Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

A late bedtime won’t turn you into a pumpkin but possibly a heart attack statistic

There are numerous ways to lower your risk of becoming a heart disease statistic, from exercise to eating habits to stress reduction. Apparently, picking just the right bedtime is just as crucial. Too early or too late means a 12 to 25 percent increase in your risk. But there was an optimal bedtime to aim for…

Carolyn Gretton

The ancient Chinese practice that helps with stroke recovery

Tai chi, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, involves a combination of deep breathing and a series of slow, deliberate movements of the hands, arms, neck, legs and core. A tailored version has been found helpful in helping stroke victims get back on their feet…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is your weight setting you up for cognitive decline?

It’s easy to look in a mirror and gauge if we need to lose weight. But there’s another kind of fat that isn’t so easy to see. It’s called visceral adipose fat and it’s stored inside your body around your organs. Turns out these fats may team up to set you up for cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How much daily activities add up to heart protection

How much time do you devote to exercise? If you’re like most, not as much as you’d like. By the time you’re done with work, housework, kids or grandkids — who feels like a half hour of heart-protective cardio? If you think you’re not getting as much as you need, you might be relieved to know how much your daily activities are helping…

Carolyn Gretton

How a zinc ‘burst’ activates the immune system

Scientists have long known that people whose zinc levels are too low have few to no infection-fighting T-cells. And their thymus, an immune system organ that generates those T-cells, starts to shrink. When corrected, their thymuses grow and start generating T-cells again. But activation needs a burst…

Carolyn Gretton

10 health consequences of not having sex

It can be deceptively easy to slide into an extended period of not having sex. Life gets busy, you get tired, and sometimes we think we’re just too old. But lack of sex isn’t just a relationship issue: not having sex can negatively impact your health, happiness and well-being…

Joyce Hollman

The fiber that offers the most heart protection

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. But if you’re nearing 65, one food source in particular is the best choice for fending off the inflammation that leads to heart problems. Here’s why it’s better than fruits or vegetables at keeping your heart healthy…

Joyce Hollman

Long-term proof: An avocado a day keeps heart disease away

It’s no secret that avocados have lots of health benefits wrapped up in one little package, including phytochemicals that protect eyesight and fight cancer. But the connection between eating avocados and lowering your risk of heart disease just got even stronger…

Joyce Hollman

Nerve pain: The latest symptom of long COVID

Following the pandemic, the effects of long COVID are slowly coming to light. Almost daily, new symptoms and conditions are revealing their strange connection to SARS-CoV-2. Not too surprising, the latest has also been linked to diabetes and the shingles virus…

Carolyn Gretton

The simple vitamin/mineral pairing that can help with vertigo

If you sometimes experience the kind of dizziness that feels like a sudden spinning sensation, you’re probably experiencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). And it can range from annoying to downright debilitating. Some people experience a “once and done” episode, but others aren’t so lucky. Fortunately, getting relief could be as simple as the right nutrients…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The pain-relieving power of nostalgia

Opioids are proof that modern medicine has a long way to go in the battle against pain. Thank goodness there are natural ways to decrease pain levels, including the ones you can find down memory lane…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The relationship between loneliness and memory problems

Many people enjoy “alone time.” It helps us reset, be productive and sparks creativity. But loneliness is different. It is a feeling of social isolation fueled by a lack of fulfilling interactions with others. And research has been finding for years that it’s harmful to our health, especially your brain…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The supplement that makes it easier to cut out sugar

There’s good news for all of us who love our sweet and carb-laden treats but would like to tone them down a bit… and it’s all wrapped up in helping your gut help you make better choices, release appetite-suppressing hormones and increase calorie burn…

Easy Health Options Staff

Common erectile dysfunction drugs tied to vision problems

Drugs for ED have become incredibly popular in the last several years, helping many men overcome a problem that impacts their quality of life. But they may come with a serious price: a higher risk of three conditions that could cause vision loss…

Joyce Hollman

Avoiding heart failure is the best reason to stay hydrated

You’ve probably heard that your body is 50 percent water. But did you know some of your most vital organs are up to 80 percent water? Your heart is one of them. And we’re hearing that your future risk of heart failure may hinge on how well-hydrated you keep it…

Carolyn Gretton

The ‘weight optional’ diet that lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

