Mental Attitude: Connected Teens Become Healthier Young Adults? New research suggests that teens with
higher levels of connectedness—such as feeling engaged, supported, and cared for at home and school—are
significantly less likely to have mental health issues, experience violence, take sexual risks, and engage in
substance abuse in their 20s. Pediatrics, June 2019
Health Alert: Where Body Fat Collects Hints at Future Heart Troubles. An analysis of data concerning
nearly 162,000 postmenopausal women found that women whose body fat collects in their mid-section have
nearly twice the risk for heart disease or stroke as women whose body fat is mostly stored in their legs. Study
author Dr. Qibin Qi writes, “Our findings suggest that postmenopausal women, despite having normal weight,
could have a varying risk of cardiovascular disease because of different fat distributions around either their
middle or their legs.” European Heart Journal, July 2019
Diet: Kids Prefer Foods They Help Cook. Children who helped prepare snacks featuring foods they had
previously identified as “yucky” were more likely to rate such foods as “okay” or “yummy” than kids who did
not assist in the kitchen. Appetite, July 2019
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Pain in Diabetics. In this study, type 2 diabetics with limb pain experienced
improvements in both the number of painful body sites and pain intensity after participating in a twelve-week
exercise program. The findings are important as diabetics are nearly 25% more likely to report limb pain than
non-diabetics. Diabetic Research and Clinical Practice, July 2019
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy May Be Best Choice for Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most
common causes of foot and heel pain. In a recent study involving 63 plantar fasciitis patients, researchers
observed that participants treated with the combination of custom foot orthotics and manual therapy
experienced greater improvements in pain and function than the patients who only received one of the treatment
options. Doctors of chiropractic are known to use both approaches when treating patients with plantar fasciitis.
Sports, May 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Protect Your Eyes from Ultraviolet Rays. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from
ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can contribute to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. The
Mayo Clinic suggests that you choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays, screen out
75% to 90% of visible light, have lenses that are perfectly matched in color, and do not have distortions or
imperfections in the lenses. Mayo Clinic, July 2019
Quote: “All human wisdom is summed up in two words; wait and hope.” ~ Alexandre Dumas
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-19-2019
Mental Attitude: Sunshine During Pregnancy Important for Child’s Learning? Vitamin D is produced in
the body as a result of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. An analysis of data concerning over 422,000
mother-child pairs in Scotland revealed that kids born to women with lower levels of exposure to UVB rays
during pregnancy were more likely to have a learning disability later in life. Lead author Dr. Jill Pell notes,
“Learning disabilities can have profound life-long effects on both the affected child and their family. The
importance of our study is that it suggests a possible way to prevent learning disabilities in some children.”
Scientific Reports, June 2019
Health Alert: Many Doctors and Nurses Not Aware That Diabetes Raises Risk for CTS and Frozen
Shoulder. Type 2 diabetics have an increased risk for limited joint mobility (LJM) disorders of the upper
extremities, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Surveys
completed by 245 nurse practitioners and 390 general practitioners revealed that more than half were unaware
that LJM is a complication associated with diabetes mellitus. BMC Family Practice, July 2019
Diet: A Specific Probiotic Supplement May Boost Obese People’s Health. In a study involving 32
overweight or obese volunteers, participants who took a probiotic supplement for three months that contained
the bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila lost an average of five lbs. (~2.26 kg) and experienced improved
cholesterol readings. Nature Medicine, June 2019
Exercise: Fitness Linked to Pain Sensitivity. Among a group of 1,036 adolescents, researchers observed that
teens who scored lower on physical fitness assessments were more sensitive to pain than their peers with higher
fitness scores. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, July 2019
Chiropractic: Nearly Half of Teens Have Musculoskeletal Pain. Surveys completed by 1,021 teenagers
revealed that 46.1% had pain in one or more body sites. The data show that teens with musculoskeletal pain in
at least one body site had lower quality of life scores and lower sleep quality than their pain-free peers.
