Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 factors that weigh heavy on breast cancer risk and death

Fat cells release hormones that, especially in postmenopausal women, can fuel breast cancer. But additional factors have been found to significantly stack the odds, whether weight is a factor or not. The good news is you can do simple diagnostics at home to identify these risks and turn them around…

Joyce Hollman

A vicious cycle: diabetes, heart and kidney disease

Diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease overlap so much that the American Heart Association has coined a new syndrome to describe people with two or more of these diseases. Here’s how to know if you’re at risk, and what to do about it…

Carolyn Gretton

6 ways to make your fresh produce last longer

It’s important to eat fresh fruits and veggies as part of a healthy diet. And right now, it abounds. But keeping that produce from quickly going bad once you get it home is a challenge. Here are some tips to make it a whole lot easier…

Joyce Hollman

Study confirms an IBS treatment better than medicine

Traditional medications for IBS can produce side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain — the very symptoms they’re meant to eliminate. Research has confirmed a treatment that works better with none of those side effects…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Blood work of super-agers reveals what keeps a brain young

Some people’s brains seem to stay young, while for others the clock speeds by, leaving cognitive decline and brain shrinkage in its wake. Do these super-agers possess some sort of superpower? Almost. A specific nutritional profile keeps their brains young…

Joyce Hollman

How to clean your feet to avoid infection, fungus and warts

When you shower do you wash your feet? I mean seriously and intently. Or do you hope the soap trickles down to do the job? I’m guilty, too, but not properly washing our feet can lead to problems from ugly feet to warts and infection and the threat of fungus that’s rampant in summer…

Carolyn Gretton

13 tips to keep you from fretting about wetting

It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable to discuss bladder problems. But it shouldn’t be since it’s something that affects us all, men and women, at different times in our lives and for different reasons. So instead of fretting about wetting, give these bladder tips a try!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What happens in your mouth could damage your lungs

When living with COPD, what happens in your mouth could not only worsen your symptoms but also speed progression of the disease. Here’s why you should talk to your dentist to keep mouth problems from fueling the fires of inflammation in your lungs…

Margaret Cantwell

Friend or Foe: Casting doubt on fish oil’s heart health role

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids the body can’t make but are vital for heart, brain, blood vessel and endocrine health. But you may be confused by headlines casting doubt on fish oil’s important role in supplementing this important nutrient. Don’t throw your bottle out yet…

Joyce Hollman

Over 60? 15 minutes can make or break your senior years

If you’re over 60 and hoping your quality of life doesn’t diminish with the years, pay attention: A long-term study has shown what you do with as little as 15 minutes of your day can cut your quality of life in half, increase hospitalizations and even lead to an early grave…

Joyce Hollman

Blood proteins signal cancer 7 years before diagnosis

Despite years of research, the best medicine has to offer is the potential to put some cancers into remission. But if we’ve learned anything about cancer, it’s that the earlier you know, the better. Could seven years be enough to change things for the better?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why a fracture can be more deadly than cancer

It’s no secret that with age, the risk of an accidental fall increases. Most of us don’t give it a second thought, or the potential for injury — like a fracture. But considering that stats show we have a better chance of surviving cancer, it’s something we can’t afford to ignore..

Joyce Hollman

The medicine cabinet ointment that fights respiratory viruses

Researchers have sought an easier way to reduce the number of viral respiratory infections, from the common cold to flu, that hit us year after year. They say the nose is the best place to start, and that an ointment in your medicine cabinet could do the trick…

Joyce Hollman

What catching up on exercise before 60 can do for your 70s

Women who reach midlife without being physically active may think they’ve missed the boat on avoiding frailty and the diseases of aging that can make senior life miserable. But research says you can turn back the clock on years of inactivity if you hurry up and get busy now…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Melanoma carries higher genetic risk than previously thought

Under threat of skin cancer, we’ve been warned to avoid the sun or slather up in sunscreen. And unlike other cancers. the idea of genetic risk has been far removed from the likes of melanoma, the most dangerous of the skin cancers. New findings indicate just how wrong medical experts have been.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The link between mitochondria, Alzheimer’s and pomegranates

If you’ve heard anything about Alzheimer’s, you’ve heard plenty about the amyloid and tau protein signatures that harm the brain. But these aren’t the only proteins that clump, and research says that secret links mitochondria and the potential to reverse a variety of age-related ailments.

