Health Alert: Obesity May Shorten Survival of Cancer Patients. According to a review of findings from
200 studies, obesity is associated with shorter cancer survival in patients with cancer of the breast, uterus, colon,
prostate, or pancreas. JAMA Network Open, March 2021
Diet: Processed Foods Are Bad for the Heart. Using data from an ongoing study, researchers estimate that
each daily serving of ultra-processed food increases an individual’s risk for cardiovascular disease by 5% and
cardiovascular disease-related death by 9%. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, March 2021
Exercise: Lifting Weights Can Strengthen Bones Too. For patients with osteoporosis or those who are at risk
for the disease, the current research suggests that high-load resistance training is associated with improved bone
mineral density in the spinal vertebrae and hips. Clinical Nursing (Spain), April 2021
Chiropractic: Facet Joints May Be Responsible for 15% of Chronic Low Back Pain Cases. The facet joints
are located on the posterior side of each vertebrae and allow the spine to bend forward and backward and twist.
In a recent experiment involving 206 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed that diagnostic nerve
blocks relieved back pain in 15% of participants, which suggests that facet joint dysfunction may be the primary
cause of 1 in 6 cases of chronic low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic utilize spinal manipulation and other
manual therapies to restore proper motion and alignment to the facet joints and other spinal structures in the
management of low back pain. Pain Medicine, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Sleep Is Important for Cognitive Function. To keep the brain healthy, it’s important to get
quality sleep each night. A review of data concerning 2,901 elderly adults revealed that reducing exposure to
light and noise in the bedroom, relaxing in the evening, and meeting exercise guidelines are important for
getting a good night’s rest. International Journal of Clinical Practice, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Spot Asthma. Asthma causes the airways to narrow and swell making it
difficult to breath. Signs and symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath; chest tightness or pain; wheezing
when exhaling; trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing; and coughing or
wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory infection. Pulmonary experts note that individuals should
contact their doctor if they suspect they have asthma, as the condition can be life threatening for some.
Mayo Clinic, April 2021
Quote: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

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

Health Alert: Obesity Linked to Higher Healthcare Costs. A review of health records concerning nearly
180,000 adults and children found that healthcare costs are nearly $1,900 higher per year for obese individuals,
with the cost increasing $235 a year with each unit increase in body mass index. PLOS ONE, March 2021
Diet: Processed Meat May Increase Risk of Dementia. According to a study that included data on close to
500,000 adults, consuming a 25-gram serving of processed meat each day is associated with a 44% increased
risk for developing dementia later in life. Lead researcher Dr. Huifeng Zhang writes, “Worldwide, the
prevalence of dementia is increasing and diet as a modifiable factor could play a role… Our research adds to the
growing body of evidence linking processed meat consumption to increased risk of a range of non-transmissible
diseases.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2021
Exercise: All Physical Activity Seems to Help Against Depression. Using data from the European Health
Interview Survey, researchers report that regularly engaging in physical activity of any kind—recreational,
active commuting, or work—can help reduce the risk and severity of depressive symptoms.
Depression and Anxiety, April 2021
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Common with Hip Impingement. Examinations of 158 patients with
femoroacetabular (hip) impingement revealed that three in five also suffer from clinically significant low back
pain, and that increased disability in one location is associated with greater disability in the other. The findings
suggest that clinicians should evaluate both the hip and low back pain of patients presenting with either
complaint. Doctors of chiropractic are skilled in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal conditions
such as low back pain and hip impingement. PM&R, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Mental Health Issues Common in Future Healthcare Professionals. Questionnaires
completed by 449 students pursuing a degree in the health sciences revealed that 65% are stressed, 85.1% are
anxious, and 51.4% are depressed.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, March 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Help Prevent Diabetes. To reduce one’s risk for type 2 diabetes, the American
Diabetes Association recommends the following: get more physical activity, get plenty of fiber, go for more
whole grains, lose extra weight, avoid fad diets, make healthier food choices, and get regular checkups to
monitor blood sugar levels, especially if you’re overweight. American Diabetes Association, April 2021
Quote: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ~ Aristotle

