Health Alert: Air Pollution Increases Gestational Diabetes Risk. Using data from the Born in
Guangzhou Cohort Study, researchers report that increased exposure to air pollutants in the six months
before pregnancy and during the first trimester elevate the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus by as much
as 30%. Environmental Research, March 2022
Diet: Magnesium Is Important. Magnesium is vital for regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar
levels, blood pressure, and for making protein, bone, and DNA. The current research suggests that most
American adults do not consume adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet. Dietary sources of
magnesium include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals
and other fortified foods, milk, yogurt, and some other milk products.
National Institutes of Health, December 2021
Exercise: Exercising During Mid-Life May Pay Dividends Later. Examinations of physically active
middle-aged adults revealed they had more elastic arteries than their sedentary peers and the flexibility of
their arteries was comparable to those of physically active young adults. The findings are important
because arterial stiffness is linked to a greater risk of stroke and dementia risk later in life.
Journal of Applied Physiology, November 2021
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Linked to Falls and Collisions in Older Adults. A study that included
1,127 older adults found that those with persistent low back pain were more likely to either experience a
serious fall or be involved in a motor vehicle collision in the following 15 years.
Journal of Applied Gerontology, November 2021
Mental Attitude: Higher Heart Rate Linked to Greater Risk of Dementia. New research suggests that
older adults with a resting heart rate above 80 beats per minute (bpm) have a 55% higher risk for
developing dementia over the following twelve years than seniors with a resting heart rate between 60 to 69
bpm. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, December 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Ads for Healthy Eating Work on Kids. New research suggests that if children are
exposed to advertising that promotes healthy eating, they are more likely to meet daily recommendations
for fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intake. Appetite, January 2022
Quote: “Circumstances do not determine a man, they reveal him.” ~ James Lane Allen

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

Health Alert: Marijuana May Interrupt Sleep. An analysis of data from the United States National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that marijuana users are 34% more likely to experience
insufficient sleep and 56% more likely to report sleeping too much. Senior study author Dr. Karim Ladha
writes, “I think [the results] were somewhat surprising because, in our mind, anecdotally cannabis seems to
help with sleep, but … the evidence to support that notion is just not there yet.”
Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, December 2021
Diet: Low Protein Intake Linked to Lower Muscle Mass in Older Women. Examinations of 164 older
women revealed a relationship between failure to consume adequate amounts of protein and an increased
risk for sarcopenia, a disease associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass during the aging process that
elevates the risk for falls, functional decline, frailty, and early death.
Nutrición Hospitalaria, December 2021
Exercise: Regular Exercise Reduces Risk of Pneumonia. The current research suggests that individuals
who regularly exercise may have both a reduced risk for developing pneumonia and for death from
pneumonia should they develop the condition. GeroScience, November 2021
Chiropractic: Sagittal Misalignment Linked to Back-Related Disability. An evaluation of x-rays of 343
adults with low back pain revealed that those with a greater degree of sagittal (from the side) misalignment
between the legs, pelvis, and lower back were more likely to report higher levels of low back pain and
disability. Journal of Orthopedic Science, November 2021
Mental Attitude: Hearing Loss is a Risk Factor for Dementia. Following an analysis of data from the
New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System from 2007-2017, researchers report that
hearing loss can increase an individual’s risk for dementia by up to 63%.
Otology & Neurotology, January 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Avoiding the Common Cold. The Cleveland Clinic offers the following tips to
reduce one’s risk for the common cold: wash your hands regularly; avoid touching your face; clean
frequently used surfaces; strengthen your immune system by getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating a
healthy diet; and stay home when sick to avoid spreading a cold. Cleveland Clinic, November 2021
Quote: “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

