Health Alert: Obesity in Middle-Age Linked to Dementia. New research that looked at long-term health
data concerning nearly 6,600 adults suggests that obesity at midlife is associated with a 31% increased risk
for dementia in old age. International Journal of Epidemiology, June 2020
Diet: Eating Fruits and Veggies Can Cut Diabetes Risk. Using data from the European Prospective
Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study, researchers estimate that every 66 gram increase in daily
fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a 25% reduced risk for type 2 diabetes. BMJ, July 2020
Exercise: Exercise Linked to Lower Sleep Apnea Risk. The results of a recent study that looked at
lifestyle, medical, socio-demographic, and sleep health data concerning more than 155,000 adults suggest
that even a modest increase in physical activity (such as walking for 20 additional minutes per day or
vigorously exercising for 8 additional minutes a day) can reduce the risk for obstructive sleep apnea by
10%. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, June 2020
Chiropractic: Back Pain Common During Pregnancy. Questionnaires completed by 400 expectant
mothers revealed that 75.3% had experienced back pain at some point in their pregnancy, particularly in the
lumbar region during the third trimester. Nearly half of the women in the study (45.7%) reported that their
back pain limited their daily activities. Doctors of chiropractic commonly treat low back pain arising from
pregnancy with a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises.
Pain Management Nursing, June 2020
Mental Attitude: Lack of Sleep Can Take a Toll on the Brain. Otherwise healthy volunteers who slept
two fewer hours a night for three nights in a row not only became less effective at performing tasks, but
according to researcher Dr. Ingvild Saksvik-Lehouillier, “[Participants also] experienced a flattening of
emotions…. They felt less joy, enthusiasm, attention and fulfillment.” Sleep, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Top Wellness Tips. The Physicians Medical Group of San Jose lists the flowing
tips for better health and wellness: don’t start smoking, and if you’re a smoker, quit; see a doctor regularly;
eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; exercise regularly; get adequate sleep;
maintain a healthy weight; limit alcohol intake; practice good dental hygiene; become educated about
health and wellness; and take care of your mental health. Physicians Medical Group of San Jose, June 2020
Quote: “A tiny change today brings a dramatically different tomorrow.” ~ Richard Bach
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Air Pollution Linked to Early Death. An analysis of long-term data concerning over 68.5
million Medicare enrollees suggests that tightening air quality standards in the United States from 12
μg/m3 of fine particulate matter to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 10 μg/m3 could
save over 140,000 lives over the following decade. Sciences Advances, June 2020
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Benefit Expectant Mothers. Though further research is warranted, a
review of data from 14 published studies found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy
may reduce the risk for preeclampsia and postpartum depression.
Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, July 2020
Exercise: The Many Benefits of Exercise. Harvard Medical School lists the following benefits of
exercise: reduced risk for obesity, heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers; improved
balance, mood, and mental function; stronger muscles; and healthier bones and joints.
Harvard Medical School, June 2020
Chiropractic: Manipulative Therapy Combined with Exercise Improves Outcomes. According to a
study that included 90 patients with chronic non-specific neck pain, combining manipulative therapy with
stretching and strengthening exercises led to greater improvements in pain, disability, and range of motion
than exercises alone. Doctors of chiropractic often treat patients with chronic neck pain with an approach
that combines manipulative therapies and specific cervical exercises.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Repeated Head Impacts Linked to Depression Later in Life. A review of the health
records of 13,323 individuals revealed that a history of both repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain
injury is associated with an elevated risk for late-life depression. Neurology, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Urine Test Could Check Your Diet Quality. By analyzing levels of different
metabolites in urine samples taken 24 hours apart, researchers have developed a test that measure the
quality of an individual’s nutrition intake. Study co-author Dr. Paul Elliott notes, “Healthful diets have a
different pattern of metabolites in the urine than those associated with worse health outcomes.”
Nature Food, June 2020
Quote: “You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” ~ Cormac McCarthy
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: New Advice Regarding Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Individuals with a genetic
predisposition for elevated low-density lipoprotein (the “bad” cholesterol) levels have traditionally been
instructed to reduce their consumption of saturated fats to lower their risk for heart disease. However, a
team of heart disease and diet experts reviewed dietary guidelines for those with familial
hypercholesterolemia and failed to find any evidence supporting a low saturated fat diet. They concluded
that following a low-carbohydrate diet is a more effective dietary strategy for this group of patients.
BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, July 2020
Diet: High-Fiber Diet May Benefit Kidney Function. An analysis of blood samples and dietary
information regarding 468 adults suggests that high fiber intake is associated with better renal function.
BMC Nephrology, July 2020
Exercise: Weightlifting Strengthens the Nervous System. The reticulospinal tract descends from the
spinal cord from the brain and is mainly involved in locomotion and postural control. In a recent study,
researchers observed that strength training can increase the response of the reticulospinal tract, which may
be one way lifting weights improves athletic performance. Journal of Neuroscience, June 2020
Chiropractic: Seat Incline and Spinal Alignment. Photographic analysis of twenty healthy volunteers
using a variety of seat orientations revealed that a forward sloped seat is superior to both a flat and
backward sloped seat for maintaining neutral spinal alignment and reducing forward head posture. The
findings suggest a forward inclined seat pan may reduce an individual’s risk for developing spinal pain.
Medicine, July 2020
Mental Attitude: Diabetes, Sleep Disorders, and Dementia. Using data from the Korean Health
Screening Cohort, researchers report that type 2 diabetics with a sleep disorder have a 46% higher risk for
dementia than those without a sleep disorder. Journal of Diabetes, July 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Exercise Benefits Sleep. Questionnaires completed by 114 healthy middle-aged
women revealed that those who regularly partake in aerobic exercise are more likely to both sleep at least
seven hours a night and to awaken in the morning feeling rested.
Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness, July 2020
Quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~ Nelson Mandela
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: As a Nation’s Wealth Grows, So Do Men’s Waistlines. Using four decades of data
concerning nearly 150 countries, researchers report that for every 1% increase in a nation’s per capita
income, the obesity rate among men in the country rises 1.23%. PLOS ONE, May 2020
Diet: Can Too Much Coffee Be Bad for Your Health? Researchers examined connections between
genetics, habitual coffee consumption, and health conditions from a dataset that included over 300,000
adults in the UK Biobank and found that drinking six or more cups of coffee a day is associated with an
elevated risk of osteoarthritis, arthropathy, and obesity. Clinical Nutrition, March 2020
Exercise: Exercise Cleans Muscles. According to a new study, an intense ten-minute bout of exercise
increases the activity of the “death marker protein” called ubiquitin, which helps remove worn-out
proteins from muscle tissue. Researcher Dr. Jørgen Wojtaszewski writes, “Basically, it explains part of
the reason why physical activity is healthy. The beauty is that muscle use, in and of itself, is what
initiates the processes that keep muscles up to date, healthy, and functional.”
FASEB Journal, May 2020
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies for CTS. Among a group of 30 patients with carpal tunnel
syndrome (CTS), researchers observed that mechanical interface mobilization and nerve mobilization
techniques are both effective treatments for improving nerve function and reducing pain and disability.
Doctors of chiropractic often utilize these manual therapy techniques along with other conservative
treatment options for patients with CTS. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Creative Art, Storytelling, and Mild Cognitive Impairment. A review of findings
from 64 published studies found that participating in creative art or storytelling programs can improve
brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Ageing Research Reviews, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Surprising Contributors to Heart Disease. WebMD notes that in addition to
lack of exercise and a poor diet, the following are also associated with an elevated risk for heart
disease: belly fat, dental problems, loneliness, long work hours, a history of migraines, shift work, and
snoring. WebMD, June 2020
Quote: “We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.” ~ Calvin Coolidge

