WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 7-26-2021

Health Alert: In Utero Secondhand Smoke Exposure Can Lead to Breathing Problems… In a study that
included 476 children, researchers observed an association between greater exposure to secondhand smoke
while in the womb and reduced lung function at age six. American Thoracic Society, May 2021
Diet: Pea Flour Offers Benefits to Malnourished Children. New research suggests that adding cowpea flour
to food as a supplement to standard hospital care to address malnourishment in children can accelerate weight
gain while also improving the health of the gut microbiota, which can bolster the immune system.
Cell Reports Medicine, May 2021
Exercise: Stay Active and Sit Less. According to a new study, reducing sitting time and filling the day with
several hours of light physical activity can help an individual achieve many of the same benefits associated with
meeting physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2021
Chiropractic: Initial Course of Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain Reduces Adverse Drug Events. A
review of Medicare claims revealed that seniors who sought treatment for chronic low back pain in 2013 were
42 times more likely to experience an adverse drug event in the following five years if they initially chose
opioid analgesic therapy versus spinal manipulation therapy. The finding supports the use of chiropractic care as
an effective first form of treatment for chronic low back pain. Spine, April 2021
Mental Attitude: Most People with Alcohol Problems Don’t Get Treatment. Following a review of data
concerning over 210,000 American adults, researchers report that only 6% with a drinking problem received
treatment. However, the absence of care isn’t because people with drinking problems don’t see a healthcare
provider or have never been screened for such issues. It appears that patients are screened but the process ends
there. Lead author Dr. Carrie Mintz notes, “People with alcohol use disorders are hitting the health care system,
but we’re missing that opportunity.” Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: What You Can Do to Improve Gut Health. Over the past 20 years, numerous studies
have identified an association between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune
diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and some cancers. To improve one’s gut health, experts
recommend the following: manage stress, get plenty of quality sleep, eat a healthy diet featuring plenty of fruits,
vegetables, and dietary fiber; reduce intake of processed foods, stay hydrated, take a prebiotic or probiotic, and
avoid foods that upset the stomach. HealthLine, June 2021
Quote: “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” ~ Truman Capote
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.