Health Alert: Button Batteries Are an Increasing Hazard to Kids. Researchers report that two times more
children made a trip to the emergency room after accidentally eating a button battery between 2010 and 2019 than
during the preceding two decades. When swallowed, button batteries generate an electric current, which can trigger a
harmful reaction that can cause serious injury, even death. Pediatrics, August 2022
Diet: Breastfeeding Offers Heart Protection for Mom. The American Heart Association reports that women who
breastfeed at least one child have a 15% lower risk of heart disease and a 12% reduced risk for stroke later in life
than women who do not breastfeed. American Heart Association, August 2022
Exercise: Exercise and Heart Failure Risk. An analysis of health records on more than 94,000 adults revealed that
engaging in more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (or 75 minutes of high-intensity physical
activity) a week can reduce the risk for heart failure by more than 60%. Study author Dr. Frederick explains, “There
are many potential ways that regular physical activity may reduce the risk of developing heart failure… For example,
physical activity helps prevent weight gain and related cardiometabolic conditions, such as high blood pressure and
Type 2 diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart failure. Regular physical exercise may also strengthen the
heart muscle, which, in turn, may prevent heart failure from developing.” Circulation, August 2022
Chiropractic: Ankle Proprioception and Chronic Low Back Pain in the Elderly. Proprioception is the body’s
ability to sense where its various parts are in relation to one another for purposes of movement and balance.
Examinations of older adults with and without chronic low back pain revealed that those with chronic low back pain
were more likely to have impaired ankle proprioception. The findings suggest a possible link between abnormal
motion of the ankle and pain in the lower back. This highlights the importance of examining the whole patient—
something doctors of chiropractic are trained to do—to address all potential contributing causes for the patient’s
chief complaint. Neuroscience Letters, August 2022
Mental Attitude: Family History of Mental Illness Increases Risk for Postpartum Depression. Following a
review of data from 26 studies, researchers report that women with a family history of a psychiatric illness are at
twice the risk for developing postpartum depression. JAMA Psychiatry, August 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Know the Signs of Sport-Related Concussion. Each year, more than 173,000 children and
teens receive treatment for concussions or other traumatic brain injuries, often related to sports collisions. If a player
is suspected to have sustained a concussion, it’s imperative to remove them from play and other activities and to
have them evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Ochsner Health, August 2022
Quote: “You don’t stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.”
~ Maurice Chevalier

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

Health Alert: Legalization of Pot Linked to Increase in Car Crash Injuries and Deaths. According to a recent
study, states that have legalized recreational marijuana have seen an increase in the rates for car crashes with injuries
(6%) and fatal crashes (4%) that has not been observed in states that did not legalize the drug. Lead researcher Dr.
Charles Farmer adds, “It’s becoming more and more clear that the legalization of marijuana doesn’t come without
cost. But marijuana legalization is still a novelty, and there’s hope that these early trends can be turned around.”
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, July 2022
Diet: Keto and Mediterranean Diets Good for Glucose Control. According to a recent study, both the ketogenic
and Mediterranean diet are effective for improving glucose control and improving high-density lipoprotein (the good
cholesterol) levels; however, participants found that the Mediterranean eating pattern was easier to sustain on a longterm basis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2022
Exercise: Exercise May Improve Thinking Speed. A study that included 758 participants found that women with
higher cardiorespiratory fitness performed better on thinking speed assessments than their sedentary peers. However,
no such observation was noted in men. Neurology, July 2022
Chiropractic: Early Chiropractic Care Reduces Opioid Use for Patients with Low Back Pain. A review of
insurance claims for around 41,000 adults with back pain revealed that those who sought chiropractic care initially
were 12% less likely to receive a subsequent opioid prescription and 46% less likely to use opioids in the long term.
Because only 6% of the patients in this study sought chiropractic care first, the findings suggest that encouraging
patients to consult with a chiropractor for new-onset back pain could significantly reduce long-term opioid use and
misuse. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, June 2022
Mental Attitude: Childhood Loneliness May Lead to Drinking Problems in Adulthood. Interviews with more
than 300 college students found that those who experienced loneliness before age twelve were more likely to report
higher present day stress levels and problematic drinking behaviors. Addictive Behaviors Reports, July 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Special Brain Scans May Aid in Early Parkinson’s Disease. With the aid of a new
technology called quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), researchers are now able to detect changes to a
part of the brain called the striatum, which helps the body move voluntarily and is known to deteriorate with
Parkinson’s disease. When qMRI becomes clinically available, it will help doctors detect Parkinson’s in its earliest
stages. Science Advances, July 2022
Quote: “Listen once in a while. It’s amazing what you can hear.” ~ Russell Baker

