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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Week of: Monday, August 29th, 2016
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Mental Attitude: Going to Church Lowers Suicide Risk Among Women. According to a new study, after reviewing 15 years of data concerning 89,708 women, those who attended a religious service one or more times per week had a five times lower risk of suicide than women who never attended service. The authors of the study conclude, “Our results do not imply that healthcare providers should prescribe attendance at religious services. However, for patients who are already religious, service attendance might be encouraged as a form of meaningful social participation. Religion and spirituality may be an underappreciated resource that psychiatrists and clinicians could explore with their patients, as appropriate.”
JAMA Psychiatry, June 2016
Health Alert: Men Have a Greater Risk of Cardiac Arrest. Researchers examined data on more than 5,200 men and women, aged 28 to 62, who took part in the long-running Framingham Heart Study and found that about one in nine men will suffer a cardiac arrest before the age of 70, compared with about one in thirty women. Lead researcher Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones comments, “We need to get more serious about screening men for risk factors for cardiac arrest.”
Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2016
Diet: Only a Third of Men Eat Five or More Servings of Fruits and Veggies Each Day! Even though produce consumption has slightly improved over the past 20 years, a team of Swedish researchers reports that two-thirds of men still consume fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. British Journal of Nutrition, July 2016
Exercise: Benefits of Running. Jogging or running is a popular form of physical activity worldwide. It is an appealing exercise because it doesn’t cost a lot to do and you can run at any time that suits you. Regular running or jogging can also make you happier, help you get fit, strengthen your knees and joints, keep you sharper as you age, reduce your risk of cancer, and add years to your life. Runner’s World, June 2016
Chiropractic: Lumbar Mobility Affected By Chronic Pain Among Seniors. In a recent study, researchers compared the mobility of 108 older adults, of whom 54 suffered from chronic low back pain. The investigators found that the older adults with chronic low back pain had more lumbar mobility impairments. This is of concern as loss of mobility can increase a senior’s risk for experiencing a serious fall, which can greatly impact both their quality of life and independence.
Pain Medicine, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Higher Drinking Age Could Lower Illness Rates. Raising the minimum drinking age may have more benefits than just lowering drunk driving rates. Researchers analyzed data on American adults who turned 18 years old between 1967 and 1990. The team examined if young people who were legally able to drink before their 21st birthday had a higher risk of death from an alcohol-related disease than people who couldn’t legally drink until they turned 21. They found that, among individuals who did not attend college, those who entered adulthood in areas with minimum legal drinking age of 21 had a lower risk of death from chronic alcohol-related health issues, such as liver disease and certain cancers, over the course of their lifetime. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, June 2016
Quote: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” ~ Helen Keller

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

Mental Attitude: Depression Strikes Nearly 3 Million Teens Yearly. According to a new government report, almost three million American teens experienced a major bout of depression in 2014. Dr. Paolo del Vecchio, the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services at the United State (US) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration adds, “Adolescence is a critical time in a person’s development, and battling with depression can be devastating for teens unless they receive effective treatment… Effective treatment is available, but parents, teachers and all concerned members of the community must work to assure that adolescents in need get help.”
US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, July 2016
Health Alert: Do Migraines Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease? An analysis of data collected from 115,541 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II indicates that migraines may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that women with a history of migraines had a greater risk for major cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and angina/coronary revascularization procedures compared to women who did not have migraines. The research team adds, “These results further add to the evidence that migraine should be considered an important risk marker for cardiovascular disease, at least in women… Given the high prevalence of migraine in the general population, an urgent need exists to understand the biological processes involved and to provide preventive solutions for patients.”
British Journal of Medicine, May 2016
Diet: American Teens Report Drinking Fewer Soft Drinks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that teens in the United States (US) have reduced their soda consumption by almost a third in just two years. Experts from the CDC speculate that much of this reduction may be the result of a recent ban on the sale of sugary drinks in school vending machines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2016
Exercise: Improves Blood Flow to the Brain! Using MRI, researchers observed that more aerobically fit children have greater blood flow to the hippocampus—a part of the brain that’s important for learning and memory. This adds to an ever growing body of research linking improved physical fitness to better cognitive function.
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, July 2016
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulations Reduce Myofascial Pain Sensitivity. A study that included 26 participants recently assessed effects of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) on myofascial pain sensitivity. Investigators found that participants who received two consecutive SMT interventions 30 minutes apart experienced significant decreases in the pressure sensitivity of the associated myofascial tissues. The finding suggest the effects of SMT may have a dose-response relationship on the tissues that support and protect muscles and bones. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Removing Mold & Mildew. Mold and mildew build-up in the home can lead to a number of poor health outcomes. Experts from the Federal Emergency Management Administration offer the following suggestions for eliminating mold and mildew from your home: wear a mask, eye protection, and gloves while cleaning; make sure to have adequate ventilation; thoroughly clean an affected area before using disinfectant; and if you develop a reaction while cleaning, hire a professional. Federal Emergency Management Administration, June 2016
Quote: “Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

