Health Alert: Early Signs of MS Often Missed. Researchers examined the insurance records of nearly 198,000
adults and found that those eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) were more likely to make doctor visits
for issues such as urinary problems, visual disturbances, abnormal skin sensations, impaired movement, and
dizziness in the time preceding their diagnosis. Recognizing these clusters of symptoms could help doctors identify
patients who may be at increased risk for MS earlier in the course of the disease when treatment may be more
effective. Neurology, June 2021
Diet: Western Diet Linked to Skin & Joint Inflammation. New research suggests that the high-fat, high-sugar
Western diet can negatively affect the population of bacteria in the gut, contributing to skin and joint inflammation
symptoms such a psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. On the other hand, switching to a healthier dietary pattern may help
to reduce these issues. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, June 2021
Exercise: Benefits of Using Dumbbells. The American Council on Exercise notes that incorporating dumbbells into
your workout can offer the following benefits: promotes muscle growth, improves cardiovascular health, aids in
weight loss, leads to greater muscle activation, improves muscle endurance, benefits contractile and elastic
components of muscle tissues, and helps maintain bone health. American Council on Exercise, July 2021
Chiropractic: Myofascial Release Offers Benefits to Those with Back Pain. Myofascial release is a hands-on
technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate
pain and restore motion. A recent meta-analysis concluded that myofascial release offers significant benefit for
reducing disability in patients with low back pain. This form of treatment is often used in combination with other
manual therapies and specific exercises in the management of low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, June 2021
Mental Attitude: People with Anorexia or Depression Feel Things Differently. According to a study that
included over 1,200 participants, half of whom have a history of mental illness, individuals with bipolar disorder,
anxiety, major depression, anorexia, and schizophrenia exhibit altered brain activity in a region of the brain called
the dorsal mid-insula, which helps manage how the body senses internal sensations like pain, hunger, and the need to
use the restroom. American Journal of Psychiatry, June 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Nail Fungus. A fungal nail infection presents as thickening of the nail, often with a
yellow, brown, or chalky white tinge. Once a fungal infection begins, it can be difficult to manage, hence the
importance of taking steps to prevent an infection in the first place. WebMD offers the following prevention tips: be
careful around fungal hotspots by wearing shoes in locker rooms, at swimming pools, or in public showers; clip nails
carefully to avoid skin cuts, which invite infection; and clean your nails with soap and water, using a nailbrush if
needed. WebMD, July 2021
Quote: “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” ~ Seth Godin
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: DNA Test May Help Spot a Range of Cancers. Scientists have developed a new test that looks for
cell-free DNA in blood samples, which is a telltale sign of nearly 50 types of cancerous tumors. Study leader Dr.
Eric Klein “[The test] sets the stage for a new paradigm of screening individuals for multiple cancer with a single
blood test, as opposed to the current situation where we screen for individual cancers.”
Annals of Oncology, June 2021
Diet: Start the Day with Chocolate? A study involving 19 postmenopausal women found that consuming 100
grams of chocolate in the morning positively influenced fat burning and glucose levels throughout the day.
FASEB Journal, June 2021
Exercise: How Get Active in a Sedentary Job. To offset some of the dangers associated with prolonged workrelated sedentary activity, researchers recommend setting an alarm on your phone to go off every 30 minutes to
initiate a quick, two-minute exercise session that may include walking in place, jogging in place, jumping jacks,
walking lunges, sitting down and getting back out of your chair repeatedly, push-ups on the floor or on the edge of
your desk, triceps-dips on the floor or on the edge of your desk, and wall sits. Life and Health Network, July 2021
Chiropractic: Joint Gliding Improves Postural Stability and Pain. Sustained natural apophyseal gliding
(SNAGS) is a form of manual therapy provided by doctors of chiropractic that combines sustained facet (joint)
gliding with active motion followed by overpressure. A study involving 64 patients suffering from flexion-dominant
chronic low back pain found that SNAG is effective for reducing pain and improving postural stability patients with
this condition. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Romantic Couples Often Start Out As Friends. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 1,900
college students and adults and found that 68% had current or recent romantic relationships that began as a
friendship. Researcher Dr. Danu Anthony Stinson explains, “Relationships are super important for people’s lives.
