Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

How to load up on heart-healthy nutrients at your farmer’s market

One of my favorite rites of spring is browsing aisles of beautiful asparagus, radishes, herbs and lettuces at farmer’s markets. It’s one of the most inspiring ways to cook more heart-healthy foods at home. My favorites contain lots of potassium, calcium and nitrates, which may help improve blood flow, and of course fiber!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Lifestyle changes that reversed aging 3 years in just 8 weeks

Who wouldn’t want to roll back the clock and reverse aging to feel better and live longer? But is turning back your biological age even possible? And if so, is it something you can do yourself? Here’s how the study participants did it in just eight weeks…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Study proves you’re only as old as you feel

For some people, age is only a number. No matter the number of years that have passed, they stay active, strong, and yes — youthful. They seem to live and breathe the popular saying “you’re only as old as you feel.” And now science has proven there’s really something to it…

Carolyn Gretton

Anesthetic may release tau and spur Alzheimer’s development

Surgery is difficult at any age, but it carries specific complications for older adults, including long-term memory loss. Researchers have dug into this connection and may have narrowed it down to the way a specific type of anesthetic affects tau protein, a key player in Alzheimer’s development…

Joyce Hollman

7 foods that reduce colorectal cancer risk despite your genes

You might think having a genetic predisposition for cancer is a death sentence, or that there’s very little you can do to counteract heredity. Well, recent research has shown this to be untrue when it comes to colorectal cancer. In fact, lifestyle factors can do more for folks with the cancer gene than those without…

Joyce Hollman

A better variety of gut bacteria reduces age-related muscle loss

Sarcopenia can put a kink in your plans to enjoy retirement, whether you see yourself playing golf every day, going on cruises or hosting campouts in the backyard with your grandkids — and instead leave you frail and housebound. But your gut bacteria can help keep it from stealing your get-up-and-go.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Mildly elevated BP in middle-age doubles women’s heart attack risk

Traditionally, women start out with much lower blood pressure than men. But when we get into our 40s, things start to change. That’s why women are being urged to diligently check it. Turns out even a mild elevation in BP for middle-aged women can double the risk for heart attack.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

It takes fewer steps than you’d think to live longer

Walking is one of the safest and easiest ways to stay active. It’s also great for your heart health and can help you live longer, reducing your risk of death as much as 32 percent. Better news? Retire your Fitbit… it doesn’t take near as many steps as you’d think…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The diet that boosts testosterone and burns calories

For men, obesity and low testosterone levels can go hand-in-hand and are often a “chicken and the egg” situation. Obesity kicks off testosterone decline and the resulting low-T leaves the body burning fewer calories and leads to more weight gain. But it’s a vicious cylce that can be broken so you can get your vim and vigor back.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Your gut may be the fast way to better blood pressure

Your gut or GI tract is home to a huge and diverse community of microorganism that makes up your gut microbiome. And more and more evidence is proving that much of your health — even your blood pressure levels — starts right here…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The cholesterol-lowering food supplement that tames anxiety

When you suffer from anxiety, that feeling of dread can take over. Unfortunately, the medications most doctors will prescribe carry a boatload of side effects. Some can even worsen your anxiety symptoms. But a plant compound found in some of our favorite foods was shown to wrangle anxiety… and cholesterol, too.

Joyce Hollman

Unexplained swelling could signal a COVID-19 blood clot

What do varicose veins and COVID-19 have in common? They both put you at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a condition where a blood clot forms deep within a vein, usually in the legs, but sometimes in the arms. And swelling may be the only sign of the clot and the COVID-19 infection.

Carolyn Gretton

Food dyes found to trigger bowel disease

Dyes used in food are supposed to be safe for you to eat, but we’ve already seen evidence that’s not the case. Artificial food colorants have been linked with everything from hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions and worse — and now, there’s evidence they may impact your gastrointestinal health as well…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Coffee drinkers have better brain connectivity

For years, research has dug into the benefits of coffee. And, now, there’s more credibility pointing to our favorite elixir’s stimulating brain benefits. Coffee certainly lives up to its reputation to help us stay sharp, alert and focused, but should we drink more… or less for the best big brain benefits?

