Health Alert: Many People May Not Recognize a Heart Attack. The top five most common heart attack
symptoms include chest pain/discomfort; shortness of breath; arm and shoulder pain and discomfort; feeling
weak, lightheaded, or faint; and jaw, neck, and back pain. A survey of 393 adults revealed that only 11.5%
recognized all five symptoms and the majority (71.65%) only recognized chest pain/discomfort as a possible
sign of heart attack. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, December 2020
Diet: Plant-Based Diet Boosts Metabolism? During a 16-week experiment, overweight/obese participants
who adopted a low-fat, plant-based diet that included fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes experienced
an 18.7% increased after-meal calorie burn, something that was not observed in individuals who ate their usual
diet. The members of the plant-based diet group also reported more significant drops in fat mass and visceral
fat. JAMA Network Open, November 2020
Exercise: Walking Benefits the Hearts of Postmenopausal Women. In a study that looked at a decade of data
concerning over 83,000 middle aged and older females, researchers observed that the more steps a participant
averaged per day, the lower her risk for high blood pressure. Hypertension, November 2020
Chiropractic: How to Reduce Work-Related Injuries. Work-related musculoskeletal conditions are
unfortunately too common among workers in nearly all industries. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai offers the following tips to help reduce work-related injuries: modify your work to reduce the amount of
reaching and bending you perform daily; avoid slouching and bending in awkward positions; include stretching
and movement to strengthen your posture while working; reduce repetitive or prolonged activities when
possible; take frequent breaks during your shift; and remember to use proper mechanics when lifting.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, November 2020
Mental Attitude: Two Foods That May Reduce Risk for Early-Onset Dementia. A comparison of diet
assessments of 54 recently diagnosed early-onset dementia (EOD) patients and 54 cognitively healthy
individuals revealed that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and fish may be associated with a reduced risk for
EOD. Nutrients, November 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Low Sodium Diet May Lower Risk for Stomach Cancer. The current research
suggests that adopting a low-sodium diet can reduce a middle-aged adult’s risk for gastric cancer by up to 24%.
Cancer Medicine, December 2020
Quote: “Those who try to obliterate the past are injuring the present.” ~ Helen Dunmore

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

Health Alert: Vitamin D Supplementation May Lower Acute Respiratory Infection Risk. A review of
findings from 42 published studies found that consuming a daily 400-1000 IU vitamin D supplement may
reduce an individual’s risk for acute respiratory infection by up to 30%. medRxiv, November 2020
Diet: Processed Fats and Sugars Increase Muscle Pain. Researchers observed that switching the diet of mice
to one rich in either highly processed sugars or fats led to increased excitability of the muscle nerves and
resulting muscle pain. The findings suggest that reducing the intake of highly processed foods may benefit
patients with muscle pain. Nutrients, October 2020
Exercise: Benefits of Strength Training. The American Cancer Society notes the following benefits for
strength training: increased muscle mass, stronger bones, improved joint flexibility, increased metabolism, and
improved balance. American Cancer Society, November 2020
Chiropractic: Dizziness? It Could Be the Neck. Dizziness can have a number of potential causes, but one that
often goes unidentified is dysfunction in the neck, particularly in the upper cervical spine. A recent article in the
Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation notes that once vestibular and cardiovascular pathologies have been ruled
out, patients with ongoing dizziness issues should be evaluated for cervical disorders. Doctors of chiropractic
are trained to evaluate the cervical spine and to restore normal motion using a combination of manual therapies
and specific exercise recommendations. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, October 2020
Mental Attitude: Disasters Increase Suicides. According to a new study, an individual’s risk for suicide can
increase up to 23% following a natural disaster, and the elevated suicide risk can persist for up to two years. The
findings reveal that more mental health resources are needed to address challenges that arise after a disaster and
that these services should be extended for a longer period of time following a disaster.
Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, November 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Problems with Sleep Only Accelerate Other Troubles… Using data from the SNACK study, researchers report that older adults with moderate-to-severe sleep disturbances will likely accumulate
chronic neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal conditions at a faster rate than seniors with good sleep hygiene.
The authors of the analysis conclude that the early detection and treatment of sleep difficulties may present
itself as a possible strategy to reduce the risk for chronic multimorbidity in the older population.
