Mental Attitude: Are Common Insecticides Linked to Behavior Issues? Exposure to a commonly used group of insecticides may lead to an increased risk of behavioral problems among children. A French research team found that children with the highest levels of pyrethroid metabolites in their bodies are about three times more likely to have behavioral problems. The researchers suspect that pyrethroids may trigger abnormal behavior by affecting neurochemical signaling in the brain. Based on their findings, they conclude, “The current study suggests that exposure to certain pyrethroids at the low environmental doses encountered by the general public may be associated with behavioral disorders in children.”
Journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, March 2017
Health Alert: Type 1 Diabetics at Increased Risk for Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain, which can damage the surrounding brain cells and even result in death. In this study, researchers looked at the incidence of ICH among type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics, and non-diabetics in Scotland between 2004 and 2013. While type 2 diabetics had a slightly greater risk for ICH than non-diabetics, the researchers found type 1 diabetics had a 74% elevated risk for ICH and a 35% greater risk of death within 30 days of hospital admission for ICH than non-diabetics. Diabetes, Obesity, & Metabolism, March 2017
Diet: Fruits and Veggies Are Good for Mental Health. Australian researchers reviewed health data concerning 60,404 adults and found that those who consumed more servings of fruits and vegetables each day were less likely to experience symptoms related to psychological distress. This adds to the growing body of evidence linking diet and mental health.
BMJ Open, March 2017
Exercise: Exercise Counters Cancer-Linked Fatigue. Cancer can be exhausting, but a new research review reveals there are ways to fight cancer-related fatigue. Investigators reviewed 113 past studies that included over 11,000 cancer patients and found that exercise and/or behavioral and educational therapy are more effective than prescription medication for dealing with fatigue. Based on the findings, researchers say that more studies are now needed to explore the ideal way to integrate exercise and psychological interventions with cancer patients. JAMA Oncology, March 2017
Chiropractic: Law Enforcement Officers Often Suffer from Back Pain. Police officers are often exposed risk factors for low back pain (LBP), but few studies have specifically looked at LBP and its effect on members of this profession. Questionnaires completed by 3,589 law enforcement officers revealed that nearly 70% reported LBP symptoms in the past twelve months, and almost 97% of them perceived that presence of LBP was totally/partially linked to their work in the police force. Nearly 30% of respondents lived with chronic LBP, and these officers were more likely to report a reduction of work activities and lost work days in the past year. The findings shed light on the frequency and burden of chronic low back pain among police officers and underscore the importance implementing workplace management programs for this condition.
Spine, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Enjoy a Massage. The use of massage therapy can help can help relax the body and mind as well as ease pain and stress. The Mayo Clinic says possible benefits of massage include: managing anxiety, stress-related insomnia, and headache; easing pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia, sports-related injuries, injuries of the soft tissues, and temporomandibular joint pain; and reducing muscle tension. Despite these benefits, representatives from the Mayo Clinic add that massage therapy should not be considered a replacement for regular healthcare. Mayo Clinic, March 2017
Quote: “A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

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