Mental Attitude: Depression Is a Risk for Teenagers with Epilepsy. In this study, researchers evaluated nearly 400 teens with epilepsy and found that 22% had depressive symptoms, 8% had moderate or severe depression, and another 5% had thought about or attempted suicide. American Epilepsy Society, November 2018 Health Alert: Insomnia Linked to Accelerated Cellular Aging. Telomeres are the molecular structures found on the ends of chromosomes that help keep them from deteriorating or sticking to neighboring chromosomes. In recent years, researchers have identified an association between reduced telomere length and many age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. A new study that included nearly 1,000 Brazilian adults found a relationship between chronic insomnia and shorter telomere length. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, November 2018 Diet: Omega-3s May Reduce Risk of Early Birth. An analysis of data from past studies indicates that increased omega-3 fatty acid intake during pregnancy (from supplementation and/or diet) may reduce the risk for preterm birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, November 2018 Exercise: Are Fit Teens More Likely to Finish College? Not only are teens who exercise more likely to work out in adulthood but a new long-term study suggests there’s an association between physical activity during adolescence and higher education attainment. Journal of School Health, January 2019 Chiropractic: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? When it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), what’s the best approach? In this study, researchers monitored the status of 128 women with clinically diagnosed CTS who underwent either conservative care or surgical carpal tunnel release. After one year, the researchers reported similar outcomes for members of both groups; however, the women in the conservative care group required less time off work and their treatment costs were about $3,000 lower than those who underwent the surgical procedure. The findings support the recommendation to exhaust conservative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, before electing for surgery, outside of an emergency situation. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, November 2018 Wellness/Prevention: Evade the Appearance of Aging. Wrinkles are a part of aging, but you can take steps you can take to keep your skin smoother for longer. To accomplish this, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following: use sunscreen daily on all exposed skin; avoid tanning; use a moisturizer; test makeup and skin care products to determine if you will have a reaction; and stop using products that sting or burn unless prescribed by a dermatologist. American Academy of Dermatology, December 2018 Quote: “The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world.” ~ Max Born

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