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

Health Alert: Underactive Thyroid May Increase Dementia Risk. A review of the medical records of over
15,000 older adults revealed that a history of hypothyroidism is associated with an 80% elevated risk for dementia,
and the risk is even greater among those on hormone-replacement medications. Neurology, July 2022
Diet: Inflammatory Diet Linked to Frailty. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowness, physical
inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss that is associated with an increased risk for poor
health outcomes. Using data from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring study, researchers have observed an
association between a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of sugar,
polysaturated vegetable oils, trans fats, dairy products, feed lot-raised meat, red meat, processed meat, alcohol,
refined grains, and artificial food additives—and an elevated risk for frailty.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2022
Exercise: Active Teens Sleep Better and Have Healthier Hearts. Assessments of 352 adolescents revealed that
those who regularly engage in physical activity not only experience better quality sleep, but they also have better
cardiovascular function than their sedentary peers. Sleep & Breathing, August 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies and Tinnitus. Following a study that showed that manual therapies are an
effective intervention for patients with suspected cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus, researchers conclude that in
the absence of ENT (ear, nose, and throat) pathologies, patients seeking care for ringing in the ears should be
examined for musculoskeletal dysfunction in the head and neck. Doctors of chiropractic commonly use manual
therapies to manage patients with musculoskeletal disorders. HNO, August 2022
Mental Attitude: People Appreciate Hearing from You. A recent series of experiments found that individuals
who reach out to acquaintances, friends, and family generally underestimate the impact their gesture would have on
others, especially when the recipient has no reason to expect it.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, July 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Achieve Healthier Skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the
following skin care routine to keep your skin young and healthy looking: wear sunscreen daily; don’t smoke; inspect
your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer; determine your skin type, and use products formulated for that type; use
mild warm water and a gentle cleanser when washing your face; wash your face before bed, when you wake, and if
your face is sweaty; and find ways to manage stress, such as exercising.
American Academy of Dermatology, July 2022
Quote: “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” ~ Socrates

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

Health Alert: The Cost of Forever Chemicals… Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are
chemicals used to imbue heat-, oil-, stain-, grease-, and water-resistant properties to products such as food
containers, clothes, and furniture and have been linked to several poor health outcomes. Because these chemicals
linger in the body, they’re known as forever chemicals. According to a recent study, these chemicals may cost the
United States health care system an estimated $63 billion dollars a year in medical costs and productivity losses due
to the top conditions linked to PFAS exposure, including hypothyroidism and childhood obesity. Senior author Dr.
Leonardo Trasande writes, “Our results strongly support the recent decision by the Environmental Protection
Agency to lower the safe allowable level of these substances in water… Based on our estimates, the cost of
eradicating contamination and replacing this class of chemical with safer alternatives is ultimately justified when
considering the tremendous economic and medical risks of allowing them to persist in the environment.”
Exposure and Health, July 2022
Diet: Most Don’t Eat Enough Fruit and Vegetables. An analysis of data on eating patterns from health and
nutrition surveys conducted between 1988 and 2018 found that more than half of all participants failed to meet
recommendations of 1.5-2 servings of fruit and 2-3 servings of vegetables per day.
Journal of Renal Nutrition, July 2022
Exercise: Walking Suggestion for PAD Patients. New research suggests that for patients with peripheral artery
disease (PAD), walking at a pace that induces leg discomfort results in better long-term walking performance than
strolling at a comfortable pace or not walking at all. Journal of the American Heart Association, July 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Combo Benefits Cervicogenic Dizziness Patients. For individuals with dizziness
caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine, researchers report that the combination of functional massage and
manipulative therapy—treatments provided in a chiropractic setting—is an effective intervention for improving
mechanosensitivity of the cervical muscles, neck-related disability, and dizziness symptoms. Life (Basel), July 2022
Mental Attitude: Anxiety Triggers. Healthline reports that the following are common triggers of anxiety: jobrelated stress; travel, drug or medication withdrawal, medication side effects, trauma, phobias, chronic pain or
illness; depression, and caffeine. Healthline, July 2022
Wellness/Prevention: University Students Could Benefits from Less Phone Use. Questionnaires completed by
400 college students revealed that using a cellphone for six or more hours a day is linked to an elevated risk for eye
strain, neck pain, back pain, weight gain, depression, loneliness, and mood disorders.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, July 2022
Quote: “Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” ~ Izaak Walton