Joyce Hollman

Spiritual fitness: The missing link for brain health

Over the past twenty years, the emerging field of neurotheology has explored the relationship between spiritual practices and meditation and a person’s overall physical and mental health. But the idea that meditation is good for the brain, and may even prevent Alzheimer’s, isn’t new at all…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What you should know about diet, tea and protein to avoid frailty

As we age, diet plays an important role in maintaining health and independence. But it’s a little more complex than you’d think. Research has revealed some recommendations, and some precautions, that can help you live life with vim and vigor no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake…

Joyce Hollman

Pancreatic cancer: Signs, tests and early detection

In the past twenty years, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer has skyrocketed, as long as the disease is caught at stage 1, from around four percent to almost forty percent. This makes greater awareness of the risk factors for the disease and the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer an important part of survival.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The sleep sweet spot that reduces heart attack and stroke risk

A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mental and cognitive health. It helps keep us focused, alert and simply happier. But more than that, getting just the right amount of sleep can bring down your risk for stroke and heart attack.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Fishing for better blood sugar? Try these tiny fish

Sardines. You either love them or you hate them. But if you were at a high-risk level for type 2 diabetes — meaning you’re prediabetic — and eating just a few a day could turn all that around for you, why not give it a try? Still need convincing? Check out these impressive results…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

People with high omega-3 levels live longer than people with less

When you were growing up, your mom never forgot to remind you to eat your vegetables. And while that’s still great advice, there might have been one recommendation she missed. Always eat your fish… your oily, fatty fish, that is! Because people with higher omega-3 blood levels live longer than those with lower levels.

Joyce Hollman

‘Sedating’ music helps seniors sleep without the risky pills

All of us have those nights when physical discomfort or a racing mind can make it difficult to sleep well. But when it happens night after night, it can be a real nightmare — one that affects up to 70 percent of older adults. Pop a pill? That’s dangerous the older you get. But new research says the right kind of music is the stuff dreams are made of…

Carolyn Gretton

Want to be less stressed? Eat your fruits and veggies

Between the chaos of the pandemic and the information overload that comes from being constantly online, stress is pretty much a constant presence in our lives. Luckily, evidence continues to mount that following a healthy diet with plenty of plant-based foods can help you manage your stress…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Reduce psoriasis skin symptoms with the 5:2 diet

Psoriasis is a difficult autoimmune disease to manage. Not only can it result in thick, red, itchy skin plaques that feel uncomfortable — but it can make someone suffering from the condition uncomfortable about showing their skin. It can also cause misery below the skin including inflamed joints and tendons. A type of diet shows promise in improving symptoms…

Joyce Hollman

Prediabetes: The ‘benign’ condition that does serious heart damage

Diabetes is well-known as a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But prediabetes? No big deal, right? Wrong. The notion that prediabetes is “blood sugar that’s high but not high enough to be diabetes” has lulled us into a false sense of security. It can lead to heart damage without ever progressing…

Carolyn Gretton

The other reason HDL protects against narrowing of the arteries

You already know that there’s “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol and that the “good” type helps eliminate bad forms of cholesterol out of your system. But researchers have discovered another benefit to “good” cholesterol that could help predict your likelihood of developing a serious heart problem…

Joyce Hollman

One more reason for seniors to stay cool: Neurodegeneration

Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that can sneak up on you if you get overheated and don’t take the time to cool off. Now, we’re finding that being overheated for too long can lead to specific danger for seniors… it can actually lower your body’s ability to clean out damaged cells that could lead to diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Carolyn Gretton

When other medications are to blame for your high blood pressure

People with high blood pressure are usually taking some action to bring it under control, including diet, exercise and medication. But what they don’t know is that they could be sabotaging their efforts simply by taking care of other health issues, especially with medication…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Hitting the stairs: Exercise after heart surgery

Exercise plays a vital role in heart health and is often recommended by experts as one of the best ways to avoid heart problems. But what if you’ve actually had to undergo heart surgery? Can you get the cardivascular and muscular benefits you need to reduce frailty without danger? You bet, especially if you take the stairs…

Joyce Hollman

No side effects from your COVID vaccine? Here’s what it means

Most vaccines have some side effects, and the COVID-19 vaccine is no different. That’s left a question mark for the many people who experience no side effects at all. If side effects are the immune system doing what it’s supposed to do, does a lack of side effects mean that the vaccine isn’t working?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Reduce pain and stress and boost your brainpower with nature’s sounds

