Health Alert: Risk Factors for Stroke in Type 2 Diabetics. Among a group of 18,013 type 2 diabetics, researchers
observed that participants with at least five of the following seven risk factors had nearly a 15-times increased risk
for stroke: smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of stroke, obesity, short sleep duration (less than six
hours a night), or long sleep duration (over eight hours a night). Acta Diabetologica, November 2021
Diet: Healthy Diet May Benefit Cognitive Function. A systematic review of several meta-analyses concluded that
diet is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and that adopting a healthy eating pattern—such as the
Mediterranean diet—may help delay or possibly prevent dementia in individuals at increased risk for the disease.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, November 2021
Exercise: Benefits of Stretching. The American Council on Exercise notes that stretching provides the following
benefits: decreased muscle stiffness and increased range of motion; reduced risk of injury; improved posture; lower
stress; reduced muscular tension and enhanced muscular relaxation; improved mechanical efficiency and overall
functional performance; and improved circulation. American Council on Exercise, September 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Benefit Tension-Type Headache Sufferers. Tension-type headache (TTH) is
the most common form of headache that affects adults. A systematic review of ten studies concluded that manual
therapies, such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, are effective for improving overall wellbeing in TTH
patients, as well as reducing TTH-related pain and disability. While the review did not find any one manual therapy
to be superior, the authors report that optimal outcomes can be achieved by combining different techniques.
Neurologia, September 2021
Mental Attitude: ADHD Linked to Dementia Risk? According to a recent study that included over 2 million
people, parents of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a 34% greater risk
of dementia. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, September 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that
causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gum around that base of the teeth. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss,
as well as an elevated risk for respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to help prevent and even reverse gingivitis: brush your teeth twice
daily, use a soft toothbrush and replace it every three to four months, use an electric toothbrush, floss daily, use
mouth wash to reduce plaque, use a dental pick, get regular professional dental cleanings, and don’t smoke or chew
tobacco. Mayo Clinic, September 2021
Quote: “It takes a great man to give sound advice tactfully, but a greater to accept it graciously.”
~ Logan Pearsall Smith

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

Health Alert: Medical Paperwork Keeps Some People from Seeking Care. Questionnaires completed by 4,155
young and middle-aged adults revealed that 25% had delayed or skipped care due to administrative tasks such as
obtaining information from an insurance company or provider, resolving issues with billing, or seeking preauthorizations for care. Health Services Research, September 2021
Diet: Breastfeeding Can Help Lower Postpartum Depression. Adding to a number of benefits that breastfeeding
can provide to mom and baby, a recent study found that new mothers who breastfeed are significantly less likely to
experience postpartum depression, and the risk falls the further into life the child breastfeeds.
Public Health Nursing, September 2021
Exercise: Nature-Based Activities Benefit Mental Health. An analysis of data from 50 studies found that regularly
engaging in outdoor activities such as gardening or walking in a park or woodlands is associated with improved
mood and reduced anxiety. SSM – Population Health, December 2021
Chiropractic: Restoring Neck Curvature Improves Nerve Conductance. Among a group of 32 women with
reduced cervical lordosis (curve) and forward head posture, those who received treatment to restore normal posture
in the neck experienced an improvement in central nerve conduction, the time it takes for nerve impulses to travel
through the central nervous system on their way to the target muscles. Science Reports, July 2021
Mental Attitude: Vaping May Be Linked to Eating Disorders in Young Adults. An analysis of data on more
than 51,000 college students found that those with a history or anorexia or bulimia were more likely to use ecigarettes. Study author Dr. Kyle Ganson explains, “Nicotine vaping may be used by individuals to support eating
disorder behaviors and goals, such as suppressing appetite and catalyzing weight loss… Young people who are
struggling with their eating or substance use should seek help from a health professional.”
Eating Behaviors, September 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Help Teens Get Good Sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
reports that about four-in-five high schoolers fail to get enough sleep during the school week. To help a teenager
consistently get a good night’s sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers the following tips: get more
physical activity, avoid caffeine after school, limit naps to 30 minutes or less and don’t nap after 4pm, eat meals at
the same time daily and don’t eat close to bedtime, keep lights dim at night, don’t use electronic devices at least 30
minutes before bedtime, make time to relax and unwind before bedtime, get bright light in the morning, set a
bedtime that allows for eight hour of sleep, and keep your sleep schedule as best you can through the weekend.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, September 2021
Quote: “Man must shape his tools lest they shape him.” ~ Arthur Miller