Your doctor says you’ve got to lower your cholesterol and blood sugar. Of course, he also says to do that, you’ve got to lose weight, and you’ve found that hard. No worries. Meet the diet that gives you these benefits and more, with or without the weight loss…

Carolyn Gretton

Broccoli: An antiviral vegetable that slows coronavirus replication

Both the common cold and Covid-19 are coronaviruses. Of course, one is much scarier than the other. But they also have something else in common: a vegetable considered the original superfood, that stands up to them and slows their attack…

Joyce Hollman

Antibiotics and the surprising threat to women’s brains

It’s no secret that antibiotic overuse is harmful. It contributes to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance that threatens us all. But for women, it’s personal. If you’re not careful, fighting a simple infection could age your brain and hasten cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Diabetes: Why a broken biological clock affects treatment

Mitochondria communicate with time-keeping molecules in our cells, and this communication is disrupted in people with type 2 diabetes. That’s a problem because some of the most common diabetes treatments affect mitochondria, meaning they may work differently depending on the time of day they are taken…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The ‘silent hormone’ that doubles women’s Alzheimer’s risk

Doctors have long known that if you’re a woman, your brain is in danger. Numerous studies show women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s. And as you may have guessed, hormones are believed to be the culprit following menopause. But not the ones you’re thinking of…

Joyce Hollman

The trick to using optimism to live longer and better

Research says being an optimist can absolutely add years to your healthspan, the number of years you get to live a healthy, disease-free, productive life. But it depends on when you’re optimistic in response to the stressors in your life — before they happen or after…

Carolyn Gretton

A single cell may be the start and end of Alzheimer’s

The brain needs a lot of oxygen. Without a hardy supply, brain cells begin to malfunction and die off. That’s why the brain has a mechanism in place to make sure its energy demands are met: a single cell that may be all that’s between you and a cascade that could lead to Alzheimer’s or stop it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why cutting calories could cut your colon cancer risk

While we used to think of colon cancer as a concern for those middle-aged and older, more people are being diagnosed under the age of 50. And while plenty of research speculates as to why that is, the best is finding ways to keep it from happening to you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Poor liver health could be destroying your bones

If your liver goes down, so do you. It’s a fact that’s as true for your bones as it is for any part of your body. So, if you’re experiencing bone loss, problems with bone density or are worried about suffering from weak bones and fractures, your liver health, or lack of it, could be to blame.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Live cold, die old: How temperature affects lifespan

We’ve all heard the saying, “Live fast, die young.” It’s one that’s stood the test of time since living a fast and risky life is often cut short. Now, there’s one more adage that will likely stand up to that time test, and may have you cranking up your AC: Live cold, die old…

Carolyn Gretton

The harmful brain legacy of leaded gasoline

You may think the only way to get exposed to lead is through drinking water or paint chips in older houses. But if you were born in the U.S. before 1996, you were very likely absorbing lead with every breath you took. And researchers say that could be affecting how your brain is aging today…

Joyce Hollman

What dentists get but doctors don’t about pH balance

Every time you eat or drink anything other than water, the pH level in your mouth drops (becomes more acidic). This causes minerals in your tooth enamel to seep out as your body tries to re-establish a balanced pH. Any guesses what happens in the rest of your body?

Carolyn Gretton

Protein: How to eat it to avoid high blood pressure

Nearly half of the American population has high blood pressure. But what’s really odd is that for most adults, there’s no identifiable cause of their hypertension. Lifestyle factors, like salt intake, get a lot of blame. But if you’re not eating your protein right, you’ll be surprised at what may happen…

Margaret Cantwell

The Alzheimer’s drug on the horizon that’s really a vitamin

Could an existing FDA-approved drug be that magic Alzheimer’s pill we’ve been waiting for? It reduced those signature brain plaques and improved memory deficits in mice. Better yet? The “drug” is a simple vitamin that’s already shown that people with the lowest intake are 80 percent more likely to develop the disease…

Jenny Smiechowski

Perfect pill melts fat, fights disease and keeps your body young

There’s an all-natural “pill” shown to help you lose weight. Sure, diet and exercise can help. But why not give yourself a break and take this pill every day? You’ll drop pounds and end up not only with a healthier body weight but a better gut, bones, skin and more!

