Mental Attitude: Facing Death Brings Wisdom. Terminal illness appears to bring newfound and profound wisdom. In
this study, patients in hospice care admitted that facing their own mortality and imminent death changed how they viewed
wisdom, and they often desired to find peace or acceptance as their health declined. Researcher Dr. Lori Montross-
Thomas explains, “It wasn’t passive ‘giving up,’ but rather an active coping process. They emphasized how much they
appreciated life, taking time to reflect. There was a keen sense of fully enjoying the time they had left and, in doing so,
finding the beauty in everyday life.” International Psychogeriatrics, January 2018
Health Alert: Extra Body Fat Increases Risk of Breast Cancer. Older women who have extra body fat may face a
greater risk of breast cancer, even when their weight falls in the normal range. An analysis of data concerning 3,460
women, aged 50 to 79, showed that those with higher body fat levels had up to double the risk for developing estrogen
receptive positive breast cancer. American Association for Cancer Research, January 2018
Diet: Fiber Protects Against Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to obesity and is
described as a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the
waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and
diabetes. In a new animal study, researchers found that enriching the diet of mice with fermentable fiber inulin prevented
metabolic syndrome by restoring gut microbiota, increasing the production of intestinal epithelial cells, and restoring the
expression of a specific protein that protects epithelial cells. Researcher Dr. Andrew Gewirtz writes, “These results
contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that underlie diet-induced obesity and offer insight into how
fermentable fibers might promote better health.” Cell Host & Microbe, January 2018
Exercise: Exercise Cuts Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Men. Vanderbilt University-based researchers report that men who
engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes per week or high-intensity exercise for 75 minutes per week have
about a 40% lower risk for developing pancreatic cancer over the following decade.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, February 2018
Chiropractic: Mobilization & Manipulation for Chronic Back Pain. Manual therapies such as mobilization and
manipulation are widely used by doctors of chiropractic to treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and
back pain. A review of data from 51 clinical trials concluded that mobilization and manipulation techniques can safely
reduce pain and improve function among patients with chronic low back pain. Spine Journal, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have Anemia? Iron-deficiency anemia develops when your body does not have enough
iron to make healthy red blood cells or when your blood cells do not work properly. The Office on Women’s Health lists
the following symptoms for this condition: fatigue; weakness; dizziness; headaches; low body temperature; pale skin;
rapid or irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; chest pain with physical activity; brittle nails; and unusual cravings for
ice, very cold drinks, or non-food items such as dirt or paper. Office on Women’s Health, February 2018
Quote: “Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” ~ Isaac Newton

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

Mental Attitude: Concussions Tied to Increased Dementia Risk. Experiencing a serious head injury appears to
increase one’s risk for dementia later in life. A new large-scale study found that an individual’s risk for dementia can
remain elevated by up to 25% even three decades after their head injury occurs. PLOS One, January 2018
Health Alert: Another Reason to Quit Smoking… According to a new study, smokers who abstain from tobacco
products following a hospital stay are 30% more likely to report good health and 19% less likely to experience
psychological distress during the following six months. Preventative Medicine, February 2018
Diet: Low-Carb Diets Boost Risk for Serious Birth Defects. Following a low-carb diet while pregnant may increase the
risk of serious birth defects. In a new study, researchers found the pregnant women who reduced or eliminated carbs were
30% more likely to have babies with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly than women who didn’t
restrict their carbs while pregnant. Study leader Dr. Tania Desrosiers writes, “This is concerning because lowcarbohydrate
diets are fairly popular… This finding reinforces the importance for women who may become pregnant to
talk to their health care provider about any special diets or eating behaviors they routinely practice.”
Birth Defects Research, January 2018
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise May Delay or Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms. A review of data from 19 published
studies found that older adults either at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who engaged in an aerobic exercise
program experienced an improvement in their cognitive function. Interestingly, the researchers observed that participants
who performed only aerobic exercise fared better in regards to mental function than those in an aerobic exercise plus
resistance training group. The findings suggest that older adults who are at risk for or who have Alzheimer’s disease
should focus on aerobic exercise over other types of exercise to help preserve the ability to think and make decisions.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2018
Chiropractic: How to Improve Your Chances for a Successful Outcome. While nearly all of us will experience an
episode of neck or back pain during our lifetime, not everyone recovers and many go on to experience chronic pain. In
this study, researchers reviewed data from seven clinical trials and found that the more time a patient waited before
seeking treatment for a musculoskeletal condition, the lower their odds for a successful outcome within the next 90 days.
European Journal of Pain, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Chew Gum to Protect Your Teeth? According to the American Dental Association (ADA),
chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which can neutralize and wash away harmful acids produced by
chewing food, offering some protection to the teeth. Currently, the ADA grants a Seal of Acceptance to companies that
provide proof that their gum can safely and effectively protect teeth. While chewing gum does not replace brushing and
flossing, the ADA says that clinical research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help
prevent tooth decay. American Dental Association, January 2018
Quote: “Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.” ~ William Arthur Ward

