Health Alert: Despite Risks, Heart Disease Patients Often Keep Smoking. Among more than 2,600 adults
with a history of heart attack or stroke, researchers found that 30% were smokers and only a third of this group
had stopped smoking over the following four years, despite the majority knowing that smoking increases their
risk for future cardiovascular events. Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2021
Diet: Backyard Poultry Safety Tips. Raising chickens in the backyard is a becoming more popular in recent
years, but close proximity to fowl can also come with a risk for salmonella exposure. The Centers for Disease
Control offers the following tips for households raising chickens: always wash your hands for 20 seconds, keep
flock and flock supplies outside of the house, don’t let children under the age of five years have contact with the
birds, and don’t kiss the birds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2021
Exercise: HIIT Improves Spatial Memory. 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. A recent study found that HIIT may also improve
spatial memory to a greater degree than either endurance training or inactivity. Cerebral Cortex, May 2021
Chiropractic: 1 in 5 Adults Have Chronic Pain. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey,
researchers estimate that 20.5% of American adults experience activity-limiting pain daily or on most days,
most often in back, hip, knee, or foot. Chiropractic care is a common approach to managing chronic
musculoskeletal pain. Pain, April 2021
Mental Attitude: Life Satisfaction Linked to Reduced Risk of Pain and Disability. Researchers assessed
life satisfaction in 2,116 functionally independent older adults and found that those who rated their life
satisfaction as “high” were significantly less likely to develop disability over the following decade. The research
team posits that individuals with high life satisfaction may be more likely to engage in lifestyle behaviors
associated with a reduced risk for chronic disease and painful conditions. Age and Aging, June 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Maybe Colonoscopy After 75 Should Be Recommended? Current guidelines don’t
recommend colonoscopy after age 75, except for patients considered to be high risk for colorectal cancer.
However, an analysis of data on colon cancer cases and deaths from over 56,000 patients found that people who
had colon cancer screening after the age of 75 had a 39% lower risk of colon cancer and a 40% lower risk of
death from colon cancer, regardless of whether they had been screened at an earlier age. The findings suggest
that colonoscopy guidelines may need amending. JAMA Oncology, May 2021
Quote: “If fate means you to lose, give him a good fight anyhow.” ~ William McFee
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Fat Around the Heart Is Deadly. According to a study that reviewed CT scans of nearly 7,000
middle-aged and older adults whom researchers monitored for 17 years, there’s an association between fat
build-up around the heart and a significant increased risk for heart failure, even in individuals who are not
considered overweight. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 2021
Diet: “Yo-Yo” Dieting May Mean Sleep Issues. A year-long study that included 500 women found that those
with a history of yo-yo dieting (losing and regaining 10 pounds (4.53 kg)) were more likely to experience
insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep problems. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, May 2021
Exercise: Physical Activity Lowers Risk for Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke. An analysis of data collected
from nearly 100,000 individuals found that meeting current physical activity guidelines is associated with a
substantially lower risk for both atrial fibrillation and stroke. Lead author Dr. Shaan Khurshid writes, “Our
findings supported recommendations from the European Society of Cardiology, the American Heart
Association, and the World Health Organization for 150 minutes or greater of moderate to vigorous physical
activity per week.” European Heart Journal, May 2021
Chiropractic: Too Much Phone Use Nearly Doubles Risk of Neck Pain in Young Adults. Assessments of
nearly 5,000 young adults who are part of an ongoing study found that interacting with a smartphone for seven
or more hours a day can increase the risk for neck pain by nearly 80%. Past studies have shown that excessive
device use is associated with forward head posture, which can elevate the risk for pain in the neck, shoulders,
and upper back. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises to
address forward head posture and neck pain. Public Health, June 2021
Mental Attitude: Dogs Can Help Stressed-Out College Students. Washington State University students who
participated in a program that focused exclusively on petting and interacting with therapy dogs experienced
significant improvements with respect to both their executive function skills and capacity to manage stress.