Additionally, participants with pain in multiple sites reported lower quality of life and sleep quality scores than
those with pain in only one area. BMC Pediatrics, June 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Taming Bad Breath. The American Dental Association notes that individuals can
reduce their risk for bad breath by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using a toothbrush or scraper to clean
your tongue, using mouthwash when needed, keeping saliva flowing with chewy foods, cleaning dentures
regularly, not smoking, and making regular dental visits. American Dental Association, July 2019
Quote: “A good laugh is sunshine in the house.” ~ William Makepeace Thackeray
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-12-2019
Mental Attitude: Alcoholism Harms Even Those Who Don’t Have Drinking Problems. Researchers
gathered data from two nationwide surveys in the United States that included nearly 9,000 adults and found that
21% of women and 23% of men were harmed by someone else’s drinking in the past year. These harms include
threats, harassment, damaged property, vandalism, physical aggregation, money problems, relationship issues,
and driving issues. Study author Dr. Katherine Karriker-Jaffe warns, “Heavy drinkers should be aware of how
they might be impacting the lives of people around them.” Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, July 2019
Health Alert: Stay in School! An analysis of data gathered between 1971 and 2012 concerning more than
75,000 people found that failure to complete high school is associated with an increased risk for heart disease.
Study author Dr. Rita Hamad adds, “Overall, people with more education may have reduced heart disease
because they have higher incomes, allowing them to afford better food and healthcare… Or, it may be that they
have more resources and therefore less stress, which has been previously linked with heart disease.”
PLOS Medicine, June 2019
Diet: Breast Cancer Survivability? The current data suggests that eating a healthy diet with a high intake of
unrefined cereals, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and olive oil, and a moderate/low consumption of saturated fatty acids
and red meat is associated with increased survivability following a breast cancer diagnosis. Nutrients, July 2019
Exercise: This Combo Helps Maintain Muscle Mass in Older Obese Adults… New research suggests that
for older obese adults, adopting a fitness program that combines aerobic exercise and resistance training is
effective for increasing muscle protein synthesis and preserving muscle quality. Cell Metabolism, July 2019
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Linked to Digital Eye Strain? Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as
digital eye strain, is a common condition associated with prolonged viewing of screens at a short distance. In a
recent study, researchers observed that persistent neck pain patients were more likely to report CVS while using
a computer than individuals without neck pain, though the nature of the relationship is unclear at this time.
Applied Ergonomics, October 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Safe During Severe Weather. Severe thunderstorms can cause great damage to
property, topple trees, and cause flooding. During severe thunderstorms, the National Weather Service urges
people to do the following: stay updated with a local news station or NOAA Weather Radio; stay away from
windows and large open rooms; do not take shelter under a tree or within a shed; if possible, go to a secure
location within your home; and take your pets with you. National Weather Service, July 2019
Quote: “The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.” ~ Thomas Berger
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-5-2019
Mental Attitude: Food Insecurity Can Spur Migraines. The Department of Health and Human Services
defines food insecurity as, “The disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other
resources.” A recent study involving 15,000 young adults found that migraines are nearly twice as common
among those experiencing food insecurity. JAMA Neurology, June 2019
Health Alert: Watching TV for Over Four Hours a Day Is Really Bad for You. Researchers followed
nearly 3,600 adults for nine years and found that those who watched TV four or more hours per day had a 50%
higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and early death than participants who watched TV less than two hours a day.
Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2019
Diet: Diet Tied to Frailty in Older Adults. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowness,
physical inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss. In a recent study involving 2,154
seniors, researchers found that those with a poor-quality diet were over 40% more likely to be considered as
frail four years later than older adults with healthier diets. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, July 2019
Exercise: How Does Exercise Improve Motor Skills? Exercise is well-known to improve motor skills, and
now researchers believe they know how. In the study, investigators compared the brains of mice that ran on a
treadmill for an hour a day for three weeks and mice that did not exercise. Investigators observed that the mice
in the treadmill group exhibited significantly more evidence of spinogenesis (development of dendritic spines in
neurons) and stronger neural connections in the motor cortex (area of brain that generate neural impulses that
control the execution of movement). Science Advances, July 2019
Chiropractic: Heart Rate Variability and Neck Pain. Heart rate variability is the measure of specific changes
in time between successive heart beats. Current research suggests that low heart rate variability is associated
with aging, decline, illness, and mortality. In a study involving 15 chronic neck pain patients and 15 healthy
controls, researchers found that neck pain patients are more likely to exhibit low heart rate variability,
particularly if they reported higher levels of pain intensity and disability. Further study is needed to determine
how heart rate variability plays a role in neck pain or vice versa.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, June 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Take a Walk! Taking a daily walk has been linked to several positive health benefits.
The results of a new study suggest that adults who take daily walks have better pain tolerance than those who do
not. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, June 2019
Quote: “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” ~ Rose Kennedy
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 7-29-2019
Mental Attitude: Self-Harm Often Follows Economic Ruin. Researchers in the United Kingdom report that self-harm
behavior among middle-aged men increased 50% in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Senior study author Dr. Nav
Kapur writes, “[Men] in midlife are a group we are particularly worried about because of their high rate of suicide… Our
research highlights the potential importance of economic factors, so providing advice for unemployment, housing, and
financial problems is likely to be helpful. But improving access to services and tackling alcohol misuse could have a big
impact, too.” British Journal of Psychiatry, May 2019
Health Alert: Many Middle-Aged Men Have Thinning Bones. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are often seen as a
woman’s health issue, but a new study involving 173 middle-aged adults revealed that low bone mass in the hip was
common in both sexes. The findings suggest that men should take steps to help ensure their bone health by eating a wellbalanced diet rich in calcium, getting adequate vitamin D, and performing weight-bearing exercise.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, May 2019
Diet: Healthier Diet Leads to Healthier Breastmilk. A study involving 354 breastfeeding mothers and their children
found that kids are less likely to be heavy for their age at six months when their mom eats a healthy diet. The researchers
hypothesize that such children will also have a reduced risk for childhood obesity. Nutrients, May 2019
Exercise: Exercise May Improve Depression, Diabetes Outcomes. Past research suggests that diabetics have an
elevated risk for depression. In a study involving type 2 diabetics under treatment for depression, those who also
participated in an exercise program were significantly more likely to experience a resolution of their depressive
symptoms. Diabetes Care, May 2019
Chiropractic: Back Pain Is Common Among Blue Collar Workers. An analysis of data concerning nearly 2,000 blue
collar workers from different regions of the United States revealed that 25% experienced low back pain lasting longer
than seven days during the previous year and 10% missed work due to the condition. However, only 14% sought care for
their back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, May 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Children & Pets. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) believes
that teaching children how to care for a pet is an invaluable experience that can help kids develop much needed social
skills and help them learn how to treat others nicely. The AACAP offers the following guidelines and advice to parents
and guardians: children under the age of four should be monitored with pets at all times; children under ten are unable to
care for large animals by themselves; parents must always oversee the pet’s care, regardless of the child’s age; and if a
child neglects the pet, parents must take over or find a new home for the animal.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, June 2019
Quote: “You had better live your best and act your best and think your best today; for today is the sure preparation for
tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow.” ~ Harriet Martineau
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 7-22-2019
Mental Attitude: Playing an Instrument Is Good for the Brain. Cognitive assessments completed by 100 elementary
school-aged children revealed an association between hours spent per week practicing a musical instrument and
intellectual ability. The authors conclude, “The results suggest that the relationship between musical practice and
intellectual ability is related to the maturation of white matter pathways in the auditory-motor system. The findings
suggest that musical training may be a means of improving cognitive and brain health during development.”