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

Health Alert: Singing and Snoring. A review of findings from six published studies noted that people
who frequently sing have a reduced risk for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, June 2020
Diet: Almonds Good for Vascular Health. During a six-week study, researchers observed that
participants who replaced unhealthy snack foods with almonds experienced improvements in both
endothelial function (the functionality of the thin membrane that lines the heart and blood vessels) and
their cholesterol readings. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2020
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise May Benefit Asthmatics. An analysis of data from eleven published
studies concluded that aerobic exercise training can lead to improvements in both asthma control and
lung function. European Respiratory Journal, April 2020
Chiropractic: Myofascial Therapy for Neck Pain. Among a group of 54 patients with mechanical
neck pain, researchers observed that five sessions of myofascial release therapy were more effective at
reducing pain and improving pain sensitivity than ten sessions of massage, ultrasound therapy, and
transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. Doctors of chiropractic commonly use myofascial techniques
in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Improves Mood of MS Patients. Mindfulness is described as the
ability to be fully present, aware of where you are, and calm about what’s going on around you. In a
recent study involving 61 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, researchers observed that those who
received mindfulness training experienced improvements in cognitive function and mood regulation.
Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, May 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Ways to Stay Healthy As You Age. WebMD offers five tips to remain healthy
when getting older: eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains while eating less butter, fatty
meats, sugar, and salt; exercise for at least thirty minutes a day; go to bed and wake up at the same time
every day; start a new hobby; and stay in contact with loved ones. WebMD, June 2020
Quote: “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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

