Health Alert: Diabetes Worsens Outcomes for Stroke Survivors. Using data from Israel’s National Stroke
Registry, researchers report that ischemic stroke patients with diabetes are less likely to survive one year than
stroke survivors without a history of diabetes. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications, October 2021
Diet: Cutting Sugar from Packaged Foods Could Prevent Disease in Millions. The United States National
Salt and Sugar Reduction Initiative estimates that reducing added sugars in packaged food products by 20% and
beverages by 40% could prevent 2.48 million cardiovascular disease events and 750,000 diabetes cases over the
lifetime of the current population of adults over age 35. Circulation, August 2021
Exercise: Pain Affects Athletes Differently. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of endurance athletes and
non-athletes revealed that athletes are less sensitive to painful stimuli, and the brains of the two groups respond
differently to heat stress. Human Brain Mapping, September 2021
Chiropractic: Posture is Important to Reduce Text Neck. The prolonged use of electronic handheld devices
causes adverse anatomical and biomechanical changes to the cervical and thoracic spine, muscular imbalances,
and postural compensations. These changes contribute to muscular overuse, fatigue, and eventually pain. To
safely use electronic devices, experts recommend holding the device close to eye level, using a larger screen,
and type with both hands. Work, August 2021
Mental Attitude: Substance Abuse Risk Higher in Adults with ADHD. New research suggests that adults
with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk for substance abuse, from alcohol
to marijuana to more illicit drugs. The findings suggest that adults seeking treatment for substance abuse should
be screened for ADHD as co-managing both conditions may be necessary for a satisfactory outcome.
Alcohol and Alcoholism, August 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Health Tips for Women. The Guadalupe Regional Medical Center notes that women
often fall into the habit of taking care of others, but it’s also important they take care of themselves. The
following tips can improve a woman’s odds for a healthier life: stop smoking, stay on top of annual wellness
checks, don’t skimp on sleep, avoid sun between 10 AM and 2 PM, exercise, and eat a healthy diet.
Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, August 2021
Quote: “It is wise to direct your anger towards problems—not people; to focus your energies on answers—not
excuses.” ~ William Arthur Ward
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 10-4-2021
Health Alert: Higher Temperatures May Worsen COPD. Researchers analyzed data collected from almost
1,200 current and former smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and found that a 1
degree (Celsius) rise in ambient temperature increased the likelihood of an exacerbation of COPD symptoms by
2% over the following two days. European Respiratory Society, September 2021
Diet: Avocados Improve Belly Fat Distribution in Women. Overweight or obese women who added one
avocado a day to their diet experienced a decrease in deep visceral abdominal fat over the course of twelve
weeks. Journal of Nutrition, June 2021
Exercise: Benefits of Swimming. Swim England notes that swimming offers the following benefits: provides a
full-body workout, great for general wellbeing, helps de-stress and relax, helps burn calories, lowers the risk of
for several chronic diseases, helps increases energy levels, and it can be done without sweating.
Swim England, August 2021
Chiropractic: The Occipital Nerve’s Role in Neck Pain and Headaches. A recent experiment involving 22
patients with chronic headaches and/or neck pain showed that removing pressure on the greater occipital nerve
resulted in substantial improvement in the patients’ headache/neck pain symptoms. Doctors of chiropractic
often utilize manual therapy techniques to reduce pressure on nerves, such as the greater occipital nerve, when
treating headache and neck pain patients. Acta Neurochirurgica, September 2021
Mental Attitude: Risk Factors of Paternal Postpartum Depression. It’s estimated that postpartum
depression can affect up to one in four new dads. A systematic review of 37 studies identified the following
factors for paternal postpartum depression: unemployment, lack of support from friends and family, negative
life events, high perceived stress, financial strain, and a history of mental illness.
Journal of Affective Disorders, October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips for Better Sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the
following habits to improve one’s sleep hygiene: be consistent with bed times; make sure your bedroom is
quiet, dark, relaxing, and kept at a comfortable temperature; remove electronic devices from the bedroom; avoid
large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before going to bed; and get some exercise during the day.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2021
Quote: “The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.” ~ William James
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 9-27-2021
Health Alert: Maternal Obesity May Affect Liver Health of Offspring. According to a new study, children
born to women who were obese during early pregnancy appear to have up to a three-times increased risk for
fatty liver disease, which is associated with several poor health outcomes. Lead author Dr. Hannes Hagström
writes, “The findings are important because obesity is becoming more common at a young age, and fatty liver
due to being overweight, is increasing in the world. If a tendency towards obesity and fatty liver disease can be
‘inherited,’ it can have consequences for public health.” Journal of Hepatology, July 2021
Diet: Omega-3s May Help Fight Asthma. New research suggests that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids
may help to reduce the inflammation in the lungs that is commonly observed in patients with asthma.
Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, July 2021
Exercise: Exercise Improves Survival Rates for Those with Defibrillators. An implantable cardioverter
defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device that is placed under the skin to correct cardiac arrhythmias. A review of
data concerning nearly 42,000 ICD patients showed that those who participated in a cardiac rehabilitation
program were 24% less likely to die in the three years following the implantation of their device.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, July 2021
Chiropractic: Mobilization for Knee Osteoarthritis. A small study that included 15 patients with
osteoarthritis of the knee found that adding mobilization to a conservative therapy treatment plan resulted in
greater improvements with respect to pain, range of motion, hamstring peak muscle force, and walking ability.
Doctors of chiropractic are well versed in the conservative care of knee osteoarthritis, which may include the
application of mobilization therapies. In Vivo, June 2021
Mental Attitude: Living Near Woodlands Promotes Mental Health. The result of a recent study that
included over 3,500 children and teens found that participants who lived near woodlands were 16% less likely
to develop behavioral or emotional problems over the following two years. The findings add to a growing body
of research that regular exposure to nature can provide a number of physical and mental health benefits.
Nature Sustainability, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Diet and Ulcerative Colitis Risk. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel
disease that can cause abdominal cramps and pain and even bloody diarrhea. A study that compared the diet of
384 UC patients and 665 age-matched adults without a history of UC found that a higher intake of vegetables
and vitamins A and C is associated with about a 50% reduced risk for the disease. Nutrition, June 2021
Quote: “For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.” ~ Walter Scott
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE form your Napa Chiropractor, 9-20-2021
Health Alert: Beware of Breathing Issues in Children During Sleep. Interviews with over 1,600 parents revealed
that nearly all considered symptoms of apnea (snoring and/or gasping) among their children to be a problem, but
most failed to share these concerns with their child’s healthcare provider. Researcher Dr. Kurt Lushington writes,
“While there does need to be more education for parents on symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing—particularly
around snoring or heavy breathing being a potential cause for concern—there are clearly other barriers to parents
bringing up sleep problems in medical consultations… To address this, we suggest medical practitioners need to
purposely include questions about sleep at consultations to prompt parents to discuss any symptoms they may have
observed in their children at night.” University of South Australia, July 2021
Diet: Lack of Fiber May Increase Risk of Gut Infection. During an experiment on the effect of different diets and
obesity on mice, researchers observed that a low fiber intake—regardless of other diet qualities—was associated
with a greater risk for developing adherent–invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) infection in the intestinal tract.
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, July 2021
Exercise: Exercise Can Alter Expression of Some Disease-Related Genes. Epigenetic marks are chemical
modifications that serve as on/off switches for many genes. In a recent study, researchers observed that participating
in a six-week endurance exercise program stimulated epigenetic changes to genes normally associated with increased
risk for disease. Molecular Metabolism, July 2021
Chiropractic: Neck Linked to Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms. Several recent studies have suggested that
injury to the neck may be associated with prolonged recovery from concussion. In this study, researchers observed
that the addition of conservative care to improve cervical function to the treatment plan of post-concussion syndrome
patients improved outcomes. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the
cervical spine that commonly accompany concussion. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, July 2021
Mental Attitude: Acne Can Affect Mental Wellbeing. A survey of 50 adults suffering from acne revealed that the
skin condition can have a negative effect on one’s emotional wellbeing. Study author Dr. John Barbieri explains,
“Some felt that their acne made them appear less professional or qualified at work, and many described that having
fewer peers with acne in adulthood magnified the impact of acne on their mental health, leading to feelings of social
isolation.” JAMA Dermatology, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Avoid Being a Victim of Crime. Columbia University offers these tips to reduce
