Mental Attitude: Psoriasis Patients Often Suffer from Depression. A new report finds that individuals with psoriasis may be at a greater risk for depression. Psoriasis is a systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects 3-4% of Americans. It causes patches of thick, red skin, and silvery scales, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet. Investigators found that 16.5% of the psoriasis patients in their analysis suffered from major depression. They speculate the psychiatric burden of psoriasis may be related to how patients perceive the social response to their appearance, rather than objective disease severity. The authors conclude, “Our study supports that all patients with psoriasis, regardless of severity, are at risk for depressive symptoms and may benefit from depression screening.” JAMA Dermatology, September 2015
Health Alert: Calcium May Not Help the Bones of Seniors. Taking extra calcium may not help aging bones after all. An analysis of more than 100 previous investigations suggests that guidelines advising seniors to consume 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium a day are misplaced. Researcher Dr. Mark Bolland adds, “We’ve gathered all the clinical studies of calcium supplements and dietary calcium intake for both bone density and fractures… Taken together, we think this is the strongest possible evidence that taking calcium supplements will not be beneficial unless there are clear medical reasons that a calcium supplement is needed.”
British Medical Journal, September 2015
Diet: Mediterranean Diet Good for Gut Health. According to a new study, those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids in their gut. The Mediterranean diet is known to be high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes, compared with the standard Western diet that includes higher consumption of meat and dairy. The fermentation of fiber from dietary plant matter in the colon produces short-chain fatty acids, which the authors conclude are the connection to health benefits that includes reducing the risk of inflammatory disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Gut, September 2015
Exercise: Tips to Stay Fit During & After Pregnancy. The Weight-Control Information Network suggest the following to help women stay healthy both while they are pregnant and after their child is born: speak to your healthcare provider about what exercises are safe to perform during pregnancy, return to normal exercise after the baby is born (as soon as your doctor approves such activities), drink plenty of fluids when exercising, use caution when exercising in warm weather, eat a balanced diet both during and after the pregnancy, and if possible, breast feed to aid in burning calories. National Institutes of Health, October 2015
Chiropractic: Manipulation Beneficial for Neck Pain Patients. A research review of 51 trials has found evidence that multiple sessions of manipulation performed by a doctor of chiropractic may provide greater pain relief and functional improvement over both the short-term and long-term for patients with neck pain when compared with other treatment options including massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and some medications. Cochrane Database Systematic Review, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Supplementation May Reduce COPD Symptoms. Using data collected from 18 published studies, researchers note there appears to be an association between vitamin D status and the intensity of symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They suggest increasing serum levels of vitamin D through supplementation may reduce the severity of the disease. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, September 2015
Quote: “Getting something and having the wits to use it… those are two different things.” ~ Rick Riordan

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.