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.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
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.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 7-17-2019
Mental Attitude: Americans Are Stressed. A worldwide poll conducted last year revealed that about 55% of
Americans said they felt stressed the day before, compared to just 35% in other countries, and nearly 45% of
Americans felt worry the day before, compared to 39% worldwide. Gallup, April 2019
Health Alert: Warning for Those Who Use Sleep Aids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
slapped a tough new warning label on prescription medications such as Zolpidem, Eszopiclone, and Zaleplon.
The move was in response to 66 cases of patients engaging in dangerous behaviors due to daytime drowsiness
the day after use, of which a third resulted in fatalities related to carbon monoxide poisoning, drowning, falls,
hypothermia, or motor vehicle accidents. FDA Acting Commissioner Dr. Ned Sharpless adds, “We recognize
that millions of Americans suffer from insomnia and rely on these drugs to help them sleep better at night…
while these incidents are rare, they are serious and it’s important that patients and healthcare professionals are
aware of the risk.” Food and Drug Administration, April 2019
Diet: Skipping Breakfast May Not Be Good for the Heart. Researchers tracked the health of over 6,500
Americans for about 20 years and found that people who said they never had breakfast had an 87% higher risk
of death from heart-related causes than those who always ate breakfast.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, April 2019
Exercise: Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy… Following their analysis of data from 76 published
studies, researchers report that women who exercise during pregnancy have a reduced risk for excessive
gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and symptoms of postpartum depression.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, June 2019
Chiropractic: Thoracic Manipulation for Cervical Radiculopathy? Among a group of 43 patients with
cervical radiculopathy, those treated with thoracic spinal manipulation experienced improvements in pain,
function, cervical range of motion, and deep neck flexor endurance that were not experienced by participants
who received a sham treatment. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize spinal manipulation in the management of
patients with cervical radiculopathy. Journal of Orthopedics and Sports Physical Therapy, May 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Older Adults in Pain Are More Likely to Be Lonely. Questionnaires completed by
9,299 seniors revealed that those with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain were more likely to be socially isolated than
their peers without MSK pain. British Journal of Pain, May 2019
Quote: “Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.” ~ Irving Berlin
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, 6-10-2019
Exercise: You Can Combine Resistance Exercise and Running. New research suggests it can be done safely if one engages in endurance training first and allows at least half a day for recovery before lifting weights.
Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Megna Call 707-226-5200 #chiropractor
Mental Attitude: Saturated Fat Linked to Dementia? Using data from nine published studies involving
23,402 older adults, researchers have identified an association between dietary intake of saturated fat and an
elevated risk for dementia. Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2019
Health Alert: Psoriasis Patients Have Increased Risk for Sleep Apnea. Psoriasis is a common skin condition
characterized by raised, reddish, often scaly patches that can negatively affect one’s quality of life. A recent
study found that psoriasis patients have an elevated risk for obstructive sleep apnea, especially in more severe
and long-term cases. AIM, March 2019
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Deter Overeating. The Mediterranean diet focuses on eating fruits,
vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains, while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats,
and refined sugars. In a recent study, researchers observed that participants on a Mediterranean-style diet ate
fewer calories, had lower body weight, and had less body fat than those who consumed a Western-style diet.