BMC Medicine, December 2020
Quote: “Who overcomes by force, hath overcome but half his foe.” ~ John Milton

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

Health Alert: Sedentary Behavior Increases the Risk of Heart Failure in Women. An analysis of health and
lifestyle data of nearly 81,000 postmenopausal women found that spending less than 6.5 hours a day engaged in
sedentary activities can cut the risk for hospitalization for heart failure by over 40%.
Circulation: Heart Failure, November 2020
Diet: Adding Dried Fruit Equals Better Diet and Health Markers. Researchers analyzed data on over
25,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that people who
regularly consumed dried fruit were more likely to eat a healthy diet and less likely to be overweight or
hypertensive. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, October 2020
Exercise: Exercise May Help Keep the Mind Sharp. An evaluation of data from the Korean Longitudinal
Study of Aging revealed that middle aged and older adults who regularly exercised scored higher on
assessments of orientation, attention, memory, and language than non-exercisers.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, November 2020
Chiropractic: Headaches and the Neck. For patients with headaches that originate in the neck, also known as
cervicogenic headaches, a combination of manual therapies and specific exercise recommendations can be
effective for reducing headache frequency and intensity. Past research suggests that up to 4% of the general
population and up to one-in-six chronic headache sufferers may be affected by cervicogenic headaches.
StatPearls, August 2020
Mental Attitude: Cognitive Impairment and Balance and Walking Ability. Assessments of 90 older adults
revealed that those with either mild cognitive impairment or early dementia exhibited differences in gait and
balance compared to participants with normal cognitive function. The findings suggest that changes in walking
ability and balance may help healthcare providers identify patients who may be experiencing cognitive decline,
possibly before other symptoms are present.
European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, December 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Smoking Causes Half of Bladder Cancer Cases! The current research notes that
smoking is the strongest risk factor for bladder cancer, accounting for roughly half of bladder cancer cases.
Furthermore, there’s no evidence to suggest that electronic cigarettes reduce this risk.
Spanish Archive of Urology, December 2020
Quote: “In order to achieve anything you must be brave enough to fail.” ~ Kirk Douglas

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

Health Alert: Smog Linked to Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Risk. New research suggests that even small increases
in fine particulate matter air pollution where an individual lives can lead to an elevated risk for a first hospital
admission for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Lancet Planetary Health, October 2020
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Improve Prognosis Following Heart Attack. Among a group of 944 consecutive
acute myocardial infarction patients, researchers observed that those with higher omega-3 fatty acid serum levels
were less likely to experience major adverse cardiovascular events, readmission for cardiovascular causes, or death
from any cause in the following three years. The findings suggest that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may offer
cardioprotective benefits. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, November 2020
Exercise: Short Sleep May Impair Physical Function in Seniors. Grip strength is often used in scientific research
as an indicator of physical function/fitness. Assessments of 121 older adults revealed an association between sleep
duration and stronger grip strength. The findings suggest that strategies to improve sleep in seniors could lead to
improved physical function. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, November 2020
Chiropractic: Forward Head Posture Linked to Chronic Headaches? A review of data from twelve published
studies found that chronic primary headache patients were more likely to exhibit forward head posture than
individuals without a history of headache. The findings suggest that abnormal cervical posture could play a role in
the headache process. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify forward head posture and prescribe corrective
exercises. Pain Medicine, October 2020
Mental Attitude: Pregnancy-Related ADHD Risk Factors… An analysis of data from 35 published studies
identified evidence that the following are associated with an elevated risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) in children: maternal pre-pregnancy obesity; pre-eclampsia; smoking during pregnancy; and maternal
acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Lancet Psychiatry, November 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Uterine Fibroids Common for Women. Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous
growths that usually appear during childbearing years. Common signs and symptoms include heavy menstrual
bleeding, menstrual periods that last longer than a week, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty
emptying the bladder, constipation, and back or leg pain. If you suffer from these symptoms you should contact your
healthcare provider for an evaluation and treatment options. Mayo Clinic, October 2020
Quote: “When you see a roadblock or challenge as an opportunity, it is amazing how you are already halfway
there.” ~ Frances Hesselbein
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Asthma Meds Weaken Bones? Researchers have identified a potential link between oral
corticosteroid usage by patients with asthma and an elevated risk for osteoporosis and serious bone fractures.
