Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Androgen deprivation therapy raises Alzheimer’s and dementia risk

One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. This means many men will face a particularly difficult choice between cancer treatment and the possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are ways to reduce your risk of prostate cancer and the possibility of androgen therapy…

Joyce Hollman

6 research-backed ways to avoid Alzheimer’s no matter what your genes say

Researchers found the “high-risk” version of an Alzheimer’s gene actually responds more favorably to certain lifestyle changes that could lower risk. So, here’s a “plain talk” explanation of the genetic factors that can increase or decrease your risk, and how to outsmart those genes to stay clear of Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Got milk? 3 reasons your answer should be ‘yes’

Milk’s benefits have been hotly debated over the last decade. But a review of 14 scientific papers points to solid evidence that milk and dairy in your diet provide some hefty health benefits you don’t want to go without — especially if you want to avoid some of the biggest disease risks of our time…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

5 things you need to know about belly fat

If there’s one thing most people have learned about visceral fat (think “beer bellies” and apple-shaped bodies), is that it’s bad. And they’re right… A new study confirms visceral belly fat is connected to heart disease, above and beyond any risk related to excess weight. So what can we do about it?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Depending on where you do it, sitting is not so bad on your health after all

We’ve all heard that spending too much time sitting leads to obesity, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, even cancer. Are we doomed? Maybe not… A new study reveals that where you sit and what you’re doing makes a huge difference to the health risks that previous studies associated with sitting…

Jenny Smiechowski

Is this food additive fueling autism?

In 2000, about 1 in 150 children had autism. Today, it’s closer to 1 in 59 children. Whether autism rates are actually rising, or awareness is just increasing diagnoses is a question that still needs an answer. Another question that needs an answer? What causes autism in the first place. One theory? The cause is in our food.

Joyce Hollman

How common infections can trigger stroke

What do urinary tract infections and brain damage have to do with each other? As bizarre and frightening as it sounds, there’s a correlation between having a UTI or other infection and having a stroke. What’s more, it seems that having an infection can heighten your chances of brain damage from a stroke.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sugary drinks raise overall cancer risk, and then some for breast cancer

By now we all know that sugary drinks are no friend to good health. At the same time, most of us have a guilty pleasure… Mine is Big Red. I simply love that bubbly red soda. Should I be worried? I try to limit my consumption to only once in a while, so I’m thinking “no harm, no foul” there, right? WRONG.

Dr. Michael Cutler

Hogwash: New research says heart-healthy diets and supplements don’t work

This month an astounding report was published claiming little if any reduction in heart disease outcomes is obtained through nutritional supplements and dietary interventions. Unfortunately for me, I know too much to let this claim stand without a rebuttal…

Jenny Smiechowski

Social media done right is better for you than previously thought

Is social media making us miserable? It seems like it sometimes… Suicide rates are on the rise, and studies link social media to higher rates of depression. A 2012 study, for example, found that the more time you spend on Facebook, the more likely you are to be depressed. But that doesn’t make sense, because staying social is good, right?

Easy Health Options Staff

5 ways melatonin fights aging (besides better sleep)

Melatonin is an insomniac’s dream. But there are even more great reasons to supplement with melatonin: It just may be the single most powerful anti-aging supplement you can take.

Jenny Smiechowski

5 reasons building muscle instead of losing fat makes you healthier

When you look at yourself in the mirror every morning to make sure your fly’s zipped, your cowlick’s tamed and your green smoothie didn’t give you a “mustache,” it’s easy to get hung up on one thing… your weight. Fuhgeddaboudit! Focus on muscle and all falls perfectly into place…

Joyce Hollman

The many benefits of ‘mindful eating’ and how to start

Research is pointing to mindful eating as a way to reduce the symptoms of stress-related conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. It’s also suggesting that it’s a potentially powerful way for people with diabetes to help stabilize blood sugar. But that’s not all. Here’s how it works…

Jenny Smiechowski

The Alzheimer’s sign that shows up in your 20s

People with Alzheimer’s genes may have more of these forgetful moments than everyone else… even when they’re in their late teens and 20s. A new study published in the journal eLife found that people with a family history of Alzheimer’s performed worse on memory tests from the age of 18 on.

