Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Carolyn Gretton

The diabetes side effect no one talks about

Sex. It’s a topic that’s all over TV, film and social media. Unfortunately, it’s one that many of us are uncomfortable discussing personally. And if you have diabetes, you may not even be aware that your blood sugar problems not only mess with your health but are also behind problems in the bedroom…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sex after 60: if you’re not doing it, you should be

Who says sex after 60 stops? If you think you’re supposed to leave all that behind after a certain birthday, you’d be mistaken. Researchers say an active sex life can offer benefits that can make your life more satisfying with age, and they have some tips to help you get it on…

Easy Health Options Staff

COPD: What to know about your prematurely aged immune system

COPD is an umbrella term for a group of incurable inflammatory lung disorders. It carries higher risk for other serious conditions such as heart disease, memory loss, stroke or diabetes. But less has been known about its connection to vitamin deficiency and an aged immune system…

Joyce Hollman

Two mistakes to avoid (like your life depends on it) when you retire

If you’re newly retired, or will be soon, some planning probably went into how you’ll spend this chapter of your life. Your finances may have been at the top of your list. But before you check anything off, be sure you don’t make the two mistakes that don’t leave room for second chances…

Jedha Dening

Cholesterol drugs: Prescription for disease?

When a physician suggests a medication, you trust them. You’d never expect them to prescribe a drug that may not actually work — much less one with links to other diseases. But that’s just what has happened…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The easiest way to drop your stroke risk by almost 50%

Some of us feel powerless about improving our odds of living long lives without the physical limitations that can make us dependent on others. A stroke is a perfect example of the kind of event that can change everything in an instant. But you can do something incredibly simple to lower that risk…

Carolyn Gretton

The after-stroke danger to be aware of: ‘Sticky’ blood vessels

It’s well-known that stroke can cause damage to the brain. But once the stroke is treated, it seems logical that the damage would stop there. Unfortunately, researchers have discovered a process deep within your body that can lead to more destruction. But it may be possible to dial it back…

Carolyn Gretton

DIM: The short answer to a long list of midlife ailments

In our 40s, our list of health concerns begins to grow. It doesn’t take long before that shortlist gets longer and longer. It would be easy to get overwhelmed trying to rein them all in, unless you’re familiar with one powerful phytonutrient that tackles them all, including hormone imbalance, sluggish metabolism, immune health and so much more…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

It’s not your diet: Why breathing is making us fat

Nothing is more frustrating than seeing numbers on a scale tipping in the wrong direction, no matter how much calorie counting you’ve done. Is it your diet? Hormones? Or the air you breathe? It’s not high in calories, but it’s high in something else science says packs on the pounds…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Heart disease: Not as sexist as you thought

Unless you grew up in a family where mothers and grandmothers suffered heart attack, like mine, I can see why many think heart disease is a man’s disease. But once you know what fueled the stereotype, you’ll understand
it’s an equal opportunity threat..

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Pomegranate: The fruit fueling cancer-fighting cells

This juicy red fruit is packed with antioxidants and possesses rich levels of a compound found to revive aging and defective mitochondria to help keep muscles stronger longer and extend lifespan. Now its cancer-fighting potential has gotten the attention of the scientific community…

Joyce Hollman

A family history of disease? It matters much less in your 50s

If mom, dad or granddad had cancer or diabetes, most of us believe we’ll suffer the same fate. Well, you can worry a lot less about that if you’ve reached 55. That may seem counter to everything you think you know about aging. But it could be a game-changer if you’re ready to play.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

For an immune system like a 20-year-old, do this one thing

Isn’t aging grand? Not only do you have to worry about wrinkles, blood sugar problems, osteoporosis, hormones and a laundry list of other issues, but there’s a reason your immune system just doesn’t function like it used to either. That one’s easier to fix…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 things muscle cramps say about your health

Muscle cramps are a common problem with a lot of potential causes. But no matter what’s causing your muscle cramps, regular cramping isn’t something you should ignore. It’s your body’s way of telling you something’s not right…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The cholesterol drugs giving you cataracts

Lipitor is the biggest-selling drug in the history of the pharmaceutical industry, even though the evidence for using statins to lower heart attack and stroke is not as strong as once thought. But, if you’re a statin-taker, you know they do far more than just that…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Women’s biggest benefit from intermittent fasting: Lower cancer risk

For women, just getting older increases the risk of breast cancer. Being overweight takes it up a few notches. Those odds double down after 50 if you carry extra weight and the change steals your sleep. How can you upset the odds? Change when you eat…

Jenny Smiechowski

The surprising food that supports your aging memory most

Memory problems are often considered an unavoidable consequence of old age. “Senior moments” are an expected and even comical part of getting older. We create memes, books and birthday cards about them. But even though most of us can laugh about it, you don’t want it to happen to you…

Joyce Hollman

5 reasons you wake up at night and how to stop

Insomnia is commonly thought of as the inability to fall asleep. But if you find yourself sound asleep, only to wake up at 2 a.m. to stare at the ceiling for hours, you’re dealing with a phenomenon called “middle insomnia.” Here are five reasons it might be happening…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Purple tomato boosted with 10x the cancer-fighting antioxidants

A purple cancer-fighting tomato is making headlines. Its beautiful hue is the result of antioxidant pigments naturally found in berries which exert powerful benefits by mopping up dangerous free radicals. But are GMO antioxidants any better than organic ones?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The ‘diet’ fruit that makes you feel full faster

