Mental Attitude: Screen Time Tied to Speech Delay. An analysis of data concerning nearly 900 young children revealed that for
each 30-minute increase in time a child spends on a smartphone, tablet, or electronic device at 18 months of age, they have a 49%
elevated risk for expressive speech delay. According the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressive language is the ability to
convey feelings and information. Of concern to the researchers is that 20% of the children in the study spent an average of 28 minutes
per day in front of a screen. Pediatric Academic Society, May 2017
Health Alert: Sunscreen Use May Cause Vitamin D Deficiency. Sunscreen is key to protecting our skin from the damaging effects
of the sun, but a new study suggests that using sunscreen could lead to vitamin D deficiency. In this study, researchers found that
using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher could reduce the body’s vitamin D-3 production by 99%. Based on the findings, the
researchers suggest that individuals should avoid sunscreen use when exposed to midday sun for up to 30 minutes twice weekly in
order to increase and maintain normal vitamin D levels. Co-author Dr. Kim Pfotenhauer adds, “People are spending less time outside
and, when they do go out, they’re typically wearing sunscreen, which essentially nullifies the body’s ability to produce vitamin D.
While we want people to protect themselves against skin cancer, there are healthy, moderate levels of unprotected sun exposure that
can be very helpful in boosting vitamin D.” Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, May 2017
Diet: A Specific Antioxidant May Help the Arteries of Diabetics. The antioxidant called resveratrol—which is found in red wine,
peanuts, and berries—may improve the health of blood vessels in people with type 2 diabetes. According to the results of a new study,
researchers have found that resveratrol supplements lessened artery stiffness in some diabetic individuals. Among a group of patients
who each had an exceptionally stiff aorta at the start of the study, researchers found that 100mg daily doses of resveratrol reduced
stiffness nearly 5% in just two weeks. Increasing the dose to 300mg per day for the next two weeks reduced stiffness by 9%.
American Heart Association, May 2017
Exercise: Avoid These Common Exercise Errors. To reach your exercise goals, the American College of Sports Medicine
recommends avoiding these seven mistakes: failing to keep a journal to monitor your progress, losing track of your goals, strengthtraining
the same muscles on consecutive days, breathing incorrectly during exercise, not eating enough protein, getting distracted
during your workout, and ignoring flexibility and balance training. American College of Sports Medicine, May 2017
Chiropractic: Myofascial Release Protocol Reduces Chronic Low Back Pain. Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on technique
that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. A
study recently investigated the effects of MFR on pain and disability in patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP). The
study included 54 participants with nonspecific CLBP who either received four sessions of myofascial treatment lasting 40 minutes or
a sham treatment (similar to taking a placebo in a drug trial). The researchers found that participants in the myofascial group reported
significant improvements in pain and disability compared with those in the sham group. Myofascial release is often utilized by
chiropractors to manage many musculoskeletal conditions. Spine, May 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Dropping Weight Can Save Your Knees. Losing a few extra pounds may take a load off your knees.
Researchers collected data on 640 obese and overweight people who had mild osteoarthritis or were at risk of it. Investigators found
that obese and overweight people who lost 5% or more of their weight over four years experienced less degeneration of their knee
cartilage compared with individuals whose weight remained stable. Furthermore, patients who lost 10% of their body weight
experienced even slower cartilage degeneration. Radiology, May 2017
Quote: “Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.” ~ Joan Didion

