Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 lifestyle choices that add up to 6 years to your life

It’s no secret that the choices you make have a profound impact on your health. From protecting your heart to guarding against dementia and disability as you age, lifestyle modifications are taking center stage, and these four can add years to your life…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Slow walker? You’re on a fast track to a nursing home

We all want to age like those people who get laugh lines, not wrinkles, hold on to their memories and become more vital as the years pass. But it doesn’t always go that way. There’s a way to measure your odds — just in time to do something about it.

Joyce Hollman

The heart condition you can get from one episode of heavy drinking

A drink with dinner — no big deal. What about two or three beers? If you’ve had enough to drink that you get a hangover the next morning, you’re setting yourself up for a potentially fatal heart problem, even if you’ve never had heart issues before.

Carolyn Gretton

How your age at menopause impacts your dementia risk

Women are at much higher risk of dementia than men, and declining estrogen may have something to do with it. But it gets more alarming: The earlier menopause happens, the higher that dementia risk goes. What can we do about that? You’d be surprised…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The hidden factor increasing heart disease in lean people

I’m not body-shaming. My concerns stem from knowing that certain kinds of fat and where it’s carried, like around the middle, can do real damage. But there’s another type of fat we never see that goes after the heart. Surprisingly, the leanest among us may be most at risk.

Joyce Hollman

Reducing cravings: An added benefit of exercise

Exercise should be part of any weight-loss strategy. But can it do more? Scientists have looked into how it may help us resist the foods that often sabotage our best efforts. And it’s promising enough that you may start disliking exercise a whole lot less…

Joyce Hollman

A fiber fix for antibiotic-resistant infections

When bacteria become resistant, the original antibiotic can no longer kill them. The chances of experiencing an antibiotic-resistant infection are only increasing. But what you eat can shift the balance of antibiotic resistance genes in your gut…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What gallstones reveal about your cancer risk

Pancreatic cancer is tough. Often diagnosed late, survival rates are low. Knowing your risks can help. And now a predictor of elevated risk has been identified — a condition that could mean cancer isn’t far behind. But like those other risk factors, you can take control…

Carolyn Gretton

Vision loss as a dementia risk factor stacks up

None of us want to face dementia. So we do crosswords and brain teasers and hope we’ll maintain a sharp brain. But there’s actually a simple action that a lot of us aren’t taking that can make a big difference in our dementia risk…

Joyce Hollman

Middle-aged+? This is the ‘optimal’ amount of sleep for you

Ever wonder how much sleep you need for your best shot at overall health, including strong mental faculties? A huge study has answered that question for those of us middle-aged and up. Here’s the scoop, plus some tips for natural ways to help you achieve it…

Joyce Hollman

Gum disease and lung infections: A new connection

Did you know the immune cells that are generated to fight gum disease often turn up in heart valves and heart muscle? And that’s not the only crazy connection to your dental hygiene. Most recently, it’s been found that your lungs are another target for mouth bacteria…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The new fountain of youth: Fecal transplants

One of the most promising fields of anti-aging research is fecal transplants. Sounds gross, but amazing things happened when old mice were transplanted with poop from young mice. How far would you go to turn back the clock? Luckily, you don’t have to go quite this far, but it’s where you should start…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Water fasting: Its impact on type 2 diabetes and more

Dramatic improvement for type 2 diabetes is just the tip of the iceberg for what may be possible to achieve with water fasting. But it shouldn’t be approached lightly. If you’ve considered it, here’s what you should know…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Esophageal cancer doubles in adults under 65

We hear a lot about breast, liver and even lung cancer. But no so much about esophageal cancer. It causes minimal symptoms, so it’s often not suspected before it becomes advanced. And its rates have almost doubled. While experts figure out why — it’s important to know your risks…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The coffee brew method that raises cholesterol most for men

Coffee. Few of us can or want to start the day without it. And why not? The health benefits keep coming, or do they? That all depends on the brew method and your sex, especially if you’re watching your cholesterol…

Carolyn Gretton

The berry that decreases dementia risk even in middle age

It helps reduce the inflammation that can lead to heart disease and metabolic dysfunction. It can even help support stronger bones and muscles. Now researchers have found further evidence of this little powerhouse’s brain benefits — even in middle age…