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

Health Alert: Migraines Linked to Alzheimer’s. Following an analysis of data from five cohort studies
that included a total of 249,303 participants, researchers estimate that individuals with a history of migraine
headaches may have up to a 2.49 times increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, January 2022
Diet: Fruits, Veggies, and the Gut Microbiome. Using data from the Multiethnic Cohort-Adiposity
Phenotype Study, researchers report that a high intake of fruit and vegetables is associated with greater
diversity of the gut microbiome, which is linked to a reduced risk for several chronic diseases.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, January 2022
Exercise: A Short Run Can Give the Brain a Boost. According to a recent study, engaging in just ten
minutes of moderate-intensity running can increase blood flow to areas of the brain that are key to
regulating mood, working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Scientific Reports, November 2021
Chiropractic: Back Pain Common Among ICU Nurses. A systematic review of 21 studies published in
the last 20 years found that 76% of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses experience at least one episode of low
back pain each year, a rate substantially higher than is observed in the general population. Low back pain is
the most common condition treated by doctors of chiropractic. Nurses in Critical Care, November 2021
Mental Attitude: Many Drinkers Think They Are Okay to Drive. In this study, researchers observed
that around half of young adult drinkers are unable to determine when their blood alcohol concentration is
above the legal limit to drive, which can place them at risk for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Study leader Dr. Kai Hensel writes, “In countries with legal alcohol limits, it’s usually the driver who
makes a judgment about how much they’ve drunk and how fit they are to drive. But as we’ve shown, we are
not always good at making this judgment. As many as one in two people in our study underestimated how
drunk we are — and this can have devastating consequences.” Harm Reduction Journal, December 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Depression Risk. The results from a recent study
suggest that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, reducing the intake of high-carb, lownutrient foods, and improving sleep quality can reduce or prevent depression in overweight or obese men.
Journal of Affective Disorders, December 2021
Quote: “There are no secrets that time does not reveal.” ~ Jean Racine

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

Health Alert: Nearly 7% of Kids Have Suffered a Head Injury or Concussion. Using data from the 2020
United States National Health Interview Survey, researchers report that 7% of children exhibited signs of
concussion or brain injury, but only 4% had received a doctor’s diagnosis. NCHS Data Brief, December 2021
Diet: A Sulfur Microbial Diet May Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk. A diet characterized by a high intake
of low-calorie beverages, French fries, red meat, and processed meat combined with a low intake of fruit,
vegetables, legumes, and whole grains may promote the growth of sulfur-metabolizing bacteria populations,
which researchers have linked to an elevated risk for colorectal cancer. JAMA Network Open, November 2021
Exercise: Get Fit at Work. The National Institutes of Health offers the following tips to incorporate more
physical activity into the workday for individuals with desk jobs: take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk
during your lunch break, walk and talk with a co-worker instead of sending an e-email, park farther away from
your office, and join your company’s fitness center, if available. National Institutes of Health, November 2021
Chiropractic: Using a Soft Cervical Collar After Whiplash Increases Risk of Persistent Symptoms. A
retrospective observational study that included 2,162 whiplash associated disorder (WAD) patients from two
emergency rooms found that 25.5% of patients who used a soft cervical collar returned to the emergency room
within three months, compared to only 6.1% who did not wear a soft cervical collar. The findings suggest that
the use of a soft cervical collar in the management of WAD is a risk factor for persistent symptoms.
Healthcare, October 2021
Mental Attitude: Social Relationships May Be Important for a Healthy Lifestyle. A study that included
over 1,000 adults revealed that those who believed they could rely on their friends and family for support had
lower levels of inflammation in the body, which has been associated with a reduced risk for chronic disease.
The findings suggest that maintaining a positive social network may be an important key to healthy living.
Brain, Behavior and Immunity, November 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Acne. To keep acne at bay, WebMD offers the following tips: keep
your face clean, moisturize, use makeup sparingly, watch what you use in your hair, keep your hands off your
face, stay out of the sun, eat a healthy diet, exercise daily, and manage your stress levels. If the problem persists,
consult with a dermatologist for other treatment options. WebMD, November 2021
Quote: “The limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible.”
~ Arthur C. Clarke