Obesity, April 2019
Exercise: You Can Combine Resistance Exercise and Running on the Same Day. Previous studies have
suggested that weightlifting can harm endurance training performance when both are performed on the same
day; however, new research suggests it can be done safely if one engages in endurance training first and allows
at least half a day for recovery before lifting weights. Sports Medicine, April 2019
Chiropractic: Cervical Spine Impairments Common in Youngsters Post-Concussion. Examinations of 73
children and adolescents with a history of concussion found that 90% had impairments in at least three of five
assessment categories: posture, myofascial impairment, joint mobility, muscle strength, and joint
proprioception. The study findings reveal a high prevalence of cervical spine impairments in children and teens
with a history of mild-traumatic brain injury. Doctors of chiropractic are educated and skilled in the treatment of
musculoskeletal conditions associated with concussions.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, April 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Treating Bleeding Gums. Bleeding gums can be a sign of many conditions, from
plaque buildup to gum disease. To treat bleeding gums, MedlinePlus recommends the following: visit your
dentist every six months; follow your dentist’s homecare instructions; brush and floss your teeth twice daily;
avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol; and follow a balanced, healthy diet. MedlinePlus, April 2019
Quote: “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” ~ Stevie Wonder
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, 6-3-2019
Mental Attitude: Teens with ADHD May Be Higher-Risk Drivers… After reviewing the health records and
driving history of 14,936 men and women born between 1987 and 1997, researchers report that as teenagers,
individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to be cited for moving
violations or be in a car accident. Additionally, the adolescents in the study with ADHD were also more likely
to be in a motor vehicle collision that involved alcohol use. Pediatrics, May 2019
Health Alert: Vitamin D Associated with Statin-Related Musculoskeletal Pain? Musculoskeletal (MSK)
pain is a common side effect associated with statin use. In a recent study that compared patients on statins with
and without MSK pain, researchers observed that those with MSK pain were nearly four times more likely to
have deficient vitamin D levels. The results suggest that improving the vitamin D levels of patients on statin
therapy may reduce their risk for statin-related MSK pain. Disease Markers, March 2019
Diet: Eat Walnuts? The results of a recent study that involved 45 overweight/obese adults suggest that adding
walnuts to one’s diet can result in lower central blood pressure, which may reduce the risk for cardiovascular
disease. Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2019
Exercise: Walking Helps Your Gut Bacteria! Past research has associated a healthy gut bacteria population
with greater immune function, better nervous system function, and a reduced risk for several chronic diseases
and cancers. In this study, researchers observed that normally sedentary seniors who participated in a brisk
walking program for twelve weeks experienced an improvement in their intestinal microbiota.
Nutrients, April 2019
Chiropractic: Neck Pain May Lead to Mid-Back Pain. In this study, researchers observed that after inducing
neck pain, participants experienced a reduction in mid-back stability. The findings suggest that pain in one area
of the spine can affect stability in other spinal regions, which may increase the risk for the development of pain
in those areas as well. This underscores the importance of examining the whole patient to identify causes of
pain that may exist outside of the affected area; otherwise, the patient may not experience a successful treatment
outcome. Journal of Biomechanics, April 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Smoking Linked to Pancreatic Cancer. An analysis of data concerning over 350,000
adults over a 13-year time period revealed that current smokers are up to 81% more likely to develop pancreatic
cancer than never smokers. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, May 2019
Quote: “The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.” ~ Hubert H. Humphrey
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, 5-27-2019
Mental Attitude: Autistic Kids “In Tune” with Mom’s Feelings. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
usually have trouble interpreting facial emotions, but a new study finds that some autistic kids are just as “in-tune”
with their mother’s expressions as kids without ASD. In the study, researchers had young children with and without
ASD view five facial expressions of both familiar and unfamiliar faces. The researchers observed that boys and girls
without autism were better able to read strangers’ expressions, especially negative emotions such as fear and
sadness. However, children with high-functioning autism read the emotions on their mother’s faces just as well as
kids without the condition. Based on the findings, the study’s authors recommend future large-scale studies to
determine if this effect also applies to expressions from other familiar individuals, such as fathers, siblings, and
classmates. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, March 2019
Health Alert: The Night Shift Is Tough on the Heart. In this study, researchers analyzed data concerning more
than 320,000 people and found that individuals who routinely work nights are 13% more likely to develop coronary
heart disease than daytime workers The cause of the increased risk is unknown, but the research team speculates that
disruption of the normal sleep-wake cycle, increased stress, and unhealthy lifestyles associated with shift work may
be factors for the increased risk. Occupational Medicine, March 2019
Diet: Red/Processed Meats and Colorectal Cancer Risk. A review of dietary data concerning over 600,000
middle aged men and women in the United Kingdom suggests that consuming more than 76 grams of red or
processed meat per day is associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer.
International Journal of Epidemiology, April 2019
Exercise: Exercise Improves Survival Odds for Cancer Patients. The results of a new study suggest that
exercising for at least one hour a day may improve the five-year survival rate of cancer patients by up to 15%.
Southern Medical Journal, April 2019
Chiropractic: Back Pain and Firefighters. Surveys completed by 430 firefighters revealed that those exposed to
higher levels of occupational stress were 52% more likely to report a musculoskeletal pain condition, with back pain
being the most common complaint. Int’l Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, March 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Keeping Pets Safe During Severe Weather. Keeping your pets safe during severe weather
events should be part of your family safety plan. The National Weather Service recommends bringing pets indoors
during storms, never leaving pets alone in the car during hot or cold weather, confining pets to one room in case of
flooding or wildfire, and making plans to care for pets in the event you must evacuate.