Thorax, October 2020
Diet: High Flavanol Diet May Lower Blood Pressure. Evaluations of health and diet data concerning over 25,000
adults revealed that those with the highest intake of flavanols—compounds found in many fruits and vegetables, as
well as wine, tea, and chocolate, that have antioxidant properties—had a blood pressure reading 2 to 4 mmHg lower
than those who consumed the lowest amount of flavanols. Scientific Reports, October 2020
Exercise: Exercising One Arm Can Benefit the Other. New research suggests that if an arm becomes
immobilized due to injury, it can lose up to 28% of its muscle mass within four weeks. However, a recent
experiment found that performing eccentric exercises with the opposite arm could significantly reduce muscle loss in
the affected extremity. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Sports Science, September 2020
Chiropractic: Spinal Pain in High School Students. Examinations of 273 teenagers revealed that about one in six
(16.12%) had spinal pain. Further analysis showed the following characteristics are associated with an elevated risk
for spinal pain in teens: physical inactivity, obesity, central adiposity, and misalignment of the lumbar spine. Doctors
of chiropractic often approach spinal pain in adolescents with a combination of manual therapies, specific exercises,
and healthy lifestyle advice. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, October 2020
Mental Attitude: Healthcare Usage in Early Infancy May Signal Autism, ADHD Risk. A review of the
electronic health records of nearly 30,000 children revealed an association between an increased frequency of doctor
and hospital visits during the first year of life and a later diagnosis of either autism spectrum disorder or attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Lead author Dr. Matthew Engelhard adds, “This study provides evidence that
children who develop autism and ADHD are on a different path from the beginning… We have known that children
with these diagnoses have more interactions with the healthcare system after they’ve been diagnosed, but this
indicates that distinctive patterns of utilization begin early in these children’s lives. This could provide an
opportunity to intervene sooner.” Scientific Reports, October 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Screenings May Encourage a Healthier Lifestyle. An analysis of data from five
published studies revealed that individuals are more receptive to lifestyle interventions on the importance of a
healthy diet and exercise following a colorectal and breast cancer screening.
Cancer Causes & Control, November 2020
Quote: “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” ~ Will Rogers
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Heated Tobacco May Pose Threat to Heart Health. Tobacco products that heat but do not burn
tobacco to release a tobacco-flavored vapor that contains nicotine are marketed as a substitute for e-cigarettes or
traditional cigarettes. An analysis of nearly 50 human and rodent studies showed that such inhalants were associated
with high blood pressure, reduced dilation of blood vessels, stiffening of arteries, increased heart rate, and reduced
heart function. American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, October 2020
Diet: Vitamin D May Delay Frailty? Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowness, physical
inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss. Past research has shown that low vitamin D levels
are associated with an increased risk for frailty among older adults. In a recent study, researchers observed that mice
given a supplement to achieve and maintain vitamin D levels at the higher end of the healthy range were
significantly less likely to become frail than those with low vitamin D status. Nutrients, October 2020
Exercise: Physical Activity Is Important for Kids’ Bone Development. An examination of 804 preteens found
that engaging in 1.5 hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day is important for healthy bone
development. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, July 2020
Chiropractic: Myofascial Release for Neck Pain. Tightness of the suboccipital muscles at the back of the skull is
often experienced by patients with chronic neck pain. A study that included 58 chronic neck pain patients found that
myofascial release therapy, a form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic, applied to the suboccipital
muscles is effective for reducing neck pain intensity and improving cervical mobility. Spine, November 2020
Mental Attitude: Mom’s Thyroid May Influence ADHD in Kids. An analysis of data concerning nearly 330,000
mother-child pairs revealed an association between low thyroid hormone levels during the first trimester of
pregnancy and up to a 28% greater risk for a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in her
child. American Journal of Perinatology, October 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Helps Ease Effects of Trauma. The results from a recent animal study showed that
rats that increased sleep time following a traumatic experience were less likely to develop ongoing fear symptoms
than rats that either maintained their sleep schedule or slept less. Lead author Dr. William Vanderheyden concludes,
“Basically, our study has found that if you can improve sleep, you can improve function… This highlights that there
is a time-sensitive window when—if you intervene to improve sleep— you could potentially stave off the negative
effects of trauma.” Scientific Reports, October 2020
Quote: “I can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life everything he’s got.”
