Health Alert: Persistent Concussion Symptoms and Sleep Apnea. Examinations of 51 patients with
persistent concussion symptoms revealed that 78% also had sleep apnea. Because sleep apnea reduces the
body’s ability to experience restorative sleep, the findings suggest that improving sleep quality in mildtraumatic brain injury patients may reduce the risk for ongoing concussion symptoms.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, March 2020
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Lead to Healthier Aging. The Mediterranean diet focuses on eating fruits,
vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats,
and refined sugars. An evaluation of 143 elderly patients revealed that those who most closely followed the
Mediterranean diet were less likely to two or more chronic conditions.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, February 2020
Exercise: Evening Exercise May Slow Glaucoma. Glaucoma is an incurable eye disease that causes an
increase in pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve, eventually leading to vision loss. In a study
involving 98 glaucoma patients, researchers observed that the disease progressed more slowly in those who
exercised during the evening. Eye and Vision, March 2020
Chiropractic: Stabilization Exercises and Chronic Neck Pain. An analysis of data from six randomized
controlled trials found that stabilization exercises can reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic
neck pain. Doctors of chiropractic often incorporate such exercises in their treatment plans for chronic neck
pain patients in addition to spinal manipulation, mobilization, and other manual therapies.
Journal of Neurological Surgery, March 2020
Mental Attitude: Do Smartphones Exacerbate Headaches? A survey of 400 chronic headache sufferers
revealed that excessive smartphone use is associated with more frequent and more intense headaches. The
findings suggest that cutting back on smartphone use would benefit headache sufferers.
Neurology Clinical Practice, March 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Dietary Choices and Lung Cancer Risk. A review of data from 30 published studies
suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, zinc, and vitamins B, C, D, and E is associated with a
reduced risk for lung cancer. The findings suggest that nutritional recommendations should be included in
smoking cessation programs. Tumori, March 2020
Quote: “It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.” ~ Rene Descartes
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Colon Cancer Hits the Poor and City Dwellers the Hardest. An analysis of data
concerning nearly 27,000 colon cancer patients in the United States revealed that colon cancer-related
mortality rates are higher in both urban environments and in areas with below-average per capita incomes
than in more affluent suburbs. The findings reveal that more effort is needed to provide access and remove
barriers to care to reduce colon cancer’s impact on society.
American Society of Clinical Oncology, January 2020
Diet: Vitamin D Supplement May Help with Diabetic Neuropathic Pain. Among a group of 57 type 2
diabetics, those given a vitamin D supplement reported improvements with respect to both neuropathic pain
symptoms and balance. Journal of Pain Research, January 2020
Exercise: Physical Activity Can Help Regulate Your Appetite. According to a new study that monitored
the calorie consumption of 130 adults on a weight loss diet, engaging in regular exercise reduces the risk of
overeating at a meal by over 50%. Health Psychology, January 2020
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Factors in the Elderly. Examinations of 279 older adults revealed that
seniors who are free of musculoskeletal pain are more likely to have to following characteristics: healthy
weight; stronger back muscles, greater physical ability, better balance with eyes closed, greater lumbar
range of motion, and normal lumbopelvic alignment and sagittal posture.
Biomed Research International, November 2019
Mental Attitude: Ways to Deal with Sadness. To manage the feelings of sadness that come with the end
of a close relationship or the death of a loved one, experts advise the following: allow yourself to be sad
and cry if you feel like you need to; listen to music or spend time with family and friends; think about the
context of the sad feelings; remember that emotions are changing and will come and go; and know when
sadness turns into depression and get help if this happens. Gundersen Health Systems, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D Status and COPD Progression. Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is one of the leading causes
of death in the United States. The results of a study involving 151 male COPD patients revealed that severe
vitamin D deficiency is associated with more rapid progression of emphysema.
