of breath or chest pain, but, upon visiting their doctor, be told nothing is wrong and sent home. That's because CMS is not detected by an angiogram, which is widely accepted as the best test for diagnosing heart disease. Unlike typical heart disease cases, in which accumulated plaque in the large arteries shows up as bulky clogs, in CMS plaque "evenly coats" the very small arteries of the heart. The arteries are too small to appear on the angiogram, much like "seeing a pine tree's branches but not its needles," said Dr. [...]

  That Little Mouse in Your House is Even MORE Dangerous Than We Thought!   Those little mice that live in your attic, basement or walls are more than just an annoyance -- they carry with them real health threats. The Hantavirus, causes a disease known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) that is fatal in over half of all cases! You can become infected with this deadly disease through contaminated dust from the mice's droppings, urine and/or saliva in and out of your home. They may look cute, but the not-so-innocent house mouse spreads an airborne allergen that can cause allergies, asthma and more. But that's not the only risk that little mouse in your house poses! A study done by researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that of 100 inner-city bedrooms of children with asthma, 84 percent had detectable levels of airborne mouse allergen! Pediatric allergist Elizabeth Matsui, M.D., the lead author of the study, said, "Children living in inner-city homes are continuously exposed to the allergy-causing substance [...]

  Are You at Risk of an Unnecessary Divorce? The Secret Relationship Killer You Need to Know About   Upon taking the vows of marriage, most all couples believe their relationship will withstand the test of time. In reality, about 40-45 percent of all marriages will end in divorce, according to an Associated Press estimate. Is your longing for uncertainty making your marriage feel like an uphill climb? Why is it that so many marriages end in divorce? The reasons are often complex and varied, including: Money troubles Lack of communication Needs not being met Infidelity Changes in attitude/interest Yet, ironically, love, or lack of it, is often not on that list at all. And many couples still love each other when they decide to get divorced. The reason this is has to do with hidden mental and emotional drivers that even most psychologists don’t tell you about, or are unaware of themselves. Certainty Vs. Uncertainty: The Hidden Cause of Many Divorces When we have great "certainty" there is an urge for most of us to seek "uncertainty." In the [...]

  The Amazing Cancer Prevention Health Benefits of Parsley, or, "Hey, I Shouldn't Be JUST a Table Garnish!"   Parsley is an easy-to-use, incredibly flavorful, nutrition powerhouse, yet, it is often regarded as a "throw-away" garnish on dinner plates. Derived from the Greek word meaning "rock celery" (because it's related to celery), parsley has been cultivated for 2,000 years, and was used medicinally long before that. Just two tablespoons of parsley provide over 150% of the daily recommended value of vitamin K. In fact, in ancient times parsley was regarded as sacred and was used to decorate tombs. It's believed that the ancient Romans were the first ones to begin popularizing parsley as a garnish. Among its more than 30 varieties, the two most popular are flat-leaf parsley and curly-leaf parsley, both of which can be found in most supermarkets (and are simple to grow yourself). Aside from adding a burst of fresh flavor to soups, vegetables, meats and a host of other dishes, parsley is full of valuable nutrients that have proven health benefits. Parsley's Many Health-Giving Properties Parsley [...]

  The Top 10 Dangers of Fireplaces: What Every Fireplace User Should Know   Most people love the warmth and coziness of having a fireplace in their home, so much so that fireplace sales rose well over 50 percent since 1998, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. About 55 percent of U.S. households have at least one fireplace. Over half of all U.S. homes (55 percent) now have at least one fireplace, and they're ranked as the third most desirable feature that people look for when buying a new home, says the National Association of Home Builders (outdoor porches and upscale kitchens rank first and second). But as you crank up your fireplace to stay cozy in this cold winter season, it's important to know that fireplaces can be dangerous -- accounting for a large number of home fires and emergency room visits every year. You can enjoy your fireplace while keeping your family and your home safe by avoiding these 10 common fireplace dangers. Not having your flue and chimney inspected each heating season. If your flue [...]