Joyce Hollman

Monkeypox: What you need to know

As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough of a jolt for us to deal with, now there’s monkeypox. It may feel like we’re under attack from new viruses, but monkeypox has been around. It’s a cousin to smallpox, but don’t get worried, get in the know…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Recurrent UTIs start in your gut — not your bladder

It can seem that there’s nothing more painful than a urinary tract infection. So you head off to your doctor who prescribes an antibiotic. But you should know, the way doctors have been treating UTIs only perpetuates the dreaded recurrent UTI cycle. Here’s why…

Carolyn Gretton

The cellular ‘switch’ that triggers arteries to thicken

When arteries get thick and stiff, it opens up a world of trouble starting with heart and circulatory problems. It makes it easier for plaque to build up. But there may be more to it and researchers hope that leads them to strategies other than surgery…

Joyce Hollman

4 ways your body warns you it’s aging too fast

As we age, changes start to occur in our bodies. Not all of them are pleasant. And some can be warning signs that you’re actually aging faster than you probably want to. The good news is that you can do something about quite a few of them…

Joyce Hollman

If you thought melatonin was just for sleep, think again

It turns out that a hormone we naturally produce, and a supplement many of us take in order to improve sleep, is also a surprising immune system booster with benefits especially for two issues that can turn a mild COVID-19 infection to a life-threatening one. Discover all the ways melatonin can help now and always…

Joyce Hollman

Breast cancer: Why Black and Hispanic women need more vitamin D

Vitamin D has shown positive effects on autoimmune disease, diabetes, heart disease and even COVID-19. Now research shows that Black and Hispanic women, who are normally more susceptible to breast cancer, are safer from the disease if they have adequate levels of vitamin D in their blood.

Joyce Hollman

Genetic cancer risk? Your metabolic risk may weigh heavier

For a long time, cancer research has emphasized the genetic aspect of the disease, that is, the risk we inherit from our parents. Now, though, science is becoming more aware of the environmental and metabolic factors behind cancer that are under our control…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why is heart attack mortality higher in the U.S.?

From imaging equipment to procedures like bypass or angioplasty to open a blocked artery as a heart attack happens, it would seem U.S. hospitals have all they need to provide the best care available to prevent the worst from happening. The truth may surprise you…

Jenny Smiechowski

The best nutrient to stress-proof against leaky gut

Your gut goes through some big changes when you’re under stress. In fact, stress impacts the bacteria in your microbiome, and it may even cause a serious gut issue called leaky gut syndrome. But don’t worry too much (it’ll only make your gut worse!). There’s a way to shield your gut from stress…

Carolyn Gretton

These are the reasons you should be drinking tea

There’s matcha tea, various herbal teas and flowery botanical teas, but none of them are as systematically studied as Camellia sinensis — true tea — with thousands of years of traditional use behind its growing global reputation as a beverage that promotes good health.

Joyce Hollman

Early signs of functional decline that lead to male ‘frailty’

Maybe it’s because some still hold strong to the adage that men are the stronger sex. Or maybe it’s because men themselves aren’t open about health problems they experience with age. That’s a problem because male frailty is real and two signs can indicate if you’re headed there early…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Repel dementia with this triple antioxidant combo

Someone develops dementia every three seconds. That means in the time it took you to read that sentence, another person became a victim. You’re not doomed, though, if you can increase levels of three powerful antioxidants you should be taking anyway…

Camille Johnson

6 simple principles to crack the wellness code

Living well is an art, not a science. It begins with your health and making choices that lower stress and create satisfaction. From the space you call home to the food you eat, these 6 prinicples can help you make a masterpiece of the art of living…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Don’t combine ibuprofen with these common hypertension drugs

If you take prescription blood pressure medication, you may know these drugs don’t come without risks, this time from a surprising source: If you’re used to popping ibuprofen for pain you need to know it’s a dangerous mix with certain classes of blood pressure drugs.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

A story about allergies and a racehorse with asthma

Over the years I’ve had numerous occasions where I’ve stopped, clutched my chest and looked at my husband and said, “Am I having a heart attack?” If you knew my family history of heart disease, you’d understand why. But this time, my thoughts went straight to coronavirus…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Choosing the wrong fever reducer could spell trouble with coronavirus symptoms

I almost panicked when my husband told me he felt feverish. Luckily his temperature was barely elevated. If it had been a degree or two higher, I would have just pulled out my old standby: generic fever reducer. Later I discovered that if my husband had COVID-19, that could have been a very risky mistake…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Getting fit: The exercise overdose that can lead to heart attack

“Exercise is medicine, and there is no question that moderate to vigorous physical activity is beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. However, like medicine, it is possible to underdose and overdose on exercise — more is not always better and can lead to cardiac events.” Here’s lifesaving info on how to do it right…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How bacteria in your gut makes a meal out of cancer cells

Gut health has become a buzzword for those who want to feel better, fight off disease, and live longer. And with good reason: Poor gut health is associated with everything from weight gain and autoimmune conditions to heart and kidney disease. Now, there’s another reason to focus on your gut — fighting cancer.

