Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Carolyn Gretton

Exercise or die? What if you’ve already had a heart attack

No one likes to exercise. But every day 2,200 Americans die from a heart attack. But you know what? There are about 335,000 recurrent heart attacks each year, too. That means a lot of people survive. But is exercise a good idea after the fact, can it keep you from another, and what kind’s best?

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The oil that turns fat storage cells into fat burning cells

For the longest, I was stuck with an extra 10 or 15 pounds that I felt I needed to lose. I can’t count how many times I’ve wished for a magic pill that would turn me into a fat burning machine. Well, thanks to researchers in Kyoto, Japan, we may have gotten a little closer to that magic pill.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The Alzheimer’s trifecta more risky than genetics

If a close family member had Alzheimer’s, you know that fear of one day developing the disease yourself. On the other hand, no family history could give you a false sense of security. That’s because a trifecta of three common health conditions has been found to carry a much higher risk than genetics…

Joyce Hollman

7 aging myths to stop believing

Aging is still a difficult subject to talk about. Maybe that’s why the aging process is surrounded by myths that many people believe. Here are seven of them we’d like you to stop falling for. You’ll improve your health, live longer and enjoy life more!

Joyce Hollman

How to slash genetic risk for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in American men, and the most heritable cancer. If your father had it, there’s a high chance you will, too. If you are at increased genetic risk, recent research spells out exactly what you can do to dramatically decrease the odds it will take your life.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

2 steps to beating hypertension even if you’re overweight and over 55

There are a number of things that can cause your blood pressure to go up. But two of the most common contributors are age and weight. A new study has found a two-step system can significantly lower blood pressure even if you’re over the age of 55, overweight or obese…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The nutrient deficiency that leads to loneliness (and heart dangers)

Scientists discovered that loneliness can actually be ‘seen’ in our blood. While it sounds crazy, they saw that people who live with loneliness have very specific compounds in their blood, plus a nutrient deficiency that helps explains their condition and specific heart dangers…

Joyce Hollman

Only 1 in 5 of us has a healthy heart: Is it you?

While a higher risk of heart disease can be inherited, lifestyle can outweigh even these genetic tendencies. In a first ever study measuring specific factors that affect heart health, the news is grim for most of us, based on that simple fact, unless…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 ways to naturally relieve COPD symptoms

Many people don’t realize that COPD is actually an umbrella term that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and sometimes asthma. Nor do they realize how widespread and dangerous it is — especially if you’re a woman…

Easy Health Options Staff

The ONE question to always ask a thyroid doctor

Need a good reason to take extra care of your thyroid? Here’s a good one: If something goes wrong — surgery is risky. But if you absolutely must have it removed, there is one very important thing you must ask your surgeon…

Joyce Hollman

From weight loss to lower cholesterol: How to get the most from apples

Study after study has shown the health benefits of apples give credence to the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But, there are many ways to enjoy apples, and they’re not all created equal when it comes to reaping their nutritional value…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Viral trigger to blame for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis has had doctors and scientists stumped ever since it was first identified. While they could put up theories of what might cause the crippling autoimmune disease, the proof was elusive, until a solid connection was linked to a common virus…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Stomach cancer: Risks and symptoms you should know

While stomach cancer is only the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide, it’s the third most common cause of cancer death. Because it’s so dangerous, it’s important to know the signs, risks and best prevention…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Over 51? You may have monkeypox protection

No one is sounding loud alarms about monkeypox yet, but cases have started to rise. An interesting thing is that most of them are in people under 50. Unlike the last virus that made older adults a target, if you’re 51 or over, you may have little to be concerned about…

Carolyn Gretton

Is E. coli and a bad diet a recipe for colon cancer?

A Western-style diet is linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. And separate studies have indicated colorectal cancer could be influenced by a certain type of bacteria. Now, scientists are looking closely at the connection between these two colorectal cancer risk factors…

Joyce Hollman

The best way to avoid knee pain says science

The pain of knee osteoarthritis can be excruciating, and the stiffness can really slow you down. For many people, the solution is a total knee replacement. But science is stacking up for a simple way to slow damage and reduce your pain risk by 40 percent…

Carolyn Gretton

The menopause change that increases stroke and Alzheimer’s risk

Many changes come with menopause. And most of them we’re very familiar with. But one symptom has left experts wondering if it’s the result of out-of-whack hormones or if actual physical changes occur in the brain. Researchers recently explored this and what they discovered is concerning…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The microbe shortage spreading disease

The microorganisms that dwell in your gut impact vitals such as blood pressure, immune system development and your risks for more than two dozen other diseases, that they know of at this point. But most of us are running around with an “impoverished microbiome.”

