WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 5-31-2021

Health Alert: Obesity May Shorten Survival of Cancer Patients. According to a review of findings from
200 studies, obesity is associated with shorter cancer survival in patients with cancer of the breast, uterus, colon,
prostate, or pancreas. JAMA Network Open, March 2021
Diet: Processed Foods Are Bad for the Heart. Using data from an ongoing study, researchers estimate that
each daily serving of ultra-processed food increases an individual’s risk for cardiovascular disease by 5% and
cardiovascular disease-related death by 9%. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, March 2021
Exercise: Lifting Weights Can Strengthen Bones Too. For patients with osteoporosis or those who are at risk
for the disease, the current research suggests that high-load resistance training is associated with improved bone
mineral density in the spinal vertebrae and hips. Clinical Nursing (Spain), April 2021
Chiropractic: Facet Joints May Be Responsible for 15% of Chronic Low Back Pain Cases. The facet joints
are located on the posterior side of each vertebrae and allow the spine to bend forward and backward and twist.
In a recent experiment involving 206 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed that diagnostic nerve
blocks relieved back pain in 15% of participants, which suggests that facet joint dysfunction may be the primary
cause of 1 in 6 cases of chronic low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic utilize spinal manipulation and other
manual therapies to restore proper motion and alignment to the facet joints and other spinal structures in the
management of low back pain. Pain Medicine, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Sleep Is Important for Cognitive Function. To keep the brain healthy, it’s important to get
quality sleep each night. A review of data concerning 2,901 elderly adults revealed that reducing exposure to
light and noise in the bedroom, relaxing in the evening, and meeting exercise guidelines are important for
getting a good night’s rest. International Journal of Clinical Practice, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Spot Asthma. Asthma causes the airways to narrow and swell making it
difficult to breath. Signs and symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath; chest tightness or pain; wheezing
when exhaling; trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing; and coughing or
wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory infection. Pulmonary experts note that individuals should
contact their doctor if they suspect they have asthma, as the condition can be life threatening for some.
Mayo Clinic, April 2021
Quote: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

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