Respiratory Medicine, January 2020
Quote: “Time is the fairest and toughest judge.” ~ Edgar Quinet

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

Health Alert: Diabetic Pregnancies May Lead to Hearing Risk in Offspring. Using data from the
Audiological and Genetic Database, researchers estimate that children of diabetic pregnancies have an elevated
risk for bilateral and sensorineural hearing loss.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, February 2020
Diet: Diet Linked to Breast Cancer Survivability. An analysis of data from the Women’s Health Initiative
Modification clinical trial found that breast cancer patients who adopted a low-fat diet that emphasized an
increased intake of vegetables, fruits, and grains were more likely to survive the next two decades than women
who continued their usual diet. Journal of Clinical Oncology, February 2020
Exercise: Plyometric Training May Reduce ACL Injury Risk. Past research suggests that poor dynamic
balance and knee proprioception can increase an athlete’s risk for a non-contact anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL) injury. In this study, researchers observed that female badminton players who participated in a six-week
plyometric training program experienced improvements with respect to both dynamic balance and knee
proprioception. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, December 2019
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies for Low Back Pain. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot
found in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions, including chronic low back pain. In this
study, researchers compared the effect of three manual therapies—manual pressure release, strain counterstrain,
and integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique—on 48 patients with chronic low back pain and observed
that each were effective at deactivating trigger points and improving low back pain and disability. Doctors of
chiropractic often incorporate several manual therapy interventions when treating patients with chronic low
back pain, depending on the patient’s unique case and needs.
Journal of Alternate and Complimentary Medicine, February 2020
Mental Attitude: PTSD Tied to Earlier Death. An assessment of data concerning 64,000 emergency
responders and civilians exposed to the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001 revealed that those
who developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had a 54-64% increased risk for early death over the
following fifteen years. JAMA Network Open, February 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Many Kids and Adults Have Low Vitamin D Status. According to the European
Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 30% of children and 60% of adults worldwide have either low or
deficient vitamin D levels. The current research suggests that low vitamin D status is associated with several
poor health and developmental outcomes. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, February 2020
Quote: “A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.” ~ Charles Darwin
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Asthma Linked to Heart Rhythm Disorder. The results of a thirteen-year study involving
6,615 adults suggest that individuals with persistent asthma have a 50% elevated risk for developing atrial
fibrillation, which is a common heart rhythm disorder that is known to significantly increase the risk of
stroke. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, February 2020
Diet: An Egg a Day Is Okay. New research concludes that there is no association between egg intake and
higher blood cholesterol or associated cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiologist Dr. Guy Mintz notes, “This
very large study has clearly demonstrated that people can have one egg a day without any cardiovascular
consequences.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2020
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Training May Enhance Brain Function. Cognitively normal but sedentary
adults with either a family history or genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease who participated in a six-month
aerobic exercise training program experienced improvements in brain glucose metabolism and executive
function skills, both of which are associated with a reduced risk for cognitive decline.
Brain Plasticity, January 2020
Chiropractic: Post-Whiplash Headaches. A review of findings from 44 published studies concluded that
60% of whiplash patients will experience headaches within one week of their injury and up to 38% may
continue to report headaches up to one year later. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate headaches
and other symptoms associated with whiplash injuries. Pain, January 2020
Mental Attitude: Strong Support Network Is Key to Cancer Recovery for Women. Among a group of
1,400 postmenopausal women with either colon or rectal cancer, researchers observed that having a strong
social support network is associated with up to a 58% reduced risk of death from colorectal cancer.
Cancer, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Hoarse Voice? For the most part, the causes of hoarseness—a raspy or strained
voice—are not serious and usually resolve within a few weeks. The Cleveland Clinic offers these probable
causes of hoarseness: a common cold or an upper respiratory infection, using your voice too much or too
loudly, gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, allergies, thyroid problems, and trauma to the voice box. If
symptoms fail to resolve within two weeks, consult with your family doctor.