People want to choose good partners. They want to make choices that are going to help support their well-being,
their goals, all these kinds of things.” Social Psychological and Personality Science, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Playground Safety Tips. Each year, more than 200,000 children end up in the emergency
room as the result of a playground-related injury. To help reduce the risk for such injuries, Children’s Health
recommends the following: choose the right playground equipment for your child’s age and skills; when possible,
choose playgrounds with surfaces made from wood chips or shredded rubber to lessen the risk of injury; dress your
child properly and avoid necklaces, scarves, purses, or clothing that could get caught around their neck or pose a
hazard; use play equipment properly (don’t climb slides or jump from swings); and supervise your child closely
while playing on the monkey bars, which cause half of all serious playground falls. Children’s Health, July 2021
Quote: “Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Migraines Linked to Increased Risk for Pregnancy Complications. Researchers analyzed over
145,000 pregnancies and found that women with a history of migraine had a higher risk of obstetric and postpartum
complications, such as gestational diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and blood clots. Study author Dr. Nirit Lev notes, “Our
study confirms that women who suffer from migraine are at a greater risk of a host of medical and obstetric
complications. As such, we are [recommending] that these women should be classed as ‘high-risk’ pregnancies and
should therefore be treated according to a high-risk protocol.” European Academy of Neurology, June 2021
Diet: Western Diet Contributes to Chronic Pain. New research suggests that the typical Western diet, which is
high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, is a significant risk factor for both inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
Additionally, the researchers observed that adopting a healthier diet can significantly reduce—and in some cases
even reverse—these types of pain. Nature Metabolism, June 2021
Exercise: Overtraining Can Impair Mitochondrial Function. Mitochondrial capacity is the ability of the body to
generate energy and is a factor associated with increased athletic performance, especially endurance exercise. In a
new study, researchers found that performing too much intense exercise can impair mitochondrial capacity within
four weeks. Journal of Applied Physiology, June 2021
Chiropractic: Can Foot Pronation Cause Back Pain? In a recent experiment, participants wore special shoes that
induced pronation (inward roll) of the foot while walking. This resulted in altered pelvic and hip motion—more
specifically, pelvic position was more inclined on the contralateral side during loading phase of gait, there was less
rotation of the pelvis to the contralateral leg, and the hip also tended to be more internally rotated—which could
contribute to pelvic and lower back disorders over time. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess and correct foot
biomechanics to promote normal gait patterns. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, May 2021
Mental Attitude: A-Fib Can Affect Cognitive Function. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart-rhythm
disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. A review of data from 43
studies found that A-Fib is associated with an elevated risk for both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Journal of General Internal Medicine, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Supplement Can Benefit Bone and Muscle Health. Low vitamin D status is
associated with poor bone health and a reduced ability for muscle to repair itself following exercise. In an
experiment involving female basketball players with inadequate vitamin D serum levels, researchers found that
taking a daily 4,000 IU vitamin D supplement improved their vitamin D status, as well as their bone and muscle
health. European Journal of Sports Science, July 2021
Quote: “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” ~ Arthur Ashe
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: In Utero Secondhand Smoke Exposure Can Lead to Breathing Problems… In a study that
included 476 children, researchers observed an association between greater exposure to secondhand smoke
while in the womb and reduced lung function at age six. American Thoracic Society, May 2021
Diet: Pea Flour Offers Benefits to Malnourished Children. New research suggests that adding cowpea flour
to food as a supplement to standard hospital care to address malnourishment in children can accelerate weight
gain while also improving the health of the gut microbiota, which can bolster the immune system.
