Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to lower sleep apnea risk in 20 minutes

Snoring, waking up gasping for air or with a headache in the morning and feeling tired and irritable are all signs of sleep apnea, a condition that affects more than 29 million Americans. A new study has found an easy way to reduce your risk of sleep apnea in under 20 minutes per day…

Joyce Hollman

5 ways eating a banana could save your life

Will a banana a day keep heart disease away? Let me count the ways… bananas are high in potassium, a mineral that plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy heart. Without enough of this mineral, your heart and arteries simply cannot function the way they’re supposed to.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How forever chemicals set you up for disease later in life

If you think forever chemicals are new, you’d be wrong. PFAS have been around since the 1940s. That means most of us have been around long enough for PFAS to have taken advantage of a vulnerable window of time when they set us up for disease later in life…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why omega-3s came out on top of COVID-19

The health and longevity of people in blue zones is just one reasons for tons of research on omega-3 essential fatty acids. They’ve held an ancient secret that in today’s world is still proving they’re not only essential because we can’t produce them on our own, but good health depends on them.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Erythritol: The sugar substitute linked to sticky blood and stroke

Blood clots in response to an injured blood vessel. It’s a normal response even to a paper cut. As the bleeding stops, the clot is no longer needed and dissolves. Things don’t always go as planned, but who would have thought an artificial sweetener could make things worse…

Jenny Smiechowski

Golf lovers do this better

You wouldn’t think being a spectator at a sporting event would have a positive impact on your health. But it does — at least when it comes to one sport in particular, whose fans could put just about anyone’s Fitbit score to shame…

Joyce Hollman

How irregular sleep hardens arteries

Studies have shown that not sleeping enough and having irregular bedtimes and wake-up times can put your heart at risk. Now, researchers have connected the dots between poor sleep and a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke…

Joyce Hollman

Laxatives linked to high dementia risk

Chronic constipations affects more Americans than care to admit. If you’re one of them and reach for laxatives for relief, take a close look at the type and how many you use. Your future brain health may depend on it…

Carolyn Gretton

The link between your toothbrush and silent brain damage

Over the years, we’ve learned more about how the health of your mouth can affect your entire body. But oral health risk factors that contribute to stroke prompted research into how caring for your mouth could save your brain from silent damage…

Carolyn Gretton

The surprising truth about olive oil’s benefits

A daily spoonful of olive oil could tame a lot of health ills. But what makes it so healthy? For years polyphenols, phenomenal plant compounds, got all the glory. But a component that makes up almost 80 percent of olive oil’s composition is stepping forward…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The silent surgery risk your doctor may not know about

If you’re age 65 or older and considering surgery, know your risks. Especially if the surgery is elective. You’ll need to weigh the chances of a newly recognized risk and what it could do to your life… against the potential benefits you’ll get from having the surgery. And it’s a threat your doctor may not be aware of yet…

Joyce Hollman

Forget dieting: Adopt an ‘eat more-live better’ food style

The word “diet” conjures up images of deprivation, tasteless foods, and constant cravings for what we can’t have. But deprivation diets set you up to fail… unless you have willpower like Superman. Instead of starting a new “diet,” pledge to gradually change your “eating style,” and you’ll have greater success.

Joyce Hollman

Obesity causes brain changes that mimic Alzheimer’s

Strange as it sounds, obesity is a form of premature aging. But though that’s been well established, experts were still shocked to see how similar obesity-related neurodegeneration is to changes in an Alzheimer’s brain…

Joyce Hollman

Old diabetes drug with a dangerous past may treat Alzheimer’s

Ever hear the expression, “out of the frying pan, into the fire”? It means going from a bad situation to one that may be even worse. Like taking a drug linked to heart issues, bladder cancer and liver toxicity and giving it new life as an Alzheimer’s treatment.