Cleveland Clinic, January 2020
Quote: “Rudeness is a weak imitation of strength.” ~ Eric Hoffer
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Many Seniors Could Benefit from Visiting an Optician. Vision tests of nearly 1,200 older
adults revealed that 61% could significantly improve their vision by getting prescription glasses or
changing the power of their current lenses. Acta Ophthalmologica, January 2020
Diet: Less Protein in the Diet May Benefit Cardiovascular Health. An analysis of dietary information
and blood samples of over 11,000 adults revealed an association between a diet containing fewer sulfur
amino acid-containing foods—such as meats, dairy, nuts, and soy—and a reduced risk for cardiovascular
disease. Lancet EClinical Medicine, February 2020
Exercise: Exercise’s Effect on the Brain. Researchers monitored the brains of 128 people after
performing aerobic exercise at varying intensities and observed that the greatest changes in
neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire or modify its neural connections—occurred with 20 minutes of
interval training or 25 minutes of continuous moderate aerobic exercise.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, October 2019
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Improves Sit-to-Stand Tasks. Among a group of 40 adults with low
back pain, researchers observed that application of spinal manipulation and mobilization to the lumbar
spine and pelvic region improved performance on sit-to-stand assessments. The study reveals the effect that
manual therapies can have on neuromuscular control and movement in populations suffering from low back
pain. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, January 2020
Mental Attitude: Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Dementia. A review of data concerning
17,315 Japanese seniors found that those who experienced three or more adverse childhood experiences
(ACEs) had a 78% increased risk for developing dementia. Examples of ACEs include abuse (physical,
sexual, emotional), neglect (physical, emotional), witnessing domestic violence, substance abuse or mental
illness in the household, and the loss of a parent (separation, divorce, incarceration, death).
JAMA Network Open, February 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D and Ovarian Cancer. The current research indicates that low vitamin D
status is associated with an increased risk for ovarian cancer. Cells, February 2020
Quote: “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to
your former self.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Linked to Fatty Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is
a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol
consumption. An analysis of data concerning 33,045 adults revealed that individuals with obstructive sleep
apnea have a 78% increased risk for NAFLD. BMC Gastroenterology, February 2020
Diet: Americans Throw Away a Lot of Food. According to a study that looked at the food purchasing
and consumption behavior of nearly 4,000 families in the United States, about a third of food is thrown out
at a cost of $1,866 each year per household. Study author Dr. Edward Jaenicke writes, “Our findings are
consistent with previous studies, which have shown that 30% to 40% of the total food supply in the United
States goes uneaten—and that means that resources used to produce the uneaten food, including land,
energy, water and labor, are wasted as well.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics, January 2020
Exercise: Exercise Could Boost Video Game Performance. While it’s generally believed that playing
video games and exercise are antagonistic activities, new research suggests that gamers who engage in 15
minutes of intense cardiovascular activity prior to a gaming session perform better than their peers who
typically refrain from exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, January 2020
Chiropractic: Spinal Pain Is Very Common. A survey of 5,397 middle-aged adults revealed that 54%
had experienced an episode of low back pain in the previous twelve months, while 23.6% had mid-back
pain and 29.1% had neck pain in the same time frame. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, February 2020
Mental Attitude: Many Teens Dislike High School. Questionnaires completed by nearly 22,000 high
schoolers across the United States revealed that 75% routinely experience boredom, anger, sadness, fear,
and/or stress while at school. Journal of Learning and Instruction, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: How to Deal with a Flea Infestation. To prevent, reduce, or eliminate a flea
infestation, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following: check carpets, cushioned
furniture, and cracks and crevices daily; steam clean carpets regularly and pay extra attention to areas
where pets sleep; wash all pet bedding and family bedding every two weeks; use a flea comb on your pet to
expose adult fleas; and keep your pets indoors as much as possible.
Environmental Protection Agency, January 2020
Quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” ~ Enzo Ferrari
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Smog Could Be Bad for Bones. In a study involving 3,700 adults living in various parts of India,
researchers found that participants who lived in areas with higher fine particulate matter air pollution tended to have lower
bone mass. Researcher Dr. Otavio Ranzani writes, “This study contributes to the limited and inconclusive literature on air
pollution and bone health… Inhalation of polluting particles could lead to bone mass loss through the oxidative stress and
inflammation caused by air pollution.” JAMA Network Open, January 2020
Diet: A Strategy to Promote Healthier Eating in Kids. Watching cooking shows may be the key ingredient to getting
children to eat healthier foods. In this study, researchers asked 125 10- to 12-year-olds to watch a public television
cooking program designed for children and then provided snacks after the viewing. The research team observed that kids
who watched a cooking show featuring healthy food were 2.7 times more likely to choose a healthy snack than those who
watched a cooking show featuring unhealthy food. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, January 2020
Exercise: Training for a Marathon Can Turn Back Aging Clock. Among a group of 138 first-time marathon runners,
researchers observed that after six months of training, participants experienced a 3- to 4-point drop in systolic and
diastolic blood pressure, as well as a 9% improvement in aortic function. The research team estimates that training for a
marathon reversed the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system by about four years.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, January 2020
Chiropractic: Cervical Spinal Manipulation Benefits TMD. Past research has shown that patients with
temporomandibular disorder (TMD) often have cervical complaints, suggesting that the conditions may be connected. In
this study, 50 TMD patients received either cervical spinal manipulation or a sham manipulation once a week for four
weeks. The researchers observed that the participants in the cervical spinal manipulation group exhibited improved jaw
function, while those in the sham treatment group reported no improvement.
Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, January 2020
Mental Attitude: Alzheimer’s Research May Head in New Direction. The results of a recent experiment in which
researchers reviewed positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the brains of 32 early Alzheimer’s diseases patients
suggest that brain regions with greater tau protein build-up are more likely to atrophy over the course of two years than
areas of the brain with fewer tau proteins. Science Translational Medicine, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Play It Safe with Household Chemicals. Common household items such as paint and cleaning
supplies can contain toxic chemicals. The Cleveland Clinic recommends the following safety tips: wear an apron, gloves,
and goggles when working with oven cleaners; ensure that the area you’re using chemicals in is well ventilated; wear latex
dishwashing gloves when using antibacterial cleaners; wash your hands immediately if you get chemicals on your skin;
and opt for non-toxic cleaners, if possible. Cleveland Clinic, January 2020
Quote: “To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” ~ Henri Bergson

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

Health Alert: Metabolic Syndrome May Raise Odds of Recurring Blood Clots. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster
of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, problematic cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive
waist circumference—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. An
analysis of data concerning over 151,000 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients revealed that those with metabolic
syndrome had a 37% increased risk for additional clots. Blood Advances, January 2020
Diet: Green Tea May Benefit the Heart. An analysis of data concerning more than 100,000 middle aged and older
adults in China suggests that drinking green tea at least three times a week is associated with a reduced risk for heart
attack or stroke over the next seven years. Researcher Dr. Whitney Linsenmeyer notes, “Green tea is calorie-free and
antioxidant-rich… It’s a healthy beverage to include in your diet if you like the taste.”
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, January 2020
Exercise: Judo May Help Children with Autism. Among a group of 14 children and teens with autism spectrum
disorder, researchers observed that engaging in a 45-minute judo lesson once a week for eight weeks led to
improvements in the participants’ comfort with social interactions and physical contact.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, December 2019
Chiropractic: Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Getting adjusted may improve the reflexes. In a recent study,
researchers applied spinal manipulative therapy to the cervical and upper thoracic spine of eleven healthy volunteers,
and using electromyography, they detected improved muscle reflex responses in all the neck muscles, most back
muscles, and some extremity muscles. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Teens Who Self-Harm at Greater Risk for Early Death. A recent study that monitored the
status of 9,173 children and teens who had presented to the emergency room after nonfatal self-harm revealed this
group has a significantly higher risk for suicide, accidental death, or death from other causes over the following two
years than the general pediatric population. Based on the finding, the study’s authors conclude, “A clear need exists
to identify preventive interventions that might reduce risk of self-harm in children and adolescents, repetition of the
behavior, and premature death due to suicide and other preventable causes in the self-harm population.”
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Brush Hair with Care. National Women’s Health Resource Center notes that incorrectly
brushing your hair can result in strand damage, which can lead to splits and tangles. The organization recommends
the following tips to properly brush your hair: find a brush that is right for your hair type, brush your hair gently each
day, brush your hair down from the scalp, use different brushes for wet and dry hair, and detangle your hair when
wet before brushing. National Women’s Health Resource Center, January 2020
Quote: “Wise men make more opportunities than they find.” ~ Francis Bacon
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Big Rise in Meth and Fentanyl Use in Recent Years. According to a study that compared urine
drug test result data from 2013 and 2019, positive tests for methamphetamine increased from 1.4% in 2013 to 8.4%
in 2019, while the detection rate for fentanyl increased from 1% to 5%. The findings suggest that methamphetamineand fentanyl-related overdose deaths may continue to increase in the United States.