Carolyn Gretton

Tick bite? Take this first step to avoid disease transmission

In spite of taking all the precautions, you’ve found a tick has invaded your personal space. And you know that blood-fattened bug could be one of three known for transmitting serious disease, from Lyme to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Here’s your first step to reduce your chances of getting sick…

Carolyn Gretton

The heart attack that happens when coronary arteries are clear

For women, heart attack symptoms differ from men. But the differences don’t end there. A heart attack is usually caused by a blockage in one of the main coronary arteries. But a type of heart attack can occur when those arteries are crystal clear, and it’s becoming more common in women…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The tea that takes down gum disease-causing bacteria

If there’s one thing you should know about gum disease it’s this: it’s not just a “mouth” problem. It’s linked to weight gain, heart problems, brain shrinkage and even loss of longevity. Avoiding it may be just a few cups away with the right tea…

Margaret Cantwell

The best nutrients to fight the #1 source of premature aging

The sun is responsible for about 90 percent of skin aging by damaging key proteins responsible for keeping it firm and smooth: collagen and elastin. You can fight back from the inside out with nutrients research says add a second layer of protection against photoaging.

Joyce Hollman

Keto: From metabolic disorders to mental health

The keto diet is very restrictive. But for people with serious metabolic disorders, it can turn health around. The key is changing the fuel your body uses to energize itself. And research is showing that fuel may have special benefits for the body’s most energy-hungry organ, the brain.

Carolyn Gretton

The urine test that could save more men from a prostate biopsy

Cancer screenings can help catch disease in its earliest stages. For men though, it’s a process fraught with anxiety. PSA screenings are often inaccurate and lead to unnecessary biopsies that can cause harm. With metastatic cases on the rise, men can finally breath a sigh of relief…

Carolyn Gretton

3 factors that age your brain’s weak spot the fastest

Our brains have a “weak spot.” It begins to show degeneration earlier than other areas of the brain. In other words, it ages faster. The good news is research narrowed a long list of factors that affect this weak spot down to three that age it the fastest so you can avoid them…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Blood pressure drugs tied to surprising fracture risk

As our age goes up, so can our risk for fractures. And it’s a risk not to be taken lightly: Fractures have been linked to early death for both men and women, especially in those of us over 65. Not long ago we shared the threat long-term use of blood pressure drugs can pose to our kidneys. Now I need to share another…

Carolyn Gretton

Dementia-free longevity in half a tablespoon a day

Olive oil is an elixir for life. Studies show it decreases risks for numerous ailments that make for an early grave, like heart problems. But research reveals its greatest gift may be helping us avoid this common scourge of aging…

Joyce Hollman

Don’t let ‘fear of flying’ anxiety ruin your summer

Fear of flying can ruin a vacation you’ve planned for ages, or make you a wreck if you fly for business. It doesn’t have to be that way — not if you try these tried-and-true techniques, tips, apps and supplements that can help you fly away from your feelings of anxiety…

Joyce Hollman

The diabetes-cancer connection and how to take both down

If you or a loved one has type 2 diabetes, you know the importance of controlling it. But there’s another significant reason to manage it, better yet, help it go into remission: Cancer. Luckily, there’s one thing that can take both dangerous conditions down…

Carolyn Gretton

Get a whiff of this to put a stop to cognitive decline

There’s an interesting connection between some neurodegenerative ailments, like Alzheimer’s and Parkison’s: the loss of smell. Knowing scent-detecting nerves trigger certain brain responses, research tested a whiff of a scent that may halt cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The surprising risk from reusable water bottles

Reusable water bottles are much more than a fad. They help us keep up with hydration efforts and that convenience promotes a healthy lifestyle. But if we’re not careful about how we use them, they can lead to sickness instead of wellness real fast…

Carolyn Gretton

The diet that crosses the blood-brain barrier

One diet keeps coming to the top of every list. It’s loaded with nutrients so powerful they’re studied for their potential to fight disease. Now there’s undeniable proof they cross the blood-brain barrier to feed your brain exactly what it needs to guard against decline…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Reduce the travel risks of deep vein thrombosis