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

Health Alert: Smoking Increases Sleep Apnea Risk. A pack year is the number of cigarettes smoked if a person
smokes one pack a day for a year. A systematic review of thirteen studies concluded that smoking increases one’s
risk for severe obstructive sleep apnea, especially heavy smokers with a history of 20 or more pack years.
Nicotine & Tobacco Research, August 2022
Diet: Diet Choices May Help Prevent Kidney Stones. Questionnaires completed by 411 kidney stone patients and
384 individuals without a history of kidney stones revealed that a low intake of fluids and a diet low in calcium and
potassium are linked to a greater risk of experiencing a first-time symptomatic kidney stone.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, July 2022
Exercise: Physical Activity Can Help an Aging Brain. Among a group of 300 sedentary older adults with mildcognitive impairment, those who participated in either aerobic exercise or a stretching and balance intervention did
not experience worsening performance on cognitive assessments a year later, nor did brain scans show any sign of
additional brain shrinkage. On the other hand, subjects who did not exercise experienced significant cognitive
decline during the course of the study. Associated Press, July 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Help Patients with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis. For patients with osteoarthritis
of the hip or knee, an analysis of data from 19 clinical trials found that the addition of manual therapy to exercise
therapy may lead to better outcomes with respect to pain, function, and stiffness than exercise alone. Doctors of
chiropractic often adopt a multimodal approach that includes exercise and manual therapies in the management of
patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, July 2022
Mental Attitude: The Brain Functions Differently with ADHD. Functional MRI scans of 360 children and teens
revealed that those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibited altered function in several brain
networks, including those involved with attention, executive function, and processing visual and sensory
information. Molecular Psychiatry, July 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Make Health a Family Affair. Because eating and exercising together during the week can
help family members get and stay healthy, the American Heart Association recommends the following: keep a
family schedule, and find 30-minute periods during the week that the entire family can exercise; choose a time that
the entire family can decide on the upcoming week’s menu; find ways to manage stress as a family; and make sure
everyone in the family does their part to help out around the house. American Heart Association, July 2022
Quote: “Do what you say you’re going to do. And try to do it a little better than you said you would.” ~ Jimmy Dean

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

Health Alert: Death Rate from Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis Has Quadrupled in the Last 20 years. According
to a recent study, deaths from alcoholic cirrhosis in the United States increased 400% between 1999 and 2019,
from 4,000 to 24,000 per year. Lead researcher Dr. Charles Hennekens notes, “My hypothesis is that the reason
we’re seeing more of liver disease earlier is not just that people are drinking more, but that they’re eating more
and exercising less, so the damage to the liver is accelerating.” American Journal of Medicine, June 2022
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Benefit the Heart. Using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis,
researchers estimate that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease by
nearly 20% during a 15-year time frame. Atherosclerosis, July 2022
Exercise: Boxing May Be a Good Exercise to Curb Parkinson’s Symptoms. For patients with Parkinson’s
disease, a recent study found that participating in a three-month boxing program may ease both motor and nonmotor Parkinson’s symptoms. Study co-author Dr. Roshni Patel adds, “There’s a lot of growing evidence about
the benefits of exercise in Parkinson’s… This is another study that highlights the importance of exercise in the
treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It should be a part of our treatment, just like medicines are.”
American Academy of Neurology, April 2022
Chiropractic: Try Conservative Care Before Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis
(LSS) is a debilitating condition associated with the degeneration of the spine, which can have a wide range of
symptoms including back pain, leg pain, numbness and tingling in the legs and impaired physical function. A
recent study found that for patients with mild-to-moderate LSS, conservative treatment that includes manual
therapies, supervised exercises, and aerobic training may provide similar long-term benefits with respect to pain
and disability as decompression surgery with or without spinal fusion. Doctors of chiropractic often employ
such an approach in the management of LSS. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, July 2022
Mental Attitude: Hearing Loss Linked to Depression. Following a review of data from the Aidai Cohort
study, researchers report that hearing loss in middle age is associated with a 2.7 times increased risk for
depressive symptoms. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, September 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Tongue and Lip Piercings Can Harm Teeth and Gums. An analysis of data from
eight studies identified the following potential consequences of oral piercings: deeper pockets around teeth next
to tongue piercings, receding gums, wider gaps between teeth, and bleeding gums.
European Federation of Periodontology, June 2022
Quote: “It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning.” ~ Claude Bernard

