WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 10 26-2020

Health Alert: Hypertension Common in Midlife. Among a group of 2,930 middle-aged adults participating in
the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke study, researchers observed that 42% developed
hypertension over a nine-year period. However, they found each of the following health indicators/behaviors
could reduce one’s risk for high blood pressure by up to 6%: healthy weight and diet, regular exercise, and
normal blood glucose and cholesterol readings. Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2020
Diet: Omega-3s May Help Fight Depression in Soon-To-Be and New Moms. An analysis of data from 18
randomized controlled studies found evidence that consuming an omega-3 fatty acid supplement may aid in the
treatment or prevention of perinatal depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, September 2020
Exercise: Physical Activity at Work Important to Health. According to a recent study that assessed the
fitness and physical health of young adults, those who primarily worked at a desk were more likely to have poor
fitness, a large waist circumference, and an increased risk for obesity. On the other hand, participants in the
construction industry exhibited superior back flexibility, trunk lifting scores, and aerobic capacity. The findings
suggest that workplace interventions to increase physical activity in the office environment could lead to
improvements with respect to both fitness and physical health among those who spend their day at a computer
workstation. International Journal of Forensic Engineering and Management, January 2020
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Improves Soccer Kicking Strength. In a recent experiment involving
former varsity levels soccer players, researchers observed a significant increase in ball velocity and peak
activation of the knee extensor muscles among participants after a single application of spinal manipulative
therapy. Journal of Strength Conditioning Research, August 2020
Mental Attitude: PTSD May Increase Dementia Risk. Following a review of findings from eight studies that
included long-term data concerning nearly 1.7 million adults, researchers report that post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) may increase the risk for dementia by 55%. British Journal of Psychiatry, September 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Quit Smoking for a Healthier Gut. During the last decade, several studies have
demonstrated that a healthier gut microbiome is associated with a reduced risk for a variety of poor health
outcomes. In a study that included 36 smokers who participated in a twelve-week smoking cessation program,
researchers observed that abstaining from cigarettes led to positive changes in the population of bacteria in the
gut, which may result in a host of secondary health benefits for those who quit smoking.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, September 2020
Quote: “No one is ever ordinary.” ~ Tanith Lee

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