Mental Attitude: Depression and Vitamin D Status. The results of a recent study involving military personnel
suggest there’s a link between vitamin D deficiency and an elevated risk for depression, particularly for those
stationed at higher latitudes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, September 2019
Health Alert: Parental Asthma May Increase ADHD Risk in Kids. An analysis of data concerning the first
twenty years of life of nearly one million Danes suggests that children born to asthmatic mothers may have up to a
41% increased risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while having a father with asthma is
associated with a 13% elevated risk for ADHD. The study authors conclude, “These results support theories
regarding shared genetic and environmental risk factors having a role in the development of ADHD.”
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, August 2019
Diet: Ketogenic Diet Helps Controls Seizures in Infants. The ketogenic diet triggers ketosis, which is a metabolic
process in which the body breaks down fats and proteins and transforms them into energy for the body. This
particular diet has been documented to be an effective treatment for school-aged kids and adults with epilepsy, but
what about younger children? In a recent study involving 109 children with epilepsy under the age of three,
researchers observed that nearly 20% achieved complete seizure control after three months on a ketogenic diet and
almost 40% experienced significant seizure reduction (greater than 50%), with more favorable results among kids
whose epilepsy had a genetic origin. Scientific Reports, August 2019
Exercise: A Brisk Walk Is Better Than a Slower Walk… Researchers observed that adults with metabolic
syndrome—a cluster of conditions associated with an elevated risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes—who
engaged in a walking program that focused on taking 12,000 steps a day at a pace of 103 steps per minute burned
more fat and experienced greater improvements with respect to their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting
glucose, and triglyceride levels than participants who walked 12,000 steps a day at a slower pace.
BMC Public Health, September 2019
Chiropractic: Office Workers and Musculoskeletal Disorders. Among a group of 400 office employees working
at an insurance company, researchers observed that musculoskeletal complaints were quite common, particularly in
the neck (57.2%), lower back (46.2%), shoulders (38.5%), and upper back (28.5%). Further analysis identified the
following risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal pain: awkward posture, body mass index, job demand, upper
arm use, and infrequent rest breaks. Doctors of chiropractic can effectively treat many of these musculoskeletal
conditions and can offer stretching and ergonomic advice to reduce the risk of recurrence. Work, August 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Caring for a Torn Nail. Tearing a nail can be very painful. To treat a torn nail, the
University of Wisconsin suggests the following: trim or file any sharp edges and trim off the detached part of a large
tear, soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly
and cover the area with a nonstick bandage. University of Wisconsin, August 2019
Quote: “The best intelligence test is what we do with our leisure.” ~ Laurence J. Peter

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