Aera Open, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Get a Colonoscopy at 45, Not 50? Due to an increase in adults being diagnosed with
colon cancer at younger ages, the United States Prevention Services Task Force now recommends that all adults
get their first colonoscopy at age 45 instead of age 50. Journal of the American Medical Association, May 2021
Quote: “We can know only that we know nothing. And that is the highest degree of human wisdom.”
~ Leo Tolstoy
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Osteoporosis Raises Risk of Hearing Loss in Women. Using data from the decades-long
Nurses Health studies, researchers estimate that women with osteoporosis have up to a 40% increased risk for
moderate-to-severe hearing loss, even if they’re taking medications to slow bone loss.
Journal of the American Geriatric Society, May 2021
Diet: Low-Salt Diet Good for Heart Health. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet
emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy while limiting the
intake of salt, red meat, sweets, and sweetened beverages. An analysis of blood samples collected from clinical
trial participants revealed that greater adherence to a low-sodium DASH diet is associated with a decline in
biomarkers linked to cardiac damage, inflammation, and stress.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 2021
Exercise: Exercise May Be Best Choice for Depressed Coronary Heart Disease Patients. A recent literature
review found that for coronary heart disease patients with co-occurring depression, exercise may be a more
effective tool for managing depression than antidepressants, psychotherapy, combined psychotherapy and
antidepressants, and collaborative care. Study author Dr. Frank Doyle explains, “Our findings further highlight
the clinical importance of exercise as a treatment as we see that it improves not only depression, but also other
important aspects of heart disease, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, in these patients.”
Psychosomatic Medicine, June 2021
Chiropractic: Sitting at Work Linked to Back/Neck Pain. Questionnaires completed by over 45,000 adults
revealed that sitting for more than 75% of the workday and not taking regular breaks not only increases the risk
for neck and back pain, but also for poor general health. BMC Public Health, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Shifting Sleep Up By One Hour May Reduce Depression Risk. New research suggests that
going to bed and waking an hour earlier can reduce one’s risk for depression by up to 23%, even though there’s
no difference in sleep duration. Additionally, shifting sleep/wake times forward by two hours can lower the risk
for depression by nearly 40%. JAMA Psychiatry, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Bedtime with a Pet May Help Kids Sleep. A study that included 188 children, aged 11
to 17, found that those who shared a bed with a pet were more likely to report high subjective sleep quality.
Sleep Health, May 2021
Quote: “The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” ~ Thomas Paine
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Even Just a Little Belly Fat Increases Heart Disease Risk. While a body mass index in the
normal range is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association
reports that individuals should also mind their waist circumference. Experts point out that excess fat in the
midsection, even in those with a BMI in the normal range, can signify more fatty tissue within the abdomen,
which has been shown to elevate the risk for heart disease and stroke. American Heart Association, April 2021
Diet: Testosterone Deficiency in Men May Be Linked to Diet. According to a study that included 4,100
males, a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat,
high-fat dairy products, and refined grains—is associated with an elevated risk for testosterone deficiency,
particularly among obese men. Journal of Urology, April 2021
Exercise: Easy Ways to Prevent Exercise Injury. To reduce one’s risk for getting hurt when starting an
exercise program, experts recommend the following: get a routine physical, hire a personal trainer, start slowly
and increase gradually, warm up before exercise, wear appropriate clothing, and listen to your body.
VerywellFit, April 2021
Chiropractic: Recommendations for Shoulder Pain. For patients with shoulder pain of any duration, new
treatment guidelines recommend a multimodal approach that includes joint mobilization, heat/cold, and range of
motion exercises, along with cervical or thoracic spine manipulation, if warranted. Doctors of chiropractic often
take this approach when managing patients with shoulder pain. European Journal of Pain, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Sleepwalking Linked to Parkinson’s in Men. Using data from The Health Professionals
Follow-Up Study, which has monitored the health of over 50,000 male healthcare professionals since 1986,
researchers report that individuals with a history of sleepwalking or rapid eye movement sleep behavior
disorder (RBD) may be up to four times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than men without a sleep
disorder. JAMA Network Open, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Relieve Spring Allergies. Spring often means runny noses and itchy, watery
eyes for seasonal allergy sufferers. To help minimize the effect of airborne allergens, University of North
Carolina Health advises the following: monitor pollen counts, avoid being outdoors, change your HVAC filters
and get an air purifier, and talk to your healthcare provider if you need a more focused treatment approach.