National Weather Service, April 2019
Quote: “Life is half spent before we know what it is.” ~ George Herbert
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, 5-20-2019
Mental Attitude: Smiling Can Boost Your Mood. Following a review of data from 14 studies published in the last
fifty years, researchers conclude that smiling can make people feel happier, scowling can evoke angrier feelings, and
frowning can result in the sensation of sadness. Lead researcher Dr. Nicholas Coles writes, “We don’t think that
people can smile their way to happiness… But these findings are exciting because they provide a clue about how the
mind and the body interact to shape our conscious experience of emotion. We still have a lot to learn about these
facial feedback effects, but this meta-analysis put us a little closer to understanding how emotions work.”
Psychological Bulletin, April 2019
Health Alert: Type 1 Diabetics Often Not Aware of Low Blood Sugar Episodes. Seniors who suffer from type 1
diabetes appear to have trouble avoiding low blood sugar. In this study, researchers monitored 203 type 1 diabetics
over the age of 60 and observed that participants spent an average of 72 minutes a day with blood sugar levels of less
than 70 mg/dL and 24 minutes a day at less than 54 mg/dL. Endocrine Society, March 2019
Diet: Omega-3s May Help Patients with Fatty Liver. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat
accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption. The current research suggests that,
due to their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be an effective
treatment for NAFLD early in the course of the disease. Nutrients, April 2019
Exercise: Exercise Before Learning Something New? The current research suggests that engaging in a session of
acute exercise before learning new information improves memory encoding. Brain Science, April 2019
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation’s Effect on Leg Range of Motion. A review of data from eight random
controlled trials found that a single application of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) can improve lower limb
neurodynamics (length of mobility of various components of the nervous system) and the range of motion of the
legs. The authors of the review recommend future research using standardized neurodynamic tests to explore
technique types and evaluate the longer-term effects of spinal manipulation. The study shows yet another possible
benefit of techniques commonly used by doctors of chiropractic.
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, February 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Controlling Endometriosis Symptoms. Endometriosis is a potentially painful condition that
occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. According to the Office on Women’s Health, while there is
no cure for endometriosis, there are several treatments that can minimize symptoms such as birth control medication,
hormonal therapy, herbs/supplements, acupuncture, and even chiropractic care.
Office on Women’s Health, March 2019
Quote: “The truth needs so little rehearsal.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
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, 5-13-2019
Mental Attitude: Hearing Loss Linked to Stroke Risk? An analysis of data concerning nearly 20,000 middle aged
and older Chinese adults identified an association between hearing loss and an elevated risk for stroke, particularly in
cases of severe hearing loss. Atherosclerosis, March 2019
Health Alert: Post-Concussion Symptom Persistence… Using data concerning 647 patients who had experienced
a mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI), researchers identified the following risk factors for post-concussion symptoms
and disability: advancing age, female gender, previous psychiatric history, and the involvement of assault or alcohol
in the head injury. British Journal of Neurosurgery, April 2019
Diet: Reduce Sugary Drinks. Regular sugary drink consumption has been linked to many chronic diseases and
conditions. If you struggle with reducing your sugary drink intake, the Alaska Department of Health and Social
Services offers the following suggestions: limit sugary drinks to special occasions; choose water or low-fat milk
instead; carry water with you; and make water tasty by adding lemon or mint.
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, March 2019
Exercise: Find Time for a 7-Minute Workout. If it’s difficult to find time for a workout, try this 7-minute workout
created by the American College of Sports Medicine that combines cardio and resistance exercises into a single
circuit training session involving jumping jacks, wall sits, push-ups, abdominal crunches, step-ups, squats, tricep
dips, planks, running in place, lunges, push-ups, and side planks. Perform each exercise for 30 seconds with a tensecond break before starting the next exercise. The circuit can be performed just once, or it can be repeated up to
three times. Because you don’t need any equipment, it can be done just about anywhere and can provide great fitness
benefits. American College of Sports Medicine, March 2019
Chiropractic: Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Pain Sensitivity. In a study that involved 29 patients with
chronic low back pain, researchers observed that participants treated with six sessions of spinal manipulative therapy
(SMT) not only experienced improvements related to low back pain and disability but also in pressure point
thresholds in both the lower back and lower extremities up to a week after the conclusion of care.
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, March 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Smoking Linked to Stroke Recurrence. Following a stroke, individuals who continue to
smoke cigarettes are nearly twice as likely to experience a recurrent stroke as those who have never smoked.
However, those who quit smoking can slash that risk by nearly 60%.
Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2019
Quote: “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.” ~ Abraham Maslow
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.