Joyce Hollman

The heart attack common denominator that’s bigger than cholesterol

While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease is the real threat, killing one out of every three of us. We associate fatal coronary heart disease with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blocked arteries. But there’s another factor we’ve known about for years that’s taken a back seat…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to get the blood sugar benefits of the keto diet without giving up carbs

Research shows that people with diabetes who follow keto have lower blood sugar and need less insulin. The keto diet also reduces the risk of diabetes for people who don’t already have it. Is that enough to make you throw away your bread and pasta? Maybe. Maybe not. If you love your carbs, I have good news…

Joyce Hollman

Nature’s answer to disease-causing air pollution found on the produce aisle

Exposure to air pollution can cause heart disease, stroke, cancer, kidney disease, even diabetes. It can infect your brain and dramatically increase your chances of Alzheimer’s. So run, don’t walk, to the nearest produce aisle and start eating the tiny veggie that can help eliminate these deadly toxins from your body.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why sex can delay menopause

Having sex regularly comes with a long list of benefits that don’t stop with the enjoyment you experience with your loved one. In fact, sex can help lower your risk of heart attack and boost your immune system. But women may find this the best benefit of all…

Jenny Smiechowski

The simple habit that makes more space in your brain

Do you ever feel like you need more space in your brain? The fact is… all of us put far too much pressure on our brains. That can lead to burnout, exhaustion, depression and even break downs. But researchers uncovered a way to take some pressure off your brain, so it works better…

Joyce Hollman

This ‘sure thing’ adds more years to your life

Behavior and lifestyle choices can increase the odds you’ll live a long and healthy life. But, according to research, there’s one behavior a woman can engage in that will grant her more years, and more health to enjoy them…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The artificial sweetener pitfall that packs on pounds and leads to disease

Isn’t it funny how when big corporations start selling something that’s supposedly good for your health, it so often turns out to be far worse for you than your original problem? Well, that’s exactly the case when it comes to artificial sweeteners.

Joyce Hollman

Why snow shoveling can spell a heart attack even if you’re healthy

Snow shoveling can be a great muscle stretcher and calorie burner. But you may not know that it places great demands on your cardiovascular system, as high, in fact, as a cardiac stress test on a treadmill or bicycle. That’s just one way it increases heart attack and even stroke risk if you’re not careful…

Jenny Smiechowski

The convenient way food labels may make it easier to say ‘no’

Calorie counting isn’t just about weight loss. Overdoing calories for a long time can increase risks for diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Something easier to count? How about how much you’d have to exercise to work off your food?

Joyce Hollman

Is aspirin the simple answer to migraine?

The Migraine Research Foundation tells us that 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from migraines. And stroke risk is doubled for at least a quarter of them. Now, a review of research shows an inexpensive and easily available remedy could be the key to treatment and prevention…

Jenny Smiechowski

Is the secret to stroke recovery in your gut?

Nothing can prepare you for a stroke. It’s sudden. And it’s scary. And there are no promises when it comes to recovery. But what if there was a way to make sure that, if you had a stroke, the repercussions would be less severe, and you would recover quicker?

Joyce Hollman

Essential oils for cuts, scrapes and wounds

Long before Big Pharma was around, essential oils were used to control pain, ease stress and stimulate the immune system to fight colds and flu. Research continues into the ways that essential oils can make us healthier, including their power to control inflammation and help wounds heal quickly and safely.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 Supplements to ward off all that winter throws at you

When winter rolls around, in addition to stocking up our medicine cabinet, I stock up our vitamin cabinet with supplements that get us through the season happier and healthier — and hopefully unscathed. Here are our five ‘can’t be without’ supplements for winter…

Jenny Smiechowski

What’s behind diabetes’ strong connection to heart failure?

There’s a connection between diabetes and heart health… no doubt about it… People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease. They’re more likely to have a heart attack. They’re more likely to go into heart failure. Why?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

They failed their weight loss study and still lost 16 pounds

A whopping 54 percent of the resolutions made on January 1st involve weight loss goals. Unfortunately, only about 8 percent hold up. But, don’t give up… A little-known study found you don’t have to stick to a certain diet or give up as much as you think to lose considerable weight…

Jenny Smiechowski

The strange type of stomach cancer striking people under 60

If you look at stomach cancer statistics, you’ll see that less people are getting this terrible disease than ever before. That’s good news. But it’s also misleading… Even though stomach cancer is getting diagnosed less overall, it’s on the rise in one surprising group — people under 60.

