Mental Attitude: Could Smog Be to Blame for Badly Behaving Teens? In this study, researchers tracked 13 rulebreaking
behaviors among 682 kids in Los Angeles for nine years and found a link between greater exposure to airborne
particulate matter and an increased risk for delinquent behaviors. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, December 2017
Health Alert: Obesity May Increase Risk for Rosacea. Rosacea is estimated to affect 16 million Americans and is
characterized by redness, bumps, and pimples on the face, as well as skin thickening and eye irritation. Researchers
reviewed data on nearly 90,000 women in the United States and found a 48% greater likelihood of rosacea among those
with a BMI of 35 and greater compared with women of normal weight. Study author Dr. Wen-Qing Li writes, “Our study
holds general public health significance, [adding] rosacea to the list of chronic diseases associated with obesity… A
healthier weight should definitely be encouraged for general health and well-being.”
American Academy of Dermatology, December 2017
Diet: Eating More Fruits and Veggies Is Good for Your Teeth! Japanese researchers evaluated the teeth of over 6,500
elderly men and women and found an association between greater fruit and vegetable consumption and better oral health.
Nutrients, December 2017
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Chemotherapy-Related Neuropathy. Over half of patients receiving chemotherapy
treatment experience numbness, tingling, pain, cold sensitivity, and motor impairment in their hands and feet. In this
study, which featured over 300 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who participated in a six-week walking
and resistance training program reported a significant reduction in their neuropathy symptoms.
Supportive Care in Cancer, December 2017
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Influences Balance. For older adults, falling down can result in a serious injury
that can dramatically reduce their mobility and independence. In this study, researchers measured pain intensity, postural
sway, and concerns about falling in 48 seniors with either neck or low back pain. The research team found that intense
neck pain paired with limited neck mobility led to significant changes in postural balance, while intense low back pain
significantly increased the fear of falling down. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, December 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Start Brushing Habits Early. To instill lifelong habits to protect one’s smile, experts recommend
that tooth brushing begin early in childhood. To accomplish this, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises the
following: wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean washcloth; never give your baby a bottle in the crib; introduce solid
healthy food choices to avoid tooth decay; brush your child’s teeth twice daily until the age of three using a smear of
toothpaste the size of a grain of rice; and children age three and older should be able to brush their teeth twice daily by
themselves with adult supervision using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
American Academy of Pediatrics, December 2017
Quote: “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
~ Edmund Hillary

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

Mental Attitude: Rheumatic Diseases Increase Dementia Risk. Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance
Research Database, researchers report that patients with either Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus,
osteoarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis have an elevated risk for developing dementia. The research team is unsure why
patients with rheumatic diseases have a higher risk for dementia but suggest that increased inflammation may be a
contributing factor. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, December 2017
Health Alert: Traffic Pollution Poses Health Risks to Unborn Babies. Air pollution caused by road traffic is having a
detrimental impact on the health of unborn babies in London. In a new study, researchers found a link between increases
in fine particulate matter from road traffic and a 2-6% increased risk of low birth weight and a 1-3% increased risk of
being small for gestational age. The researchers note their findings are most likely applicable to other cities with similar
pollution and they call for environmental health policies to improve air quality in these areas. BMJ, December 2017
Diet: Drinking Soda During Pregnancy May Boost Odds of Asthma in Kids. Children are more likely to develop
asthma if their moms consumed sugary drinks during their pregnancy. An analysis of data on 1,068 mother-child pairs
from a long-term study revealed that expectant mothers who drink two or more sugary beverages per day are up to 63%
more likely to have a son or daughter with asthma than women who refrain from such beverages.
Annals of the American Thoracic Society, December 2017
Exercise: Staying Fit Cuts Diabetes Risk. Japanese researchers followed 7,804 adult males for over 20 years and found
that those with higher fitness levels throughout the course of the study had up to a 53% lower risk for developing diabetes
in comparison with participants who led mostly sedentary lives. Journal of Epidemiology, December 2017
Chiropractic: Heel Posture Plays Role in Back Pain. A recent study set out to investigate the influence of calcaneal
(heel) position on the pelvic and trunk alignment of ten healthy subjects. Using 3-D motion analysis, the researchers found
that calcaneal inversion (commonly seen among those with a high arch) can affect the alignment of the pelvic and trunk,
increasing the risk for back pain. The findings reveal the importance evaluating the foot and ankle when assessing low
back pain patients. Journal of Physical Therapy and Science, November 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of
depression triggered by decreased exposure to daylight, which makes it more common in winter months. Common
symptoms include feeling down, having low energy, sleeping a lot, and craving sweet or starchy foods. To help manage
SAD, the National Sleep Foundation suggests the following: expose yourself to more daylight by going for a walk outside
during the day or buy an artificial light source that mimics sunlight; consume a healthy diet; stay active during the winter
months; and seek professional counseling if you have difficulty managing the feelings of SAD.
National Sleep Foundation, November 2017
Quote: “Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into
air.” ~ John Quincy Adams