University of North Carolina Health, April 2021
Quote: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop

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

Health Alert: Disrupted Sleep Presents Health Risks. An analysis of eleven years of data concerning
over 8,000 adults revealed an association between sleep disorders and poor cardiovascular health,
particularly in women. European Heart Journal, April 2021
Diet: Diet May Be Important for Long-Term Survival in Breast Cancer Patients. Among a group
of 3,660 female breast cancer patients, researchers observed that a healthy eating pattern, such as the
Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, was associated with up to a 27% reduced risk of death during the
following decade. JNCI Cancer Spectrum, March 2021
Exercise: Age Should Not Be a Barrier to Keeping Fit. According to researchers, the belief that it
takes longer for muscles to recover from working out as you age is based on little, if any, evidence. In
fact, researcher Dr. John Fernandes notes, “[More] than half of the available studies have noted that
older males experience similar, and even less severe, symptoms of muscle damage than their younger
counterparts.” Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, April 2021
Chiropractic: Excessive Screen Time Linked to Spinal Pain in Kids. Using data from the Danish
National Birth Cohort concerning 45,555 pre-adolescents, researchers report that kids who spend six or
more hours per day using electronic devices are two times more likely to experience severe spinal pain
than their more active peers. The findings suggest that reducing screen time and increasing physical
activity levels in children may protect them from spinal pain during childhood. BMC Musculoskeletal
Disorders, April 2021
Mental Attitude: TBI Increases Long-Term Risk of Stroke. A review of 18 studies found that
traumatic brain injury (TBI) may elevate an individual’s risk for stroke over the following five years by
up to 86%. International Journal of Stroke, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Athletes Foot. Constant burning and itching between the toes
are a sure sign of athlete’s foot. To avoid this common fungal infection, keep your feet dry, wash your
feet daily, wear shower shoes or flip flops, and use foot powder, when appropriate.
PIH Health, April 2021

Quote: “Nothing is harder than to accept oneself.” ~ Max Frisch
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Influenza and Stroke Risk. Using data from the New York Statewide Planning and Research
Cooperative System, researchers report that individuals diagnosed with influenza-like illness have up to a 39%
increased risk for stroke in the near future. BMC Public Health, May 2021
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Protect the Brain. According to a study that reviewed brain imaging and
cerebrospinal fluid samples, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—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—is associated with less build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the
brain, which are often observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, May 2021
Exercise: Sedentary Behavior Linked to COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic
lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. An analysis of
data from the Chronic Disease and Lifestyle Population Survey in Sichuan Province of China identified an
association between the amount of time an individual spends engaged in sedentary behaviors and an elevated
risk for COPD. Medicine, May 2021
Chiropractic: Fascial Manipulation Reduces Pain and Disability. A systematic review found that
manipulative therapy to improve fluidity between soft tissue layers, which often become denser and stiffer with
age and injury, can improve pain and disability in patients with musculoskeletal pains. Doctors of chiropractic
are trained to provide several forms of manual therapy, including fascial manipulation, in the treatment of back
pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Journal of Bodywork Movement Therapies, January 2021
Mental Attitude: Chronic Sinusitis May Affect the Brain. An analysis of brain scans and mental health
assessments of over 1,200 adults revealed that people with moderate-to-severe sinus inflammation exhibited
altered activity in the frontoparietal network in the brain, which is important for problem solving and decision
making. JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Is Important to Avoid Dementia Risk. Following an analysis of data concerning
nearly 8,000 adults, researchers report that sleeping six or fewer hours a night in middle age is associated with a
30% increased risk for dementia in old age. The findings suggest that screening for sleep issues in middle age
may aid in the prevention of dementia later in life. Nature Communication, April 2021
Quote: “You can’t do it unless you can imagine it.” ~ George Lucas