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

Health Alert: Cancer Increases Suicide Risk. An umbrella review that included six systematic reviews and
six meta reviews concluded that the risk of suicide among cancer patients is 1.5-1.7 times higher than the
general population, with an even greater risk in the first year following diagnosis.
Journal of Affective Disorders, December 2021
Diet: Polyphenol-Rich Foods Good for Seniors with Leaky Gut. With age, the integrity of the endothelial
layer of the intestines can be compromised, which may allow bacteria and harmful substances to enter the
bloodstream. In a recent study, seniors who increased their intake of apples, cocoa, dark chocolate, green tea,
cranberries, oranges, pomegranate, and other polyphenol-rich foods experienced improvements in intestinal
function within eight weeks. Clinical Nutrition, September 2021
Exercise: Exercise May Benefit Rectal Cancer Patients During Treatment. High-intensity interval training
(HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort such as sprinting or stair
climbing separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise, such as jogging or fast walking. In a recent
study, researchers observed that rectal cancer patients who participated in an HIIT exercise program while
undergoing chemoradiation therapy were three times more likely to experience complete remission.
Clinical Colorectal Cancer, May 2021
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Effective for Acute Neck Pain. A systematic review of data
from six studies concluded that spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by
doctors of chiropractic—is an effective treatment for acute neck pain whether delivered alone or in combination
with other therapies. Journal of Clinical Medicine, October 2021
Mental Attitude: Suicidal Thoughts More Common Among Nurses. Questionnaires completed by 7,000
nurses and 5,200 members of the general workforce revealed that 5.5% of nursing professionals had suicidal
thoughts in the last year compared with 4.3% of the overall working adult population. The researchers add that
the nurses with suicidal thoughts were also less likely to seek professional help.
American Journal of Nursing, October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Quit Smoking Before Age 45 and Reduce Lung Cancer Risk. New researcher
suggests that smokers who quit before age 45 can cut their risk for lung cancer by up to 87%, while those who
quit before age 35 may eliminate their risk entirely. JAMA Oncology, October 2021
Quote: “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” ~ Niels Bohr

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

Health Alert: Asthma Can Increase Risk for Depression and Anxiety. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory
condition that affects the airways of about 10% of children and 7-8% of adults. A recent study found that
individuals with asthma have up to a three-times increased risk for anxiety and depression compared with the
general population. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, October 2021
Diet: Proximity to Fast Food Increases Diabetes Risk. Researchers monitored more than 4 million military
veterans for over five years and found an association between increased risk for type 2 diabetes and living in a
neighborhood with more fast-food restaurants within walking distance. However, living near a supermarket was
linked to a lower risk for diabetes. JAMA Network Open, October 2021
Exercise: Try Burpees! Burpees are a body weight exercise that is a pushup followed by a leap in the air that
returns to a pushup position. This form of exercise can provide the following benefits: burns extra calories,
offers a full body workout, builds cardio fitness, and burns fat. WebMD, October 2021
Chiropractic: Myofascial Release and Manipulative Therapy for Acute Low Back Pain. Among a group of
71 patients with acute low back pain, those treated with either myofascial release or manipulative therapy
experienced a reduction in leg length inequality and a decrease in thoracic kyphosis. Doctors of chiropractic
often utilize these techniques in the management of low back pain. Life, August 2021
Mental Attitude: Short Sleep Linked to Depression. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, researchers report that individuals who sleep six hours a night or less have an 86% higher
risk for depression than those who sleep seven to eight hours a night.
Journal of Affective Disorders, January 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Breast Cancer Symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that
women can experience different breast cancer symptoms, and some don’t have any signs or symptoms at all.
The following are common warning signs of breast cancer: new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or
swelling of a part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or
the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, any change
in the size or the shape of the breast, and pain in any area of the breast. If you have any symptoms that are of
concern you should see your doctor immediately. Regular mammograms are also advised for early detection
and treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2021
Quote: “We learn from failure, not from success!” ~ Bram Stoker