Cell Reports Medicine, May 2021
Exercise: Stay Active and Sit Less. According to a new study, reducing sitting time and filling the day with
several hours of light physical activity can help an individual achieve many of the same benefits associated with
meeting physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2021
Chiropractic: Initial Course of Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain Reduces Adverse Drug Events. A
review of Medicare claims revealed that seniors who sought treatment for chronic low back pain in 2013 were
42 times more likely to experience an adverse drug event in the following five years if they initially chose
opioid analgesic therapy versus spinal manipulation therapy. The finding supports the use of chiropractic care as
an effective first form of treatment for chronic low back pain. Spine, April 2021
Mental Attitude: Most People with Alcohol Problems Don’t Get Treatment. Following a review of data
concerning over 210,000 American adults, researchers report that only 6% with a drinking problem received
treatment. However, the absence of care isn’t because people with drinking problems don’t see a healthcare
provider or have never been screened for such issues. It appears that patients are screened but the process ends
there. Lead author Dr. Carrie Mintz notes, “People with alcohol use disorders are hitting the health care system,
but we’re missing that opportunity.” Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: What You Can Do to Improve Gut Health. Over the past 20 years, numerous studies
have identified an association between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune
diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and some cancers. To improve one’s gut health, experts
recommend the following: manage stress, get plenty of quality sleep, eat a healthy diet featuring plenty of fruits,
vegetables, and dietary fiber; reduce intake of processed foods, stay hydrated, take a prebiotic or probiotic, and
avoid foods that upset the stomach. HealthLine, June 2021
Quote: “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” ~ Truman Capote
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Despite Risks, Heart Disease Patients Often Keep Smoking. Among more than 2,600 adults
with a history of heart attack or stroke, researchers found that 30% were smokers and only a third of this group
had stopped smoking over the following four years, despite the majority knowing that smoking increases their
risk for future cardiovascular events. Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2021
Diet: Backyard Poultry Safety Tips. Raising chickens in the backyard is a becoming more popular in recent
years, but close proximity to fowl can also come with a risk for salmonella exposure. The Centers for Disease
Control offers the following tips for households raising chickens: always wash your hands for 20 seconds, keep
flock and flock supplies outside of the house, don’t let children under the age of five years have contact with the
birds, and don’t kiss the birds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2021
Exercise: HIIT Improves Spatial Memory. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that
involves short intervals of near-maximal effort such as sprinting or stair climbing separated by intervals of
moderate-intensity exercise, such as jogging or fast walking. A recent study found that HIIT may also improve
spatial memory to a greater degree than either endurance training or inactivity. Cerebral Cortex, May 2021
Chiropractic: 1 in 5 Adults Have Chronic Pain. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey,
researchers estimate that 20.5% of American adults experience activity-limiting pain daily or on most days,
most often in back, hip, knee, or foot. Chiropractic care is a common approach to managing chronic
musculoskeletal pain. Pain, April 2021
Mental Attitude: Life Satisfaction Linked to Reduced Risk of Pain and Disability. Researchers assessed
life satisfaction in 2,116 functionally independent older adults and found that those who rated their life
satisfaction as “high” were significantly less likely to develop disability over the following decade. The research
team posits that individuals with high life satisfaction may be more likely to engage in lifestyle behaviors
associated with a reduced risk for chronic disease and painful conditions. Age and Aging, June 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Maybe Colonoscopy After 75 Should Be Recommended? Current guidelines don’t
recommend colonoscopy after age 75, except for patients considered to be high risk for colorectal cancer.
However, an analysis of data on colon cancer cases and deaths from over 56,000 patients found that people who
had colon cancer screening after the age of 75 had a 39% lower risk of colon cancer and a 40% lower risk of
death from colon cancer, regardless of whether they had been screened at an earlier age. The findings suggest
that colonoscopy guidelines may need amending. JAMA Oncology, May 2021
Quote: “If fate means you to lose, give him a good fight anyhow.” ~ William McFee
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Fat Around the Heart Is Deadly. According to a study that reviewed CT scans of nearly 7,000
middle-aged and older adults whom researchers monitored for 17 years, there’s an association between fat
build-up around the heart and a significant increased risk for heart failure, even in individuals who are not
considered overweight. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 2021
Diet: “Yo-Yo” Dieting May Mean Sleep Issues. A year-long study that included 500 women found that those
with a history of yo-yo dieting (losing and regaining 10 pounds (4.53 kg)) were more likely to experience
insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep problems. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, May 2021
Exercise: Physical Activity Lowers Risk for Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke. An analysis of data collected
from nearly 100,000 individuals found that meeting current physical activity guidelines is associated with a
substantially lower risk for both atrial fibrillation and stroke. Lead author Dr. Shaan Khurshid writes, “Our
findings supported recommendations from the European Society of Cardiology, the American Heart
Association, and the World Health Organization for 150 minutes or greater of moderate to vigorous physical
activity per week.” European Heart Journal, May 2021
Chiropractic: Too Much Phone Use Nearly Doubles Risk of Neck Pain in Young Adults. Assessments of
nearly 5,000 young adults who are part of an ongoing study found that interacting with a smartphone for seven
or more hours a day can increase the risk for neck pain by nearly 80%. Past studies have shown that excessive
device use is associated with forward head posture, which can elevate the risk for pain in the neck, shoulders,
and upper back. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises to
address forward head posture and neck pain. Public Health, June 2021
Mental Attitude: Dogs Can Help Stressed-Out College Students. Washington State University students who
participated in a program that focused exclusively on petting and interacting with therapy dogs experienced
significant improvements with respect to both their executive function skills and capacity to manage stress.