Health Alert: Oil & Gas Wells Linked to Low Infant Birth Weight. An analysis of nearly 3 million
pregnancy outcomes from women living within six miles of an oil or gas well revealed that living within
less than a mile of these types of wells is associated with a 40% increased risk for low birth weight.
Environmental Health Perspectives, June 2020
Diet: Warning Labels Could Reduce Soda Consumption. A review of findings from 23 published
studies suggests that adding health warning labels to soft drink packaging could reduce sugary drink intake.
Study leader Dr. Anna Grummon writes, “Our findings suggest that sugary drink warnings help consumers
better understand products’ healthfulness and encourage consumers to make healthier choices about what
drinks to buy… These results highlight the potential usefulness of sugary drink warning policies in both
informing consumers and reducing consumption of unhealthy beverages like sodas, energy drinks and fruitflavored drinks.” American Society for Nutrition, May 2020
Exercise: Exercise Helps College Students Be More Resilient. University students who regularly
exercise are less likely to be affected by depression, anxiety, or stress than their less active peers.
Frontiers in Psychology, May 2020
Chiropractic: Car Accidents and Back Pain. A systematic research review discovered that individuals
involved in a motor vehicle collision may be more likely to develop back pain in the future than those who
have not been in a car accident. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate and effectively treat
musculoskeletal injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. Accident Analysis & Prevention, May 2020
Mental Attitude: Noise, Air Pollution, and Alzheimer’s. New research suggests that frequent exposure
to elevated noise and carbon monoxide levels may lead to increased oxidative stress in the body, which
may raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Medical Gas Research, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: How to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk. The American Cancer Society offers the
following tips to reduce colorectal cancer risk: eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; limit intake of
red and processed meats; get the recommended levels of calcium and vitamin D; avoid obesity and weight
gain around the midsection; don’t smoke; and limit alcohol consumption.
American Cancer Society, June 2020
Quote: “Life is about timing.” ~ Carl Lewis

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

Health Alert: Inherited High Cholesterol May Signal Heart Trouble Earlier in Adulthood.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder that causes high cholesterol. Researchers report
that individuals with this condition are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease before middle
age; however, less than 10% of adults with familial hypercholesterolemia know they have it.
American Heart Association, June 2020
Diet: Calories Listed on Menus Offer Health Benefits. Because posting calories on menus leads
consumers to make healthier food choices, researchers estimate that this practice may prevent nearly
15,000 cases of cardiovascular disease in the United States within five years. Circulation, June 2020
Exercise: Another Way Exercise Helps the Brain. According to a new study, engaging in a twelveweek aerobic exercise program can increase cortical excitability, which can improve one’s ability to
create mental imagery. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, June 2020
Chiropractic: Neck Problems May Contribute to Migraines/TMD in Teens. Among a group of 314
teenagers with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), researchers observed that those with comorbid
migraines were more likely to have abnormal cervical posture, trigger points in the trapezius muscles,
and neck pain. The findings suggest that treatment to address cervical dysfunction may benefit
adolescents with co-occurring migraines and TMD. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, June 2020
Mental Attitude: Gum Disease Linked to Dementia? Researchers reviewed data from twelve studies
and concluded that individuals with a history of periodontal disease have a 38% increased risk for
dementia. European Journal of Epidemiology, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Poor Vitamin D Status and Pre-Eclampsia. Approximately 2-8% of pregnant
women develop pre-eclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and other signs that a
woman’s organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are not functioning properly. In a study that looked at
vitamin D status of 370 new mothers, 201 of whom had pre-eclampsia, researchers observed that
vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy was associated with an elevated risk for both early- and latestage pre-eclampsia. Clinical Laboratory, June 2020
Quote: “There’s no one to stop you but yourself.” ~ Dave Thomas

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

Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke Linked to Hypertension in Kids. Examinations of 3,579 children and
teens revealed that those who lived in a household in which one or more person smoked were two times more
likely to have blood pressure in the hypertensive range than kids from nonsmoking homes.
Preventative Medicine, May 2020
Diet: Omega-3s May Protect Against Alcohol/Substance Abuse. Healthy omega-3 fatty acid serum levels are
associated with better cardiovascular health and cognitive function, as well as reduced inflammation. In a recent
article published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design, the authors speculate that improving omega-3
fatty acid levels during childhood and adolescence may reduce impulsivity and reward sensitivity, potentially
lowering the risk for developing substance and alcohol abuse disorders.
Current Pharmaceutical Design, April 2020
Exercise: Staying Active May Aid in Afib Management. Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) is a common heart rhythm
disorder that is known to significantly increase the risk of stroke. A study involving 3,333 Afib patients
revealed that participants who averaged fewer steps per day tended to experience more severe Afib-associated
symptoms than those with a more active lifestyle. Hearth Rhythm, May 2020
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Is a Common Work Injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reports that three million non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries took place in the United States in
2018, with low back pain listed as the most common complaint. While the prevalence of low back pain was
greatest among physically demanding jobs like construction work, poor ergonomics, bad working postures, and
excessive vibration exposure have also been demonstrated to increase the risk for the condition.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Adults Often Delay Seeking Help for Eating Disorders. A survey of 300 young adults
revealed that many with an eating disorder put off seeking treatment due to either denial, concerns of losing
control, or not understanding the severity of their condition.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Risk Factors for Sleeping Problems. The following factors are associated with an
increased risk for either insufficient or poor quality sleep: an inconsistent eating schedule, low vegetable intake,
alcohol before bed, electronic device use in bed, high caffeine intake, dinner within two hours of bed time, lack
of sunlight exposure in the morning, and weight gain. Sleep Health, April 2020
Quote: “Happiness consists in activity. It is running steam, not a stagnant pool.” ~ John Mason Good

