WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 11-4-2019

Mental Attitude: Depression and Anxiety Can Affect Cardiac Rehabilitation. Among a group of 4,800 cardiac
rehabilitation patients, researchers observed that those with moderate depression or anxiety were significantly more likely
to quit cardiac rehabilitation than patients who experienced mild symptoms of the same disorders or those who didn’t
have any symptoms. The findings suggest that clinicians should screen for depression and anxiety at the beginning of
rehabilitation to identify patients who need extra help—such as stress management, cognitive behavioral therapies,
meditation, and mindfulness—to keep their recovery on track. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, October 2019
Health Alert: Vitamin D Supplement During Pregnancy May Reduce Gestational Diabetes Risk. Past research has
identified a relationship between deficient vitamin D levels and an increased risk for gestational diabetes. In a study
involving nearly 5,000 pregnant women, researchers observed that participants with below-average vitamin D status who
took a daily vitamin D supplement lowered their risk for gestational diabetes by 17%.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2019
Diet: Vitamins C and E May Protect the Liver. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat
accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, and it can increase the risk for cirrhosis,
chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Among a group of 789 adults in their
late 50s, researchers observed that those with a higher dietary intake of both vitamin C and vitamin E were significantly
less likely to develop NAFLD than participants with a diet low in vitamins C and E.
Digestive and Liver Disease, July 2019
Exercise: Chair Yoga Benefits Those with Advanced Dementia. For seniors with moderate to severe dementia who are
unable to participate in regular exercise due to cognitive impairment, problems with balance, or fear of falling, new
research suggests that engaging in a chair-based yoga program can improve both mental health and quality of life.
American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, October 2019
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Benefits Patients with Shoulder Pain. Subacromial impingement syndrome occurs
when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or irritated as they pass through the subacromial space, which can lead to
pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. In a study involving 26 patients with acute subacromial
impingement syndrome, researchers observed that those treated with manual therapy for four weeks experienced
significant improvements with respect to pain, function, and range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize a
combination of manual therapy and exercise to treat patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and
musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, September 2019
Wellness/Prevention: How to Lower Your Resting Heart Rate. Harvard Medical School notes that the normal range
for a resting heart rate (RHR) is 60 to 90 beats per minute and an increase in RHR over time can be a sign of a future heart
issue. To help lower your RHR, the school recommends exercising every day; practicing stress-reducing techniques, such
as meditation; avoiding tobacco products; and losing any extra weight. Harvard Medical School, September 2019
Quote: “Contentment is the only real wealth.” ~ Alfred Nobel

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