Joyce Hollman

LISS: The low-intensity workout with big cardio benefits

Remember when high-intensity interval training became popular? I wondered how anyone but a seasoned athlete could stand up to those intense bursts of exercise. If you’re looking for cardio you can keep up with, that elevates your heart rate with less risk of injury, welcome to low-intensity steady state workouts…

Carolyn Gretton

Low sex drive? It may be your thyroid

There are a lot of symptoms of low thyroid function. You may experience cold hands and feet, fatigue, headache, stiff or painful joints and depression, among other effects. But there’s another thyroid symptom affecting men and women we don’t talk about…

Carolyn Gretton

The sneaky substances raising women’s blood pressure

Modern living is synonymous with chemicals. And unfortunately, some of them may be inescapable. They’re called “forever chemicals” and there’s no doubt they impact our health. If you’re a woman puzzled about what’s behind your blood pressure, this may be the first place to look…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

That low-fat dairy advice? It’s way wrong for your heart

Many of us believe the only way we can enjoy dairy is to only choose low-fat options.That’s meant watery milk and giving up rich, delicious full-fat yogurt, not to mention real butter and cheese. Time to stop. You’ve been cheating your tastebuds and your heart for too long…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

8 great supplements for calming rheumatoid arthritis

Living with RA can get a little easier when you use supplements to naturally reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve pain, improve your overall health and combat the side effects of those prescription drugs. Here are the great eight…

Joyce Hollman

How obesity can lead straight to heart failure

A lot’s been said about obesity as a contributor to diseases like cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. And some of it’s been contradicted. But cardiac scans don’t lie about the physical changes obesity wreaks on the heart that lead straight to heart failure…

Jenny Smiechowski

What your itchy skin indicates about your gut

You’ve heard of the gut-brain axis. Well, research shows there’s a gut-skin axis too. That means your gut is constantly communicating with your gut, and your gut is constantly communicating with your skin. In fact, a new study shows exactly why people with skin problems are more likely to have gut problems and vice versa…

Margaret Cantwell

The vaccine that lowers Alzheimer’s risk 40 percent

For years researchers have teased us about the potential for an Alzheimer’s vaccine. So far we’ve been left high and dry, or have we? Turns out a vaccine that’s been around for decades may activate the immune system in a way that protects against the disease…

Carolyn Gretton

Your brain and cholesterol on cranberries

Like most berries, cranberries are bursting with health-boosting micronutrients which give berries their red, blue, or purple color. But it’s their potential impact on the brain and vascular health that has experts giving the tiny berry a closer look…

Carolyn Gretton

How a mistaken Alzheimer’s diagnosis proved deadly

Lyme disease is growing across the country. Testing for it is often inaccurate. And if not caught it in time, it could prove debilitating or deadly. That’s what one family discovered when their father was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s before the truth came out…

Carolyn Gretton

Low thyroid? Keep these 9 foods on your radar

If you’re suffering from unexplained weight gain, fatigue, thinning hair, stiff or painful joints, memory issues and increased sensitivity to cold, you may want to get your thyroid checked. Chances are, you’re suffering from low thyroid. Then take a good look at what you’re eating…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why are tomatoes being genetically modified with vitamin D?

In this day and age, it’s hard to believe a vitamin deficiency could be at the root of many of the significant health problems we face. But more and more research says it is, from heart problems, to autoimmune disease and even Alzeimer’s. But is the answer in tomatoes?