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

Mental Attitude: Declining Brain Health Linked to Increased Risk of Critical Illness. Mayo Clinic researchers report that
seniors with mild cognitive impairment are 50% more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) to treat a serious
illness than their peers with no apparent signs of cognitive decline. Critical Care Medicine, July 2016
Health Alert: Is Modern Lifestyle to Blame for the Obesity Epidemic? When it comes to the obesity epidemic, is nature to
blame… or nurture? An analysis of data from nearly 8,800 adults participating in a nationwide health and retirement study
revealed that participants were more likely to pack on more pounds if they were born later in the 20th century, regardless of
whether they had a high genetic risk for obesity. The researchers suggest that modern conveniences may be to blame as they
have allowed people to become more and more sedentary. The Obesity Society’s Dr. Anthony Comuzzie explains, “When was
the last time you got out of the car and opened your own garage, or got off the couch to change the TV channel?… People have
more money to spend on easily available fast food, and they are less likely to engage in physical activity. It’s a double-edged
sword.” Journal of the American Medical Association, July 2016
Diet: Is Pasta Good for Your Diet? Many people have shunned pasta in recent years because of concerns that it’s fattening.
However, new research suggests that pasta, specifically noodles, may actually aid in weight loss. Italian researchers found that
moderate pasta consumption appears to be linked to a lower incidence of both general and abdominal obesity. Lead researcher
Dr. George Pounis writes, “We have seen that consumption of pasta, contrary to what many think, is not associated with an
increase in body weight, rather the opposite.” Nutrition and Diabetes, July 2016
Exercise: Exercise During Pregnancy Offers Benefits. According to new research, women who exercise during pregnancy
are less likely to require a caesarian section than women who refrain from exercise. Furthermore, exercise does not appear to
increase the risk of preterm birth. The researchers also found exercise results in a lower incidence of gestational diabetes and
lower rates of high blood pressure during pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 2016
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulative Therapy & Home Exercise Beneficial to Those with Chronic Neck Pain. Chronic neck
pain is a common and disabling condition among older adults, but little is known regarding the cost-effectiveness of commonly
used treatments. A recent study investigated the cost-effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy, supervised exercise, and
home exercise among a group of 241 older adults with chronic mechanical neck pain. The investigators found that spinal
manipulation combined with home exercise resulted in better clinical outcomes and lower costs than either supervised exercise
combined with home exercise or home exercise alone. The study demonstrates the benefit of utilizing spinal manipulative
therapy in the management of chronic neck pain. The Spine Journal, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Your Child’s Sandbox Safe. For decades, children have played in sandboxes. But while these
play areas allow kids to express their creativity and enjoy the outdoors, sandboxes can also harbor germs. To help keep your
child’s sandbox safer, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests: use only natural river or beach sand, cover the sandbox
when not in use to keep animals and insects out, let wet sand dry completely before covering, rake sand regularly to get rid of
clumps and debris, and keep pets out of the sandbox. American Academy of Pediatrics, June 2016
Quote: “We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it’s our life or our possessions and property. But this fear evaporates
when we understand that our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand.” ~ Paulo Coelho