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

Health Alert: One in Five College Students May Misuse Prescription Stimulants. Questionnaires
completed by over 600 students from two universities revealed that 20% had misused a prescription stimulant
with the goal of improving academic performance. Journal of American College Health, September 2021
Diet: Fruit and Veggies Benefit Colorectal Cancer Survivors. Among a group of 456 colorectal cancer
survivors, those with a higher intake of fruit, vegetables, and dietary fiber reported less fatigue, better physical
function, and a greater ability to carry out activities of daily living.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2021
Exercise: Sore from Exercise? Try Some Blackcurrant. Participants who took a daily 300 mg black current
extract supplement experienced less muscle inflammation and soreness following strength training exercise.
Nutrients, August 2021
Chiropractic: Conservative Care Offers Benefits to Those with TMD. Temporomandibular disorders
(TMD) are characterized by pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints and associated jaw muscles
and facial nerves. A recent study found that manual therapies—such as those provided by doctors of
chiropractic—are effective for improving pain, sleep quality, and quality of life in TMD patients.
Cranio, July 2021
Mental Attitude: Marijuana Use Tied to Greater Risk of Mental Health Issues? A review of health
histories of over 80,000 adults revealed that those with a history of regular marijuana use were three times more
likely to develop conditions such as depression and anxiety, and they were nearly seven times more likely to
develop severe mental illnesses such as psychosis or schizophrenia. The findings suggest it may be advised for
healthcare providers to screen patients who recreationally use marijuana for potential mental health disorders.
Psychological Medicine, October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Spot Peripheral Artery Disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common
circulatory problem that is the result of reduced blood flow to the legs. Common PAD symptoms include
painful cramping in the hip, thigh, and calf muscles; numbness or weakness in the legs; coldness in the lower
legs or feet; a change in leg color; hair loss or slow hair growth on the lower legs; slower toenail growth; shiny
skin on the legs; and weak pulsing sensation in the legs. If you are suffering from some of these symptoms, talk
with your healthcare provider. Mayo Clinic, September 2021
Quote: “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” ~ Napoleon Hill

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

Health Alert: Hypertension More Common in Older Women and Younger Men. A recent study concluded that
a third of Americans taking blood pressure medication do not have their blood pressure under control. Interestingly,
women in their 70s and 80s were 29% and 64%, respectively, more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure
than men. However, in the 20s, 30s, and 40s age groups, men were 59%, 70%, and 47%, respectively, more likely to
have uncontrolled high blood pressure than women. Study author Dr. Aayush Visaria notes, “The main implications
are that older women and younger men with high blood pressure may benefit from more frequent monitoring of their
[blood pressure], to at least be able to detect increases in blood pressure.”
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, September 2021
Diet: Benefits of Endurance Exercise. New research suggests that engaging in endurance exercises, such as biking
or running, increases circulating levels of certain mitochondrial derived peptides that are associated with good
metabolic health and increased longevity. Journal of Applied Physiology, October 2021
Exercise: Intense Exercise Before Bedtime May Affect Sleep Quality. Following a review of data from 15
studies, researchers report that exercising at high intensity within two hours of bedtime may increase the length of
time needed to fall asleep as well as reduce sleep duration. Sleep Medicine Reviews, September 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Beneficial to Gait of Chronic Back Pain Patients. Chronic low back pain caused
by degenerative disk disease (DDD) is often associated with impaired gait, which may increase the risk for
musculoskeletal disorders in the feet, knees, and hips due to altered biomechanics. A recent study found that manual
therapy is more effective for addressing impaired gait in patients with DDD and chronic low back pain than classic
physiotherapy or a sham/placebo treatment. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies when managing
chronic back pain patients with DDD. Journal of Clinical Medicine, August 2021
Mental Attitude: Using the Internet May Keep Retirees Sharp. According to a study that monitored 2,100
retirees, those who regularly used the Internet performed better on cognitive assessments than participants who
seldom went online. The research team suspects the cognitive benefits of Internet use may be associated with an
increased ability to connect with others, something that can be difficult for seniors.
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization. October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips for a Happier Life. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to increase one’s
energy and vitality: eat nourishing food, get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly, keep company with good people,
avoid news overdose, regularly exercise, do something meaningful daily, and think good thoughts of others.
Mayo Clinic, September 2021
Quote: “Lost time is never found again.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

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

Health Alert: Shift Work May Elevate Diabetes Risk. During an eight-year study that included 17,515
middle aged and older adults, researchers observed that participants who worked non-traditional hours had a
19% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Acta Diabetologica, December 2021
Diet: Insufficient Iron May Contribute to Heart Disease. According to a study that monitored over 12,000
adults for 13 years, iron deficiency is associated with a 24% greater risk of heart disease and a 26% increased
risk of death from cardiovascular disease. ESC Heart Failure, October 2021
Exercise: Active Lifestyle Benefits Colorectal Cancer Survivors. Among a group of 396 colorectal cancer
survivors, those who restricted sedentary behaviors to less than five hours a day and met fitness guidelines of
150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week were less likely to report high levels of fatigue and low
overall quality of life than participants with a less active lifestyle.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, November 2021
Chiropractic: Can Thoracic Spinal Manipulation Affect Achilles Tendinopathy? For patients suffering
with Achilles tendinopathy, a recent study found that the application of spinal manipulative therapy to the midback can result in improvements in oxygenation and the testosterone/cortisol ratio in the calf muscle. While
further research is advised, the finding suggests that treatment to improve function in the nerves that innervate
the lower extremities may aid in the healing process of Achilles tendinopathy.
Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy, June 2021
Mental Attitude: Large Waistline May Signal Elevated Dementia Risk in Seniors. A metanalysis of 21
studies that included a total of over 5 million participants found that a high waist circumference (over 40 inches
for men and over 35 inches for women) may increase an older adult’s risk for dementia by up to 13%. However,
no such association was found in adults under 65 years of age.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, November 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Artificial Intelligence May Help Improve Breast Cancer Screening. Detecting breast
cancer in women with dense breast tissue can be difficult for traditional mammograms. To assist in the
screening process, scientists are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) that can review MRIs of extremely
dense breast tissue with the intention of flagging potential tumors for further review by a radiologist.
Radiology, October 2021
Quote: “Few things are so deadly as a misguided sense of compassion.” ~ Charles Colson

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