I can’t think of much that’s more relaxing than strolling through a park and listening to a bird song. It clears the mind, rejuvenates the spirit and inspires me more than almost any other experience. And I’m sure I’m not alone in appreciating these gifts that come from spending time outdoors, including how they impact our health…

Joyce Hollman

When there’s nothing natural about ‘natural’ flavors

The term ‘natural’ flavorings often refers to flavors that they were produced through so-called ‘natural’ processes like fermentation or evaporation, rather than manufactured in a chemical laboratory. But there’s nothing wholesome or nutritious about them. Watch out for these…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What to do when your sleep fluctuates as much as your hormones

A lot of changes come with perimenopause and menopause, but giving up your sleep doesn’t have to be one of them. Use the tips here to help overcome the hot flashes that keep you awake, manage your hormones and reset your body’s internal clock for a better night’s rest…

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby

The ‘scientific’ reason cardiologists don’t talk about chelation therapy

Medical science was once a groundbreaking way to discover how to keep us healthier and living longer. This was how chelation was first discovered. But big pharma and the medical community have a serious financial conflict of interest when it comes to this treatment for heart disease…

Jenny Smiechowski

4 simple ways to feel better if you have painful osteoarthritis

The toll osteoarthritis takes on the people who have it is very serious. This type of “wear and tear” arthritis can become unbearably painful. Well, there’s a supplement that could help curb pain for osteoarthritis sufferers everywhere. You should give it a try, along with these other tips to live with less pain.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How omega-3s can rock your workout

Anyone can boost performance and enhance exercise… you just need the right supplement. The omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil boost anti-inflammatory action and strengthen immune function following workouts.

Jenny Smiechowski

It’s unanimous: Eggs lower cholesterol, heart disease and stroke risk

Remember the days when eating whole, natural, delicious eggs was a no-no? You got stuck eating bland egg-white omelets, dry toast and artificially-flavored low-fat yogurt for breakfast. Yuck. Thankfully, those days are long gone. A new study shows that eating eggs actually reduces your risk of heart disease.

Joyce Hollman

5 Japanese secrets for a long, disease-free life

In Japan, living to 80 is no big deal. But there’s an island off the country’s coast where islanders live even longer. And, they’re three times more likely to reach 100 than their North American counterparts, with much less risk of cardio disease, breast or prostate cancer or dementia…

Jenny Smiechowski

3 habits to ditch to make weight loss a piece of cake

It’s completely possible to retrain your brain for better eating habits. And the consensus is that it takes about 66 days for a new behavior to feel automatic. Now, you shouldn’t tackle too many at once. So, let’s go after the 3 proven worst at packing on the pounds…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The key to staying flexible, energetic and happy found in one fun activity

I don’t consider myself old but I’m not a spring chicken either. My back has gotten stiffer, my shoulders have gotten rounder and my toes seem further away than ever before. If you’re in the same boat, here’s one FUN way to improve all of these problems and more…

Joyce Hollman

9 ‘no-brainer’ steps for vitality at every age

A long-term study found that 70 percent of physical aging and about 50 percent of mental aging is determined by choices we make every day. With that in mind, I’d like to offer you 9 simple choices you can make at any age to keep thriving for decades to come!

Margaret Cantwell

Can these 4 nutrients help us avoid and treat mental illness?

Kate Spade. Anthony Bourdain. Two successful people, in the prime of their lives, took their own lives this week. And we are all asking that question… Why? But another question we need answers to is how to stop the mental illness epidemic. A new approach holds promise…

Easy Health Options Staff

5 ‘health foods’ that can backfire

In our enthusiasm for quick results, some of us go overboard when we try to eat healthy. Don’t let it backfire. Here are 5 ‘health’ foods that you should know more about before chomping down on them…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The top 6 vitamins and minerals all women over 40 should take

There are so many supplements that can benefit your body in different ways that it can feel impossible to narrow it down to which ones you really need. No worries! Here are the top six vitamins and minerals all women over 40 should take for their best health…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

If you have an apple body shape, here’s why and what to do

Fat can have scars. And because of where this fat “sticks,” most people with scarred fat have an apple body shape. So, if your fat cells become scarred as you gain weight, what can you do to finally slim down and avoid the health threats your body shape seems prone to?