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

Mental Attitude: Use Meditation to Relax. Regular meditation can help relax both the mind and the body. The Mayo Clinic offers these suggestions: concentrate on breathing deeply and slowly, focus on relaxing every area of your body, repeat a mantra or prayer, meditate as you walk, read something that’s personally meaningful, listen to soothing music, and focus your thoughts and gratitude on a particular person, pet, or object. Mayo Clinic, June 2016
Health Alert: Donated Blood Won’t Transmit Neurodegenerative Disorders. A new study finds no credible evidence that degenerative brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, can be transmitted via donated blood. Researchers tracked data on more than 40,000 patients who received blood transfusions between 1968 and 2012 from people who were later diagnosed with any form of dementia or Parkinson’s disease and found they had exactly the same chance of developing a neurodegenerative disorder as those who received blood from people who did not go on to develop a neurodegenerative disorder. Annals of Internal Medicine, June 2016
Diet: Eat Healthy to Stay Mobile as You Age. Healthy eating may help reduce the risk of physical disability among women as they grow older. An analysis of data from almost 55,000 women who had their physical function assessed every four years from 1992 to 2008 revealed that those who ate healthier diets were less likely to develop mobility problems than those with less healthy diets. Furthermore, researchers linked the high consumption of fruits and vegetables and the low consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, trans fats, and salt with a decreased risk of physical impairment. Journal of Nutrition, July 2016
Exercise: Just Walk. Walking is an inexpensive and simple exercise that has been shown to offer numerous health benefits for bones, muscles, and joints. Dr. Carolyn Hettrich, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports, “Sometimes the hardest part of working out is getting started… Walking requires minimal preparation, but yields significant benefits. Establish a routine by incorporating at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week.”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, June 2016
Chiropractic: Take Breaks from Smartphone Use Every 20 Minutes. Smartphones have become ubiquitous, and people seem to be interacting with their electronic devices at every opportunity. In this study, researchers asked participants to sit and use their smartphones for varying lengths of time while they measured the muscle activity in their neck and shoulders, as well as whether or not they felt any pain. They found that participants experienced significant fatigue in the muscles the neck and upper back when they used their phones for more than twenty minutes. Additionally, the longer participants used their phone, the greater their risk for developing neck and/or shoulder pain. The researchers conclude it would be appropriate to recommend taking a break every twenty minutes to allow the muscles in the neck and shoulders to relax before resuming smartphone use.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Minimize Jet Lag. It is often difficult to adjust to a new time zone while traveling, but the transition can be easier with a little prep work. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the following: make sure you are well rested before leaving, avoid consuming alcohol, eat healthy well-balanced meals, avoid overeating, get regular exercise, and go to sleep and wake up based on the new time zone as quickly as possible.
American Academy of Family Physicians, June 2016
Quote: “Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

Mental Attitude: A Stable Family Life Helps Teens Avoid Obesity. Researchers reviewed information on about 3,700 females and 2,600 males aged 14 to 24 and found that those with stable families and strong relationships with their parents were more likely to follow a healthy diet. These children were also more likely to be both physically active and get sufficient sleep each night. The researchers also note that daughters in these families ate less fast food and were less likely to be overweight or obese and sons who had a close relationship with their father were less likely to be overweight or obese.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, June 2016
Health Alert: Top Causes of Death in the United States. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics reveals that the death rate in the United States has hit an all-time low, but heart disease and cancer continue to be the leading causes of death. According to experts, the top ten cause of death are: heart disease (23.4% of all deaths), cancer (22.5%), chronic lung diseases (5.6%), accidents/unintentional injuries (5.2%), stroke (5.1%), Alzheimer’s disease (3.6%), diabetes (2.9%), influenza and pneumonia (2.1%), kidney disease (1.8%), and suicide (1.6%). National Vital Statistics Reports, June 2016
Diet: Why Blood Glucose Rises. It is important for the health of the body that the concentration of glucose in the blood be maintained at a constant level. This is usually accomplished by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that controls blood sugar levels in the body. But for various reasons, the process doesn’t work correctly for people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports the following as possible reasons an individual’s blood glucose levels may spike: eating something that contains more carbohydrates than you normally eat, insufficient exercise, hormonal changes, being sick, and emotional stress. American Diabetes Association, June 2016
Exercise: Moderate & Vigorous Exercise Helpful for Those with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver cells (from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption). The condition tends to occur more often in individuals who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides. A new study has found that a brisk walk is just as good as a jog when it comes to reducing the levels of fat in the liver cells of patients with NAFLD, which suggests those who have difficulty with vigorous exercise can still prevent and treat NAFLD with moderate activity. JAMA Internal Medicine, July 2016
Chiropractic: Pelvic Girdle Pain Can Persist Up to a Decade After Giving Birth! A ten-year follow up with 370 women who experienced pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy revealed that 10% still suffered from the condition. Further analysis revealed that women with a history of low back pain prior to pregnancy had a 2.28 times greater risk for developing chronic PGP over the following decade when compared with women without a history of back pain.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, July 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Pain and Grip Strength Can Affect Independence. Researchers questioned 264 Japanese women (age > 40 years) and found that those with back pain, knee pain, or reduced grip strength were more likely to experienced difficulties with their normal activities of daily living (ADL). This finding underscores the importance of both staying fit as one ages, as well as taking steps to reduce the risk of developing chronic pain. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, July 2016
Quote: “Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.” ~ Terry Pratchett

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