Mental Attitude: Depression Is a Risk for Teenagers with Epilepsy. In this study, researchers evaluated nearly 400 teens with epilepsy and found that 22% had depressive symptoms, 8% had moderate or severe depression, and another 5% had thought about or attempted suicide. American Epilepsy Society, November 2018 Health Alert: Insomnia Linked to Accelerated Cellular Aging. Telomeres are the molecular structures found on the ends of chromosomes that help keep them from deteriorating or sticking to neighboring chromosomes. In recent years, researchers have identified an association between reduced telomere length and many age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. A new study that included nearly 1,000 Brazilian adults found a relationship between chronic insomnia and shorter telomere length. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, November 2018 Diet: Omega-3s May Reduce Risk of Early Birth. An analysis of data from past studies indicates that increased omega-3 fatty acid intake during pregnancy (from supplementation and/or diet) may reduce the risk for preterm birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, November 2018 Exercise: Are Fit Teens More Likely to Finish College? Not only are teens who exercise more likely to work out in adulthood but a new long-term study suggests there’s an association between physical activity during adolescence and higher education attainment. Journal of School Health, January 2019 Chiropractic: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? When it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), what’s the best approach? In this study, researchers monitored the status of 128 women with clinically diagnosed CTS who underwent either conservative care or surgical carpal tunnel release. After one year, the researchers reported similar outcomes for members of both groups; however, the women in the conservative care group required less time off work and their treatment costs were about $3,000 lower than those who underwent the surgical procedure. The findings support the recommendation to exhaust conservative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, before electing for surgery, outside of an emergency situation. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, November 2018 Wellness/Prevention: Evade the Appearance of Aging. Wrinkles are a part of aging, but you can take steps you can take to keep your skin smoother for longer. To accomplish this, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following: use sunscreen daily on all exposed skin; avoid tanning; use a moisturizer; test makeup and skin care products to determine if you will have a reaction; and stop using products that sting or burn unless prescribed by a dermatologist. American Academy of Dermatology, December 2018 Quote: “The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world.” ~ Max Born

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

Mental Attitude: Grip Strength May Hint at Dementia Risk. In this study, researchers monitored 1,055 older Japanese adults for 24 years and found that participants who experienced a reduction in handgrip strength over time were up to 51% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia in their later years. Journal of Epidemiology, December 2018 Health Alert: Is More Green Space Good for the Heart? Though more research is necessary to understand the underling mechanisms at play, a five-year study has found that individuals living in neighborhoods with more green space appear to be less affected by stress, which may reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. Journal of the American Heart Association, December 2018 Diet: High-Sodium Diet May Increase Risk for Heart Arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, which has been linked to both stroke and heart failure. A new study that monitored over 700 middle-aged men and women for an average of 19 years revealed a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation among those who consumed the most salt. Lead author Dr. Tero Pääkkö adds, “This study provides the first evidence that dietary salt may increase the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation, adding to a growing list of dangers from excessive salt consumption on our cardiovascular health.” Annals of Medicine, November 2018 Exercise: Anxious? Go Running. Among a group of 35 young adults with generalized anxiety disorder, researchers observed that running on a treadmill for 30 minutes resulted in an immediate reduction in participants’ anxious symptoms. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, December 2018 Chiropractic: Grip Strength Linked to Low Back Pain. A review of health data concerning 15,000 South Korean adults revealed that women over the age of 50 with a weaker grip (which may indicate lower fitness levels) were more likely to report chronic low back pain than those with a stronger grip. The findings suggest that maintaining an active lifestyle in middle and old age may reduce one’s risk for developing low back pain. PLOS ONE, November 2018 Wellness/Prevention: Skin Patch Might Tell if You’ve Been in the Sun Too Long. Scientists from Northwestern University report that individuals may soon be able to wear a small battery-free patch that can alert them when they are approaching an unsafe level of ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. Researcher Dr. Steve (Shuai) Xu notes, “In the [United States], we’re in a skin cancer epidemic, which is driven by excessive UV exposure… Thus, this technology would be useful for the majority of individuals by empowering them to know how much UV they are actually getting.” Science Translational Medicine, December 2018 Quote: “The secret to keeping moving is keeping moving.” ~ Dick Van Dyke