one’s risk for being a victim of crime: pay attention to your surroundings; limit time spent on phone calls in public
places; if you suspect someone is following you, find an open store or public space and call the police; and keep
electronic devices in an inside pocket. Columbia University, July 2021
Quote: “The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 9-13-2021
Health Alert: Added Sugar and Breast Cancer Risk. Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study I and II,
researchers report that a high intake of added sugar is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer, and a
diet characterized by less added sugar and more servings of fruit and vegetables is linked to a lower risk for the
disease. European Journal of Nutrition, June 2021
Diet: Mediterranean Diet Benefits the Brain. The Mediterranean diet is 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. The current research notes that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet
may reduce the risk for both depression and neurodegenerative disease. Nutrients, June 2021
Exercise: Engage in More Types of Exercise. Past research has shown that exercise can protect against
depression. An analysis of data from the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition
Examination Surveys showed that including two or more types of exercise into one’s physical fitness routine
can offer even more protection from depressive symptoms. Scientific Reports, August 2021
Chiropractic: Exercise and Manual Therapy Benefits a Common Shoulder Problem. For patients with
shoulder impingement syndrome, new research shows that adding manual therapy to exercise therapy can lead
to greater improvements in muscle function and self-reported disability. This treatment approach is often
utilized by doctors of chiropractic in the management of shoulder impingement syndrome.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, April 2021
Mental Attitude: Stressful Experiences During Childhood Can Affect the Gut. A review of past studies
suggests that stress associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can negatively affect the gut
microbiota, which may explain one pathway by which ACEs can affect one’s long-term health. 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). Behavioral Brain Research, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Avoiding Eczema Flare-ups. Eczema is a group of skin conditions that causes red,
itchy rashes that affects up to 20% of infants and about 3% of adults and children. To help prevent an eczema
flare-up, WebMD recommends the following: moisturize your skin frequently, avoid sudden changes in
temperature and humidity, avoid sweating or getting too hot, manage stress, avoid scratchy materials, identify
and avoid foods that trigger symptoms, and use a humidifier in your house. WebMD, July 2021
Quote: “A closed mind is a dying mind.” ~ Edna Ferber
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 9-6-2021
Health Alert: Sleep and Diet Can Increase Longevity. An analysis of data concerning over 13,000 older
adults revealed that eating several servings of vegetables a day and sleeping 7-8 hours a night can reduce one’s
risk for early death in the following six years by up to 34%. BMC Geriatrics, June 2021
Diet: Breastfeeding Promotes Healthier Blood Pressure for Children. Examinations of nearly 2,400 threeyear-old children showed that those who were breastfed for any duration—even in just the first days of life—
had lower blood pressure than the kids who had never breastfed.
Journal of the American Heart Association, July 2021
Exercise: Neighborhood Characteristics Can Affect Hypertension Risk. Using data from two ongoing
studies, researchers report that individuals living in neighborhoods that are more conducive to pedestrian traffic
and have greater access to parks are less likely to have high blood pressure than those residing in areas with less
greenspace and reduced walkability. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, August 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Techniques for Migraines. Among a group of 50 migraine patients, those
treated with manual therapy once a week for four weeks experienced greater improvements in pain intensity,
migraine disability, and quality of life than participants provided with a placebo/sham treatment. Doctors of
chiropractic employ a variety of manual therapy techniques to treat patients with migraines and other types of
headache. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, August 2021
Mental Attitude: Dementia Can Happen at Younger Ages. New research suggests that 5% of dementia cases
occur in individuals under age 65 with 119 cases of early-onset dementia occurring for every 100,000 people
globally. Researcher Dr. Stevie Hendriks adds, “We see that the first symptoms in young people are usually not
the symptoms you would expect when you think of dementia… Instead of memory impairment, young people
more often present with changes in behavior or emotions, or sometimes language problems.”