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

Health Alert: An Example of the Importance of Reading Product Labels Carefully. According to a new
report, confusion over labeling may have led bakers in Missouri and Rhode Island in 2018-19 to use non-edible
luster dust to add sparkle to their cake decorations, which contained potentially harmful levels of copper, lead,
and other metals. Emergency physician Dr. Robert Glatter writes, “From a public health standpoint, clear and
concise labeling indicating that nonedible products are not safe for human consumption is necessary to prevent
illness and unintentional metal-based poisonings.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, October 2021
Diet: Eat a Big Breakfast and a Small Dinner? There’s an old saying: “Breakfast like a king; lunch like a
prince; dinner like a pauper.” A recent study found that there may be truth to this as researchers found that
individuals were less likely to gain weight if they consumed their largest meal earlier in the day and not in the
late afternoon or evening. Open Biology, October 2021
Exercise: Stretch! Among a group of 205 runners who completed a half marathon, twelve experienced anterior
knee pain immediately following the event. Further analysis showed that insufficient stretching of the hamstring
was the most common risk factor for anterior knee pain following the long-distance run.
Journal of Clinical and Orthopedics and Trauma, October 2021
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Among Young Athletes. Questionnaires completed by 7,000 child and teen
athletes from a variety of sports revealed that 5% had low back pain with the greatest risk among 13- to14-yearolds, females, and basketball, handball, and volleyball players. The findings may assist in the development of
programs and strategies to prevent low back pain in youth athletic programs. Doctors of chiropractic are trained
to evaluate and treat young athletes who suffer from musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain.
Spine, September 2021
Mental Attitude: 1 in 16 Adults May Be Chronic Liars. Based on a study in which researchers monitored the
interactions of 630 adults over a three-month time frame, about 6% of adults tell six or more lies per day.
Communication Monographs, October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Reducing Atrial Fibrillation Risk. The current research suggests the following to
reduce the risk for atrial fibrillation: reduce alcohol intake, engage in moderate-intensity exercise, limit
sedentary time, lose excess weight, stop smoking, and address obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, if
present. American Journal of Cardiology, December 2021
Quote: “You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself.” ~ Galileo

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

Health Alert: Hotter Temperature May Affect Kidney Health. An analysis of data from hospitals in Brazil
collected between 2000 and 2015 found that the risk for kidney disease rises by 1% for every 1.8-degree
Fahrenheit increase in daily mean temperature. The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, October 2021
Diet: Warning Labels on Food and Beverages Could Reduce Healthcare Costs. Researchers estimate that
implementing warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and restaurant menus regarding the negative
effects of a poor diet and obesity could lead to population-wide health improvements that could reduce
healthcare costs by $1.83 billion in the following decade.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, October 2021
Exercise: Exercise with Standard Treatment Improves Depression Outcomes. A meta-analysis that
included 22 studies concluded that combining exercise with standard treatment for depression results in better
outcomes, especially in cases of severe depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, December 2021
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain May Increase Risk for Neck/Shoulder Pain from Smartphone Use.
Assessments of 50 teenagers, half with a history of low back pain, showed that those with back pain exhibited
greater curvature in the thoracic spine after 30 minutes of seated smartphone interaction. This exaggerated
posture can place greater stress on the neck and upper back, which increases the risk for musculoskeletal pain in
those sites. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health, August 2021
Mental Attitude: Financial Stress Burdens Many Moms. Using data from the United States National Health
Interview Survey, researchers report that 25% of pregnant women and new moms skipped doctor appointments
due to cost, 60% reported that healthcare was unaffordable, and 54% said they were experiencing general
financial stress. Study co-author Dr. Michelle Moniz writes, “Financial hardship is highly prevalent among
pregnant and postpartum women… Findings from the current study call for targeted policy interventions to
alleviate financial strain and remove financial barriers to healthcare access for privately insured families.”
JAMA Network Open, October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Smoking and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. In addition to an elevated risk for heart
disease and some cancers, smoking has also been linked to a 23% increased risk for chronic musculoskeletal
pain. However, the risk falls over time among those who quit. Pain Physician, December 2021
Quote: “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.” ~ Oliver Goldsmith