Joyce Hollman

One a day with a friend rids loneliness and stress

Within each of us is a unique ecosystem of bacteria known as the gut microbiome. When it’s well-balanced, well-being flourishes. The same can be said for your social biome. And whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, helping yours thrive entails more than quality or quantity…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Research links common medications to tinnitus

The ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing and clicking of tinnitus can drive anyone crazy. And though doctors have tried for years to help, there’s been little known about the causes of the condition — until now. It turns out it could be sitting in your medicine cabinet at this very moment…

Carolyn Gretton

Common medications increase bowel disease after 40

Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can be painful and debilitating, causing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloody stools, weight loss and fatigue. If you’re in your 40s, certain medications can increase your risk of developing one…

Carolyn Gretton

The road that leads to tinnitus noise triggers

Tinnitus can be caused by hundreds of health issues and external stimuli. But one recently identified source is something we’re all exposed to at one time or another — and it’s not-so-great news for people living in urban areas…

Joyce Hollman

Thyroid, menopause and diabetes: The phthalate danger to women

Phthalates are colorless, odorless “everywhere” chemicals. They go by a host of names, but they’re all endocrine-disrupting chemicals. From thyroid to menopause trouble, women are hardest hit. Now, they’re why you can get diabetes from your shampoo…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Popular manicure may increase risk for skin cancer

Before you head off to the nail salon, there’s something you should know. Gel manicures may look lovely but they expose you to a very real danger. Just like the sun and tanning beds, those nail dryers pack a serious punch of UV radiation…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Mitochondria: Key to preserving fitness during aging

Exercise is one of the most powerful anti-aging tools we have. But even though physical activity can improve health during aging, evidence also shows that inevitably those beneficial effects decline. Research shows with the right intervention, they may not have to…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Common drug for back pain found to offer nothing but side effects

If you’re one of the 80 percent of people who suffers from low back pain at one point or another, there’s something that you need to know before you see your doctor: the prescription they want to give you probably won’t work. Even worse, while it does little to nothing for your pain, the drug could lead to problematic or even dangerous side effects…

Carolyn Gretton

How to make Kegels work better for bladder leaks

It’s no surprise that women’s bladders get weaker. And Kegel exercises have long been recommended to improve pelvic floor strength and relieve bladder leaks. But that didn’t always work well enough until they added a second step…

Margaret Cantwell

Wegovy: From rebound weight to that black box warning

Weight loss has never been easy. That’s why Wegovy sounded like a fairy tale. In truth, it’s a cautionary tale of miserable side effects, disrupted hormones, a black box warning and rapid weight gain that doesn’t live up to the hype for everyone.

Carolyn Gretton

Could the key to good sleep start in your gut?

Everyone has trouble sleeping occasionally, with the most common causes being stress, anxiety and depression, neurological problems and pain. But there’s another group of middlemen that can make sleep tough, and they reside in a surprising part of your body…

Carolyn Gretton

The nut that lowers cholesterol better than exercise

Nuts are givers of great health. Almonds have been called the world’s most nutritious nut. Walnuts have been known to crackdown on chronic disease. And pistachios have been hailed as natural weight loss helpers. But what is the best nut for lowering cholesterol? The one that dropped numbers significantly lower than exercise intervention…

Carolyn Gretton

Are banned food additives making Americans sick?

There are a few differences between Americans and Europeans. But one of the biggest differences is the food we consume. Take dangerous food additives. Here is a handful that have been banned in Europe, but are still fed to us, starting with your morning toast…

Jedha Dening

6 teas that boost metabolism, tame appetite and fight fat

Did you know habitual tea drinkers have lower BMI and waist-to-hip ratios, and less body fat than non-tea drinkers? In addition, teas offer protection against many of the health risks associated with being overweight. Here are six that top the list…

Joyce Hollman

Less salt, more bananas could save your memory

Cognitive decline can lead to dementia, and dementia is irreversible. But if you keep your intake of sodium low and your potassium intake high enough to support blood flow through the brain you might just avoid it…

Carolyn Gretton

The link between grapes, your skin and the sun

You may have heard the phrase “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This holds for many health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. But few of us realize this wise adage applies to protecting the skin from UV damage too…

Jenny Smiechowski

The secret ingredients for prostate cancer prevention

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of death. So, how do you protect yourself? Well, according to new research, eating more fruits, veggies and plant-based protein could deliver a potent dose of prostate cancer protection…

Jenny Smiechowski

Herbs to reach for when a hangover happens

The best prevention for a hangover is to drink wisely if you drink. My advice would be to stick to one to two drinks max, in which case you wouldn’t need to worry about hangovers at all. But accidents happen, and these herbs may be the remedy for such occasions…

Joyce Hollman

How curcumin prevents muscle damage and soreness

Why reach for dangerous NSAIDs when you can reach into your spice cabinet for something that relieves muscle aches without the side effects? Research shows that curcumin supplements are a safe, effective way to prevent muscle damage, pain and inflammation whether you’re exercising, working, gardening or getting your game on.