Joyce Hollman

What women need to know about breast implants linked to cancer

In some women, breast implants may be associated with a constellation of symptoms known as “breast implant illness.” These symptoms include chronic fatigue, pain, cognitive and immune problems. But there’s a bigger danger. A type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been linked exclusively to some implants…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Germ-fighting cannabis compound may soon be newest antibiotic treatment

Cannabidiol is the main non-psychoactive chemical compound extracted from cannabis and hemp plants. In other words, while it’s found in marijuana, it’s not one of the compounds responsible for the high associated with the drug. And it just might be prescribed for your next bacterial infection…

Joyce Hollman

Why sleep’s elusive in your 60s and how to get it back

I’m in that age group where falling asleep and staying asleep tends to get harder by the year. But, contrary to what many people think, insomnia is not a normal part of aging that we just need to accept. True, sleep problems are more likely. But you don’t have to take them … well, lying down.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

The best home blood pressure monitor

What’s happening with your blood pressure outside of the doctor’s office has a significant impact on the medicine you’re prescribed. Which is why when I see a patient with high or borderline blood pressure readings, I advise them to start keeping track of their numbers at home. At that point, the questions start…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why weight problems before 50 spell bigger problems after 50

Many of us struggle with our weight. Forget body shaming… my point is all about living a healthier life now and in the future — with an emphasis on the future. That’s because if you’re overweight under the age of 50, and don’t lose it as you age, losing your independence is a big risk factor…

Jenny Smiechowski

The popular thyroid treatment that increases cancer risk

Many years ago, I started having mysterious symptoms no doctor could pin down — fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness and just a general “off” feeling. It’s been a long journey trying to get a diagnosis since then, but I remember the first diagnosis I almost received — hyperthyroidism…

Joyce Hollman

Drink coffee and lower the thermostat to burn more body fat

Did you know that you have not one but two different types of fat in your body? Not only that, but one of these types of fat is actually desirable if you’re trying to lose weight. Those people lucky enough to have more of it may have an easier time burning calories and keeping their weight in check.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The surest way to have a stroke by 50

What are some of the risk factors you think of when you hear the word stroke? An unhealthy diet, being overweight, not exercising, smoking and maybe even stress. And age, right? Stroke is something you think of happening when you’re closer to 65 or older. Think again…

Jenny Smiechowski

Should you go low-carb to keep your brain sharp?

Younger generations have gone all-in on low-carb diets like keto and paleo. But what if you’re in the over 60-set? There is some new evidence that this diet could have big benefits for older adults who embrace it… especially if your memory and thinking skills aren’t what they used to be…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The weird way you could get more vitamin D

You’ve probably heard how important getting enough vitamin D is to your health. In fact, the list of health problems that have now been linked to vitamin D deficiency is long and scary. But no worries… if extra time in the sun or supplements aren’t doing it for you, you might like this option…

Dr. Michael Cutler

How does the newest fake sweetener on the block stack up?

In a previous report I pointed out some of the scientific literature evidence of the harmful effects of aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), saccharin, and sucralose (Splenda). Now let’s look at the new and improved aspartame called Neotame, and then a quick look at the others: acesulfame-K, cyclamate and alitame.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Just how dangerous is a dip in the ocean these days?

Just like my family, hoards of vacationers still flock to the beach, opting for ocean spray over time in the hotel pool, even though ocean water holds something we all should be concerned about… dangerous bacteria.

Jenny Smiechowski

People with MS have a crazy high risk of these three cancers

When you have a chronic disease like MS, you devote a lot of energy to keeping your symptoms in check… You work to get your meds right. You eat healthy. You keep stress levels low. But something serious can happen while you’re running defense against MS… You can get blindsided by cancer.

