Health Alert: Smog Could Be Bad for Bones. In a study involving 3,700 adults living in various parts of India,
researchers found that participants who lived in areas with higher fine particulate matter air pollution tended to have lower
bone mass. Researcher Dr. Otavio Ranzani writes, “This study contributes to the limited and inconclusive literature on air
pollution and bone health… Inhalation of polluting particles could lead to bone mass loss through the oxidative stress and
inflammation caused by air pollution.” JAMA Network Open, January 2020
Diet: A Strategy to Promote Healthier Eating in Kids. Watching cooking shows may be the key ingredient to getting
children to eat healthier foods. In this study, researchers asked 125 10- to 12-year-olds to watch a public television
cooking program designed for children and then provided snacks after the viewing. The research team observed that kids
who watched a cooking show featuring healthy food were 2.7 times more likely to choose a healthy snack than those who
watched a cooking show featuring unhealthy food. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, January 2020
Exercise: Training for a Marathon Can Turn Back Aging Clock. Among a group of 138 first-time marathon runners,
researchers observed that after six months of training, participants experienced a 3- to 4-point drop in systolic and
diastolic blood pressure, as well as a 9% improvement in aortic function. The research team estimates that training for a
marathon reversed the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system by about four years.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, January 2020
Chiropractic: Cervical Spinal Manipulation Benefits TMD. Past research has shown that patients with
temporomandibular disorder (TMD) often have cervical complaints, suggesting that the conditions may be connected. In
this study, 50 TMD patients received either cervical spinal manipulation or a sham manipulation once a week for four
weeks. The researchers observed that the participants in the cervical spinal manipulation group exhibited improved jaw
function, while those in the sham treatment group reported no improvement.
Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, January 2020
Mental Attitude: Alzheimer’s Research May Head in New Direction. The results of a recent experiment in which
researchers reviewed positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the brains of 32 early Alzheimer’s diseases patients
suggest that brain regions with greater tau protein build-up are more likely to atrophy over the course of two years than
areas of the brain with fewer tau proteins. Science Translational Medicine, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Play It Safe with Household Chemicals. Common household items such as paint and cleaning
supplies can contain toxic chemicals. The Cleveland Clinic recommends the following safety tips: wear an apron, gloves,
and goggles when working with oven cleaners; ensure that the area you’re using chemicals in is well ventilated; wear latex
dishwashing gloves when using antibacterial cleaners; wash your hands immediately if you get chemicals on your skin;
and opt for non-toxic cleaners, if possible. Cleveland Clinic, January 2020
Quote: “To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” ~ Henri Bergson

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

Health Alert: Metabolic Syndrome May Raise Odds of Recurring Blood Clots. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster
of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, problematic cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive
waist circumference—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. An
analysis of data concerning over 151,000 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients revealed that those with metabolic
syndrome had a 37% increased risk for additional clots. Blood Advances, January 2020
Diet: Green Tea May Benefit the Heart. An analysis of data concerning more than 100,000 middle aged and older
adults in China suggests that drinking green tea at least three times a week is associated with a reduced risk for heart
attack or stroke over the next seven years. Researcher Dr. Whitney Linsenmeyer notes, “Green tea is calorie-free and
antioxidant-rich… It’s a healthy beverage to include in your diet if you like the taste.”
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, January 2020
Exercise: Judo May Help Children with Autism. Among a group of 14 children and teens with autism spectrum
disorder, researchers observed that engaging in a 45-minute judo lesson once a week for eight weeks led to
improvements in the participants’ comfort with social interactions and physical contact.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, December 2019
Chiropractic: Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Getting adjusted may improve the reflexes. In a recent study,
researchers applied spinal manipulative therapy to the cervical and upper thoracic spine of eleven healthy volunteers,
and using electromyography, they detected improved muscle reflex responses in all the neck muscles, most back
muscles, and some extremity muscles. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Teens Who Self-Harm at Greater Risk for Early Death. A recent study that monitored the
status of 9,173 children and teens who had presented to the emergency room after nonfatal self-harm revealed this
group has a significantly higher risk for suicide, accidental death, or death from other causes over the following two
years than the general pediatric population. Based on the finding, the study’s authors conclude, “A clear need exists
to identify preventive interventions that might reduce risk of self-harm in children and adolescents, repetition of the
behavior, and premature death due to suicide and other preventable causes in the self-harm population.”