Jenny Smiechowski

When too much of a good thing could lead to colon cancer

You’re constantly being told to eat antioxidant foods to reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. But what if these typically healthy antioxidants have an unpredictable side that can fuel cancer under certain circumstances? New research shows that may be the case…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 things that trigger an IBS flare

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome can feel like you’re living on a razor blade, never knowing when your symptoms are going to flare. But the truth is, there are a number of common triggers (not all food-related) that can make your IBS worse. Avoiding them could mean enjoying more symptomless days, making life with your condition much easier…

Joyce Hollman

Flu and pneumonia vaccines may prevent Alzheimer’s

If you’ve wondered about the benefits of a flu vaccine, here’s something to consider… If you already get it every year, you’ll be glad to know you may be getting something else: protection from another, seemingly unrelated disease that can rob you first of your memories and then of your life.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The grain science says can slow down aging

People have been searching for the fountain of youth for thousands of years. Research has found that diets that severely restrict calories do the trick. But who wants to give up food? You don’t have to! Simply adding one type of grain to your diet can mimic that life-lengthening caloric-restriction, without starvation…

Joyce Hollman

How to save a fatty liver before it’s too late

Left untreated, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. At this point, a liver transplant may be the only way to save a life. That’s why we’re so excited to learn about a new study on how to prevent this silent liver disease that’s attacking more than 100 million Americans.

Jenny Smiechowski

How high blood sugar stands in the way of getting fit

When you first take up exercising, it’s excruciating. You can’t breathe and every muscle hurts. But, eventually, you build up aerobic capacity and it gets easier, unless you have high blood sugar, that is. New research shows why exercise can be the hardest for those who have the most to benefit…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The common testosterone thief targeting men and women

Testosterone is the elixir of life, an antidote to some of the worst health issues plaguing us today. You might think it’s just men who need to protect their levels as much as possible. But women need it to… because this testosterone-thief doesn’t discriminate.

Jenny Smiechowski

For brain-saving omega-3 benefits, dosage matters

There’s a ton of research showing omega-3s have the potential to stave off Alzheimer’s. But there are also studies that didn’t hold up. These discrepancies have left many wondering whether omega-3s really work against Alzheimer’s. Luckily, new insights show their effectiveness may all come down to this one important factor…

Joyce Hollman

The ‘low-down’ on what green tea does to high blood pressure

You might think that a drink with caffeine couldn’t be good for your blood pressure. But study after study shows there’s something about green tea. That’s why two groups of scientists from distant areas of the world decided to take a look at all those findings and give us what we’ve been waiting for… the definitive answer on green tea.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

For more heart protection, eat more chocolate

Every year, heart disease kills more people than any other disease on earth, including cancer. So, is it any wonder that we’re all searching for ways to keep our ticker ticking? From exercise and supplements to diet, we all want to know how to keep our hearts healthy. And now, science has found a sweet answer to that problem in an unlikely source.

Jenny Smiechowski

12 sunscreen ingredients the FDA could ban

It’s becoming obvious that sunscreen comes with serious baggage. Studies have found the active chemicals seep into your body at much higher levels than what’s considered safe. And as a result, the FDA’s putting some new regulations in place soon. But here’s how to make safer sunscreen choices…

Joyce Hollman

Curcumin: From spice to potent anti-viral

Research on curcumin, the compound found in the Indian spice turmeric, is pointing to its potential as an antiviral drug. It’s shown the ability to counteract herpes and Zika viruses and may even have some power against the HIV virus. How you can get some of curcumin’s anti-viral power now?

