Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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?

Carolyn Gretton

How your eyes can influence your longevity

So many of the body’s systems are interconnected and influence each other. For instance, the gut has been found to influence mood, immunity and dementia risk. Knowing this, researchers were still surprised by the connection they found between lifespan and our eyes…

Joyce Hollman

Cognitive decline and aphasia: How singing can help

Cognitive flexibility is a key component of executive functioning, and group singing provides an opportunity to “exercise” the portions of the brain that control this crucial function. In fact, singing may be an enjoyable and effective way to boost your brain function…

Carolyn Gretton

Your immune system is aging faster and here’s why

The body’s immune system tends to grow weaker as people age. But as the aging population grows, something stands out. In some people, this aging seems accelerated. Why? A not-so-surprising difference that makes it hard for your immune system to do its job…

Carolyn Gretton

More proof a vitamin D deficiency spells dementia

As the world’s population ages, dementia is on the rise. Researchers, feverishly hunting for anything that can stop this cognitive destroyer in its tracks, have found new evidence further indicating that preventing dementia could be as simple as correcting one key deficiency…

Joyce Hollman

More than 100 health conditions increase with height

There are many instances where being tall may be considered an asset. Reaching the top shelf at the supermarket is just one. But you should know, being on the taller side is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for several health conditions you should watch for…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The surprising way an entire family got lead poisoning

What if I told you that you could be unknowingly serving up a dangerous substance in your home every day that could poison your body, cause behavior and learning problems in your children and skyrocket your risk for heart disease? This is how it happens…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The ‘new and improved’ treatment that slows AMD

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that progressively steals vision. There’s no cure, but the main treatment slows progression to avoid severe vision loss. And as effective as it was, researchers have kicked it up several notches with two new sight-saving ingredients…

Joyce Hollman

The scary new ‘superbug’ no one’s telling you about

In 2010, the CDC estimated that 23,000 people were dying annually from infections caused by MRSA and other “unkillable” bacteria that have learned to resist our best antibiotics. Then we stopped hearing much about superbugs. Now we’re finding that fungal infections are following suit, and it’s downright scary…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

This is the diet that could save your heart

To keep all of the organs in your body working, your heart muscle must work tirelessly. Unfortunately, as you age, your chance of heart failure goes up significantly. Aside from genetic factors, what you eat makes a big impact. And out of these 5 popular styles of eating, one could slash your risk by 41 percent…

Jenny Smiechowski

Still fishing for an answer to your insomnia? Try this food

What should you do when you’re so desperate you’d trade anything (your car, your left arm, your firstborn, your beloved cockapoo) for one decent night’s sleep? Well, the bad news is, there’s no silver bullet solution to insomnia. But research says more of this fish on your dinner plate comes pretty close…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Keratosis pilaris: The bumpy skin on the back of your arms and how to make it go away

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of those tiny bumps on the back of your upper arms? The ones that feel like “chicken skin,” even when you’re not cold, and can actually show up on your cheeks, thighs or buttocks, too. Those bumps amount to a common skin condition and there are several ways to tackle it…

Jenny Smiechowski

The food additive that slows mold growth and your metabolism

Why is it some people can eat potatoes, bread, chocolate cake and other tasty treats from time to time and still look like Elle McPherson? Yet, some of us can’t even look at a chocolate chip cookie in the Panera bakery display without gaining five pounds. Could something be working against you?

Joyce Hollman

10 tips on the number one way to beat arthritis pain and stiffness

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability. If the joints of your fingers, hips, and knees become painful, stiff and inflamed, it can be hard just to get out of bed in the morning. And without a concerted effort to fight back against the pain, a person’s quality of life can go quickly downhill. But there are ways to fight back…

Jenny Smiechowski

4 amazing benefits of asparagus you should know about

When you eat in-season, the food’s fresher. It tastes better. And packs more nutrition. If seasonal eating strikes a chord with you, look for the stalky, green vegetable that sprouts every spring — asparagus. This scrumptious veggie can provide major health benefits that you’ll want to take advantage of…

Joyce Hollman

What’s behind skyrocketing drug prices and 7 ways to beat them

What’s going on with drug prices these days? To say some increases (like the Epi pen and insulin) are unreasonable really understates things. We need to look at the system that’s in place for setting prices, the middleman you don’t really need, and a handful of ways you can beat that system and pay less for meds you need…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Need a testosterone boost? Do something thrilling

Hormones can cause a lot of problems. If your testosterone goes down, so does your libido and energy levels. Your muscles and bones can become weaker, your body fat can go up and you can end up with more rolls around your belly. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s a fun way to boost it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Experts say muscle ‘power’ beats muscle strength for life

We would probably all like to live a longer, healthier life. Past studies have shown that the key could be stronger muscles. But there’s another option that’s been proven to be more important than muscle strength to determining how long you live — muscle power. Here’s the difference and how to boost it…

Joyce Hollman

How to heat things up to cool down pain with capsaicin

Capsaicin is a natural compound found in spicy peppers. It has no nutritional value on its own but is well known for its pain-killing power — and at least a handful of other proven benefits including reduced stroke and heart attack risk, lower cholesterol, and dousing chronic inflammation. Here’s how to put it to work…

Jenny Smiechowski

The little berry that offers big protection against the spring flu

The flu’s breaking records this year. Not because it’s more severe. Or because it’s causing more deaths. It’s just lasting super long. That means, if you haven’t gotten it yet, the threat is still very real. If I were you I’d stock up on the berry with phytochemicals that effectively stopped the flu virus from infecting cells…