Joyce Hollman

Mild, moderate and severe symptoms of COVID-19: How to tell the difference

Social distancing is still the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19. And a doctor’s office or hospital is probably the riskiest place you can find yourself unless it’s absolutely necessary. That’s why understanding the difference between symptoms designated mild, moderate, serious and severe could be helpful…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why carbs and diet soda are a disastrous combo you need to avoid

Studies show diet sodas increase the risk of stroke, dementia and metabolic syndrome, among other issues. If you can give them up, you really should. But, at the least, remember this: Don’t eat carbs with your diet soda. Because new research shows that could be where the real danger lies…

Jenny Smiechowski

How heart problems steal gray matter from your brain

You know what happens when you tip over one domino — the whole row falls. And the same thing happens with your health… In fact, a new study shows that the amount of blood your heart pumps out directly impacts the amount of oh-so-important grey matter you have in your brain…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to make homemade hand sanitizer that actually works

I’ve never been much of a hand sanitizer person. I’ve always opted for good old-fashioned soap and water over hand sanitizer. And maybe you’ve been the same way. But with COVID-19 sweeping across the country right now, there are times we are all going to need it and finding it is getting impossible…

Joyce Hollman

10 myths about the coronavirus, busted

There’s been a lot of panic surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s certainly understandable, considering all the myths circulating that don’t help the situation. That’s why we’re busting several of those myths around the detection, treatment, and prevention of the coronavirus, so you can better focus on what matters…

Joyce Hollman

How playing ping pong reverses symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced by a portion of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine controls muscle movement, everything from walking and gripping with the hands, to smiling and swallowing. As Parkinson’s patients produce less dopamine, symptoms become more apparent. But a fun activity shows promise for keeping them active.

Easy Health Options Staff

Can’t find Lysol? Try these 6 essential oils in your diffuser

This past weekend, like most everyone else, I went in search of Lysol disinfectant spray and came home empty-handed. After all, when you want to ward off the spread of anything in your home, that’s been our go-to disinfectant, right? But if you can’t find it, here’s how you can use essentials oils in your home…

Jenny Smiechowski

This is how long coronavirus lives in the air and on surfaces

How long, exactly, can the COVID-19 virus survive on surfaces and objects? And (since there’s some evidence it could be airborne) how long does it last in the air? The answers to these questions are key pieces to the puzzle when it comes to protecting yourself from the virus and doing your part to prevent its spread…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The oil that’s packed with antioxidant power even after cooking

Olive oil isn’t just part of the amazingly healthy Mediterranean diet. It can stand alone and still confer all of those benefits… thanks to its high antioxidant content! In fact, extra virgin olive oil shows a unique composition of fatty acids with a higher antioxidant content than any of the other edible oils. But does it stand up to the heat?

Joyce Hollman

A popular citrus fruit could help peel back fat and diabetes risk

Hypertension, stroke, heart disease and diabetes are directly linked to obesity. It’s also viewed as a predictor of a dozen types of cancer or more. So it’s no wonder that research is ongoing into how we can stem the tide of obesity-related conditions that, at worst, lead to death and at the least, greatly affect the quality of life for most Americans…

Margaret Cantwell

These common health conditions can make coronavirus especially dangerous

You may be tired of seeing coronavirus in our headlines… But with information changing every day, we have an obligation to help pass it on. The crisis is now a pandemic, and unlike the flu, anyone of any age is fair game. That’s why you need to know about the common conditions that can make you especially vulnerable to COVID-19…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 ways to prepare your home and family for coronavirus

Preparation isn’t paranoia. It’s being smart, especially since It’s becoming undeniable that we all need to prepare ourselves for coronavirus becoming a bigger problem in our own communities. Here are some tips that will have you ready if and when coronavirus strikes closer to home…

Joyce Hollman

Could dessert with breakfast be the easiest weight-loss hack?