Joyce Hollman

How to brew up the many benefits of lavender tea

The scent of diffused lavender oil can help you wind down and relax before bed. But a cup of lavender tea can also do the trick and help settle your stomach. That’s because lavender tea is good for more than just sleep and relaxation. Here are more reasons to drink this lovely tea, and how…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 superfoods for super women

Eating a healthy diet is important for anyone who wants to live better, longer. But certain foods are especially effective at helping women meet their special health needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top seven superfoods that are especially good for women…

Jenny Smiechowski

The three best foods for fighting diabetes

It’s easy to get confused about what you should eat to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Should you go low-carb? Vegan? Low-cal? There’s so much conflicting information out there. So, here’s some simple advice — if you want to escape type 2 diabetes, focus on these three food groups to slash your risk up to 50 percent…

Jenny Smiechowski

Grapes deliver the perfect dose of heart-healthy antioxidants

Oxidative stress is like kryptonite for your heart. It’s tied to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), high blood pressure, cardiac fibrosis (scarring), plaque rupture, arterial blood clots and even heart failure. Luckily, there’s a fruit that contains the three most powerful antioxidants to fend off oxidative stress and provide serious heart protection…

Joyce Hollman

CBD: Arthritis pain relief without NSAIDs’ cardio risk

More and more people are turning to medical marijuana to relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis. They’ve found that CBD is at least as effective as opioids or NSAIDs, but without the dangers of addiction, heart attack, stroke or internal bleeding.

Jenny Smiechowski

How optimism helps you sleep better and live longer

Research has proven time and time again that optimists live longer than pessimists. In fact, one 2019 study found that they live 11 to 15 percent longer than pessimistic folks on average. But what exactly is it about a sunny disposition that leads to a longer life? A new study shows it could all come down to this surprisingly simple factor…

Jenny Smiechowski

A small increase in these foods makes a big increase in lifespan

More people get their protein from meat even though eating more plant-based protein could do them a lot of good. In fact, the more plant protein, the longer the lifespan. And it’s not an all-or-nothing deal… Research shows you can eat your meat and increase your plant-based protein just a little for some really big benefits…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Beta blockers may pose unique danger for women

One of the most common prescriptions for hypertension in the U.S. is beta blockers, drugs that are supposed to keep your blood pressure in the green zone and protect your heart. But now, according to a new study, these same medications are hiding a danger of heart failure, especially if you’re a woman.

Joyce Hollman

Signs of serious eye conditions and the nutrients to guard them

As we age, our eyes become more vulnerable to disease. Age-related macular degeneration is just one example of diseases that become more likely in our 50s, 60s and beyond. Know the signs and learn how to protect your eyes before it’s too late.

Jenny Smiechowski

Eat this summer berry to soothe skin rashes

We’ve all been there… you brush against a patch of poison ivy or try a new skincare product and your skin erupts in a rash. Typically, you’d need a topical steroid cream to get it under control. But there’s another proven way to tackle this type of allergic response — and you can find it in the fruit aisle.

Jenny Smiechowski

Ditch these foods to lift brain fog

Do you have a hard time concentrating? Do you forget words or lose your train of thought during conversations? Do you feel spacey or out of it often? If you do, you may be dealing with brain fog. You can lift the fog by ditching these foods…

Jenny Smiechowski

2 simple secrets people who live to 100 share

How do you live to 100? Despite what you may have heard, it doesn’t require extreme diets, expensive medical procedures or unusual health rituals. New research shows it may just require two habits that are so simple they may surprise you…

Joyce Hollman

Lower your blood pressure at every meal

Diuretics and ACE inhibitors can be effective in treating high blood pressure. But they come with side effects like diarrhea, lightheadedness and muscle cramping. So, what else is a person to do besides eat right and exercise? Add herbs and spices known to naturally lower blood pressure to foods you already eat.

Joyce Hollman

5 ways oatmeal can beat back metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome sneaks up on people. It might start with your cholesterol. Before you know it, your blood pressure goes up. Next, your doctor is concerned about your blood sugar which is going up with your weight. Before you wake up one day on more medications than you’ve ever taken in all your years, try a daily bowl of oatmeal instead.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Passive stretching: The artery ‘workout’ that improves blood flow

You have roughly 100,000 miles of blood vessels and veins that make up your arterial superhighway… and much working against them. Your heart, and more, depend on them. Luckily, new research has found a way to make it easier than ever to decrease arterial stiffness and improve blood flow. Just grab a partner and stretch…

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