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Wildfire Smoke Can Trigger Eczema. According to a study that analyzed data from a
dermatology clinic in San Francisco, visits for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and general itching increased
following a major wildfire 175 miles away. Study co-author Dr. Raj Fadadu writes, “Skin is the largest
organ of the human body, and it’s in constant interaction with the external environment. So, it makes
sense that changes in the external environment, such as increases or decreases in air pollution, could
affect our skin health.” JAMA Dermatology, April 2021
Diet: Eating Mushrooms May Help Lower Risk of Cancer. Based on a review of data from 17
cancer studies, researchers estimate that consuming 18 grams of mushroom per day can reduce one’s
risk for cancer by up to 45%. Advances in Nutrition, April 2021
Exercise: Try Burpees. A burpee is a calisthenics exercise that involves performing a push up
followed by a jump squat that serves as an excellent way to build strength and endurance in both the
upper and lower body. When performing multiple reps and sets, it can also serve as a cardiovascular
exercise. Healthline, April 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Helps with Stability. Individuals with chronic musculoskeletal
pain often experience balance impairments and an increased risk for falls. A systematic review found
that manual therapies (such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic) can improve static and
dynamic stability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Anxiety Worsens Post-Heart Attack Prognosis. Pooling data from 16 published
studies, researchers report that post-heart attack anxiety can increase the risk for short-term
complications by 23% and major adverse cardiac events by 54%. Clinical Cardiology, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D and Asthma. Among a group of 132 asthma patients with
insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels, researchers found that improving vitamin D status via
supplementation also led to improvements in asthma symptoms and lung function.
Tanaffos, December 2020
Quote: “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ~ Hal Borland
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Obesity May Shorten Survival of Cancer Patients. According to a review of findings from
200 studies, obesity is associated with shorter cancer survival in patients with cancer of the breast, uterus, colon,
prostate, or pancreas. JAMA Network Open, March 2021
Diet: Processed Foods Are Bad for the Heart. Using data from an ongoing study, researchers estimate that
each daily serving of ultra-processed food increases an individual’s risk for cardiovascular disease by 5% and
cardiovascular disease-related death by 9%. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, March 2021
Exercise: Lifting Weights Can Strengthen Bones Too. For patients with osteoporosis or those who are at risk
for the disease, the current research suggests that high-load resistance training is associated with improved bone
mineral density in the spinal vertebrae and hips. Clinical Nursing (Spain), April 2021
Chiropractic: Facet Joints May Be Responsible for 15% of Chronic Low Back Pain Cases. The facet joints
are located on the posterior side of each vertebrae and allow the spine to bend forward and backward and twist.
In a recent experiment involving 206 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed that diagnostic nerve
blocks relieved back pain in 15% of participants, which suggests that facet joint dysfunction may be the primary
cause of 1 in 6 cases of chronic low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic utilize spinal manipulation and other
manual therapies to restore proper motion and alignment to the facet joints and other spinal structures in the
management of low back pain. Pain Medicine, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Sleep Is Important for Cognitive Function. To keep the brain healthy, it’s important to get
quality sleep each night. A review of data concerning 2,901 elderly adults revealed that reducing exposure to
light and noise in the bedroom, relaxing in the evening, and meeting exercise guidelines are important for
getting a good night’s rest. International Journal of Clinical Practice, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: How to Spot Asthma. Asthma causes the airways to narrow and swell making it
difficult to breath. Signs and symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath; chest tightness or pain; wheezing
when exhaling; trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing; and coughing or
wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory infection. Pulmonary experts note that individuals should
contact their doctor if they suspect they have asthma, as the condition can be life threatening for some.