Aera Open, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Get a Colonoscopy at 45, Not 50? Due to an increase in adults being diagnosed with
colon cancer at younger ages, the United States Prevention Services Task Force now recommends that all adults
get their first colonoscopy at age 45 instead of age 50. Journal of the American Medical Association, May 2021
Quote: “We can know only that we know nothing. And that is the highest degree of human wisdom.”
~ Leo Tolstoy
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Osteoporosis Raises Risk of Hearing Loss in Women. Using data from the decades-long
Nurses Health studies, researchers estimate that women with osteoporosis have up to a 40% increased risk for
moderate-to-severe hearing loss, even if they’re taking medications to slow bone loss.
Journal of the American Geriatric Society, May 2021
Diet: Low-Salt Diet Good for Heart Health. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet
emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy while limiting the
intake of salt, red meat, sweets, and sweetened beverages. An analysis of blood samples collected from clinical
trial participants revealed that greater adherence to a low-sodium DASH diet is associated with a decline in
biomarkers linked to cardiac damage, inflammation, and stress.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 2021
Exercise: Exercise May Be Best Choice for Depressed Coronary Heart Disease Patients. A recent literature
review found that for coronary heart disease patients with co-occurring depression, exercise may be a more
effective tool for managing depression than antidepressants, psychotherapy, combined psychotherapy and
antidepressants, and collaborative care. Study author Dr. Frank Doyle explains, “Our findings further highlight
the clinical importance of exercise as a treatment as we see that it improves not only depression, but also other
important aspects of heart disease, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, in these patients.”
Psychosomatic Medicine, June 2021
Chiropractic: Sitting at Work Linked to Back/Neck Pain. Questionnaires completed by over 45,000 adults
revealed that sitting for more than 75% of the workday and not taking regular breaks not only increases the risk
for neck and back pain, but also for poor general health. BMC Public Health, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Shifting Sleep Up By One Hour May Reduce Depression Risk. New research suggests that
going to bed and waking an hour earlier can reduce one’s risk for depression by up to 23%, even though there’s
no difference in sleep duration. Additionally, shifting sleep/wake times forward by two hours can lower the risk
for depression by nearly 40%. JAMA Psychiatry, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Bedtime with a Pet May Help Kids Sleep. A study that included 188 children, aged 11
to 17, found that those who shared a bed with a pet were more likely to report high subjective sleep quality.
Sleep Health, May 2021
Quote: “The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” ~ Thomas Paine
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Even Just a Little Belly Fat Increases Heart Disease Risk. While a body mass index in the
normal range is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association
reports that individuals should also mind their waist circumference. Experts point out that excess fat in the
midsection, even in those with a BMI in the normal range, can signify more fatty tissue within the abdomen,
which has been shown to elevate the risk for heart disease and stroke. American Heart Association, April 2021
Diet: Testosterone Deficiency in Men May Be Linked to Diet. According to a study that included 4,100
males, a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat,
high-fat dairy products, and refined grains—is associated with an elevated risk for testosterone deficiency,
particularly among obese men. Journal of Urology, April 2021
Exercise: Easy Ways to Prevent Exercise Injury. To reduce one’s risk for getting hurt when starting an
exercise program, experts recommend the following: get a routine physical, hire a personal trainer, start slowly
and increase gradually, warm up before exercise, wear appropriate clothing, and listen to your body.
VerywellFit, April 2021
Chiropractic: Recommendations for Shoulder Pain. For patients with shoulder pain of any duration, new
treatment guidelines recommend a multimodal approach that includes joint mobilization, heat/cold, and range of
motion exercises, along with cervical or thoracic spine manipulation, if warranted. Doctors of chiropractic often
take this approach when managing patients with shoulder pain. European Journal of Pain, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Sleepwalking Linked to Parkinson’s in Men. Using data from The Health Professionals
Follow-Up Study, which has monitored the health of over 50,000 male healthcare professionals since 1986,
researchers report that individuals with a history of sleepwalking or rapid eye movement sleep behavior
disorder (RBD) may be up to four times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than men without a sleep
disorder. JAMA Network Open, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Relieve Spring Allergies. Spring often means runny noses and itchy, watery
eyes for seasonal allergy sufferers. To help minimize the effect of airborne allergens, University of North
Carolina Health advises the following: monitor pollen counts, avoid being outdoors, change your HVAC filters
and get an air purifier, and talk to your healthcare provider if you need a more focused treatment approach.