Frontier in Psychology, May 2019
Health Alert: Women in Cardiac Arrest Are Less Likely to Get Help. A review of data concerning more than 5,700
out-of-hospital cardiac arrests revealed that men were more likely than women to receive resuscitation attempts by
bystanders (74% versus 69%), even if a bystander saw the person collapse. European Heart Journal, May 2019
Diet: Dawn-to-Sunset Fasting May Benefit Obesity-Related Conditions. In a pilot study involving 14 healthy
individuals, researchers observed that fasting from sunrise to sunset for 30 days led to a significant increase in TPM3 gene
expression, which is vital for increasing insulin sensitivity and managing blood glucose levels. Based on the findings, lead
author Dr. Ayse Leyla Mindikoglu writes, “[We] believe that dawn-to-sunset fasting may provide a cost-effective
intervention for those struggling with obesity-related conditions.” Digestive Disease Week, May 2019
Exercise: Resistance Training at Work Reduces Upper Limb Injuries. A small-scale study involving 120
manufacturing workers revealed that those who participated in a workplace resistance training exercise program were
38% less likely to develop a musculoskeletal disorder of the upper limbs than workers who performed stretching
exercises. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, June 2019
Chiropractic: Neck Pain & Migraines. Among a group of 142 patients with a history of migraines, those with
concurrent neck pain reported 80% more migraine-related disability than participants without neck pain. The findings add
to a growing body of research that suggests the neck plays a role in the migraine headache process, as previous studies
have noted an association between cervical dysfunction and migraine intensity and frequency. Doctors of chiropractic are
known to utilize spinal manipulation and exercise in the management of neck pain and migraine patients.
Cephalalgia, May 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Play It Safe with Wildlife. National and local parks provide opportunities to see wild animals, and
these situations come with risks and responsibilities, as wild animals can be dangerous and unpredictable. The National
Park Service urges park-goers to follow these guidelines: observe wildlife from a distance, do not feed wild animals, keep
children in sight at all times, store food properly, and do not set up camp near game trails.
National Park Service, June 2019
Quote: “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it
goes in search of its dream.” ~ Paulo Coelho
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 7-15-2019
Mental Attitude: “Burn-Out” Now Recognized as a Medical Condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
added “burn-out” to its list of recognized medical diagnosis codes called the International Classification of Diseases.
Burn-out is defined as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been
successfully managed.” The syndrome is further characterized by three dimensions: 1) feelings of energy depletion or
exhaustion; 2) increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and 3)
reduced professional efficacy. World Health Organization, May 2019
Health Alert: Dentists Prescribe Antibiotics That Are Unnecessary Most of the Time. After reviewing nearly 170,000
dentist-written antibiotic prescriptions from 2011 to 2015, researchers concluded that 81% of scripts were unnecessary as
the patients did not have a cardiac condition that warranted an antibiotic prescription as recommended by current medical
guidelines. The Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry’s Dr. Susan Rowan notes, “Dental providers are very thoughtful
when they develop care plans for their patients and there are many factors that inform dentists’ recommendations, but this
study shows that there is an opportunity for dentists to reevaluate if necessary.” JAMA Network Open, May 2019
Diet: Eat More Fruits & Veggies! An analysis of data from ten published studies concerning 33,645 participants
concluded that there’s an association between increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and a reduced risk for
experiencing depressive symptoms. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2019
Exercise: Interval Training Can Benefit Obese Seniors. Among a group of 36 obese 70-year-old men and women,
those who participated in a ten-week home-based bodyweight interval training program lost an average of two pounds of
body fat and gained one pound of lean muscle mass. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, May 2019
Chiropractic: Overweight/Obese Children Have Increased Risk for Lumbar Hyperlordosis. Examinations of 910
pre-adolescents revealed that kids who are overweight for their age are more likely to exhibit excessive curvature of the
lumbar spine, which may raise their risk for future back pain. The findings are especially concerning to researchers as
obesity has become more prevalent among children in recent decades. Childhood Obesity, April 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Normal Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels Can Prevent “Heart Block.” Heart block, also
known as atrioventricular block, occurs when electrical signals between the chambers of the heart are disrupted. This is
often felt as a skipped beat and can result in the need for a pacemaker. An analysis of data concerning more than 6,000
people, aged 30 and older, showed that every 10 millimeter increase in systolic blood pressure (top number) is associated
with a 22% greater risk of heart block, and every millimeter increase in fasting blood sugar is linked to a 19% greater risk
of developing the rhythm disorder. Researchers estimate that 47% of the heart block cases in the study could have been
prevented with ideal blood pressure, while 11% could have been prevented with normal fasting blood sugar levels.
