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.