Health Alert: Plastics May Contribute to Obesity. A lab analysis of commonly used plastic products
revealed that a third contained chemicals known to interfere with human metabolism and contribute to fat
cell development. Study co-author Dr. Martin Wagner adds, “Our experiments show that ordinary plastic
products contain a mix of substances that can be a relevant and underestimated factor behind overweight
and obesity.” Environmental Science & Technology, January 2022
Diet: Diet May Increase IBD Risk. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis, affect an estimated 3.1 million adults in the United States. An analysis of 14 years of data
concerning over 125,000 adults found that a high intake of snacks and prepared meals combined with a low
intake of fruit and vegetables is linked to an elevated risk for Crohn’s disease. Meanwhile, a diet with a
high intake of red meat, poultry, and processed meat is associated with an increased risk for ulcerative
colitis. Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, December 2021
Exercise: Other Ways Exercise Benefits Kids. In addition to better fitness, the current research suggests
that engaging in at least 300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week can improve a
child or teen’s self-esteem, self-image, self-efficacy, ability to manage stress, and likelihood to engage in
other healthy behaviors. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, March 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy for TMD Patients. A review of data from six studies found that manual
therapies—such as those utilized by doctors of chiropractic—applied to the craniomandibular region of
patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can result in improvements in both pain and maximum
mouth opening. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, December 2021
Mental Attitude: Weight May Affect Thinking Skills. There’s an abundance of research regarding the
many poor outcomes associated with obesity from an increased risk for type 2 diabetes to an elevated risk
for heart attack. Now, a new study that included 9,200 adults suggests that obesity may also cause the brain
to age faster, which can hasten cognitive decline. JAMA Network Open, February 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Screen Time Before Bedtime is Bad for Young Kids. A recent experiment
involving 36 preschool-aged children found that increased exposure to screens and other lights before
bedtime could significantly reduce melatonin levels, which can hinder a child’s ability to get a restful
night’s sleep. Journal of Pineal Research, January 2022
Quote: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” ~ Anais Nin

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