Health Alert: One in Five College Students May Misuse Prescription Stimulants. Questionnaires
completed by over 600 students from two universities revealed that 20% had misused a prescription stimulant
with the goal of improving academic performance. Journal of American College Health, September 2021
Diet: Fruit and Veggies Benefit Colorectal Cancer Survivors. Among a group of 456 colorectal cancer
survivors, those with a higher intake of fruit, vegetables, and dietary fiber reported less fatigue, better physical
function, and a greater ability to carry out activities of daily living.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2021
Exercise: Sore from Exercise? Try Some Blackcurrant. Participants who took a daily 300 mg black current
extract supplement experienced less muscle inflammation and soreness following strength training exercise.
Nutrients, August 2021
Chiropractic: Conservative Care Offers Benefits to Those with TMD. Temporomandibular disorders
(TMD) are characterized by pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints and associated jaw muscles
and facial nerves. A recent study found that manual therapies—such as those provided by doctors of
chiropractic—are effective for improving pain, sleep quality, and quality of life in TMD patients.
Cranio, July 2021
Mental Attitude: Marijuana Use Tied to Greater Risk of Mental Health Issues? A review of health
histories of over 80,000 adults revealed that those with a history of regular marijuana use were three times more
likely to develop conditions such as depression and anxiety, and they were nearly seven times more likely to
develop severe mental illnesses such as psychosis or schizophrenia. The findings suggest it may be advised for
healthcare providers to screen patients who recreationally use marijuana for potential mental health disorders.
Psychological Medicine, October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Spot Peripheral Artery Disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common
circulatory problem that is the result of reduced blood flow to the legs. Common PAD symptoms include
painful cramping in the hip, thigh, and calf muscles; numbness or weakness in the legs; coldness in the lower
legs or feet; a change in leg color; hair loss or slow hair growth on the lower legs; slower toenail growth; shiny
skin on the legs; and weak pulsing sensation in the legs. If you are suffering from some of these symptoms, talk
with your healthcare provider. Mayo Clinic, September 2021
Quote: “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” ~ Napoleon Hill

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

Health Alert: Hypertension More Common in Older Women and Younger Men. A recent study concluded that
a third of Americans taking blood pressure medication do not have their blood pressure under control. Interestingly,
women in their 70s and 80s were 29% and 64%, respectively, more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure
than men. However, in the 20s, 30s, and 40s age groups, men were 59%, 70%, and 47%, respectively, more likely to
have uncontrolled high blood pressure than women. Study author Dr. Aayush Visaria notes, “The main implications
are that older women and younger men with high blood pressure may benefit from more frequent monitoring of their
[blood pressure], to at least be able to detect increases in blood pressure.”
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, September 2021
Diet: Benefits of Endurance Exercise. New research suggests that engaging in endurance exercises, such as biking
or running, increases circulating levels of certain mitochondrial derived peptides that are associated with good
metabolic health and increased longevity. Journal of Applied Physiology, October 2021
Exercise: Intense Exercise Before Bedtime May Affect Sleep Quality. Following a review of data from 15
studies, researchers report that exercising at high intensity within two hours of bedtime may increase the length of
time needed to fall asleep as well as reduce sleep duration. Sleep Medicine Reviews, September 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Beneficial to Gait of Chronic Back Pain Patients. Chronic low back pain caused
by degenerative disk disease (DDD) is often associated with impaired gait, which may increase the risk for
musculoskeletal disorders in the feet, knees, and hips due to altered biomechanics. A recent study found that manual
therapy is more effective for addressing impaired gait in patients with DDD and chronic low back pain than classic
physiotherapy or a sham/placebo treatment. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies when managing
chronic back pain patients with DDD. Journal of Clinical Medicine, August 2021
Mental Attitude: Using the Internet May Keep Retirees Sharp. According to a study that monitored 2,100
retirees, those who regularly used the Internet performed better on cognitive assessments than participants who
seldom went online. The research team suspects the cognitive benefits of Internet use may be associated with an
increased ability to connect with others, something that can be difficult for seniors.
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization. October 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips for a Happier Life. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to increase one’s
energy and vitality: eat nourishing food, get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly, keep company with good people,
avoid news overdose, regularly exercise, do something meaningful daily, and think good thoughts of others.
Mayo Clinic, September 2021
Quote: “Lost time is never found again.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