JAMA Neurology, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Jock Itch. Tinea cruris, otherwise known as jock itch, is a fungal infection that
can cause a red and itchy rash in warm and moist areas of the body, such as the groin. To prevent jock itch, the
Mayo Clinic recommends the following: keep your groin area dry after exercise or showering; wear clean
clothes that don’t chafe skin in the groin area; don’t share personal items (clothes or towels); and treat or
prevent athlete’s foot because it can spread to the groin. Mayo Clinic, July 2021
Quote: “Wherever we are, it is our friends that make our world.” ~ Henry Drummond
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-23-2021
Health Alert: Appendicitis After Age 45 May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk. Using the Taiwan National Health
Insurance Research Database, researchers concluded that patients treated for appendicitis after age 45 not only had
an elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease but they developed it earlier in life than their peers without a history of
appendicitis. The data suggests that doctors should closely monitor their appendicitis patients for signs of cognitive
decline. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, July 2021
Diet: Time-Restricted Eating Reduces Diabetes-Related Nocturnal Hypertension. Diabetics are at increased risk
for nocturnal hypertension, which can elevate the risk for poor cardiovascular outcomes. A recent experiment found
that restricting eating to an eight-hour window can help keep blood pressure from rising overnight in people with
diabetes. PNAS, June 2021
Exercise: Preteen Brains Benefit from Regular Physical Activity. Brain imaging of nearly 6,000 primary schoolaged children showed an association between regular physical activity and more organized, robust, and flexible brain
networks. Lead researcher Dr. Caterina Stamoulis adds, “It didn’t matter what kind of physical activity children were
involved in… It only mattered that they were active… In preteens, a number of brain functions are still developing,
and they can be altered by a number of risk factors. Our results suggest that physical activity has a positive
protective effect across brain regions.” Cerebral Cortex, May 2021
Chiropractic: SI Joint and Back Pain During Pregnancy. Among a group of 320 new mothers, researchers found
that those who experienced low back pain during pregnancy were more likely to have sacroiliac (SI) joint
dysfunction. Past studies have shown that the SI joint is a common sole or contributing cause of back pain and
should be evaluated in patients with low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic often address pregnancy-related back
pain, SI joint pain, and pelvic pain using manual therapies and specific exercises. Acta Radiologica, May 2021
Mental Attitude: An Unhappy Marriage May Shorten a Man’s Life. A three-decade study involving nearly
9,000 men revealed that those who expressed dissatisfaction in their marriage but remained married had a 21%
elevated risk for premature death and a 94% higher risk for stroke. Lead researcher Dr. Shahar Lev-Ari adds,
“Assessing marital satisfaction and appraising the health benefits of marital education programs for young couples
should be implemented as part of health promotion strategies for the general population.”
Journal of Clinical Medicine, June 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Playing Outside Benefits Kids’ Vitamin D Status. According to a study that looked at data
concerning 3,606 children from nine European countries, boys and girls who spend less than one hour a day outdoors
are 1.21 times more likely to be vitamin D deficient than their peers who spend an hour or more each day playing
outside. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2021
Quote: “The only way to enjoy anything in this life is to earn it first.” ~ Ginger Rogers
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-30-2021
Health Alert: Sleep Apnea During Childhood Can Spell Heart Trouble for Teens. The result of an eight-year
study that included 421 children found that participants with sleep apnea before adolescence that did not improve
over time are at increased risk for high blood pressure as teens, which can set the stage for poor cardiovascular health
in adulthood. Study author Dr. Julio Fernandez-Mendoza adds, “Because most cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed
in adults and children alike, the problem needs more attention. Sleep apnea and its risk factors should be screened
for, monitored and targeted early in life to prevent future cardiovascular disease.” JAMA Cardiology, June 2021
Diet: Food Choices for Strong Bones. According to a recent article, middle-aged and older adults who eat adequate
protein, fermented dairy products, and at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day are less likely to suffer
fractures associated with poor bone health. The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology, July 2021
Exercise: Breathing Workout Can Lower Blood Pressure. High-resistance inspiratory muscle training involves
breathing through a handheld device to strengthen the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles. An experiment
involving 36 middle-aged and older adults found that performing this form of training for five minutes a day for six
weeks resulted in similar improvements in blood pressure as walking for 30 minutes a day or taking hypertension
medications. Participants also experienced improvements in endothelial function and reduced inflammation.
Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2021
Chiropractic: Sleep Disturbance and Low Back Pain in Postpartum Women. Assessments of 124 new mothers
revealed that low back and pelvic pain often accompany postpartum sleep disorders. While this study was unable to
determine the nature of this association, past research has shown that sleep disturbance and low back pain can have a
bi-directional relationship, and both conditions may need to be addressed concurrently to achieve a successful
treatment outcome. When appropriate, doctors of chiropractic team up with other healthcare providers to manage
patients with co-occurring musculoskeletal pain and sleep disorders. European Spine Journal, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Spanking Children Doesn’t Work and May Cause Harm. An analysis of over 60 studies
concluded that physical punishment increases child aggression and other behavior problems over time. Study coauthor Dr. Elizabeth Gershoff adds, “Physical punishment is harmful to children’s development and well-being.
There is no evidence that it has any positive outcomes whatsoever.” The Lancet, June 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Improving Blood Pressure Can Significantly Reduce Dementia Risk. Using data from the
National Health Insurance Service National Health Examinee cohort, researchers report that individuals with grade 1
hypertension (140-159/90-99 mmHg) who managed to bring their blood pressure down to an average of 131/81
mmHg over the following decade were half as likely to develop dementia as participants who failed to address their
hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, August 2021
Quote: “You are one of a kind and unique. Never forget that.” ~ Richard Simmons
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-16-2021
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.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-9-2021
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.