Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Easy Health Options Staff

Ischemic, hemorrhagic and mini-stroke: What to know

If there is a lack of blood flow to the brain, the brain is going to starve. That’s why there is ittle time to spare when stroke symptoms arise. Here are the differences between the two main types of stroke as well as TIA or mini-stroke…

Carolyn Gretton

Want to lose belly fat? Give tai chi a try

The gentle, flowing movements of tai chi aren’t usually the types of exercise you’d associate with losing weight or inches around your middle (where that dangerous fat collects). But a recent study suggests this seemingly sedate practice actually packs a fat-loss punch…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Is your real blood pressure problem incorrect readings?

What’s defined as high blood pressure varies depending upon who you listen to… the American Heart Association or the International Society of Hypertension. In my own practice, I typically favor the more lenient definition. But regardless of which scale you follow, getting correct readings is what really matters…

Joyce Hollman

When housework can lengthen your life as much as a workout

About 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise is ideal. It’s not easy for all of us to commit to that, but just a few hours of light physical activity can provide major benefits on par with more exercise. Just be sure to avoid the one thing that can negate them.

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…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Flu-fighting advice you won’t get from your doctor

You’re working hard. Getting less sleep than you should. And the stress is piling up. Surprised you’re sick again? If you’re not careful it could be flu that strikes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the season is winding down, but the threat is not even close to being over yet…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Scientists discover secret to making any diet work

We’ve all been there… Your friend lost 20 pounds on a new diet so you try it and… nothing. No weight loss, no new thinner body, no feeling great and fitting into those skinny jeans. So, what’s the deal? Why do some diets work for some people and not for others? Researchers set out to find the answer…

Joyce Hollman

The truth about those triglycerides

Triglycerides have really gotten a bad rap. In fact, you’d be extremely unhealthy without them, since they perform some crucial bodily functions… Essentially, triglycerides are the fats that are stored in the liver for use whenever the body needs energy. But nothing’s perfect, right?

Jenny Smiechowski

The ONE thing that makes obesity healthy (it’s not weight loss)

Being obese puts you at risk for a lot of health problems like stroke, sleep apnea, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, anxiety, depression and certain cancers. But there’s one way to remedy those risks, and I’m not talking about losing weight…

Joyce Hollman

18 tips for a stronger, infection- and cancer-free bladder

When was the last time you thought about your bladder? As organs go, we pretty much take the bladder for granted. Unless something goes wrong or you have an overactive bladder, chances are, you rarely think about it at all. Here’s why you should…

Dr. Mark Wiley

The workout that’s easy on joints and hard on blood sugar and lipids

If time and pain keep you from fitness, consider rebounding. There are so many built-in benefits, but three new studies help to showcase this exercise form’s vast benefits to health and wellness beyond a shadow of doubt…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Weed or alcohol: Which is worse for your brain?

You may think that you’re as healthy as you can be and that you’re at lower risk for things like dementia and Alzheimer’s than someone who regularly lights up a joint. After all, alcohol is legal and if you consume it responsibly, what could you have to fear?

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

MCP research looks positive for prostate protection

The health of the prostate gland is a focus for most men as they age and for good reason. Changes in prostate size can drastically affect quality of life with symptoms such as difficulty urinating, nighttime frequency and urgency, and carry cancer concerns…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to reduce hormonal dark spots on your skin

Have you tried everything to get rid of dark spots… from microdermabrasion and peels, to lasers, lotions, potions… and even prayer? Maybe you haven’t had to deal with it, but, especially if you’re a young woman, it could still be in your future…

Jenny Smiechowski

4 healthy habits 90-year-olds want you to know

Want to live to your 90s and beyond, and stay healthy doing it? A recent study from the University of California identified four habits that can increase your odds of blowing out 90 candles on your birthday cake one day. And #3 is really surprising!

Joyce Hollman

How mouthwash makes you 50 percent more likely to get diabetes

Nobody wants to have foul-smelling breath. But gargling with mouthwash may not be such a great idea. In fact, in doing so you could greatly increase your risk for diabetes and do some cardiovascular harm as well. That’s because your mouth is home to a beneficial health-boosting compound you’re sending down the drain…

Dr. Michael Cutler

The youth hormone the FDA can’t keep you from using

The use of human growth hormone for anti-aging is popular among men and woman who want to feel and look younger, be more energized, leaner, and sexual, and who want stronger muscles and bones. If it’s for you, here’s what you need to know…

Jenny Smiechowski

Gut secret reveals why sugar makes us sick and fat and how to stop it

Sugar feeds bad bacteria. If you have a sweet tooth, it’s sad to think that chocolate cake could put the balance of your microbiome in jeopardy. But Princeton University shows us why sugar upsets microbial balance so much, and how you can counter it and eat your cake too…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The foods that help breast cancer spread