As the summer season hits full swing, many people are planning their long-awaited vacations. If you are escaping to a far-away place, however, it’s important to keep in mind the risks involved with long-distance travel, including deep vein thrombosis…

Joyce Hollman

The best workout for better blood sugar control

Diabetics know the right exercise is important for controlling blood sugar. But a newly discovered factor to add to any routine has the highest chance of helping some with type 2 diabetes completely stop their glucose-lowering medications…

Carolyn Gretton

3 reasons to wash your rice: Lead, cadmium and arsenic

I like my rice with a creamy consistency, so I’ve never washed it before cooking. That’s about to change. In the U.S., arsenic levels in rice are sky high (even in instant rice), but it’s not the the only harmful heavy metal you get a serving of when rice is on your plate…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 common sunscreen chemicals aren’t safe even by FDA standards

Sunscreen is so important for protecting yourself from skin cancer and skin aging. There’s no denying that. Heck, I wear sunscreen on my face and neck every day (even in the winter when the likelihood of me getting any sun is pretty slim) for those very reasons. But sunscreen is far from perfect…

Carolyn Gretton

Living with Lupus: The vitamin deficiency you can’t afford to ignore

Metabolic syndrome combines insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity for a high risk of heart trouble and stroke. If you have lupus, you may be shocked to find yourself in the crosshairs of this dangerous condition.

Joyce Hollman

The ‘hereditary’ toxicity of chemotherapy

The effectiveness of chemotherapy could be debated all day. But if you weigh surviving cancer against the toxicity of the therapy, you can see why so many go through with it. And why so many look for alternative therapies. But there’s a new consideration for cancer patients who want to be parents…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

8 vitamins for supple summer skin

Between fluctuating hormone levels, falling collagen levels, oxidative stress and the summer sun, your skin could probably use some help repairing itself these days. That’s where these eight skin-saving vitamins come in…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Two big reasons you need more vitamin C this summer

Summer is here and that means fun in the sun. Taking vitamins might not be at the top of your list when it comes to summer must-haves, but there are two big reasons vitamin C should be, and one of them is sunburn protection…

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby

The vitamin everyone needs (especially diabetics) for kidney protection

Protecting your kidneys is critical to health. But did you know one of the most dangerous and prevalent side effects of type 2 diabetes is kidney damage? So in addition to properly managing diabetes, it’s vitally important to be sure you’re not deficient in this one very important vitamin…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why summer heat is hard on your heart and how to keep cool

If you have heart problems, it’s important to understand how heat can compound your risks. When your body tries to cool down, the process stresses the heart in several ways, But you can still enjoy summer, keep your cool and stay safe with these tips…

Joyce Hollman

5 serious conditions that can make you really thirsty

Excessive thirst can be a sign of dehydration or overheating. But it can also signal a much more serious health problem. If you’re finding yourself more thirsty than usual, it may have absolutely nothing to do with the summer heat, and everything to do with an underlying condition, like one of these…

Carolyn Gretton

Matcha tea: Nature’s antidepressant in a cup

It’s not uncommon to feel down on occasion. But persistent feelings of sadness that impact daily life could indicate depression. Even with treatment, up to a third feel left out in the cold. With those odds, it’s helpful to know a warm cup of the right tea could help.

Jenny Smiechowski

5 reasons mosquitoes love you and how to turn them off

Are you a mosquito magnet? Do you wonder why everyone else can enjoy a great summer cookout while you get swarmed by disease-carrying, welt-inducing, blood-sucking insects? Well, it turns out, there are several potential reasons why you could top the mosquitoes’ most desirable list…

Joyce Hollman

Taurine: The anti-aging amino acid

Imagine turning up the switch on a natural substance your body produces to avoid the ailments of aging. Wishful thinking? Not with this amino acid’s potential to suppress weight gain, increase bone mass, muscle strength and endurance, reduce depression, insulin resistance, DNA damage and more…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Watermelon for better blood pressure and blood sugar

Research published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports took into account decades of data on the health effects of watermelon. What did they find? Eating watermelon could be one of the best things you do for your blood pressure and blood sugar…

Joyce Hollman

Why alcohol and summer heat is a recipe for heat stroke

While warmer weather makes us want those refreshing-looking cocktails, especially the ones with those adorable little umbrellas, there are some definite hazards to drinking alcohol during the hot summer months. The combination of heat and alcohol in your system has some very dangerous effects on your body.