Joyce Hollman

Dehydration may be the reason for your aches, foggy brain and premature aging

Dehydration is a real threat that many people don’t take seriously. They think it only happens to someone trekking through the desert, or to marathon runners or other athletes. But it could be the reason for your aches and pains, foggy brain and faster aging…

Jenny Smiechowski

AFIB and heart failure protection you can snack on

When it comes to heart disease, diet makes a big difference. But there’s one food that stands out from the pack if you want to keep your heart healthy. This food may even be able to help prevent two serious diseases at once…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is your nightlight giving you diabetes?

Did you know nighttime light exposure impacts your metabolism? Researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine recently looked into it. The results will make you want to turn off your nightlight, your bedside clock and your smartphone for good!

Joyce Hollman

How to know if it’s male ‘menopause’

Hormones are master switches. One in particular is a double-edged sword. At optimal levels, it keeps our cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems functioning perfectly. But get estrogen off balance and men — yes, men — have a real problem on their hands…

Joyce Hollman

7 ways to avoid the deadliest, preventable ‘invisible disease’

Kidney disease kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined. So why doesn’t kidney disease get the same funding and attention as cancer? Maybe because it’s largely invisible until it’s quite advanced. Make sure you know the risk factors and warning signs…

Jenny Smiechowski

2 anti-aging nutrients that double as disease fighters too

What really keeps you youthful, healthy and living the good life? It’s nothing complicated. No prescriptions, creams or expensive procedures. It’s getting the right nutrients. In fact, if you want to avoid the pitfalls of aging and disease for as long as possible, you need…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The other mosquito danger no one suspected

Mosquitoes carry dangerous viruses, from West Nile and Zika, to malaria and even yellow fever. But these viruses aren’t the only danger you face when a mosquito bites you. There’s a newly discovered one that sends your immune system into hyperdrive…

Jenny Smiechowski

Some might say this cancer cure is a stretch, but they’d be wrong

Research shows that staying physically active lowers your risk of colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, endometrial cancer and many others. But do you have to sweat till you drop to benefit? Or will something much gentler help you fight cancer?

Joyce Hollman

7 signs of anemia you should never ignore

Are you anemic? Actually, a better question is this: would you know if you were? Many people over age 65 are and don’t even know. They also don’t know that there are two problems that make anemia more dangerous than it needs to be…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why you need a water filter and how to choose it

According to a new reports, tens of millions of Americans each year are exposed to contaminated drinking water — consuming everything from fecal bacteria to lead and arsenic. Clearly, drinking right out of the tap is a bad idea. So, if you must invest in a water filter, which one?

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

5 serious health risks that rise with summer travel

Whoever said, “Traveling is good medicine,” never spent time on a cramped plane. Particular risks come into play with specific conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or recent surgery. These and other factors can make long-distance travel potentially dangerous….

Jenny Smiechowski

How big does your belly have to be to harm your health?

Everyone knows that belly fat increases your risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. But when does belly fat become a problem? Is a little bit worth the worry? And what if you’re fit everywhere else but your belly? Are you still at risk? Here’s how to know…

Joyce Hollman

If your urine’s this color, see a doctor

Normally, urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. If your urine falls outside of this color spectrum, it’s usually time to consult your doctor. A variety of medical and dietary issues can cause urine to take on a range of colors you might not expect. Here are some colors to watch out for.

Dr. Michael Cutler

Why the glyphosate danger keeps getting worse

It’s the most widely used herbicide in the world, and new evidence says that it’s more prevalent and dangerous than ever. Worrisome enough on its own, new research reveals glyphosate-based herbicides expose us to five hormone-disrupting heavy metals…

Margaret Cantwell

The hormone imbalance that sets you up for Alzheimer’s

Hormone treatment therapies of the past have many of us too scared to consider HRT. But there is an urgent reason why you should consider your options… That menopause ‘brain fog’ may not end with the last hot flash. In fact, it could be the reason two-thirds of Alzheimer’s victims are women…

Cara McCarthy

7 Smart tips to eat healthy on a budget

One way to stretch your dollar is to make sure the produce you buy doesn’t spoil before it’s eaten. Another way is to consider store brands, many of which are just as nutritious as their full-priced competitors. Here are 7 tips to get you started.

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