~ Walter Cronkite
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: A Third of Seniors Prescribed Inappropriate Medications. The American Geriatrics Society
reports that during a recent four-year timeframe, 34% of individuals over the age of 65 received a potentially
inappropriate prescription, which increased their risk for a visit to the emergency room by 26% and hospital
admission by 17%. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2020
Diet: Western Diet May Impair Sense of Smell. The Western-style diet is characterized by high-fat and high-sugar
intake and has been linked to several adverse health outcomes. A recent study found that mice fed a Western-style
diet were more likely to experience impaired odor detection, odor-related learning, and olfactory memory than
rodents on a standard diet. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, October 2020
Exercise: Exercise Benefits Hypertensive Patients. Patients under treatment for high blood pressure who
participated in a twelve-week combined aerobic and resistance training exercise program experienced improvements
in systolic blood pressure and endothelial function, as well a reduction in biomarkers for low-grade inflammation.
The findings suggest that aerobic and resistance training should be emphasized in the management of hypertension.
Journal of Hypertension, December 2020
Chiropractic: Mobilization or Manipulation for Cervicogenic Headaches? According to a study that included 45
patients with headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck, both mobilization and manipulation are effective
interventions for improving pain, disability, and cervical range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic often use both
approaches when managing cervicogenic headache patients.
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, November 2020
Mental Attitude: Teachers May Be Key to Adult Mental Health. An analysis of data on nearly 20,000 young
adults revealed that those who characterized their relationships with teachers during adolescence as “supportive”
were less likely to have mental health challenges than their peers who experienced a difficult relationship with their
teachers during middle school and high school. School Psychology, October 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Should Colon Cancer Screening Start at Age 45? Current guidelines recommend that
people aged 50 to 75 get screened for colon cancer, which prevents about 25 deaths per 1,000 screenings. However,
because the current data shows an increase in colon cancer cases among those aged 45 to 49 years, the United States
Prevention Services Task Force is considering a recommendation for starting colon cancer screening at age 45,
which could prevent at least one death for every 1,000 people screened.
United States Preventive Services Task Force, October 2020
Quote: “Happiness does not lie in happiness, but in the achievement of it.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Fewer People Are Having a Second Heart Attack. New research shows that a heart attack
sufferer’s risk for a recurrent heart attack within the following year declined by approximately 20% between
2008 and 2017. Study author Dr. Sanne Peters notes, “Improvements in the emergency treatment of heart
attacks and better treatment options for people who survive a heart attack may explain the overall decline.”
Circulation, September 2020
Diet: Is There a Way to Prevent Celiac Disease in Children? The results of the Enquiring About Tolerance
(EAT) Study suggest that introducing gluten into a child’s diet at four months of age may mitigate their risk for
celiac disease. Lead author Dr. Gideon Lack writes, “This is the first study that provides evidence that early
introduction of significant amounts of wheat into a baby’s diet before six months of age may prevent the
development of celiac disease. This strategy may also have implications for other autoimmune diseases such as
Type 1 diabetes.” JAMA Pediatrics, September 2020
Exercise: Sports Good for the Brain. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that engaging in physical
activity resulted in improved performance on memory assessments. Scientific Reports, September 2020
Chiropractic: TMD Linked to Migraine Risk. Researchers reviewed data on 514,866 participants from a
national health screening cohort and identified an association between migraines and temporomandibular
disorder (TMD). The finding adds to a growing body of research suggesting that musculoskeletal disorders may
be either a cause or contributing factor for migraines and addressing such issues—with chiropractic care, for
example—may be necessary to achieve a successful treatment outcome. Diagnostics, September 2020
Mental Attitude: Low Vitamin D Status and Delirium. Delirium, or sudden onset of severe confusion, is
common among older adults following hospitalization. A study involving 351,320 seniors identified an
association between vitamin D deficiency and at least one episode of delirium over the following 14 years. The
researchers conclude, “Because low vitamin D levels are simple to detect and inexpensive and safe to correct,
an intervention trial to confirm these results is urgently needed.”