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

Health Alert: Green Spaces May Lower Risk for Several Cancers. According to a study that monitored
144,427 adults who resided in the same city for 20 years, those who lived in neighborhoods with more greenery
had a lower risk for cancer of the lung, bladder, breast, prostate, and skin. The findings suggest that increasing
the amount of green space in urban environments could reduce the overall incidence of several cancers.
Environmental Research, September 2022
Diet: Eat More Fruit, Vegetables, and Beans! Assessments of over 1,800 middle-aged and older adults
revealed that a low intake of fruit, vegetables, and legumes is associated with a nearly two-times increased risk
for being overweight or obese. Medicine, July 2022
Exercise: Most Teens Don’t Get Enough Exercise. An analysis of survey data completed by over 360,000
high school students found that 75% failed to meet late adolescent fitness guidelines recommendations of 60
minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day. Journal of Adolescence, June 2022
Chiropractic: Multimodal Approach Best for Chronic Low Back Pain. Among a group of 69 adults with
chronic low back pain, those who received a multimodal treatment plan that included manual therapies, specific
exercises, and patient education—an approach often used by doctors of chiropractic—experienced greater
improvements in pain and disability than participants provided with only patient education or patient education
combined with manual therapy. Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, July 2022
Mental Attitude: Cyberbullying May Be Worse Than Offline Bullying. Questionnaires completed by nearly
10,000 10- to 13-year-old children revealed that those subjected to bullying online were more likely to have
suicidal thoughts than their peers who are victims of offline bullying. Senior study author Dr. Ran Barzilay
writes, “At a time when young adolescents are spending more time online than ever before, this study
underscores the negative impact that bullying in the virtual space can have on its targets.”
JAMA Network Open, June 2022
Wellness/Prevention: How to Manage Pet Allergies. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and
Immunology recommends the following for individuals with a pet allergy: limit time spent around pets; use a
nasal spray, an antihistamine, or bronchodilator, as directed by your allergist; talk to your doctor about
additional treatment options; avoid letting pets into your bedroom; wash your hands immediately after touching
pets; bathe pets weekly; and use a high-efficiency vacuum or HEPA air filter at home to reduce allergens.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, June 2022
Quote: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” ~ Jimmy Johnson

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

Health Alert: Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke Linked to Cervical Cancer Risk. Third-hand smoke is
the invisible remnant of tobacco smoke that clings to surfaces. An analysis of data from the China Kadoorie
Biobank study found that women with frequent exposure to either second-hand or third-hand smoke had a 22-
24% increased risk for cervical cancer over the following decade when compared with their peers with less
exposure to cigarette use. Environmental Research, September 2022
Diet: Eat the Rainbow. The carotenoids, flavonoids, betalains, and chlorophylls that give color to various fruit
and vegetables are known to confer health benefits when part of one’s diet. An analysis of data from 86 studies
with more than 37 million participants found the 42% of the health benefits associated with consuming fruit and
vegetables are derived from these bioactive compounds and that individuals should strive to eat produce that’s
red, orange, yellow, white, purple, blue, and green. Molecules, June 2022
Exercise: Exercise at Work. If your workplace includes access to a gym, the American Council on Exercise
offers the following recommendations: schedule exercise on your daily calendar; pack workout clothes and get
to work early, if needed; bring toiletries if the gym has showers; ask a co-worker to exercise with you; and keep
a fresh change of work clothes at your desk, if needed. American Council on Exercise, June 2022
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain in Working Adults. Questionnaires completed by working-age adults not
currently under care for low back pain revealed that 46.5% currently had some degree of low back pain and
72.3% presently experienced some level of low back-related disability. The findings reveal that many non-careseeking workers have low back pain and/or disability, which suggests that some level of pain and disability
could be considered normal, acceptable, or manageable. Chiropractic care offers a conservative treatment
approach for the management of low back pain and/or disability.
Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, August 2022
Mental Attitude: Vitamin D May Help Prevent to Dementia. According to a recent study, low vitamin D
status may be a risk factor for dementia and up to 17% of dementia cases could be prevented by increasing
vitamin D levels to 50 nmol/L. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Wellness Visits Help Prevents Diabetes Amputation. New research finds that elderly
type 2 diabetics who make annual wellness visits have a 36% reduced risk for major lower-extremity
amputations. University of Virginia, June 2022
Quote: “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”
~ David Brinkley