Joyce Hollman

The hygiene habit that contributes to osteoporosis

It took the FDA 36 years to get this chemical out of our soaps and hand sanitizers. So why has it remained in other products when study after study shows that this chemical is far scarier than the germ it’s meant to protect us from. And, most recently, for the first time, it’s been linked to osteoporosis.

Margaret Cantwell

How an acne drug could make statins obsolete

After the age of 55, your stroke risk more than doubles with each passing decade. Acne, on the other hand, is generally thought of as a problem faced by the young. What do the two have in common? An accidental discovery that could have your doctor prescribing acne meds instead of statins.

Dr. Mark Wiley

Three spices for natural pain relief

We tend to think more in terms of nutritional supplements for health than we do food, let alone the herbs and spices we use to flavor our favorite dishes. And we think even less of food as a pain reliever. Yet, some flavor profiles play a major role in pain relief. Here are the best…

Dr. Mark Wiley

Warm up like an inchworm to prevent injury

Even if you don’t have time you must make time to warm-up sufficiently before working out or exercising. You increase chances of a successful workout while decreasing chances of injury if you thoroughly warm-up your entire body first.

Craig Cooper

10 ways to a healthier husband

Maybe your husband does not seem to care about his health as much as you do. If you want to enjoy his company for many years to come, you may have to take matters into your own hands. Follow these 10 ways to a healthier husband.

Easy Health Options Staff

Two foods that help you avoid pancreatitis and diabetes

You may not have diabetes. But here’s something everyone eating foods from the standard western diet should know.

Easy Health Options Staff

Can a sandwich a day keep the doctors away?

Is this long-time staple of the food pyramid getting a bum rap? Quite possibly: recent research shows a substance found in much-maligned whole grains may be beneficial to your immune system.

Easy Health Options Staff

Three natural answers for Crohn’s and other bowel issues

If you have painful inflammation of the digestive tract and you have difficulty processing foods, no one needs to tell you any more about the problems conditions like Crohn’s disease can be.

Craig Cooper

9 ways to fight the 6 things making you heavier

It’s no secret that obesity is a major health challenge today and one that has grown steadily over the past years. But why are we heavier today than we were three decades ago?

Easy Health Options Staff

Perfect health is a walk in the park

One simple activity can exert a tremendous influence over your health, lowering your risk of Alzheimer’s, protecting your heart, defending against cancer, decreasing your risk of disability, controlling your weight and increasing your life expectancy.

Sam Rolley

Take two of these and hope you wake up in the morning

Next time you see your doctor about aches and pains, be very careful if he hands you a prescription for painkillers and says “take two of these and call me in the morning.” There’s a chance you may not wake up.

Dr. Mark Wiley

Being “fit obese” is no match for early death

Last night my family and I watched an episode of “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.” On this particular episode, a man in his thirties had been 500 lbs. He thought he was “obese, but fit.” Turns out, being “fit” is no match for being “obese” when it comes to early death…

Easy Health Options Staff

Virulent MRSA vape danger

It’s been a few years now since vaping came on the scene. Now in full swing many people hail it as the “safe way to smoke,” or an aid to kick the nasty cigarette habit. But e-cigarettes may not be as clean and safe as some think…

Easy Health Options Staff

The quad strength/brainpower connection

By now you know the benefits of moving your body — walking, lifting weights, yard work, swimming and anything that gets your blood moving. But what you may not know is that one muscle group in particular can help your brain the most.

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

A forgotten step on the road to cancer recovery

Coping with stress and anxiety during an illness is challenging. Depression weakens the body. And this is especially concerning for cancer patients. But seeking treatment and therapy for life threatening diseases does not have to include heavy doses of sadness and fear…

Easy Health Options Staff

The great water debate — how much do you need?

How much water do you need to drink every day? The “8 glasses a day” argument rages on, but here are a couple of things you might want to know.

Easy Health Options Staff

Cancer-busting chemicals from the ‘right’ part of the apple

Most people think of chemicals as something created by man. But there are also chemicals in our food, like phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and carotenoids that were created in nature to help protect plants and make them strong and hardy. They have benefits for you, too.