JAMA Network Open, January 2020
Diet: Beans Reduce Depression Risk? Using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey concerning over
46,000 Brazilian adults, researchers have identified an association between greater consumption of beans and up to a
26% reduced risk for depression. Public Health (Brazil), December 2019
Exercise: High-Intensity Exercise May Help Epileptic Seizures. In a recent case study, a woman with drugresistant focal epilepsy experienced a reduction in seizure frequency upon switching from a moderate-intensity
exercise program to a high-intensity fitness routine. Epilepsy & Behavior Reports, December 2019
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care for Seniors with Neck Pain. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people aged 70 and older
suffer from neck pain. A recent survey of 288 Australian chiropractors revealed that seniors account for about a third
of their patients, with neck pain affecting roughly half, often with co-morbid headaches. Among responders, the
most common treatment approach for older adults with cervical pain included a combination of manual therapies
(including manipulation and mobilization), neck-specific exercises, and self-management techniques.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Worrying Too Much? Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive worrying that
prevents a person from leading a normal life. According the National Institute of Mental Health, your worrying may
be out of control if you worry intensely about everyday matters, have trouble controlling worries or feelings of
nervousness, know that you worry more than you should, feel restless and have trouble relaxing, have difficulty
concentrating, are easily startled, have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, feel tired all the time, sweat a lot, and
feel light-headed or out of breath. If you think your worrying may be out of control, speak with your doctor.
National Institute of Mental Health, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Help Your Child Lose Weight. Obesity during childhood has been linked with several
negative health outcomes that can persist and worsen in adulthood. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles notes that
minor changes can help a child maintain a healthy weight: reduce or eliminate sweetened beverages, including soda;
add more vegetables to family meals; make sure your family is eating a high-fiber diet; make sure your child is
getting enough sleep; eat together as a family as often as possible; be a good role model by enjoying healthy food in
front of your child; limit your child’s screen time to no more than two hours per day; and encourage your child to be
active. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, January 2020
Quote: “Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” ~ Harper Lee
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Ozone and COPD Risk. Johns Hopkins University reports that for every 5-parts-per-billion
increase in ten-year ozone exposure, the risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases by
16%, regardless of smoking history. Johns Hopkins University, December 2019
Diet: Fish Oil Supplements May Reduce Disk Degeneration. In a recent study involving rats with
intervertebral disk degeneration, those given a daily 530mg supplement of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and
EPA for two months had fewer MRI findings for disk degeneration progression than rodents given a placebo.
Future research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine if fish oil supplements may slow disk
degeneration in human patients. Medical Science Monitor, December 2019
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Women of All Ages. An analysis of data from the UK
Biobank concerning over 175,000 women identified an association between higher physical activity levels and a
reduced risk for breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women.
British Journal of Cancer, January 2020
Chiropractic: Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Treatment. A recent study set out to critically evaluate the
benefits of adding chiropractic under Missouri Medicaid. Based on computations and a dynamic scoring model,
investigators determined that there would be a cost savings to the state of Missouri of between $14.1 and $49.2
million per year once chiropractic care is included under Medicaid. More specifically, the study found that
chiropractic care provides better outcomes at lower cost, leads to a reduction in cost of spinal surgery, and leads
to cost savings from reduced use and abuse of opioid prescription drugs.
Journal of Chiropractic Humanities, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Depression and the Heart. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study for Aging,
researchers estimate that depression may be associated with up to a 36% increased risk for heart disease.
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, December 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Handling an Allergic Reaction. People can experience allergic reactions to things such
as animal dander, bee stings, chemicals, and foods, which can result in hives, itching, rash and other symptoms.
The National Library of Medicine recommends these first aid steps for mild-to-moderate reactions: calm and
reassure the person having the reaction; try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid additional contact
with it; if the person develops a rash, apply a cool compress and hydrocortisone; and watch the person for signs
of increasing distress. If the allergic reaction is severe, you should summon emergency services immediately.
National Library of Medicine, January 2020
Quote: “Action is the antidote to despair.” ~ Joan Baez
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.