Jenny Smiechowski

The best pet for balanced blood sugar

I love animals — dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and even reptiles. (I wouldn’t want to cuddle with a snake, but I think they’re fun to watch from a safe distance.) If you’re an animal lover like me, I’m guessing you have a few furry, feathered or scaled family members in your household. And if you do, I have good news…

Joyce Hollman

A safer way to shut down your brain’s ‘pain network’

Living with chronic pain can turn your world upside down. I’ve been there. That’s why I’m excited about some hopeful news for anyone living with depression, pain, or both. Science has uncovered something that may offer a way out of pain and depression, without the risk of becoming addicted to the cure.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

A tickle in your ear could help you age better

Your autonomic nervous system controls many of the bodily functions that you don’t even have to think about. But, as you age, that balance begins to tip to your sympathetic nervous system. This imbalance makes you more susceptible to the unhealthier side of aging. But there’s a novel way to get balanced…

Joyce Hollman

A test that could reduce worry for breast cancer survivors

Drug and chemotherapy treatments for early-stage cancer have become more successful in recent years. Up to 30 percent of women show no signs of cancer following chemo. But how do they know their cancer has truly gone into remission so they can live without that terrible worry hanging over their head?

Jenny Smiechowski

Why you don’t need crazy exercise classes to live longer

You want to get in shape. So, you go to a boot camp exercise class in a nearby strip mall gym, and it kicks your butt. Sure, challenging exercise has its place. But people who struggle with moderate or intense exercise, shouldn’t get discouraged. Low-key exercise can pay off big time too…

Jenny Smiechowski

The fried food cancer connection that doubles tumor growth

I know fried food isn’t healthy. But I let myself indulge in it more often than I probably should. Unfortunately, all fried food is equally unhealthy in one important sense — the oil. You may not know most oils are unstable and produce a chemical linked to cancer. It can also make tumors double in size…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Are antibiotics causing rheumatoid arthritis?

When most of us think of arthritis, we probably think of the classic stiff, achy joints of the most common type of the disease, osteoarthritis. But, there’s another type of arthritis that’s a whole different animal, an autoimmune disease that attacks your joints, leaving them painful, swollen and even disfigured.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

What you should know about your hardworking heart valve

If I opened and closed the front door of my house 60 times a minute, it would probably fly off its hinges in a month! But that’s exactly what your heart valves do. There are no medications for treating valve problems. The only way to fix a severely malfunctioning valve is to replace it. But there are a few things you can do to keep your heart valves in tip-top shape…

Joyce Hollman

For ‘mature’ folks, this could be the king of all workouts

Kickboxing is a form of martial arts that combines karate with boxing. But don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re too old to engage in such a strenuous activity. For older adults, the benefits in terms of weight loss, stress relief, better balance and improved concentration are hard to beat!

Joyce Hollman

When bread isn’t what it says (and shares an ingredient with your yoga mat!)

Whole wheat. Sprouted wheat. Gluten-free. And that’s just the beginning. Are you confused about bread these days? I know I was. Until I did a little research. When you understand what some of the words you see on bread labels REALLY mean, it becomes easier to decide which one is right for you.

Jenny Smiechowski

Fighting autoimmune fueled fatigue? Optimize your HDL for more energy

If you have an autoimmune disease, you know about fatigue. How it prevents you from working, going out with friends, keeping up with your housework and living a normal life — probably more so than any other autoimmune disease symptom. The question is… what (if anything) can you do about it?

Joyce Hollman

5 huge improvements you get from a digital detox

You’ve heard us talk here about the health benefits of a periodic detox to cleanse and rejuvenate the health of the body. But, have you ever considered a “digital detox”?

Dr. Michael Cutler

Stem cell science available at your doctor’s office

Stem cell therapy has moved from the laboratory to your doctor’s office. You may be pleasantly surprised at how stem cells — from your own body — can transform, improve and remedy problems in just about any part of your body. Here’s more on stem cell therapies and the real-world applications available to you…

Dr. Geo Espinosa

7 food additives to always avoid

If you’ve been suffering from unexplained headaches, bowel troubles or allergy-like symptoms, it may be time to look at your diet and eliminate some of the ingredients in processed foods. Here’s a closer look at each type of additive and the health problems associated with it.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The depression symptom on your brain that could be Alzheimer’s

With age, most of us may be on the lookout for warning signs of Alzheimer’s… things like forgetfulness, difficulty following simple instructions, personality changes and problems communicating. But there’s one sign you might not know about… Depression. And its link to Alzheimer’s shows on the brain.

Jenny Smiechowski

Why cannabis is a better pain reliever than aspirin

Whatever you think about cannabis, there’s no denying it’s a promising pain reliever — especially in a world where our only options are OTC pain relievers that increase the odds of internal bleeding and insanely-addictive opioids. So why are more people popping aspirin or opioids than cannabis products for their pain?