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

Health Alert: Blood Infections Tied to Colon Cancer Risk. An analysis of health data concerning over two
million adults found evidence that blood infections from anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium septicum may
be associated with an increased risk for developing colon cancer in the near future. The findings suggest that
healthcare providers should screen patients for colon cancer if they have recently been diagnosed with a blood
infection caused by anaerobic bacteria.
European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, April 2020
Diet: Low-Fiber Diet May Benefit Asthmatics. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, researchers have identified an association between low fiber intake and an increased risk
for asthma-related symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and excess phlegm production.
Annals of the American Thoracic Society, May 2020
Exercise: Overtraining? To reduce the risk of overtraining, researchers recommend spending no more than 9%
of total exercise time each week at an intensity greater than 90% of maximum heart rate.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, February 2020
Chiropractic: Old and Young May Experience Different Whiplash Symptoms. Examinations of 27 seniors
and 32 young adults who had recently been diagnosed with a whiplash injury following a motor vehicle
collision revealed that dizziness is a more common symptom among older whiplash patients, and younger
individuals are more likely to report neck pain. American Journal of Otolaryngology, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Kids Intuitive About Parental Stress. New research indicates that attempting to suppress
emotions can lead a parent and their child to become cold and less engaged with one another. Researcher Dr.
Sara Waters writes, “That makes sense for a parent distracted by trying to keep their stress hidden, but the kids
very quickly changed their behavior to match the parent… So if you’re stressed and just say, ‘Oh, I’m fine’, that
only makes you less available to your child. We found that the kids picked up on that and reciprocated, which
becomes a self-fulfilling dynamic.” Journal of Family Psychology, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention Tips. The American Dietetic Association recommends the
following to reduce one’s cancer risk: become leaner; get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily; avoid sugary
drinks; limit consumption of high-calorie foods; eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes; limit
consumption of red meat and avoid processed meat; limit your daily intake of alcohol; and limit consumption of
salty and processed foods. American Dietetic Association, April 2020
Quote: “Life has its own hidden forces which you can only discover by living.” ~ Soren Kierkegaard
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Early Death from Heart Disease Greater in Women Living in Rural Areas. An analysis of
data regarding premature deaths from coronary artery disease over the last two decades showed that death rates
due to coronary artery disease increased about 11% among women living in rural areas. Senior author Dr.
Federico Moccetti explains, “Women living in rural areas of the United States have for the first time suffered an
increase in premature deaths from coronary artery disease. This is in stark contrast to their urban counterparts,
who have experienced a virtually uninterrupted reduction in premature coronary artery disease deaths.” The
findings reveal the need to increase public health campaigns focusing on heart health among rural women.
Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2020
Diet: Eat More Fiber! Using data from the NutriNet-Santé study, researchers report that higher dietary fiber
intake is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2020
Exercise: Get Active After a Heart Attack. Among a group of 4,570 heart attack patients, those who attended
cardiac rehabilitation classes reported higher quality of life scores than those who remained sedentary. Study
author Dr. Ben Hurdus adds, “Exercise improves fitness, which has both physical and mental health benefits…
If you’re more able to participate in activities that bring you happiness, then you’re more likely to have a better
quality of life.” European Society of Cardiology, April 2020
Chiropractic: Back Pain Common Among Future Physicians. Questionnaires completed by 640 medical
school students revealed that a third experienced an episode of low back pain during the previous year and
roughly half had to reduce their activities due to their pain.
International Journal of Preventative Medicine, March 2020
Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Dementia. A review of data from the Zaragoza Dementia and Depression
Project study found that high levels of anxiety are associated with a nearly three-fold increased risk for vascular
dementia in older men but not in older women. Brain Sciences, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Reasons to Maintain a Healthy Weight. The National Institutes of Health notes that
maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk for the following: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, pregnancy difficulties, and some types of
cancer. National Institutes of Health, April 2020
Quote: “On an exhausted field, only weeds grow.” ~ Henryk Sienkiewicz
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.