University of North Carolina Health, April 2021
Quote: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop

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

Health Alert: Disrupted Sleep Presents Health Risks. An analysis of eleven years of data concerning
over 8,000 adults revealed an association between sleep disorders and poor cardiovascular health,
particularly in women. European Heart Journal, April 2021
Diet: Diet May Be Important for Long-Term Survival in Breast Cancer Patients. Among a group
of 3,660 female breast cancer patients, researchers observed that a healthy eating pattern, such as the
Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, was associated with up to a 27% reduced risk of death during the
following decade. JNCI Cancer Spectrum, March 2021
Exercise: Age Should Not Be a Barrier to Keeping Fit. According to researchers, the belief that it
takes longer for muscles to recover from working out as you age is based on little, if any, evidence. In
fact, researcher Dr. John Fernandes notes, “[More] than half of the available studies have noted that
older males experience similar, and even less severe, symptoms of muscle damage than their younger
counterparts.” Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, April 2021
Chiropractic: Excessive Screen Time Linked to Spinal Pain in Kids. Using data from the Danish
National Birth Cohort concerning 45,555 pre-adolescents, researchers report that kids who spend six or
more hours per day using electronic devices are two times more likely to experience severe spinal pain
than their more active peers. The findings suggest that reducing screen time and increasing physical
activity levels in children may protect them from spinal pain during childhood. BMC Musculoskeletal
Disorders, April 2021
Mental Attitude: TBI Increases Long-Term Risk of Stroke. A review of 18 studies found that
traumatic brain injury (TBI) may elevate an individual’s risk for stroke over the following five years by
up to 86%. International Journal of Stroke, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Athletes Foot. Constant burning and itching between the toes
are a sure sign of athlete’s foot. To avoid this common fungal infection, keep your feet dry, wash your
feet daily, wear shower shoes or flip flops, and use foot powder, when appropriate.
PIH Health, April 2021

Quote: “Nothing is harder than to accept oneself.” ~ Max Frisch
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Influenza and Stroke Risk. Using data from the New York Statewide Planning and Research
Cooperative System, researchers report that individuals diagnosed with influenza-like illness have up to a 39%
increased risk for stroke in the near future. BMC Public Health, May 2021
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Protect the Brain. According to a study that reviewed brain imaging and
cerebrospinal fluid samples, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—an eating pattern focused on eating
fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy,
saturated fats, and refined sugars—is associated with less build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the
brain, which are often observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, May 2021
Exercise: Sedentary Behavior Linked to COPD. 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. An analysis of
data from the Chronic Disease and Lifestyle Population Survey in Sichuan Province of China identified an
association between the amount of time an individual spends engaged in sedentary behaviors and an elevated
risk for COPD. Medicine, May 2021
Chiropractic: Fascial Manipulation Reduces Pain and Disability. A systematic review found that
manipulative therapy to improve fluidity between soft tissue layers, which often become denser and stiffer with
age and injury, can improve pain and disability in patients with musculoskeletal pains. Doctors of chiropractic
are trained to provide several forms of manual therapy, including fascial manipulation, in the treatment of back
pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Journal of Bodywork Movement Therapies, January 2021
Mental Attitude: Chronic Sinusitis May Affect the Brain. An analysis of brain scans and mental health
assessments of over 1,200 adults revealed that people with moderate-to-severe sinus inflammation exhibited
altered activity in the frontoparietal network in the brain, which is important for problem solving and decision
making. JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Is Important to Avoid Dementia Risk. Following an analysis of data concerning
nearly 8,000 adults, researchers report that sleeping six or fewer hours a night in middle age is associated with a
30% increased risk for dementia in old age. The findings suggest that screening for sleep issues in middle age
may aid in the prevention of dementia later in life. Nature Communication, April 2021
Quote: “You can’t do it unless you can imagine it.” ~ George Lucas
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.