You may not know this, but 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. And, it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. That makes doing everything you can, now, to prevent the disease vital…

Joyce Hollman

How housework harms like a 20-year smoking habit

You’re probably gearing up for some spring cleaning. But be careful: Cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that have an impact on your lungs comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day! Watch out for these 8 worst offenders…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Double the heart-healthy benefits of exercise without working harder

There are things you can do to lower your heart disease risk, especially if you get regular aerobic exercise, like walking, swimming, cycling and dancing. But, even better, there’s a way to get twice the heart-healthy benefits from your exercise without double the effort…

Dr. Mark Wiley

How to ‘curtsy’ for total body sculpting

There are many ways to exercise, tone and improve cardio health. Some are boring, some are challenging… With a little out of the box thinking you can make them much more fun. Like this super fun and different way to work your butt, legs, shoulders and arms at the same time.

Joyce Hollman

The dangerous way flu symptoms are disguised in older adults

Hospitalizations and deaths from flu this year have been higher than normal. But what if you don’t have symptoms… could you still have the flu? For older adults, this is a more frequent reality than most people realize, including doctors. And that’s even more scary…

Jenny Smiechowski

Can a cocktail clear away toxic brain waste?

Recent research has shown alcohol can damage your DNA, shorten telomeres and increase your risk for atrial fibrillation… not to mention seven different kinds of cancer. So there’s no question that drinking a lot is bad. But a little just might work like a beneficial brain tonic…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 steps to natural nerve pain relief

Everyone’s nerve pain is unique but what everyone who’s ever lived with nerve pain has in common is that it can’t go away fast enough. I had the unfortunate experience to learn that the hard way this past year. You see, I tore my shoulder and had to have surgery…

Craig Cooper

How spirulina boosts men’s immune health

Numerous studies have shown that a freshwater blue-green algae called spirulina boosts men’s immune health. This superfood, and its cousin chlorella, can be enjoyed both in food and as a supplement.

Jenny Smiechowski

The omega-3 that stood up to aggressive breast cancer

Chronic inflammation amplifies your cancer risk. Fortunately, researchers confirmed that omega-3s are an effective way to fight the chronic inflammation that fuels breast cancer. But they also found one source of omega-3s is substantially more effective…

Joyce Hollman

The ancient practices that conquers a modern day killer

Yoga can produce lasting changes to your nervous system that help regulate your stress response. And control it you must: Stress is a killer that increases your chances of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Under chronic stress, your chromosomes show the effects of accelerated aging.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Tell me if you eat fast or slow and I’ll tell you if you’re obese

Remember going to the fair and encountering the carnies who want to guess your weight? To this day, I’m not sure how they do it… but I don’t have to guess to know most Americans have a weight problem. And one reason is how fast — or how slow — we eat…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to flip off your brain’s hunger switch

Does it seem like you’re out of luck and doomed to carry that spare tire around your middle ‘til the day you die? Don’t give up yet. A new study is providing the key to turning off your hunger so that you can actually drop those pounds and keep them off…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Where to find the best probiotics

You’ve heard how important it is to keep your gut healthy by populating it with beneficial bacteria. And, the most popular way to do that? Probiotics. Those little capsules filled with acidophilus, bifidus and lactobacillus. But, what if I told you they might be cheating you…

Joyce Hollman

7 ways to avoid airborne Alzheimer’s

It’s no secret air pollution affects your lungs. Breathing the toxic chemicals that spew from factories and vehicle exhaust causes chronic respiratory disease, emphysema, not to mention lung cancer. What you may not know is how it can give you Alzheimer’s…

Jenny Smiechowski

4 ways this simple vitamin undoes heart damage

Throughout your life, your heart sees its fair share of damage… Eating an unhealthy diet, drinking alcohol, staying sedentary, being overweight and smoking cigarettes all take a toll on your ticker. (And let’s face it…none of us are saints. We’ve all done at least one of these things in our lives.)

Jenny Smiechowski

Do you believe Alzheimer’s is in your future? Here’s why you may be right

I’m sure you’re familiar with the concept of a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Well, science keeps showing there’s some truth to it, especially when it comes to your health. What you believe about aging and disease can either keep you healthy or set you up for sickness…

Dr. Michael Cutler

5 ways boron battles cancer cells

It’s easy to understand why boron has so many important functions when you consider it’s essential for plants to grow. That means it’s life-promoting. But — can you believe — there are even more reasons that boron is necessary to keep you healthy? And fighting cancer is one of them…

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