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

Mental Attitude: Pet Dogs Help Children Feel Less Stressed. Pet dogs can provide valuable social support for kids when they’re
stressed. Researchers randomly assigned children to experience stressors, such as public speaking or a mental task, with either their
dog or a parent present for social support, or no one at all. They found that children who had their pet dog with them reported feeling
less stressed compared with having a parent for social support or having no social support. Furthermore, saliva tests revealed reduced
cortisol levels among children who spent more time with their dog. Social Development, May 2017
Health Alert: Nearly 30% of Prescription Drugs Have Safety Issues After FDA Approval. Safety issues emerge with nearly a
third of prescription drugs after they’ve been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An analysis of data
on drugs approved by the FDA between 2001 and 2010 found that 32% of drugs had safety issues after approval. More specifically, of
the 222 drugs approved during the study period, three were withdrawn, 61 received boxed warnings, and 59 prompted safety
communications. The medications that were most likely to have post-approval safety issues included biologics, psychiatric drugs, and
medicines approved through the FDA’s accelerated approval process. JAMA, May 2017
Diet: Too Much Salt in a Teen’s Diet Can Lead to Unhealthy Changes to Blood Vessels. A study that involved 775 teenaged
participants measured the elasticity of a major artery located in the upper arm as well as the speed that blood traveled in major arteries
in the neck and groin. After analyzing the amount of sodium consumed on self-reported diet records, the researchers found that the
adolescents who consumed the most salt had measurable changes in their blood vessels linked to early signs of cardiovascular disease
in adults. The findings suggest that adolescents who consume too much salt may place themselves at higher risk for future a heart
attack or stroke. Pediatric Academic Society, May 2017
Exercise: Running Can Reduce Cellular Aging. Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, which are
considered a marker of biological age. As we age, telomere length usually shortens. In this study, researchers analyzed data
concerning 5,823 adults who were a part of the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those
who ran for 30 to 40 minutes a day, five days a week had telomere lengths more akin to people up to nine years their junior. Lead
researcher Dr. Larry Tucker adds, “If you want to see a real difference in slowing your biological ageing, it appears a little exercise
won’t cut it. You have to work out regularly at high levels. We know that regular physical activity helps to reduce mortality and
prolong life, and now we know part of that advantage may be due to preservation of telomeres.” Preventive Medicine, May 2017
Chiropractic: Chronic Pain Affects Quality of Life. Chronic pain can result in significant clinical and social consequences. A recent
study set out to investigate the influence of chronic pain on health-related quality of life, work productivity, depression, and anxiety
among individuals in a community setting. The researchers found that roughly a third of those with either multisite pain or neuropathic
pain reported depressive symptoms. Furthermore, those suffering from either chronic multisite or neuropathic pain reported their
condition significant interferences with their daily activities and physical function, as well as their performance at work. The findings
confirm that chronic pain is a multifaceted health condition that requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Chiropractic care
focuses on improving quality of life and function among sufferers with these types of conditions. Family Practice, April 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Coping with a Stomach Virus. A gastrointestinal virus can cause your stomach to become sensitive to many
foods, which can lead to nausea or a general worsening of symptoms. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests the
following easy-on-your-tummy foods: bananas, rice, plain potatoes, plain applesauce, plain dry toast, saltine crackers, and clear broth.
American Academy of Family Physicians, May 2017
Quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

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

Mental Attitude: Children Bullied in Fifth Grade at Risk for Substance Abuse in High School. In this study, researchers
analyzed data concerning nearly 4,300 children from three larger cities in the United States and found a dangerous trajectory between
being bullied at age ten or eleven and worrisome behaviors in high school, such as using alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco.
Pediatrics, May 2017
Health Alert: Hepatitis C Infections Hit 15-Year High. According to a government report, new hepatitis C infections have nearly
tripled over the last five years in the United States, reaching a 15-year high. Hepatitis C is a virus that is spread by contact with
contaminated blood, such as sharing needles, unsterile tattoo equipment, or through unprotected sex. Over the long term, the condition
can result in cirrhosis of the liver, which can require a transplant. Health officials for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) note the highest number of new hepatitis C infections were among 20-29 year olds, mostly as a result of injecting drugs linked
to the current opioid epidemic. The CDC’s Dr. Jonathan Mermin adds, “We must reach the hardest-hit communities with a range of
prevention and treatment services that can diagnose people with hepatitis C and link them to treatment. This wide range of services
can also prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and ultimately stop drug use—which can also prevent others from getting hepatitis C
in the first place.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2017
Diet: Making Food More Flavorful. Going on a diet does not mean eating only bland and boring foods. The Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics recommends adding flavor the following ways: pan-sear, grill, or broil to intensify flavors; drizzle vegetables with olive
oil, then roast in an oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232.2 degrees Celsius); caramelize onions over low heat in a pan with a little oil
to give a sweet flavor; add colorful peppers or some hot sauce; add citrus fruit, chipotle peppers, cilantro, or pomegranate seeds to
give richer flavor; and use flavorful condiments, such as horseradish, mustard, chutney, or salsa.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, May 2017
Exercise: Tai Chi May Ease Insomnia Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that today is
practiced as a graceful form of exercise. In a new study, researchers surveyed 90 breast cancer survivors and found that this slowmoving
form of meditation is as good as talk therapy and more effective than medication in treating insomnia. The study suggests that
breast cancer survivors should consider this gentle form of exercise if they experience difficulty sleeping.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, May 2017
Chiropractic: Back Pain Associated with Curve of the Lumbar Spine. Investigators recently performed a research review on the
relationship between lower back pain and lumbar lordosis (curve) using data concerning 796 low back pain patients and 927 healthy
controls from a total of 13 published studies. The researchers found that overall, lower back pain patients tended to have a smaller
lumbar lordotic curve than those without back pain. Furthermore, the research team observed that the loss of lumbar lordotic curvature
is significantly associated with lower back pain caused by either disk herniation or disk degeneration. Spine Journal, May 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have a Spring Weather Kit? Spring can bring unpredictable weather, such as tornadoes,
thunderstorms, or floods. To help prepare for the surprises such weather can bring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends the following essential emergency supplies: a flashlight, weather radio, batteries, and an emergency evacuation plan for
your family; contact information for your family and neighbors, insurance information, and medical information; a first aid kit,
including bandages and antibiotic ointment; a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water to last up to five days; sleeping bags,
blankets, and personal hygiene items; and an emergency kit for your car. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2017
Quote: “True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” ~ Leo Tolstoy

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