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

Mental Attitude: Acne Can Be Emotionally Devastating. New research suggests that acne can throw some people into
deep depression. An analysis of data concerning nearly two million patients found that those with acne had more than a
50% increased risk for developing clinical depression. British Journal of Dermatology, February 2018
Health Alert: Is Noise a Risk Factor for Heart Disease? Everyday loud noises from traffic, construction, and raucous
workplaces may increase one’s risk for heart disease. A review of data from past studies found that both people and
animals exposed to frequent, loud noises had a greater risk for heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Though the study does not prove cause and effect, the authors believe that noise
pollution should be considered a risk factor for heart disease.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, February 2018
Diet: A Compound in Kiwi May Prevent Fatty Liver Disease. Past studies have shown that the children of mothers
who eat a high-fat diet while pregnant have an elevated risk for obesity or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In a
new animal study, researchers have discovered that a compound called pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) found in kiwi,
celery, and papaya can prevent the progression of NAFLD in mice whose mothers consumed a high-fat diet during their
gestation. The findings suggest that PQQ could be a feasible candidate for the prevention of NAFLD either by diet or
supplementation. Hepatology Communications, January 2018
Exercise: Setting Milestones for Exercise Motivation. Because the drive to get in shape can wane over time, the
American College of Sports Medicine offers the following recommendations to help you stay motivated: set specific
goals; develop a realistic action plan; use environmental cues, such as placing a gym bag by the door or setting reminders
on your phone; have fun; make exercise convenient; record your progress; build a support network with friends or family
who can work out with you; reward yourself with flowers, a movie, or new exercise clothes; and believe in yourself.
American College of Sports Medicine, February 2018
Chiropractic: Poor Balance Linked to Back Pain. A recent research review found that chronic low back pain can
impair an individual’s standing balance. The authors of the review conclude, “Results from balance assessments should be
used to indicate areas of improvement and help guide the course of treatment…”
Disability and Rehabilitation, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Keeping Drivers with Dementia Off the Road. In this study, researchers analyzed data
concerning nearly 137,000 older drivers in the United States who had been hospitalized after a crash and found that those
in states with in-person license renewal laws were about 38% less likely to have dementia. Study co-author Dr. Steven
Albert writes, “The results of our study point to age-based licensing requirements as an effective way to improve safety.”
Neurology, January 2018
Quote: “We see the world not as it is, but as we are.” ~ Stephen Covey

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

Mental Attitude: Over-the-Counter Painkillers May Alter Emotions. A recent research review focusing on
nonprescription painkillers found that these types of medicines can reduce a person’s ability to empathize with the pain of
others, make some more willing to part with possessions, and can even impair information processing. Lead researcher
Dr. Kyle Ratner writes, “In many ways, the reviewed findings are alarming… Consumers assume that when they take an
over-the-counter pain medication, it will relieve their physical symptoms, but they do not anticipate broader psychological
effects.” Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, February 2018
Health Alert: Colonoscopy May Raise the Risk of Appendicitis. Though colonoscopies are vital for detecting and
removing cancer in the colon or large intestine, a review of the medical histories of nearly 393,000 veterans found that
patients who underwent a colonoscopy had a 400% increased risk for appendicitis in the week following their procedure.
However, despite this finding, lead researcher Dr. Marc Basson notes, “Colonoscopy is generally a safe test, and the risk
of having appendicitis is lower than the risk of having some of the other complications.” JAMA Surgery, January 2018
Diet: Hot Tea Linked to Increased Risk of Esophageal Cancer. Drinking hot tea appears to raise the risk of esophageal
cancer among men and women who also drink alcohol or smoke. A study involving more than 450,000 people found that
individuals who regularly imbibed very hot tea in addition to a glass of alcohol each day are five times more likely to
develop esophageal cancer than those who less frequently consumed either beverage. Additionally, the researchers found
that smokers who drank a cup of tea a day had double the risk of esophageal cancer in comparison to nonsmokers.
Annals of Internal Medicine, February 2018
Exercise: Arm Exercises Improve Walking Ability Following a Stroke. Arm training exercises appear to improve
walking ability months and even years after having a stroke. In this study, investigators found that stroke participants who
performed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity arm cycling training sessions three times per week for five weeks
experienced significant improvements in their walking ability. The researchers explain that the nerves in the arms activate
and adapt to improve function of the spinal cord in other areas of the body, including the legs. The results could have a
significant impact on stroke rehabilitation. Journal of Neurophysiology, December 2017
Chiropractic: Back Pain Is a Common Reason for Sick Leave During Pregnancy. An analysis of questionnaires
completed by 508 employed pregnant women revealed that back pain is the most common reason expectant mothers take
long-term sick leave. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for women
experiencing low back pain associated with their pregnancy. Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Diet + Exercise Has Synergistic Effect on Weight Loss. While adopting an exercise
program or switching to a healthier diet can increase one’s chances for weight loss by about 500-700%, a new study
involving 1,488 New Zealanders found that both starting an exercise routine and eating a healthy diet can boost one’s
odds for losing weight by over 1,700%! BMC Public Health, February 2018
Quote: “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” ~ Albert Einstein

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