Mayo Clinic, April 2021
Quote: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

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

Health Alert: Obesity Linked to Higher Healthcare Costs. A review of health records concerning nearly
180,000 adults and children found that healthcare costs are nearly $1,900 higher per year for obese individuals,
with the cost increasing $235 a year with each unit increase in body mass index. PLOS ONE, March 2021
Diet: Processed Meat May Increase Risk of Dementia. According to a study that included data on close to
500,000 adults, consuming a 25-gram serving of processed meat each day is associated with a 44% increased
risk for developing dementia later in life. Lead researcher Dr. Huifeng Zhang writes, “Worldwide, the
prevalence of dementia is increasing and diet as a modifiable factor could play a role… Our research adds to the
growing body of evidence linking processed meat consumption to increased risk of a range of non-transmissible
diseases.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2021
Exercise: All Physical Activity Seems to Help Against Depression. Using data from the European Health
Interview Survey, researchers report that regularly engaging in physical activity of any kind—recreational,
active commuting, or work—can help reduce the risk and severity of depressive symptoms.
Depression and Anxiety, April 2021
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Common with Hip Impingement. Examinations of 158 patients with
femoroacetabular (hip) impingement revealed that three in five also suffer from clinically significant low back
pain, and that increased disability in one location is associated with greater disability in the other. The findings
suggest that clinicians should evaluate both the hip and low back pain of patients presenting with either
complaint. Doctors of chiropractic are skilled in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal conditions
such as low back pain and hip impingement. PM&R, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Mental Health Issues Common in Future Healthcare Professionals. Questionnaires
completed by 449 students pursuing a degree in the health sciences revealed that 65% are stressed, 85.1% are
anxious, and 51.4% are depressed.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, March 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Help Prevent Diabetes. To reduce one’s risk for type 2 diabetes, the American
Diabetes Association recommends the following: get more physical activity, get plenty of fiber, go for more
whole grains, lose extra weight, avoid fad diets, make healthier food choices, and get regular checkups to
monitor blood sugar levels, especially if you’re overweight. American Diabetes Association, April 2021
Quote: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ~ Aristotle

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

Health Alert: E-Cigarettes Increase Risk for Lung Disease. An analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk
Factor Surveillance System revealed that e-cigarette usage is associated with a 26% increased risk for asthma
and a 44% elevated risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Tobacco Induced Diseases, April 2021
Diet: Nuts Are Good for the Heart. Experts from the Mayo Clinic note that regularly eating nuts can improve
low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels; make arteries healthier; reduce the risk for blood clots; and
lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood that are associated with heart disease.
Mayo Clinic News Network, March 2021
Exercise: Exercise Is Good for the Brain. Reduced blood flow to the brain and stiffer blood vessels in the
neck are often seen in patients with mild-cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. In a recent experiment that
included 70 older men and women with MCI, researchers observed that participants who engaged in a brisk
walk exercise program experienced improved blood flow to the brain, as well as increased blood vessel
flexibility in the neck. Study leader Dr. Rong Zhang writes, “This [study] is part of a growing body of evidence
linking exercise with brain health… We’ve shown for the first time in a randomized trial in these older adults
that exercise gets more blood flowing to your brain.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, March 2021
Chiropractic: Acute Back Pain Can Become Chronic Back Pain. A review of records involving 5,233
patients who sought treatment for acute low back pain revealed that 32% went on to develop chronic low back
pain. Further analysis suggests the following are associated with an increased risk for progression to chronic
low back pain: obesity, smoking, severe disability, depression/anxiety, and a prescription of opioids within the
first 21 days. JAMA Network Open, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Vitamin B7 May Be Important for Mental Health. Assessments completed by 7,387 adults
revealed that a high intake of biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is associated with a lower risk for depression,
anxiety, and stress. Dietary sources of biotin include eggs, legumes, nuts/seeds, liver, sweet potatoes,
mushrooms, bananas, broccoli, and avocados. Journal of Affective Disorders, March 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Reduce Parkinson’s Risk? The current research suggests that regular exercise and a
nutrient-rich diet are two lifestyle choices that may reduce an individual’s risk for Parkinson’s disease.
Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, March 2021
Quote: “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

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