Mental Attitude: COPD and Depression… Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease
that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. Among a group of 556 COPD
patients, researchers found that more than half (57.2%) suffered from depression, which previous research has associated
with both reduced quality of life and increased mortality risk. Cureus, July 2018
Health Alert: Evidence Lacking for Statin Use in Healthy Seniors? In this study, researchers analyzed data concerning
nearly 47,000 elderly adults with no history of heart disease and found that statins were not associated with a reduced risk
of heart disease or death from any cause in healthy people in this age group. BMJ, September 2018
Diet: Should Expectant Mothers Take Fish Oil Supplements? According to a new study, taking fish oil supplements
during pregnancy can lead to healthier growth in the first six years of a child’s life. In the study, researchers monitored
736 women who took either fish oil or olive oil supplements in the third trimester of their pregnancy until one week after
giving birth. They observed that children whose mothers took fish oil had higher total mass, higher lean mass, and higher
bone mineral content at age six than the children whose moms consumed an olive oil supplement. BMJ, September 2018
Exercise: Walking Linked to Lower Heart Failure Among Women. Among a group of over 137,000 middle-aged and
older women, researchers identified an association between walking and a lower risk for developing heart failure.
Heart Failure, September 2018
Chiropractic: Strategies to Reduce Work-Related Back Pain. No matter if you work at a desk or operate heavy
machinery, back pain can make it difficult to perform your job. To help avoid back pain at work, experts at the Mayo
Clinic recommend the following: maintain good posture; when lifting heavy objects, lift with your legs, use your core
muscles, and avoid twisting; when available, use a lifting device; alternate physically demanding tasks with less
demanding ones; limit or avoid carrying heavy brief cases, purses, or bags; change positions often; and walk and stretch
periodically. Mayo Clinic, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Avoid Lawnmower Injuries. Lawnmower injuries can range from cuts and burns to broken bones
and amputations. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand recommends the following to help stay safe when
operating a mower: read the mower’s manual before use; make sure to keep the mower in good working order with sharp
blades, and make sure the mower has protection over hot and sharp parts; clear potential hazards, such as stones, toys, and
debris, before mowing; wear goggles, hearing protection, gloves, and long pants while mowing; wear sturdy, close-toed
shoes while mowing; don’t drink alcohol before or during mowing; don’t remove safety devices or guards from mowing
equipment; never insert hands or feet into the mower to remove grass or debris; never lift a mower by the bottom, as the
blades can cut fingers even if the mower is off; never cut grass while it is wet or damp; never allow children under age
twelve to operate a push mower or those under 16 to drive a riding mower; keep children off the lawn while mowing; and
never have a passenger on a riding mower. American Society for Surgery of the Hand, September 2018
Quote: “In youth we learn; in age we understand.” ~ Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200

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