Jenny Smiechowski

The compound with the most scientific cred against stomach cancer

A couple of years ago the British Journal of Medicine (BMJ) published the story of a woman who overcame blood cancer by taking curcumin supplements. Past studies also show it’s helpful against colon, skin and pancreatic cancer. Now it appears curcumin packs anti-cancer clout against stomach cancer too…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to make quitting smoking almost 6 times more successful

Research shows that smokers who try to give up cigarettes without participating in a smoking cessation program will fail a whopping 95 percent of the time, making it the number one thing you must do if you want to quit. But new research has uncovered a strategy that can increase your chances of quitting by almost six times…

Joyce Hollman

What you should know before you switch out those old mercury fillings

Mercury amalgam fillings have been used for more than 150 years. They’re affordable and durable. But now that we know how hazardous they are, many folks are considering having those old fillings replaced. Finding the right replacement isn’t so easy, though. If you’re considering it, here’s what you should know…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

4 longevity factors that fuel the real fountain of youth

People who live long well do so through small, daily acts of healthy behavior. And it’s the cumulative effect of those small acts over time that rewards them with better health. So, every time you practice just these 4 pillars, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re building your own personal fountain of youth…

Jenny Smiechowski

Ready to put your mind to it and significantly improve IBS symptoms?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a serious wake-up call. You’re plagued with diarrhea, cramping, bloating, constipation, indigestion, fatigue. And no one knows for sure why IBS strikes some and spares others. It’s a mysterious disease. But despite its mysteriousness, there is one thing we do know about IBS for sure…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The drugs that increase a man’s risk of diabetes

No one knows exactly why men end up with enlarged prostates as they age but the fact is that benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH affects approximately over 27 million men over the age of 50 per year, making it one of the most common diseases faced by aging men. But the meds used to help cause another problem…

Joyce Hollman

Can you eat ANY meat and expect to escape disease and early death?

Plenty of research tells us that a diet centered around fruits, vegetables and whole grains can prevent a long list of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. But wait… can’t you indulge in the occasional burger or steak without worrying? Here’s what researchers found when people ate as little as two ounces a day…

Jenny Smiechowski

4 weird health effects of tattoos that’ll make you think twice

Your barista at Starbucks. Your yoga teacher. Your bank teller. They all have tattoos. Heck, even your boss has a tribal design peaking out from his shirtsleeves. Now, most people who get tattoos will never have a problem. But when you inject a foreign substance into your body, there’s always the possibility…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Is a ‘thread lift’ for you?

A face-lift may not be something you would consider. The thought of going under the knife and weeks of downtime and pain is not appealing. But there are many new procedures shown to be safe and effective these days, with little to no downtime. If you’ve thought about lifting your laugh lines, let me tell you about…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The no-exercise way to lower heart disease, diabetes and obesity risk in 20 minutes a day

Left unchecked, chronic stress can skyrocket your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. But few of us take the steps necessary to manage stress since it can seem difficult to overcome or too time-consuming to put in the effort. But a new study says you can do it in just 20 minutes a day…

Joyce Hollman

3 life hacks the Japanese use to live beyond 100 (and thrive!)

If you asked a handful of people whether they’d like to live to be 100, you’d probably get mixed answers. Some might say, “Sure, the longer the better.” But just as many would be afraid to live that long, concerned about frailty and poor health. Yet in Japan, centenarians are thriving thanks to these longevity hacks…

Jenny Smiechowski

The breakfast that balances blood sugar all day long

Your breakfast can send you on the blood sugar equivalent of Magic Mountain, where you spend your day experiencing spikes and dips that leave you feeling weak, irritable and downright bad. Or it can send you on a smooth ride down the lazy river. The choice is up to you. But if the second option sounds better, eat this…

Craig Cooper

10 cancer symptoms men often ignore

If you have any of the following 10 cancer symptoms or signs, be sure to consult a physician. It may prove to be nothing at all or something other than cancer. But at least you and your family will know what you are up against and you can take the steps to manage it.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3-D mammography casts doubt on “end date” for cancer screening of older women

While some groups recommend that all women, no matter their age, get a yearly mammogram, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that once you hit 74, screening can stop for good. But, is that true? And, if you should continue to be screened, is traditional mammography your best choice?

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Improve blood pressure and ease sleep apnea in just 5 minutes a day

Blood pressure, especially systolic (the top number) naturally creeps up as arteries stiffen with age, raising the risk for heart attack, kidney damage, and even cognitive problems. But what if there was something easy that only took 5 minutes a day to bring it way down, without breaking a sweat?

Joyce Hollman

Did the ‘gold standard’ diabetes test that’s mostly wrong miss your diagnosis?

Headlines report that type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. What’s equally concerning is people with prediabetes who don’t know their risk. But even worse than that (and yes, it gets far worse), there are human timebombs among us who think they are just fine because their diabetes test was WRONG…

Joyce Hollman

8+ natural ways to avoid the diabetes-heart disease trap

Your body runs on hormones. They are the “chemical messengers” that make things happen, like controlling your body temperature, your moods, your sex drive, your sleep patterns, and your immunity against disease. Most people think of insulin as the hormone associated with diabetes. But that’s cutting it short…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The Chinese seed extract that can help fight superbug skin infections

Bacteria that live on your skin can also cause serious problems. They can put you at risk for painful, even dangerous, life-threatening infections from drug-resistant superbugs. Luckily, recommendations from a 16th-century text on Traditional Chinese Medicine may have the answer to fighting off skin pathogens…

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