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Brush Hair with Care. National Women’s Health Resource Center notes that incorrectly
brushing your hair can result in strand damage, which can lead to splits and tangles. The organization recommends
the following tips to properly brush your hair: find a brush that is right for your hair type, brush your hair gently each
day, brush your hair down from the scalp, use different brushes for wet and dry hair, and detangle your hair when
wet before brushing. National Women’s Health Resource Center, January 2020
Quote: “Wise men make more opportunities than they find.” ~ Francis Bacon
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Big Rise in Meth and Fentanyl Use in Recent Years. According to a study that compared urine
drug test result data from 2013 and 2019, positive tests for methamphetamine increased from 1.4% in 2013 to 8.4%
in 2019, while the detection rate for fentanyl increased from 1% to 5%. The findings suggest that methamphetamineand fentanyl-related overdose deaths may continue to increase in the United States.
JAMA Network Open, January 2020
Diet: Beans Reduce Depression Risk? Using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey concerning over
46,000 Brazilian adults, researchers have identified an association between greater consumption of beans and up to a
26% reduced risk for depression. Public Health (Brazil), December 2019
Exercise: High-Intensity Exercise May Help Epileptic Seizures. In a recent case study, a woman with drugresistant focal epilepsy experienced a reduction in seizure frequency upon switching from a moderate-intensity
exercise program to a high-intensity fitness routine. Epilepsy & Behavior Reports, December 2019
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care for Seniors with Neck Pain. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people aged 70 and older
suffer from neck pain. A recent survey of 288 Australian chiropractors revealed that seniors account for about a third
of their patients, with neck pain affecting roughly half, often with co-morbid headaches. Among responders, the
most common treatment approach for older adults with cervical pain included a combination of manual therapies
(including manipulation and mobilization), neck-specific exercises, and self-management techniques.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Worrying Too Much? Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive worrying that
prevents a person from leading a normal life. According the National Institute of Mental Health, your worrying may
be out of control if you worry intensely about everyday matters, have trouble controlling worries or feelings of
nervousness, know that you worry more than you should, feel restless and have trouble relaxing, have difficulty
concentrating, are easily startled, have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, feel tired all the time, sweat a lot, and
feel light-headed or out of breath. If you think your worrying may be out of control, speak with your doctor.
National Institute of Mental Health, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Help Your Child Lose Weight. Obesity during childhood has been linked with several
negative health outcomes that can persist and worsen in adulthood. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles notes that
minor changes can help a child maintain a healthy weight: reduce or eliminate sweetened beverages, including soda;
add more vegetables to family meals; make sure your family is eating a high-fiber diet; make sure your child is
getting enough sleep; eat together as a family as often as possible; be a good role model by enjoying healthy food in
front of your child; limit your child’s screen time to no more than two hours per day; and encourage your child to be
active. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, January 2020
Quote: “Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” ~ Harper Lee
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Ozone and COPD Risk. Johns Hopkins University reports that for every 5-parts-per-billion
increase in ten-year ozone exposure, the risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases by
16%, regardless of smoking history. Johns Hopkins University, December 2019
Diet: Fish Oil Supplements May Reduce Disk Degeneration. In a recent study involving rats with
intervertebral disk degeneration, those given a daily 530mg supplement of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and
EPA for two months had fewer MRI findings for disk degeneration progression than rodents given a placebo.
Future research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine if fish oil supplements may slow disk
degeneration in human patients. Medical Science Monitor, December 2019
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Women of All Ages. An analysis of data from the UK
Biobank concerning over 175,000 women identified an association between higher physical activity levels and a
reduced risk for breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women.
British Journal of Cancer, January 2020
Chiropractic: Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Treatment. A recent study set out to critically evaluate the
benefits of adding chiropractic under Missouri Medicaid. Based on computations and a dynamic scoring model,
investigators determined that there would be a cost savings to the state of Missouri of between $14.1 and $49.2
million per year once chiropractic care is included under Medicaid. More specifically, the study found that
chiropractic care provides better outcomes at lower cost, leads to a reduction in cost of spinal surgery, and leads
to cost savings from reduced use and abuse of opioid prescription drugs.
Journal of Chiropractic Humanities, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Depression and the Heart. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study for Aging,
researchers estimate that depression may be associated with up to a 36% increased risk for heart disease.
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, December 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Handling an Allergic Reaction. People can experience allergic reactions to things such
as animal dander, bee stings, chemicals, and foods, which can result in hives, itching, rash and other symptoms.
The National Library of Medicine recommends these first aid steps for mild-to-moderate reactions: calm and
reassure the person having the reaction; try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid additional contact
with it; if the person develops a rash, apply a cool compress and hydrocortisone; and watch the person for signs
of increasing distress. If the allergic reaction is severe, you should summon emergency services immediately.
National Library of Medicine, January 2020
Quote: “Action is the antidote to despair.” ~ Joan Baez
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.