Joyce Hollman

10 ways to reduce the BPA exposure that’s 50 times higher than the FDA told us

This endocrine-disrupting chemical increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and infertility, as well as cancer. And guess what? The FDA and other regulatory agencies have underestimated our exposure to BPA by as much as 44 times the average levels! Time to start protecting yourself…

Joyce Hollman

Could SIBO be causing all your stomach problems?

You’ve probably heard of irritable bowel syndrome. And most people have heard of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. But there’s a lesser-known condition that, on its own, can totally disrupt your gut health in addition to contributing to others. Is it behind your pain?

Jenny Smiechowski

3 diets that halt age-related hearing loss

It’s funny how common certain beliefs about aging are. Everybody will need glasses. Everybody’s memory will slip. Everybody will lose hearing. Well, hold on… A 20 year study says what you eat can help you avoid hearing loss. It’s the best diet you’ve never “heard” of…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to reduce your breast cancer risk after 50

By your 50s, your risk of breast cancer is 1 in 43 and by 60, a scary 1 in 29. But according to a new study from investigators at the American Cancer Society and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, even if you’re over 50, it’s not too late to lower your breast cancer risk significantly…

Jenny Smiechowski

Trouble with A-fib? Giving up this drink could bring big improvements

Researchers say that giving up a certain type of drink offered the same A-fib benefits as the drugs they prescribe to treat A-fib. But giving up it up may be better than drugs because it’s free and doesn’t have any negative side effects. It does have some positive side effects, though…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sleeping like this could be the reason for those nasty migraines

The relationship between sleep and migraines hasn’t been well understood or even well-studied, leaving migraine sufferers with no information on exactly what type of sleep issues are more likely to cause problems, much less what they can do about it… Until now. And the connection is clear…

Joyce Hollman

CoQ10: The ‘magic bullet’ for a healthy energetic life

Of all the vitamins and minerals, there’s one that seems to hold the key to aging well. In fact, low levels of this nutrient have been linked to heart disease, brain disorders, diabetes and cancer. No, this time it’s NOT vitamin D, but it can help make healthy aging a snap…

Dr. Michael Cutler

How to tap into drug-free depression and anxiety relief

All of us feel good when things are going well. But when feelings of frustration, anger or despair erupt, it’s time for help. It’s easy to take the pills any doctor can prescribe to mask your symptoms. But you have other options, proven effective, safe, and inexpensive for pain, depression and anxiety…

Harry Cline

5 great reasons for seniors to try yoga

Yoga is for everybody, no matter if you’re young or old, in shape or out of practice. As a senior, you also have a lot to gain from yoga. Read on to learn how yoga could improve your health and life as a mature adult.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

4 supplements to protect your heart health this winter (and beyond)

It’s the perfect time to think about supporting your heart health to live longer and better. That’s because winter can be particularly harsh on your heart. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of heart-protective nutrients that can put your mind at ease while your heart keeps ticking away…

Jenny Smiechowski

How the wrong milk could completely sabotage your weight loss

Maybe you’ve wondered whether you should go with plant-based milks over whole milk. Or maybe you’ve asked yourself a far more common question among milk drinkers: Should you choose whole milk or reduced-fat milk? If weight loss is part of the equation, there’s something surprising you should know…

Joyce Hollman

Cranberries found to disarm superbugs and make antibiotics more effective

Cranberry juice is perhaps best known as a way to prevent the misery of a urinary tract infection, or UTI. Now, a Canadian study has shown that the mighty berry may also hold an answer to the crisis of antibiotic resistance. That’s because cranberries launch a two-pronged attack to help stop superbugs…

Joyce Hollman

Take down blood pressure, blood sugar, LDL and weight just by timing your meals

If you have been diagnosed with any of the components that add up to metabolic syndrome — high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or high blood sugar — here’s some good news: There could be an alternative path to health that doesn’t involve counting calories or calculating the fat content of your meals…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The best therapy for incontinence following prostate surgery

The truth is that after a prostatectomy, not only do many men deal with erectile dysfunction, almost every patient has incontinence immediately post-surgery. Most doctors recommend physical therapy. But therein lies the problem…. for some men that makes matters worse, so here’s what your therapist needs to know…

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