WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 12-28-2020

Health Alert: Smog Linked to Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Risk. New research suggests that even small increases
in fine particulate matter air pollution where an individual lives can lead to an elevated risk for a first hospital
admission for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Lancet Planetary Health, October 2020
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Improve Prognosis Following Heart Attack. Among a group of 944 consecutive
acute myocardial infarction patients, researchers observed that those with higher omega-3 fatty acid serum levels
were less likely to experience major adverse cardiovascular events, readmission for cardiovascular causes, or death
from any cause in the following three years. The findings suggest that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may offer
cardioprotective benefits. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, November 2020
Exercise: Short Sleep May Impair Physical Function in Seniors. Grip strength is often used in scientific research
as an indicator of physical function/fitness. Assessments of 121 older adults revealed an association between sleep
duration and stronger grip strength. The findings suggest that strategies to improve sleep in seniors could lead to
improved physical function. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, November 2020
Chiropractic: Forward Head Posture Linked to Chronic Headaches? A review of data from twelve published
studies found that chronic primary headache patients were more likely to exhibit forward head posture than
individuals without a history of headache. The findings suggest that abnormal cervical posture could play a role in
the headache process. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify forward head posture and prescribe corrective
exercises. Pain Medicine, October 2020
Mental Attitude: Pregnancy-Related ADHD Risk Factors… An analysis of data from 35 published studies
identified evidence that the following are associated with an elevated risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) in children: maternal pre-pregnancy obesity; pre-eclampsia; smoking during pregnancy; and maternal
acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Lancet Psychiatry, November 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Uterine Fibroids Common for Women. Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous
growths that usually appear during childbearing years. Common signs and symptoms include heavy menstrual
bleeding, menstrual periods that last longer than a week, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty
emptying the bladder, constipation, and back or leg pain. If you suffer from these symptoms you should contact your
healthcare provider for an evaluation and treatment options. Mayo Clinic, October 2020
Quote: “When you see a roadblock or challenge as an opportunity, it is amazing how you are already halfway
there.” ~ Frances Hesselbein
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.