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

Health Alert: E-Cigarettes Increase Risk for Lung Disease. An analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk
Factor Surveillance System revealed that e-cigarette usage is associated with a 26% increased risk for asthma
and a 44% elevated risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Tobacco Induced Diseases, April 2021
Diet: Nuts Are Good for the Heart. Experts from the Mayo Clinic note that regularly eating nuts can improve
low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels; make arteries healthier; reduce the risk for blood clots; and
lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood that are associated with heart disease.
Mayo Clinic News Network, March 2021
Exercise: Exercise Is Good for the Brain. Reduced blood flow to the brain and stiffer blood vessels in the
neck are often seen in patients with mild-cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. In a recent experiment that
included 70 older men and women with MCI, researchers observed that participants who engaged in a brisk
walk exercise program experienced improved blood flow to the brain, as well as increased blood vessel
flexibility in the neck. Study leader Dr. Rong Zhang writes, “This [study] is part of a growing body of evidence
linking exercise with brain health… We’ve shown for the first time in a randomized trial in these older adults
that exercise gets more blood flowing to your brain.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, March 2021
Chiropractic: Acute Back Pain Can Become Chronic Back Pain. A review of records involving 5,233
patients who sought treatment for acute low back pain revealed that 32% went on to develop chronic low back
pain. Further analysis suggests the following are associated with an increased risk for progression to chronic
low back pain: obesity, smoking, severe disability, depression/anxiety, and a prescription of opioids within the
first 21 days. JAMA Network Open, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Vitamin B7 May Be Important for Mental Health. Assessments completed by 7,387 adults
revealed that a high intake of biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is associated with a lower risk for depression,
anxiety, and stress. Dietary sources of biotin include eggs, legumes, nuts/seeds, liver, sweet potatoes,
mushrooms, bananas, broccoli, and avocados. Journal of Affective Disorders, March 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Reduce Parkinson’s Risk? The current research suggests that regular exercise and a
nutrient-rich diet are two lifestyle choices that may reduce an individual’s risk for Parkinson’s disease.
Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, March 2021
Quote: “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

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

Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Can Affect the Autonomic Nervous System. A review of data from 71 studies
suggests that obstructive sleep apnea can affect autonomic nervous system functions related to relaxation,
digestion, stress response, and heart rate. The authors of the review speculate this may be the mechanism by
which sleep apnea increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Sleep Medicine Reviews, March 2021
Diet: Poor Diet is Bad for Brain and Gums. New research suggests that consuming a pro-inflammatory
diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat, high-fat dairy products, and
refined grains—is associated with an elevated risk for both periodontitis and cognitive dysfunction.
Nutrients, March 2021
Exercise: Avoid Uninterrupted Sedentary Time. Past research has shown that prolonged periods of sedentary
behavior can lead to the accumulation of biomarkers in the blood that are associated with an elevated risk for
cardiovascular disease. In this study, researchers found that breaking up sessions of sedentary activity every 15
minutes with just a small amount of physical activity of any intensity can counteract much of the negative
effects of prolonged inactivity. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, April 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Effective and Safe for Cervicogenic Cephalic Syndrome. Cervicogenic
cephalic syndrome is a condition characterized by headaches and dizziness caused by dysfunction in the neck.
A recent literature review found that manual therapies, such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, are a
safe and effective treatment option for patients with cervicogenic cephalic syndrome. Medicine, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Suicide Risk Elevated Among Nurses. Using data from the National Violent Death
Reporting System, researchers report that individuals in the nursing profession have an 18% increased risk for
suicide compared with the general population. The authors of the study note that further research is necessary to
gain a greater understanding of why nurses are at elevated risk for suicide and to identify interventions to
address the issue. JAMA Psychiatry, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Take Microbreaks to Stay Sharp at Work. Microbreaks are short timeouts from work
functions that usually involve activities like getting a snack, chatting with co-workers, stretching, or doing a
crossword puzzle that can help workers maintain their energy levels and stay productive throughout the day.
Journal of Applied Psychology, March 2021
Quote: “We come. We go. And in between we try to understand.” ~ Rod Steiger

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