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

Health Alert: Shift Work May Elevate Diabetes Risk. During an eight-year study that included 17,515
middle aged and older adults, researchers observed that participants who worked non-traditional hours had a
19% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Acta Diabetologica, December 2021
Diet: Insufficient Iron May Contribute to Heart Disease. According to a study that monitored over 12,000
adults for 13 years, iron deficiency is associated with a 24% greater risk of heart disease and a 26% increased
risk of death from cardiovascular disease. ESC Heart Failure, October 2021
Exercise: Active Lifestyle Benefits Colorectal Cancer Survivors. Among a group of 396 colorectal cancer
survivors, those who restricted sedentary behaviors to less than five hours a day and met fitness guidelines of
150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week were less likely to report high levels of fatigue and low
overall quality of life than participants with a less active lifestyle.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, November 2021
Chiropractic: Can Thoracic Spinal Manipulation Affect Achilles Tendinopathy? For patients suffering
with Achilles tendinopathy, a recent study found that the application of spinal manipulative therapy to the midback can result in improvements in oxygenation and the testosterone/cortisol ratio in the calf muscle. While
further research is advised, the finding suggests that treatment to improve function in the nerves that innervate
the lower extremities may aid in the healing process of Achilles tendinopathy.
Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy, June 2021
Mental Attitude: Large Waistline May Signal Elevated Dementia Risk in Seniors. A metanalysis of 21
studies that included a total of over 5 million participants found that a high waist circumference (over 40 inches
for men and over 35 inches for women) may increase an older adult’s risk for dementia by up to 13%. However,
no such association was found in adults under 65 years of age.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, November 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Artificial Intelligence May Help Improve Breast Cancer Screening. Detecting breast
cancer in women with dense breast tissue can be difficult for traditional mammograms. To assist in the
screening process, scientists are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) that can review MRIs of extremely
dense breast tissue with the intention of flagging potential tumors for further review by a radiologist.
Radiology, October 2021
Quote: “Few things are so deadly as a misguided sense of compassion.” ~ Charles Colson

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

Health Alert: Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Linked to Cardiovascular Disease. According to a new
study, an individual’s risk for a cardiovascular event increases along with their intake of fast food, sweets, and
sugary beverages. More specifically, consuming 7.5 servings of ultra-processed foods a week is linked to an
8.1% elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, and the risk doubles at the 18 servings per week mark.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2021
Diet: Kids Eat More Fruit and Veggies if Dad Does Too. In line with past research that focused on motherchild pairs, a study that included nearly 10,000 father-child dyads found that children were more likely to
consume fruit and vegetables if they saw their father doing so as part of a regular diet.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, September 2021
Exercise: Fitness May Not Counter Effects of Sedentary Behavior. Prolonged sitting has been shown to
impair vascular endothelial function. New research suggests that being aerobically fit does not protect an
individual from the adverse outcomes associated with prolonged bouts of sedentary behavior.
European Journal of Applied Physiology, August 2021
Chiropractic: Benefits of Manual Therapy for Myofascial Trigger Points. A myofascial trigger point is a
hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. A review of 13 randomized
controlled trials concluded that manual therapies are effective at improving range of motion in patients with
myofascial trigger points. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies to address trigger points in
patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Pain Medicine, July 2021
Mental Attitude: ADHD Linked to Food Addiction? Questionnaires completed by nearly 400 adults revealed
an association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom severity and the risk for food
addiction. Appetite, December 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Gum Disease Tied to Heart Disease. A study that included nearly 1,600 participants
found that those with gum disease were 49% more likely to have a nonfatal heart attack, stroke, or severe heart
failure over the following six years. Researchers suspect that gum disease may allow germs to enter the
bloodstream and accelerate inflammation that is harmful to blood vessels.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2021
Quote: “It’s not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life, it’s what you whisper to yourself that
has the most power!” ~ Robert T. Kiyosaki
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.