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

Mental Attitude: Premature Babies and Stress for Fathers… In this study, researchers followed 86 parents of
premature babies and found that both mothers and fathers had high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva
while their infant was in the hospital. However, the research team observed that after their baby came home, maternal
cortisol levels stabilized while stress hormone levels increased in the fathers. Lead author Dr. Craig Garfield explains,
“Dad goes from a situation where the baby and mom are cared for by experts in the hospital to having to simultaneously
care for his baby, partner and work. He is supposed to be the ‘rock’ for his partner but the stress can really set in.” The
findings suggest that more emphasis should be placed on making fathers of premature babies comfortable and confident
with their child. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, December 2017
Health Alert: Vaping May Lead to Smoking Among Teens. Surveys completed by 800 high school students revealed
that teens who have used an e-cigarette during the previous month are at least four times more likely to smoke a cigarette
in the near future. Pediatrics, December 2017
Diet: Too Much Takeout Food Bad for Kids’ Health. In a new study, researchers monitored the eating habits and health
of more than 1,900 children and found that those who regularly consumed takeout food typically had higher levels of
body fat and blood cholesterol than those who usually ate meals prepared at home.
Archives of Disease in Childhood, December 2017
Exercise: Exercise Can Change Gut Microbes. Researchers have discovered the first definitive evidence that exercise
can change gut microbial composition independent of diet. In the study, researchers followed 18 lean and 14 obese
sedentary adults for six weeks while they maintained their normal diet. A comparison of pre- and post-study fecal samples
revealed increases in concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, which promote healthy intestinal cells, reduce
inflammation, and generate energy. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, November 2017
Chiropractic: Improving Thoracic Posture Improves Lung Function. This case study involved the non-surgical
treatment of a 33-year-old male patient with straight back syndrome (lack of normal curve of the spine) using spinal
traction and postural correction. After 16 weeks, the patient experienced a ten-degree improvement in thoracic spine
curvature, a reduction in back pain, improved breathing, and a greater than two liter increase in lung capacity. The authors
note this case study illustrates that non-surgical improvement of thoracic curvature is possible and can positively influence
lung capacity, health, and function. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, November 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Norovirus Infection. Every year, the highly-contagious norovirus causes up to 21
million illnesses, about 70,000 hospitalizations, and up to 800 deaths in the United States alone. This virus in known to
cause vomiting and diarrhea, and often lurks in confined areas. To help protect yourself from the norovirus, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following: wash your hands often with soap and water; prepare food
safely; disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated by someone who is sick; and wash laundry with hot water, especially
if clothing is stained with contaminated fluids or waste. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2017
Quote: “Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.” ~ Alexander Hamilton