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Belly Fat Poses a Health Danger. A review of 72 studies that included more than 2.5
million patients from around the world found that for every four inches (about ten centimeters) of additional
waist circumference, an individual’s risk for early death rose by 11%. BMJ, September 2020
Quote: “Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.” ~ Ray Kroc

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

Health Alert: Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Impairment. Cognitive assessments completed by 218
individuals—roughly half with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea—revealed an association between more
severe sleep apnea symptoms and worse cognitive function.
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine, October 2020
Diet: Sugar Consumption While Breastfeeding May Affect Cognitive Development of Child. New research
that looked at data concerning 88 mother-child pairs revealed that a high maternal intake of sugary beverages
during the first month of breastfeeding was associated with poorer cognitive development in her offspring at age
two. Researcher Dr. Michael I. Goran writes, “Breastfeeding can have so many benefits… but we’re seeing that
breast milk is influenced by what moms eat and drink even more than we realized.”
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2020
Exercise: Early Sports Helps Girls Reduce ADHD Symptoms Later. A study that included nearly 1,500
children revealed that girls who consistently participated in organized sports were less likely to develop
attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) symptoms than their peers. No such link was noted in boys.
Preventative Medicine, October 2020
Chiropractic: Daily Musculoskeletal Pain Common Among Seniors. Questionnaires completed by 14,155
older men and women revealed that about half experience moderate-to-intense musculoskeletal pain on most
days, often in the lower back, knees, and upper back. Nearly a third reported that their pain regularly interfered
with their sleep, walking, and daily activities. Journal of Aging and Health, September 2020
Mental Attitude: Money Worries Increase Risk of Suicide Among Those with ADHD. According to a new
study, adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop financial
difficulties, which places them at an elevated risk for suicide. Study co-author Dr. Theodore Beauchine notes,
“The impulsivity found in ADHD is predisposing to suicide. And if you have a lifetime of financial problems
that can lead to a sense of hopelessness… Hopelessness combined with impulsivity is a really bad combination
and may increase the risk of suicide.” Science Advances, September 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Strict Rules About Tobacco Products Reduces Teens Likelihood to Use Them. A
study that included over 23,000 teenagers revealed that adolescents are up to 26% less likely to use tobacco
products when parents had set strict rules on the matter. Pediatrics, October 2020
Quote: “The groundwork of all happiness is health.” ~ Leigh Hunt
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Glass-Topped Tables Pose Risks. Between 2009 and 2015, more than 3,200 individuals
required trauma care for injuries associated with glass-topped tables, with the majority involving young
adults and children under the age of seven. Experts note that at least half of these injuries were linked to
faulty design or construction, suggesting that improved safety standards could substantially reduce the risk
of injury associated with glass-topped tables. American Journal of Surgery, September 2020
Diet: Can a Healthy Diet Reduce Heart Risks in Obese Adults? New research that looked at long-term
health and dietary data concerning over 79,000 adults found that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet can
mitigate some, but not all, of the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity.
PLOS Medicine, September 2020
Exercise: Exercise Can Help Diabetics Live Longer. A survey of 4,859 adults found that diabetics who
met exercise guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week had a 32% lower risk
for early death than those classified as physically inactive.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2020
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation for Lumbar Radiculopathy? For patients with subacute or chronic
lumbar radiculopathy, spinal manipulative therapy—a form of treatment provided by doctors of
chiropractic—may be an effective intervention for improving back and leg pain, perceived disability, spinal
range of motion, and performance on the straight leg raise test (a common diagnostic for radiculopathy).
American Journal of Medicine, September 2020
Mental Attitude: Marijuana Use During Pregnancy Has Mental Impact on Children. Using data from
the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study, researchers estimate that in utero exposure to
cannabis is associated with an elevated childhood risk for depression, anxiety, impulsivity, social problems,
and lower cognitive performance. JAMA Psychiatry, September 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Rest or Massage Helps Reduce Stress. According to a recent study, ten minutes of
either rest or massage are effective at psychological and physiological stress. Lead study author Dr. Maria
Meier writes, “We are very encouraged by the findings that short periods of dis-engagement are enough to
relax not just the mind but also the body.” Scientific Reports, September 2020
Quote: “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”
~ Bill Keane
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.