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The plant compound that blasts fat and type 2 diabetes

Did you know that not all types of fat are created equal? And, I’m not talking about the types of fat you eat, but the types of fat you have on your body. Yup, there is such a thing as good fat that you actually want to have more of, especially if you’d like to win the battle with obesity and diabetes…

Joyce Hollman

That ‘gut feeling’ is big clue about where anxiety starts and how to stop it

Have you ever noticed how many expressions that describe anxiety include the word “gut”? “I could feel it in my gut.” “I had a gut feeling that something was wrong.” Turns out that this association between our innards and our feelings of anxiety may have crept into our language by way of actual, biological fact.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The best way to slim up a dangerously fatty heart

Fat around your heart is a dangerous thing. It’s linked to cardiovascular disease and the possibility of early death. But can you slim your heart down the same way you do your body? Research found the best ways to knock off up to 30 percent of two types of dangerous heart fat…

Gena Hymowech

The meat that cuts your breast cancer risk

Meat gets quite the bad rap these days. Most experts tell us we need to eat less — if any at all — to avoid some of the scarier diseases… like heart disease and cancer. They also tell us that those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet live much longer and healthier lives than meat eaters. Now, I swore off red meat a while back. It made me feel “off.” But chicken… that’s my weakness.

Jenny Smiechowski

How smoking fuels dangerously infectious bacteria

Cigarette smoke is bad for you… whether you’re the one smoking or the one caught in the aftermath. Asthma, ear infections, respiratory infections and, yes, even cancer are all on the table if you inhale enough of it. But there’s another surprising effect of cigarette smoke that can hurt us all, either way…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Microneedling may be the best treatment for acne scars

One of my longtime friends is absolutely gorgeous but never thought so herself. That’s because despite all of her natural beauty, she had acne scarring from the time she was in her teens. And, every single time she looked in a mirror, those scars were all she could see.

Jenny Smiechowski

The anti-cancer potential of Keto

People go keto for a lot of reasons. To fit into that one pair of jeans… to balance blood sugar to prevent (or even reverse) conditions like prediabetes and diabetes… to replace brain fog and mid-afternoon slumps with keto euphoria and a clear mind. But there’s one benefit that’s not on most keto dieters’ radar — at least not yet…

Joyce Hollman

3 personal care products you’d be better off making yourself

Would you knowingly wash your hair with a chemical that could give you osteoporosis? Would you get in the shower every morning and lather up with something that would irreparably damage your kidneys or lungs? Or that could cause cancer? I thought not.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

How one restaurant meal can blow your nutrition for 3 days

One of the casualties of modern-day life is home cooking. Not surprisingly, 90 percent of us don’t like to do it. No wonder more and more people eat out. But it’s getting even harder to differentiate the restaurant foods that might not be so bad from the ones that are a heart attack waiting to happen…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5+ ways to smell better post workout

I’m one of those weird people who actually likes going to the gym. To me, working out, while necessary, is also fun. In fact, I drive my oldest daughter crazy since she absolutely hates to run and I’m always trying to encourage her to do a mile or two with me. But, one thing I don’t like about the gym is how I smell by the time I leave.

Jenny Smiechowski

Why there’s a very good chance your blood pressure reading is wrong

Blood pressure is one of the most important predictors of complications like heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. But we’re learning that getting an accurate BP reading is a slippery slope… even when your blood pressure is taken by professionals. If you rely on a few readings a year during doctor visits to feel safe, this information is urgent for you…

Joyce Hollman

The best juice for pain relief, better sleep and sharper thinking

Nothing says summer to me like a handful of dark, sweet cherries. You just can’t get them any other time of year as good as they are in the summer months. But the cherries I’m going to tell you about are bright red, not dark purple. And they’re anything but sweet. But year-round they may be your best cure-all…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Use your smartphone to train your brain

A team from the Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cambridge decided to address problems related to forgetfulness. And guess what? They may have found an antidote to the daily distractions that we face in this busy world… and you can get it in a brain training game.

Joyce Hollman

The science behind a warm bath at bedtime

There is one thing that many folks have long used to help them relax, unwind mind and body, and prepare for restful sleep. And it works like a charm, for most people, but not for the reasons they think it does. Now science reveals the secret to why a warm bath can help you get your best sleep ever…

«SPONSORED»