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.