Mental Attitude: Obesity May Shrink the Brain. Based on MRI scans of the brains of over 12,000 middle
age and older adults, researchers have identified an association between higher amounts of body fat and reduced
volume of gray matter in certain areas of the brain. Though researchers are unsure of the nature of this
relationship, they say it’s possible that unhealthy nutrition and physical inactivity could be partly responsible.
Radiology, April 2019
Health Alert: Too Much Sitting Is Bad for the Heart. An analysis of data from the Women from the
Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health concerning 5,638 older women found that sitting for
eleven or more hours during the day can elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease over the next five years by
up to 34%. Circulation, February 2019
Diet: Veggies, Fruits, and Grains Good for the Heart. Among a group of more than 16,000 middle age and
older adults, those with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had up to a 41% lower risk for heart
failure than participants who consumed a diet low in such foods.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, April 2019
Exercise: Exercise Improves Memory. In a recent study, researchers overserved that engaging in a single
session of moderate-intensity exercise resulted in greater activity in several areas of the brain associated with
memory formation and retention. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, April 2019
Chiropractic: Backpack Use Can Lead to Neck and Shoulder Pain. Examinations of 160 students revealed
that the average student’s backpack weighs the equivalent of 18% of their body weight, which is above the 10-
15% recommended by experts to reduce the risk for backpack-related musculoskeletal pain. Additionally,
researchers observed that while wearing a backpack, students adopted a more forward head posture, which can
increase the risk for both neck and shoulder pain. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, March 2019
Wellness/Prevention: What Is Sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to
infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that without early treatment, sepsis can lead to
tissue damage, organ failure, and death. To protect yourself from sepsis, the agency recommends the following:
talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent infections, take care of chronic health conditions, practice
good hygiene, know the symptoms of sepsis, and act quickly if you suspect sepsis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2019
Quote: “Simplicity is prerequisite for reliability.” ~ Edsger Dijkstra
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.