Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Do you flail and kick in your sleep? It could mean Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is a disease that causes tremors, stiffness and rigidity, cognitive decline and more. And though there is currently no cure, there are drugs and alternative health methods that can help slow the disease progression. That’s why seeing the early signs matters so much…

Joyce Hollman

No time for heart-healthy exercise? Try a hot bath

Exercise. Either you love it, or you hate it. But it’s good preventive medicine. Regular exercise can prevent heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. The good news? There’s an indulgent activity that carries a lot of the same benefits.

Joyce Hollman

Simple sleep tweak cuts depression by double digits

There are people who tend to thrive and do their best work late at night. But others are at their best earlier in the day. One drawback of being a night owl is a higher risk for depression. But one hour is all it takes to slash that risk by double digits — without giving up late night..

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Popular bleach alternative not so safe to disinfect your home

Are you a cleaning fanatic? Be wary of the ingredients in the products you use. You could face serious respiratory damage if you’re not careful.

Carolyn Gretton

Bad news for couch potatoes: Sitting less sustains weight loss

Let’s say you’ve reached your weight loss goal (congratulations!) and you’re looking forward to all the health benefits that brings. You probably worked very hard, but maintaining your new weight may not be so hard, as long as you don’t do this one thing that works against sustained weight loss.

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.

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.

Joyce Hollman

3 things making us fat (and stealing your taste buds)

It’s a vicious cycle… Most of the weight-causing foods contribute to inflammation. That inflammation means fewer taste buds, which means fewer pleasure signals are released to the brain after eating that burger or candy bar. That’s not your fault…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Not a milk-drinker? Your thyroid could be in trouble

I stopped drinking milk for a period of time about five years ago. Like a lot of people, I jumped on the “dairy is no good for you” bandwagon. Fortunately, for me, it was a short ride… because those non-dairy alternatives rob your thyroid of something it urgently needs.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

9 Tasty ways to ditch the calories in your coffee habit

I was addicted to the Starbucks. I’m not talking about a simple cup of black coffee. I’m talking about those creamy, sugary, calorie-laden specialty drinks that are just so darn tasty. Five pounds later, I’ve found a way to enjoy my coffee as much, but without damaging my waistline…

Jenny Smiechowski

Your height can predict the kind of heart problems you might get

Do you wish you had a crystal ball to see what your health will be like in the future? Because, if I knew I was going to have a heart attack in 20 years or get cancer in 30, I could make changes now that would shift my destiny. Turns out your height can tell you much about your heart’s future…

Joyce Hollman

Trigeminal neuralgia: A painful bully that can wreak havoc on your life

The textbooks describe the main symptom of Trigeminal neuralgia as “electric jolts of pain,” but this does not really do it justice. A friend described it best: it’s like getting a root canal with a cattle prod. The scariest thing about this condition is its unpredictability…

Joyce Hollman

Getting steamy can slash your heart attack risk

Concerned about your heart attack risk? At least five studies over the last decade or so have presented solid evidence that this habit can help reduce blood pressure, strengthen arteries and reduce the likelihood of that thing you’re worrying about…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 toxic reasons to ditch dryer sheets

If you’ve been using dryer sheets to ward off static cling and give your laundry that April fresh scent, I’m afraid that what you’re about to read here will be quite upsetting. Dryer sheets are capable of actually slowly harming you…

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby

9 Antibiotic alternatives you need to have on hand

The issue of antibiotic resistance should worry every single human being on this planet. So if you believe finding effective antibiotic alternatives is only for those who live a 100% natural lifestyle (running marathons, growing their own food, and eating vegan) you’d be dangerously wrong…

Jenny Smiechowski

The high-carb weight loss food that burns calories

The low-carb diet craze has been going strong for decades. It started with Atkins, progressed to Paleo, and now it’s all about Keto. But low-carb eating isn’t for everyone. And, as shocking as it sounds, certain high-carb foods can even kick-start your weight loss.

Joyce Hollman

10 anti-aging vegetables you should eat regularly

It’s become evident that a diet based mainly on plants is a healthy one. That’s why many people have adopted a plant-based diet, consuming more vegetables than meat. But choose your vegetables well to avoid the insidious effects of protein deficiency than many people are not aware of…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

9 ways turmeric tackles your health problems

For millennia, this bright yellow spice has been revered for its many uses. Today, researchers and medical professionals are rapidly exploring turmeric’s remarkable potential and demonstrating its powerful benefits for many key areas of health.