JAMA Network Open, May 2019
Quote: “Nobody owes anybody a living, but everybody is entitled to a chance.” ~ Jack Dempsey
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 7-8-2019
Mental Attitude: “Bad” Cholesterol Tied to Alzheimer’s. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL or the “bad” cholesterol)
may play a role in the development of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, researchers observed that individuals
with high LDL cholesterol levels had an elevated risk for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease when compared to participants
with lower LDL levels, even after controlling for a genetic mutation linked to high LDL cholesterol. Lead researcher Dr.
Thomas Wingo notes, “If there is a causal link between Alzheimer’s disease and cholesterol, we might need to revise
targets for LDL cholesterol levels to help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.” JAMA Neurology, May 2019
Health Alert: Epilepsy Linked to Increased Risk for Second Stroke. Using data from six published studies concerning
over 16,000 adults, researchers estimate that patients with epilepsy who experience either a hemorrhagic or ischemic
stroke may have up to double the risk for a subsequent stroke. Epilepsy & Behavior, June 2019
Diet: Energy Drinks and the Heart. According to a new study, consuming two energy drinks can result in a significant
change in the time that the chambers of the heart need to contract and relax. This measure is called the QT interval, and
when this number rises, a person’s risk of experiencing life-threatening arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death also
increases. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, May 2019
Exercise: Take More Steps. Health and activity tracker data collected from over 17,000 older women revealed that
increasing the number of steps taken per day from 2,700 steps to 4,400 steps may reduce the risk of death in the next four
years by up to 41%. JAMA Internal Medicine, May 2019
Chiropractic: Oscillatory Mobilization and Sustained Stretch Mobilization. Cervical radiculopathy is a relatively
common disorder that compels patients to seek chiropractic care. In this study, researchers compared the effects of two
forms of mobilization therapy (oscillatory vs. sustained stretch) on 46 cervical radiculopathy patients and found that both
were effective at improving pain, range of motion, and disability. However, the patients in the oscillatory mobilization
group experienced greater improvements with respect to functional ability and range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic
commonly use a variety of mobilization techniques along with other treatment approaches, such as spinal manipulation, to
reduce pain and improve function in patients with musculoskeletal pain, including cervical radiculopathy.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, May 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a collection of symptoms that usually does
not exhibit visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract, and individuals who have family members with IBS
are at a greater risk of developing the condition themselves, as are individuals with high stress levels and those who have
experienced a gastrointestinal event. The National Institutes of Health states that symptoms of IBS include abdominal
pain, diarrhea or constipation, and whitish mucus in the stool. The organization recommends that you should seek care if
you believe you have symptoms consistent with the condition. National Institutes of Health, June 2019
Quote: “Life doesn’t just happen to you; you receive everything in your life based on what you’ve given.”
~ Rhonda Byrne
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 7-1-2019
Mental Attitude: Teasing Kids About Weight May Lead to Weight Gain. A study that included 110 middle school
students who were either overweight or at risk of being overweight found that those who reported high levels of weightrelated teasing were more likely to experience an increase in their body mass index than participants who were not teased
about their weight. Study author Dr. Natasha Schvey explains, “Weight-based teasing is associated with a bunch of
unhealthy behaviors. Teasing about weight can prompt unhealthy eating. Kids may also avoid physical activity because of
teasing. There might also be some biological mechanisms. Being stigmatized for your weight is a stressful experience,
which might lead to an increase in stress hormones, which might make you crave unhealthy foods.”