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

Health Alert: Risk Factors for Stroke in Type 2 Diabetics. Among a group of 18,013 type 2 diabetics, researchers
observed that participants with at least five of the following seven risk factors had nearly a 15-times increased risk
for stroke: smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of stroke, obesity, short sleep duration (less than six
hours a night), or long sleep duration (over eight hours a night). Acta Diabetologica, November 2021
Diet: Healthy Diet May Benefit Cognitive Function. A systematic review of several meta-analyses concluded that
diet is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and that adopting a healthy eating pattern—such as the
Mediterranean diet—may help delay or possibly prevent dementia in individuals at increased risk for the disease.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, November 2021
Exercise: Benefits of Stretching. The American Council on Exercise notes that stretching provides the following
benefits: decreased muscle stiffness and increased range of motion; reduced risk of injury; improved posture; lower
stress; reduced muscular tension and enhanced muscular relaxation; improved mechanical efficiency and overall
functional performance; and improved circulation. American Council on Exercise, September 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Benefit Tension-Type Headache Sufferers. Tension-type headache (TTH) is
the most common form of headache that affects adults. A systematic review of ten studies concluded that manual
therapies, such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, are effective for improving overall wellbeing in TTH
patients, as well as reducing TTH-related pain and disability. While the review did not find any one manual therapy
to be superior, the authors report that optimal outcomes can be achieved by combining different techniques.
Neurologia, September 2021
Mental Attitude: ADHD Linked to Dementia Risk? According to a recent study that included over 2 million
people, parents of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a 34% greater risk
of dementia. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, September 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that
causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gum around that base of the teeth. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss,
as well as an elevated risk for respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to help prevent and even reverse gingivitis: brush your teeth twice
daily, use a soft toothbrush and replace it every three to four months, use an electric toothbrush, floss daily, use
mouth wash to reduce plaque, use a dental pick, get regular professional dental cleanings, and don’t smoke or chew
tobacco. Mayo Clinic, September 2021
Quote: “It takes a great man to give sound advice tactfully, but a greater to accept it graciously.”
~ Logan Pearsall Smith

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

Health Alert: Medical Paperwork Keeps Some People from Seeking Care. Questionnaires completed by 4,155
young and middle-aged adults revealed that 25% had delayed or skipped care due to administrative tasks such as
obtaining information from an insurance company or provider, resolving issues with billing, or seeking preauthorizations for care. Health Services Research, September 2021
Diet: Breastfeeding Can Help Lower Postpartum Depression. Adding to a number of benefits that breastfeeding
can provide to mom and baby, a recent study found that new mothers who breastfeed are significantly less likely to
experience postpartum depression, and the risk falls the further into life the child breastfeeds.
Public Health Nursing, September 2021
Exercise: Nature-Based Activities Benefit Mental Health. An analysis of data from 50 studies found that regularly
engaging in outdoor activities such as gardening or walking in a park or woodlands is associated with improved
mood and reduced anxiety. SSM – Population Health, December 2021
Chiropractic: Restoring Neck Curvature Improves Nerve Conductance. Among a group of 32 women with
reduced cervical lordosis (curve) and forward head posture, those who received treatment to restore normal posture
in the neck experienced an improvement in central nerve conduction, the time it takes for nerve impulses to travel
through the central nervous system on their way to the target muscles. Science Reports, July 2021
Mental Attitude: Vaping May Be Linked to Eating Disorders in Young Adults. An analysis of data on more
than 51,000 college students found that those with a history or anorexia or bulimia were more likely to use ecigarettes. Study author Dr. Kyle Ganson explains, “Nicotine vaping may be used by individuals to support eating
disorder behaviors and goals, such as suppressing appetite and catalyzing weight loss… Young people who are
struggling with their eating or substance use should seek help from a health professional.”
Eating Behaviors, September 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Help Teens Get Good Sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
reports that about four-in-five high schoolers fail to get enough sleep during the school week. To help a teenager
consistently get a good night’s sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers the following tips: get more
physical activity, avoid caffeine after school, limit naps to 30 minutes or less and don’t nap after 4pm, eat meals at
the same time daily and don’t eat close to bedtime, keep lights dim at night, don’t use electronic devices at least 30
minutes before bedtime, make time to relax and unwind before bedtime, get bright light in the morning, set a
bedtime that allows for eight hour of sleep, and keep your sleep schedule as best you can through the weekend.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, September 2021
Quote: “Man must shape his tools lest they shape him.” ~ Arthur Miller

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