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

Health Alert: Many THC-Free CBD Products Contain THC. Tetrahydrocannobinol (THC) is a chemical in
marijuana that causes intoxication. An analysis of 80 different readily available THC-free cannabidiol (CBD)
products found that about 60% of these products did contain THC. The researchers note that most contained
only trace amounts of THC, but these amounts can accumulate in the body and be detected by a drug test. The
Partnership to End Addiction in New York City adds, “Consumers deserve accurate marketing claims and if
they choose to buy CBD, to know exactly what’s in the product… It’s been like the Wild West for quite some
time as CBD products proliferate, advertised for numerous maladies without research to substantiate it and
without oversight on quality control.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, June 2022
Diet: Use Salt Less? Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that individuals who nearly
always add salt to their food may live two fewer years than those who rarely/never add salt to their meals. The
findings suggest that using herbs or spicy to flavor food, in lieu of salt, may increase one’s longevity.
European Heart Journal, July 2022
Exercise: Just 10 Minutes… Following a review of data from the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health
study, researchers estimate that replacing just ten minutes a day of sedentary activity with exercise of any
intensity can have a positive benefit on one’s waistline. Cancer Causes & Control, August 2022
Chiropractic: Neck Disorder May Worsen Jaw Pain and Function. Examinations of temporomandibular
(TMD) patients revealed that those with restricted cervical range of motion experienced more severe TMDrelated pain and disability than TMD patients with normal cervical range of motion. The findings suggest that
dysfunction in the cervical spine may play a role in TMD and treatment to restore normal motion in the neck—
such as chiropractic care—may be necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Cranio, July 2022
Mental Attitude: Nearly Half of Seniors Have Had Ageist Experiences. Questionnaires completed by more
than 2,000 older adults revealed that 45% had a personal experience in which someone assumed they had
difficulty with using technology or with their vision, hearing, or memory due to their age.
JAMA Network Open, June 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D Linked to Miscarriage? An analysis of data from ten studies identified
an association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and a 60% increased risk of miscarriage. Future
studies may investigate if improving vitamin D status in women at risk for miscarriage may improve their
chances for a successful pregnancy. Fertility & Sterility, July 2022
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: Prediabetes Linked to Heart Attack. Prediabetes is a term used to describe elevated
blood sugar levels that have not yet reached the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. An analysis of data
regarding 1.79 million hospitalizations for myocardial infarction found that prediabetes increases an
individual’s risk for heart attack by 25%, percutaneous intervention (angioplasty) by 45%, and heart
bypass surgery by 200%. Endocrine Society, June 2022
Diet: Fruit, Vegetables, and Kidney Health. Following a review of data from the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers have observed an association between chronic kidney
disease and a low intake of fruit and vegetables. Journal of Renal Nutrition, July 2022
Exercise: The Least Active Day for Older People Is… According to a study that monitored the
activity of 459 older adults, seniors are least active on Sundays, averaging just 22.5 minutes of exercise
and spending 453.9 minutes engaged in sedentary activities. Preventative Medicine Reports, June 2022
Chiropractic: Improved Posture. A literature review found that manual therapy techniques—such as
those used by doctors of chiropractic—are an effective intervention for improving lateral pelvic tilt and
reducing forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis. Gait & Posture, June 2022
Mental Attitude: Exercise May Slow Cognitive Decline. A recent systematic review found that
engaging in aerobic exercise and resistance training may slow or reverse mild-cognitive impairment.
The findings suggest that physical activity should be included in a multimodal approach to address
cognitive decline. Journal of Affective Disorders, August 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Want Young Looking Skin? The American Academy of Dermatology offers
the following tips for younger looking skin: use sunscreen and anti-aging moisturizer daily; choose
products that address your specific concerns, such as dark spots or wrinkles; choose products designed
for your skin type, such as dry, oily, or sensitive; choose hypoallergenic products that won’t clog your
pores and that offer a hotline for questions; and be realistic about what these skin care products can do
for your skin. American Academy of Dermatology, June 2022
Quote: “Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.” ~ Norman Ralph Augustine

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