Jenny Smiechowski

The ingredient sunscreen and cheese have in common

Titanium dioxide as an ingredient in sunscreen. But it’s a food additive as well. A food grade version is found in everything from chewing gum to cheese to chocolate to condiments. In fact, it is in so many everyday foods, you should know how it’s fueling poor health and chronic disease…

Joyce Hollman

Why defeating Alzheimer’s starts in your bedroom

Since specific foods offer brain protection, you could say defeating Alzheimer’s starts in the kitchen. But there’s another room where you’re likely doing something that increases your sensitivity to oxidative stress and invites damaging plaques and tangles to take up in your brain…

Craig Cooper

Vitamin may solve problem of the little blue pill

The list of possible causes of erectile dysfunction is long, yet one option is often overlooked, and it’s a simple fix. The results of numerous studies have indicated that a common vitamin deficiency can have a significant impact on a man’s sex life…

Joyce Hollman

Is a wheat sensitivity causing your crushing fatigue?

If you live with daily, crushing fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix, you could have chronic fatigue syndrome. There’s a good chance the cause is food related. That’s because research has revealed a link between two hard-to-diagnose conditions, so you can begin to get to the bottom of things.

Camille Johnson

Taking charge after a cancer diagnosis

Being told you have cancer can be an overwhelming experience. It can be easy to let others lead, however, it is important to advocate for yourself and be an active participant in decisions that involve your care and treatment. These tips can help you take control…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Men: Keeping your heart health in midlife

When I was in medical school, a heart attack in a 40-year-old man was rare. Not anymore. We used to think heart disease happened primarily to older adults. But two risk factors hitting all-time high rates among men between the ages of 35 and 64 means it’s time to double down…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 supplements that lift lagging energy levels

Some people have plenty of energy. They’re out at Fleetwood Mac concerts. Cooking boeuf bourguignon for the family. Keeping a house so clean and well-decorated it would make Martha Stewart jealous. But if you’re not one of them, these six supplements can help you get your energy and your life back!

Joyce Hollman

The vitamin that halves the risk of melanoma

The common wisdom has been that, other than avoiding the sun and monitoring changes in your skin, there wasn’t much you could do to prevent melanoma, especially if you were at high risk. A vitamin study just changed everything about that…

Carolyn Gretton

Protecting pets from toxins linked to canine lymphoma

Cancer is difficult enough for humans. But when it comes to our dogs, it can be heartbreaking for us. Lymphoma in dogs is similar in many ways to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans, including concerns linking exposure to the herbicide glyphosate to the development of cancer.

Carolyn Gretton

Identical twins reveal exercise changes gene expression

We all know the drill: get more exercise, have better health. But one thing many of us don’t know is how deep the impact of exercise goes. There’s evidence it may not only influence cellular behavior but whether or not genes define your health destiny..

Joyce Hollman

How leaky gut leads to weight gain

Digestive troubles are so common, we pay them little mind. But the condition that allows bacterial toxins to leak into the bloodstream causes bigger problems: A cycle of weight gain and the inability to lose weight, by changing how the body metabolizes fat.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The secret to reducing stroke and heart attack with fewer steps

It’s exciting that health improvements can be measured by the number of steps we take. But for many of us, taking 10,000 steps every day seems impossible. Well, for cardiovascular health you may not have too, as long as you make these incremental steps…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The drink that protects against kidney damage

Acute kidney injury is a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days. When it does, things can go downhill fast. Age, diabetes and heart or kidney problems increase your risk. But there’s one drink that can bring it down…

Carolyn Gretton

Alcohol and aging add up to accelerated muscle loss

There’s a lot of conflicting information as to whether moderate drinking can impact health in a good way or if it’s all bad. But one thing most researchers agree on is that crossing the line can lead to heart problems, dementia, cancer — and this scourge of aging…

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