Mental Attitude: Concussions Tied to Increased Dementia Risk. Experiencing a serious head injury appears to
increase one’s risk for dementia later in life. A new large-scale study found that an individual’s risk for dementia can
remain elevated by up to 25% even three decades after their head injury occurs. PLOS One, January 2018
Health Alert: Another Reason to Quit Smoking… According to a new study, smokers who abstain from tobacco
products following a hospital stay are 30% more likely to report good health and 19% less likely to experience
psychological distress during the following six months. Preventative Medicine, February 2018
Diet: Low-Carb Diets Boost Risk for Serious Birth Defects. Following a low-carb diet while pregnant may increase the
risk of serious birth defects. In a new study, researchers found the pregnant women who reduced or eliminated carbs were
30% more likely to have babies with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly than women who didn’t
restrict their carbs while pregnant. Study leader Dr. Tania Desrosiers writes, “This is concerning because lowcarbohydrate
diets are fairly popular… This finding reinforces the importance for women who may become pregnant to
talk to their health care provider about any special diets or eating behaviors they routinely practice.”
Birth Defects Research, January 2018
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise May Delay or Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms. A review of data from 19 published
studies found that older adults either at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who engaged in an aerobic exercise
program experienced an improvement in their cognitive function. Interestingly, the researchers observed that participants
who performed only aerobic exercise fared better in regards to mental function than those in an aerobic exercise plus
resistance training group. The findings suggest that older adults who are at risk for or who have Alzheimer’s disease
should focus on aerobic exercise over other types of exercise to help preserve the ability to think and make decisions.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2018
Chiropractic: How to Improve Your Chances for a Successful Outcome. While nearly all of us will experience an
episode of neck or back pain during our lifetime, not everyone recovers and many go on to experience chronic pain. In
this study, researchers reviewed data from seven clinical trials and found that the more time a patient waited before
seeking treatment for a musculoskeletal condition, the lower their odds for a successful outcome within the next 90 days.
European Journal of Pain, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Chew Gum to Protect Your Teeth? According to the American Dental Association (ADA),
chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which can neutralize and wash away harmful acids produced by
chewing food, offering some protection to the teeth. Currently, the ADA grants a Seal of Acceptance to companies that
provide proof that their gum can safely and effectively protect teeth. While chewing gum does not replace brushing and
flossing, the ADA says that clinical research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help
prevent tooth decay. American Dental Association, January 2018
Quote: “Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.” ~ William Arthur Ward

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