Chocolate cake at breakfast may help you keep weight off… Hard to believe? Not ready to break out the cake yet? Then you need to know what happens when you eat breakfast that doesn’t when you eat any other meal of the day. Let’s take a look at the research behind these claims…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

That hand sanitizer you’ve stocked up may do more harm than good

By now, we’ve all heard stories of bottles of hand sanitizer flying off store shelves as worries about Coronavirus escalate in the U.S. While hand sanitizer is a great solution for keeping your hands (hopefully) germ-free on the go, don’t make these mistakes that could cause more harm than good…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

How you can use ‘vitamin F’ to slow premature aging

Although skincare experts have coined the term, vitamin F is not a real vitamin. In fact, the F simply stands for fat. Specifically, vitamin F is two types of fatty acids – linoleic acid (an Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega-3). These acids are now the hottest trend in skincare. And here’s why…

Jenny Smiechowski

The most important nutrient for lower blood pressure

Scientists and doctors agree that eating too many calories, and the weight gain that causes, are the biggest factors in high blood pressure for most people. But just cutting back on calories isn’t always enough to get that high BP down. Case in point? A new study shows that this missing nutrient can trigger high blood pressure…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The aromatherapy of love can help you sleep better

Is it any wonder that poor sleep is one of the fastest ways to send your health down the drain? Not at all. Luckily, thanks to a new study from researchers at the University of British Columbia, there’s a new weapon you can holster in your sleep arsenal to help you rest better — as long as it passes the smell test.

Joyce Hollman

Do you know what sugar’s doing to your cholesterol?

Scientists just published the results of a long-term study that confirmed the fact that sugar doesn’t just lead to metabolic syndrome by messing with your blood sugar… It comes at you in another serious way… So to avoid that cluster of conditions that lead to stroke, heart disease and diabetes, read this asap…

Jenny Smiechowski

You can measure your breast cancer risk by how much milk you drink

There are so many “milk” options, and the advice about them is constantly changing… Almond, oat, coconut and soy milk. Just when you decide on one, a new one pops up. And you wonder… should I drink that instead? Let’s make it easy: Be wary of the one that increases breast cancer risk by the cup as much as 80 percent.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

These microscopic particles at work or your home office change your genes

Being exposed to printer toner can change your genes themselves, alter your protein production, and lead to real and lasting health problems. Don’t believe me? Read what the researchers saw it do in the lungs of mice. It was worrisome enough that they immediately went to a printing company to check out their lungs…

Jenny Smiechowski

What too little (or too much water) does to your brain

Changes in your cognitive abilities can start subtly. Maybe you forget doctor’s appointments and lunch dates. You lose your train of thought in conversations. You may become concerned it’s dementia. But before you start thinking worst-case scenario, there’s something you should know…

Joyce Hollman

The strange connection between sleep, food (or vice versa) and heart disease in women

Women are particularly prone to sleep disturbances across their life span. And heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the U.S. Is there a connection? It’s prompted researchers to examine how poor sleep quality and not enough sleep is related to the risk of obesity and heart disease…

Jenny Smiechowski

Move over resveratrol, this healthy fat fights aging better

Dietary fat used to be the scapegoat for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, premature aging — you name it. Now we know the opposite is true. Eating fat is one of the best things you can do. In fact, healthy fats may even top antioxidants as the most effective nutrient for fending off disease and aging…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Coronavirus: When a mask makes sense and when it doesn’t

Coronavirus has begun its spread across the United States. And people are worried. Even with reminders about the high number of deaths in the United States due to flu — which frankly is really something to be concerned about — it’s hard not to be more afraid of something new and unknown. And without a vaccine.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 ways to sleep better despite Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time can do far worse than make you late for work Monday. In fact, when we set our clocks forward this weekend, most of us will experience sleep loss that triggers problems lasting for weeks or more. That’s why we’ve put together the best tips for getting good sleep despite the time change…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

A potent flavonoid for lowering blood pressure, heart attack and stroke risk

Study after study has looked at a popular plant pigment found in many foods, like onions, teas, apples, and even red wine, for its potential to protect the heart. In fact, the current news is based on a pooled review of 17 separate scientific studies. The results? It ‘markedly’ reduced systolic blood pressure…

«SPONSORED»