WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 6-28-2021

Health Alert: Even Just a Little Belly Fat Increases Heart Disease Risk. While a body mass index in the
normal range is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association
reports that individuals should also mind their waist circumference. Experts point out that excess fat in the
midsection, even in those with a BMI in the normal range, can signify more fatty tissue within the abdomen,
which has been shown to elevate the risk for heart disease and stroke. American Heart Association, April 2021
Diet: Testosterone Deficiency in Men May Be Linked to Diet. According to a study that included 4,100
males, 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 testosterone deficiency,
particularly among obese men. Journal of Urology, April 2021
Exercise: Easy Ways to Prevent Exercise Injury. To reduce one’s risk for getting hurt when starting an
exercise program, experts recommend the following: get a routine physical, hire a personal trainer, start slowly
and increase gradually, warm up before exercise, wear appropriate clothing, and listen to your body.
VerywellFit, April 2021
Chiropractic: Recommendations for Shoulder Pain. For patients with shoulder pain of any duration, new
treatment guidelines recommend a multimodal approach that includes joint mobilization, heat/cold, and range of
motion exercises, along with cervical or thoracic spine manipulation, if warranted. Doctors of chiropractic often
take this approach when managing patients with shoulder pain. European Journal of Pain, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Sleepwalking Linked to Parkinson’s in Men. Using data from The Health Professionals
Follow-Up Study, which has monitored the health of over 50,000 male healthcare professionals since 1986,
researchers report that individuals with a history of sleepwalking or rapid eye movement sleep behavior
disorder (RBD) may be up to four times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than men without a sleep
disorder. JAMA Network Open, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Relieve Spring Allergies. Spring often means runny noses and itchy, watery
eyes for seasonal allergy sufferers. To help minimize the effect of airborne allergens, University of North
Carolina Health advises the following: monitor pollen counts, avoid being outdoors, change your HVAC filters
and get an air purifier, and talk to your healthcare provider if you need a more focused treatment approach.
University of North Carolina Health, April 2021
Quote: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop

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