WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 5-16-2022

Health Alert: Beware of Trucks and SUVs When Going for a Walk. An analysis of single-vehicle pedestrian
crashes found that the risk of a pedestrian being killed by a right-turning vehicle was 89% higher for pickups and
63% higher for SUVs than standard cars. These findings suggest the need to examine the visibility designs of larger
vehicles to reduce blind spots when making turns. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, March 2022
Diet: Proven Benefits pf Intermittent Fasting. For Care Education and Research notes the following benefits of
intermittent fasting (restricting eating to a limited window each day or not eating one or two days a week, for
example): weight loss, less inflammation in the body, slows cellular aging, increases fat burning, improves insulin
sensitivity, improves mental concentration, increases brain function and health, increases energy, improves heart
health, reduces the risk for some cancers, and improves gut health and immune function. Consult with your doctor
before starting any diet. For Care Education and Research, March 2022
Exercise: Benefits of Exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following benefits of
exercise: aids in weight loss and weight management; reduces high blood pressure; reduces the risk for type 2
diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer; reduces arthritis pain and associated disability; reduces the
risk for osteoporosis and falls; and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2022
Chiropractic: Does Spinal Manipulation Affect Brain Function? Individuals with chronic low back pain are
known to exhibit abnormal brain function in areas of the brain associated with regulating emotions and pain, as well
as processing cognitive tasks involving memory formation. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that patients
with chronic low back pain experienced improved function in these areas of the brain following the application of
spinal manipulative therapy, the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, February 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Stress Fractures. Stress fractures are small breaks in bones that typically result
from overuse from repetitive activities, such as running. To reduce your risk for a stress fracture, the American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the following: increase the intensity and duration of workouts
slowly, diversify your workout by engaging in cross-training, consume a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin
D, wear proper shoes and athletic gear, take a break from exercise if you experience swelling or pain, and see your
healthcare provider if symptoms continue. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Signs of Toenail Fungus. The American Podiatric Medical Association lists the following
signs and symptoms associated with toenail fungus: darker white or more yellow toenails than usual, a strong odor,
accumulation of debris below the toenail, thick and difficult to cut toenails, and painful toenails.
American Podiatric Medical Association, March 2022
Quote: “The key to life is accepting challenges.” ~ Bette Davis

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