Pediatric Obesity, May 2019
Health Alert: Chronic Inflammation and Late-Life Depression… An analysis of data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in
Communities Study suggests that individuals with chronic inflammation in the decades leading up to old age have an
elevated risk for late-life depression. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, May 2019
Diet: Highly Processed Foods Linked to Heart Disease. Researchers monitored the health and dietary behaviors of over
100,000 adults for five years and identified an association between ultra-processed food consumption and an elevated risk
for both heart attack and stroke. BMJ, May 2019
Exercise: Exercise Apps Help Boost Activity Levels. Exercise apps and fitness trackers have become very popular, but
do they really help users become more active? In a study involving 210 inactive women, researchers observed that those
who used the combination of an exercise app, an activity tracker, and personal counseling increased the number of steps
they took per day, as well as the number of minutes per day they engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity—and
these increases persisted up to three months after the end of the study! JAMA Network Open, May 2019
Chiropractic: Connective Tissue Manipulation Benefits Those with Chronic Low Back Pain. Among a group of 66
chronic low back pain patients, those who received connective tissue manipulation in addition to physiotherapy modalities
reported greater improvements with respect to pain, mobility, and overall wellbeing when compared to participants treated
with sham manipulation or just physiotherapy alone. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manipulative
therapy and other treatments to help chronic low back pain patients achieve a successful outcome.
Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, April 2019
Wellness/Prevention: How to Stop Nail Biting. Biting your nails is unsanitary and can damage the skin around the nail,
increase the risk of infection, and harm teeth. To stop nail biting, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: avoid
factors that trigger nail biting; take steps to manage stress and anxiety; keep your nails neatly trimmed; occupy your hands
or mouth, such as by chewing gum; and apply a bitter-tasting lacquer to nails. If you’re concerned about nail biting,
consider talking to a doctor or a mental health professional. Mayo Clinic, June 2019
Quote: “Sometimes success isn’t about making the right decision, it’s more about making some decision.”
~ Robin S. Sharma
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 6-24-2019
Mental Attitude: Obesity May Shrink the Brain. Based on MRI scans of the brains of over 12,000 middle
age and older adults, researchers have identified an association between higher amounts of body fat and reduced
volume of gray matter in certain areas of the brain. Though researchers are unsure of the nature of this
relationship, they say it’s possible that unhealthy nutrition and physical inactivity could be partly responsible.
Radiology, April 2019
Health Alert: Too Much Sitting Is Bad for the Heart. An analysis of data from the Women from the
Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health concerning 5,638 older women found that sitting for
eleven or more hours during the day can elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease over the next five years by
up to 34%. Circulation, February 2019
Diet: Veggies, Fruits, and Grains Good for the Heart. Among a group of more than 16,000 middle age and
older adults, those with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had up to a 41% lower risk for heart
failure than participants who consumed a diet low in such foods.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, April 2019
Exercise: Exercise Improves Memory. In a recent study, researchers overserved that engaging in a single
session of moderate-intensity exercise resulted in greater activity in several areas of the brain associated with
memory formation and retention. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, April 2019
Chiropractic: Backpack Use Can Lead to Neck and Shoulder Pain. Examinations of 160 students revealed
that the average student’s backpack weighs the equivalent of 18% of their body weight, which is above the 10-
15% recommended by experts to reduce the risk for backpack-related musculoskeletal pain. Additionally,
researchers observed that while wearing a backpack, students adopted a more forward head posture, which can
increase the risk for both neck and shoulder pain. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, March 2019
Wellness/Prevention: What Is Sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to
infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that without early treatment, sepsis can lead to
tissue damage, organ failure, and death. To protect yourself from sepsis, the agency recommends the following:
talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent infections, take care of chronic health conditions, practice
good hygiene, know the symptoms of sepsis, and act quickly if you suspect sepsis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2019
Quote: “Simplicity is prerequisite for reliability.” ~ Edsger Dijkstra
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.