Easy Health Options Staff

Can you flip a ‘fat-thin’ switch?

When you see a set of identical twins, it’s hard not to stare. They’re fascinating. Two different people, almost exactly the same… but one thing they can differ on is their weight. Sometimes one is thin and one is overweight. One possibility for the difference has to do with…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Six most common causes of chest pain

It’s easy to get scared when you experience chest pain, but it can be caused by any number of issues — ranging from life-threatening to minor — not always originating with your heart. How can you know?

Dr. Geo Espinosa

Pomegranate’s 10 benefits for men’s health

Want to improve your health with one simple food? The pomegranate should be at the top of your list. This is true for everyone, but especially for men. This remarkable fruit offers impressive head to toe benefits. Learn how to fit pomegranate into your life and partake in this legendary wonder.

Easy Health Options Staff

14 healthy ‘big game’ snacks

Whether you’re hosting a party for the big game, or just trying to keep the family from pigging out on pizza and potato chips, these 14 healthy snacks are perfect alternatives for the traditional junk food we reach reach for during commercial breaks.

Dr. Mark Wiley

Try elevated mountain climbers for a cardio burst

Everyone remembers mountain-climbers from elementary school gym class. But in these versions, there is no kneeling on the gym floor. Elevated mountain climbers will burn calories, elevate your cardio and tone your arms and legs.

Easy Health Options Staff

The secret to healthier weight loss

There are so many diet recommendations it’s hard to know which route to take. That’s why a group of researchers decided to test three specific diets to see how they performed, not only in amount of weight lost, but also in health benefits gained. They found…

Sam Rolley

Don’t be fooled by ‘natural’ labeling

There’s no set standard for what food producers are allowed to label “natural.” So if you’re paying a premium for foods bearing the label — you’re being fooled.

Craig Cooper

Does testosterone cause prostate cancer?

One of the lingering concerns and questions for men is whether increased testosterone levels, either naturally produced or in the form of prescription replacement therapy, can cause prostate cancer.

Easy Health Options Staff

The fruit that offers skin cancer protection from the inside out

You’ve probably read much on Easy Health Options about the quandary that sunscreen poses. It’s supposed to protect you from skin cancer but at the same time exposes you to toxins and blocks the sun’s rays that help your body produce valuable vitamin D.

Easy Health Options Staff

Your attitude now predicts better — or worse — senior living

Everyone ages. It’s part of life, and how you perceive your coming golden years may affect just how bright — or tarnished — those years will be for you. Your independence hinges on embracing the positives about being a senior, including these five…

Easy Health Options Staff

MRSA-killing mud pie? Yes, please

Do you remember being told not to play in the dirt when you were a kid because of the “germs?” Well, there’s some dirt in Canada that’s been found to kill some of the most resistant pathogens known to man.

Cara McCarthy

7 ways to squeeze nutrition from every dollar

The cost of eating healthier is small compared to what it costs to treat diet-related chronic disease. Statistics show that the annual cost to treat diabetes is about $1,200 per person — $650 more per year than the cost of healthier groceries.

Dr. Mark Wiley

Simple movement keeps arteries soft and heart healthy

I love it when scientific studies prove the medical benefits of ancient mind-body methods extoled for their health-giving powers for thousands of years. Recently, a study showed that these simple movements may prevent onset of heart disease in arthritis patients.

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Protecting precious mitochondria

We often think of health and disease in terms of organs: liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain. However, true health is really happening on the cellular level. While the larger manifestation may be a liver condition, invariably the root cause has something to do with cellular dysfunction.

Sam Rolley

The long reach of a zinc deficiency

As you age and your immune system becomes weaker, minor illnesses become difficult to brush off. You may also suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. All signs there’s a good chance your zinc levels are low. In a world of dangerous viral infections, that’s alarming. Here’s how to fight back…

Cara McCarthy

Are your leftovers teeming with listeria?

The cold conditions that would kill other germs are no match for listeria. Where other germs die, it thrives. In fact, this potentially lethal bacteria is quite at home in your refrigerator.

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