Jenny Smiechowski

Doing this now could save you next flu season

This year’s horrible flu season is finally winding down… thank God! But if you were one of the unlucky ones who got the flu, you may be wondering how you can prevent yourself from reliving that awful experience again next year. You’re in luck…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Yoga basics for a bigger mind, a better body and inner peace

Before I began my yoga practice, I was exhausted, stressed, stiff, achy and unhappy. But it really changed my life. If you don’t currently practice yoga on a regular basis, you’re missing out. Here’s how to get started at home as a beginning yogi…

Jenny Smiechowski

How nourishing the brain could heal mental illness

People who take antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants often do worse in the long-term than people with the same mental illnesses who don’t take these medications. But there’s a very promising long-term solution…

Dr. Michael Cutler

A better test for heart disease and stroke risk (it’s not cholesterol)

You might wonder why so much focus has been on measuring serum cholesterol to predict heart attack and stroke, when the science has been sketchy. All I can say is that doctors are slow to let certain practices go by the wayside. But, now there’s good reason to…

Joyce Hollman

Which processed food puts you at highest risk for cancer?

Chances are you’re already familiar with the health risks of eating too much processed food. Processed foods loaded with fats and sugar are a surefire way to develop hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. But these can give you cancer…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why meditation could keep you out of the nursing home

New research clearly shows that meditation is about more than just relaxation. It can actually keep you clear and focused as you age. Maybe as my friend’s grandmother says, it can even keep you out of the nursing home. Here’s how to get started…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 vitamin D thieves and how to protect yourself (slideshow)

You’d assume if you eat vitamin D-rich foods, spend enough time in the sun and take a vitamin D supplement, your vitamin D levels would be pretty solid. But unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true. These thieves are stealing your vitamin D and your health…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Tree bark for less stress and more sleep (but not under your pillow)

Anxiety does awful things to a person. It messes with your sleep, your stress levels and is often tied to depression. If you’re battling anxiety, you could take medication prescribed by your doctor. But will you stick with it?

Jenny Smiechowski

4 non-antibiotic drugs wrecking your gut

Antibiotics are the enemy of gut health, because they indiscriminately kill the bacteria in your gut. That means even the good guys… the bacteria strains that support your immune system, help you absorb nutrients, aid digestion and help you get rid of toxins.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Surprising dementia link found in your liver and kidneys

Most people would agree that Alzheimer’s is the cruelest disease. What makes it even worse is that no real treatment advancements have been made. But a study appears to point to how to prevent Alzheimer’s from developing in the first place…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Promote thicker, healthy hair with a ‘scalp facial’

A scalp facial? It sounds strange, but the results will make you a believer. The secret to healthier, thicker, more lustrous hair, like you had when you were younger, starts at your crown. Yet, your scalp may be the most neglected part of your body.

Joyce Hollman

5 Common types of food poisoning and how to avoid them

If you’ve ever had food poisoning, you know the misery. In some cases, though, the consequences can be more serious than stomach cramps. For this reason, it’s crucial to know more about the bacteria that can contaminate your food, and how to avoid them.

Craig Cooper

This ED drug may reduce colorectal cancer risk

One in 22 men is likely to develop colorectal cancer over a lifespan. So what if taking the ED drug Viagra (sildenafil) could significantly reduce that risk? At least one group of scientists say this is a possibility, according to results of a study…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to slow brain aging by more than a decade

Cognitive decline is considered a “normal” part of aging. Even people who don’t end up with dementia experience a decrease in brain power as they get older. But you can help your brain age slower by as much as 11 years…

Jenny Smiechowski

How antibiotics affect your heart attack risk

Maybe you’ve heard that taking antibiotics is like setting off an atomic bomb in your microbiome. It doesn’t just wipe out bad bacteria, it wipes out everything, including the bacteria that keeps you healthy. But have you heard what antibiotics do to your heart?

Joyce Hollman

5 tasty seeds that slow aging, fight cancer and help you sleep

Sometimes, it’s the smallest part of a plant that contains the most powerful nutrition. Seeds, for example, are tiny powerhouses packed with goodness that could actually help you live longer and healthier by staving off disease and conditions, like…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 steps for a slimmer you by summer

A lot of people feel stress and urgency about getting fit when summer is just around the corner. That leads to bad decisions that set them up for failure. Like starvation diets. Exercising too fast and too hard. And worst of all, setting themselves up for unrealistic goals…

Jenny Smiechowski

How much does vitamin D really lower your cancer risk?

The connection between vitamin D and cancer is gaining more traction. Past studies have linked a deficiency to an increased risk for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and leukemia. But just how much can the vitamin reduce your risk?

Joyce Hollman

How light in your bedroom steals more than just sleep

It may seem illogical that darkness could actually help depression. But if you’re down in the dumps, a light at the end of the tunnel may be the last thing you need. Instead, a darker bedroom may be just the thing to boost your spirits…

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