If you’re looking to lose weight, don’t fall into the low-fat trap. That’s not only difficult, but for men a low-fat diet can lead to low T and tank a healthy libido. Instead opt for this diet “fruit” with the good fat that make you feel full enough to push back from the table sooner…

Jenny Smiechowski

The superstar antioxidant that stops osteoarthritis in its tracks

Osteoarthritis is a pain in the butt, or more accurately, the knee, hip, hand, neck or back. The loss of cartilage in these areas leads to painful bone rubbing that can prevent you from doing all sorts of everyday activities. Unfortunately, doctors can’t help much, but there is a promising antioxidant that not only relieves the pain but could stop osteoarthritis from progressing…

Joyce Hollman

Lutein and zeaxanthin: Protection far beyond your eyes

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids known for supporting vision health. That’s why mom made sure you ate your carrots. But even mom didn’t know then that this duo’s protection could go far beyond, extending benefits from your brain to your bones and more.

Joyce Hollman

Is your doctor prescribing you drugs on the ‘danger list’?

There are a few classes of drugs you should be wary of… they can cloud your mind, reduce your abilities and they’re slow to leave your system. That increases risk of injury. What do you do if your doctor prescribes them? Try this…

Jenny Smiechowski

To protect your brain, watch where you get your calcium

The older you get, the higher your risk of developing osteoporosis. And taking a calcium supplement can help curb that risk. But, it turns out, taking a calcium supplement for healthy bones could put another crucial body part at risk…

Joyce Hollman

When sound drives you crazy: Misophonia, tinnitus, phonophobia and more

Do certain sounds make your skin crawl? Do you anticipate with dread that one repetitive sound that you know could push you over the edge? Or do you hear constant noise that has no external source? You may be suffering from one of these conditions — and you’re not alone…

Joyce Hollman

Weight or inches: Which matters most for heart health?

There’s no doubt that being overweight is bad for your heart, upping the odds as much as 60 percent. But some obese people have better cardiovascular health than people of healthy weight. Here’s what makes them heart-healthier than someone of normal weight…

Joyce Hollman

Your stress score could increase cancer risk almost 2.5 times

Stress signals the body to produce the hormone cortisol at times when you need it, like to meet a deadline. But chronic, ongoing stressors that never allow your cortisol to ‘come down’ cause wear and tear on your body at a biological level. And that’s only good for cancer…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The tea that keeps you young, fit and energetic

If you’ve been feeling like you’re slowing down lately or maybe you’ve been noticing a few new wrinkles and extra pounds around your middle, don’t write it off as a normal part of aging. There are natural ways to stay young, fit and energetic at any age.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why a hospital stay could increase risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

No one plans to get sick enough from a viral or bacterial infection to be hospitalized. But now there’s all the more reason to plan to avoid that scenario. That’s because landing in the hospital for infection just a couple of times could greatly impact the health of your brain a few years later…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Some animal-based foods not so bad for T2D

If you’ve been told your blood sugar isn’t so good, your doctor probably advised eating more plant-based foods, like whole grains, veggies, fruits and legumes while limiting consumption of most animal products. Good news: all animal-based foods are not equal in their effects on T2D.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The diet that may lower stroke risk almost 75 percent

Did you know that while heart disease still reigns number one, the second most common cause of death worldwide is actually stroke, beating out all forms of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even lower respiratory infections? Time to lower your risk…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why simple soap slays viruses better than alcohol and disinfectants

“Drastic times call for drastic measures.” And the pandemic was one of those times. It was tempting to apply drastic measures to our disinfectant efforts. But something we learned that we can carry forward, no matter what virus we face, is that the simple answer turned out to be the best answer…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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

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…

Joyce Hollman

Your doctor’s treatment for hip and knee pain may cause more harm

The knee and hip joints are the two joints you hear about most in connection with osteoarthritic pain and joint replacement. Treatments are available that ease the pain of OA, including cortisone injections. But recent research has revealed that these injections are more dangerous than we’ve been led to believe…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What your cancer risk really looks like

In 2018 alone, 9.5 million deaths worldwide were due to cancer. When you combine those facts with an ever-growing list of lifestyle habits that can increase your risk of the disease, is it any wonder that worrying if you’re next can keep you up at night? Put your mind at ease by learning more about actual risk.

Jenny Smiechowski

The common gut infection that leads to long-term tummy trouble

Irritable bowel syndrome is a mystery. Doctors don’t know what causes it. And that’s frustrating, especially when you suffer chronic stomach cramping, diarrhea, gas and other uncomfortable symptoms. But it turns out those chronic symptoms may be tied to something that happened to you years ago…

Joyce Hollman

5 ways obesity accelerates the mechanisms of aging

At least 40 percent of Americans suffer from a preventable condition that significantly shortens their healthspan. Not only does this condition cause hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, but it damages the body on a cellular level — the kind of damage that mimics changes that normally come with getting old…

Joyce Hollman

9 foods for a slim liver and slimmer chance of liver cancer

When your liver’s overloaded with calories, fats and sugars from foods, it stores that excess caloric energy in the form of fat. This condition is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. That’s a problem because a fatty liver creates a welcoming environment for the most common form of liver cancer…

Jenny Smiechowski

The best morning hack for boosting your brainpower as much as coffee

Coffee is an incredible brain booster. That’s why we hit it first thing in the morning. Plus, it has amazing benefits, like lower risk of Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes and liver disease. But if coffee isn’t your thing, there’s another way to make your mind sharp, productive and limitless at the start of the day…

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