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

Mental Attitude: Anemia Increases Dementia Risk. Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-
National Health Screening Cohort database, researchers found that seniors with mild-to-moderate anemia have about a 19-
47% increased risk for developing dementia. Additionally, the research team also observed that patients with severe
anemia have a nearly six-times greater risk for developing dementia when compared to their peers with no history of iron
deficiency. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, December 2017
Health Alert: Diet May Help Epileptics When Medications Fail… The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet
that seeks to place the body into a metabolic state in which it becomes more efficient at burning fat for energy. In this
study, researchers found that nearly two-thirds of kids with epilepsy on the ketogenic diet successfully controlled their
seizures. This is an important finding since experts estimate that only about 30% of individuals with epilepsy respond to
traditional medicines. Dr. James Wheless, a spokesman for the American Epilepsy Society said, “Although medical
therapy is our mainstay for treatment, ketogenic dietary therapy can be a very effective option.”
American Epilepsy Society, December 2017
Diet: Eat More Fruits and Veggies! Compared to individuals with healthy blood sugar levels, the average patient with
prediabetes consumes fewer servings of fruits and vegetables in their diet. This finding suggests that eating a produce-rich
diet can help individuals better control their blood sugar. European Journal of Nutrition, December 2017
Exercise: Reducing Sitting Time Among Office Workers. In a recent study, investigators examined the impact of a
workplace intervention that addressed organizational, physical environment, and individual behavioral changes to help
reduce sitting time among employees in an office setting. The approach led to a significant reduction in sitting time during
work hours and throughout the day—improvements that persisted for up to a year. The findings confirm that it’s possible
for workplace interventions to reduce sitting time among generally sedentary employees.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, September 2017
Chiropractic: Are Heel Pain and Back Pain Linked? That annoying heel pain today may lead to future low back pain
and disability. A recent study set out to compare the prevalence of low back pain among patients with and without heel
pain and found that those with heel pain were more likely to have back pain than participants without heel pain. The
researchers also found a link between reduced foot/ankle function and higher lower back disability. The findings suggest
that evaluating foot/ankle function in patients with back pain may result in better treatment outcomes.
Foot, September 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Daily Multivitamin May Reduce Cardiovascular Risk. Among a group of 1,708 heart attack
survivors, those given a high-dose multivitamin, multi-mineral supplement had a 54% reduced risk for a poor
cardiovascular outcome when compared with participants who consumed a placebo. This finding surprised researchers
who will repeat this experiment with a larger pool of participants in the future. American Heart Journal, January 2018
Quote: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~ T.S. Eliot

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

Mental Attitude: Marriage Reduces Dementia Risk. Compared with those who are married, lifelong singles and
widowers have a 20-42% increased risk for developing dementia. The researchers behind this finding recommend,
“Dementia prevention in unmarried people should focus on education and physical health and should consider the
possible effect of social engagement as a modifiable risk factor.”
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, November 2017
Health Alert: Noisy Commutes Pose Dangers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to noise at
114 decibels for more than four seconds can harm hearing. In a new study, researchers explored the impact of noise
exposure among commuters who used subways, trams, buses, and other forms of public transportation. The research team
was surprised to find that commuters were often exposed to short bursts of noise levels above 114 decibels. The findings
are concerning, as chronic excessive noise exposure is known to not only contribute to hearing loss, but can also lead to
other health issues, such as depression, anxiety, increased risk of chronic diseases, and increased accident risk.
Journal of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, November 2017
Diet: Poor Dietary Behaviors May Impact Well-Being. Korean researchers surveyed 65,212 students and found that
those with a greater intake of soft drinks, sugary drinks, and fast food were more likely to report lower scores in regards to
sleep quality, happiness, and overall health. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, November 2017
Exercise: Do Females Have a Superior Aerobic System? In a small study involving 18 men and women, researchers
found that female bodies are more efficient at delivering oxygen to the muscles. Researcher Dr. Richard Hughson
explains, “We found that women’s muscles extract oxygen from the blood faster, which, scientifically speaking, indicates
a superior aerobic system.” Lead author Dr. Thomas Beltrame adds, “The findings are contrary to the popular assumption
that men’s bodies are more naturally athletic.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, June 2017
Chiropractic: Does Spinal Manipulation Have an Anti-Inflammatory Effect? In this study, participants with acute or
chronic low back pain received a series of six high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulative thrusts on alternate days for two
weeks. At the end of the study, the participants not only reported a decrease in pain and perceived disability, but blood
tests also showed a significant decrease in chemotactic cytokines—proteins associated with inflammation. High-velocity,
low-amplitude manipulation is commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic for the treatment of back pain and neck
pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: A Little Weight Loss May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. A review of data on more than 61,000
postmenopausal women from a long-term study suggests that it’s never too late to lose weight to reduce the risk of breast
cancer. The review revealed that a 5% or greater weight loss among post-menopausal women lowered their odds for
developing breast cancer by about 12%, while losing 15% or more of their body weight cut their breast cancer risk by up
to 37%. Lead study author Dr. Rowan Chlebowski adds, “A modest weight loss that seems to be sustainable could have
important health consequence.” San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 2017
Quote: “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” ~ William Penn

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