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

Mental Attitude: Could a Childhood Infection Lead to Mental Health Issues? After reviewing the health records of more than one million persons, researchers report that individuals who had been hospitalized with an infection as children were 84% more likely to have received a diagnosis for one or more mental health conditions (schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality and behavior disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, or tics, for example) later in life. Lead researcher Dr. Ole Kohler- Forsberg writes, “The findings linking infections with mental disorders in the developing brain do add more knowledge to this growing field, showing that there exists an intimate connection between the body and the brain.” JAMA Psychiatry, December 2018 Health Alert: Air Pollution May Raise Diabetes Risk. A review of existing research suggests that individuals with greater exposure to air pollution may be at an elevated risk for impaired glucose metabolism, a condition known to precede type 2 diabetes. Current Epidemiology Reports, November 2018 Diet: Mediterranean Diet During Pregnancy Linked to Healthier Development in Children. According to a new study that followed 2,700 children until age four, those whose mothers most closely followed the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy were 32% less likely to experience an abnormal growth pattern through age four. Study author Dr. Dora Romaguera adds, “These results support the hypothesis that a healthy diet during pregnancy can have a beneficial effect for child development.” Journal of Pediatrics, November 2018 Exercise: Benefits Parkinson’s Patients. The current research suggests that physical exercise (such as aerobic exercises, treadmill training, dancing, traditional Chinese exercise, yoga, or resistance training) can improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, December 2018 Chiropractic: Active or Static Stretching for Neck Pain? Among a group of 24 sedentary workers with neck pain, researchers found that both active and passive stretching resulted in similar improvements in range of motion, pain threshold, and perceived disability. Doctors of chiropractic commonly incorporate these types of stretches into their treatment plans for patients with neck issues. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, November 2018 Wellness/Prevention: Are You at Risk for AFib? Currently, 2.7 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. The American Heart Association lists the following risk factors for AFib: advanced age, high blood pressure, heart disease, drinking alcohol, family history, and sleep apnea. American Heart Association, November 2018 Quote: “The best revenge is massive success.” ~ Frank Sinatra

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

Mental Attitude: Standing Up to Bullies. In a study that included 450 sixth-graders and 446 ninth-graders, researchers observed that children with positive familial relationships were more likely to deem bullying behaviors as unacceptable and intervene in such situations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, October 2018 Health Alert: Soaps, Shampoos May Be Pushing Girls into Early Puberty. Exposure to chemicals found in many personal care products appear to be linked to early puberty in girls. In this study, researchers observed that when a woman had double the amount of phthalates, parabens, or triclosan in her blood during pregnancy, her daughter would experience signs of puberty one or more months earlier than her peers who had less chemical exposure while in utero. Study author Dr. Kim Harley comments, “[Our] findings are consistent with what we know about the endocrine-disrupting properties of these chemicals… So, although we are not ready to say that early life exposure to these chemicals causes earlier puberty in girls, we have enough evidence to be concerned.” Human Reproduction, November 2018 Diet: Mediterranean Diet and Lower Cardiovascular Risk. The results of a twelve-year study suggest that women who most closely follow a Mediterranean-style diet (which focuses on a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, while limiting red meat and dairy consumption) have a 23-28% reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. JAMA Network Open, December 2018 Exercise: Physical Activity May Reduce Fall Risk for Seniors with Alzheimer’s. According to a new study, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels have better spatial navigation skills than less-fit AD patients. This suggests that promoting exercise can reduce the fall risk for patients with AD. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, November 2018 Chiropractic: Deep Neck Muscle Training for Neck Pain. The deep neck muscles, which help maintain cervical posture, are often weak or deconditioned in patients with neck pain. In this study, researchers observed that neck pain patients who engaged in deep cervical flexor training experienced improved neuromuscular coordination and head/neck posture—changes not seen in a control group that did not perform such exercises. Doctors of chiropractic commonly train patients with neck pain to perform deep neck muscle exercises as part of the treatment process. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, November 2018 Wellness/Prevention: Healthier Lifestyle Improves Breast Cancer Survival Chances. Among a group of 2,300 early stage breast cancer patients, those who most closely adhered to advice regarding eating a healthier diet and becoming more physically active were more likely to survive the disease. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 2018 Quote: “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” ~ Margaret Mead

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

Mental Attitude: Certain Chemicals Tied to Language Delays in Children. A new study suggests that children may suffer a
delay in language development if their mothers come into frequent contact with chemicals called phthalates early in their
pregnancy. In a study that involved 1,370 pregnant women in Sweden and the United States, researchers found that children
with higher exposure to two phthalates (dibutyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate) while in utero had up to a 30% increased
risk for language delay than kids with less phthalate exposure. JAMA Pediatrics, October 2018
Health Alert: FDA Bans Lead in Hair Dyes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that lead acetate will
no longer be approved as a hair color additive. Tom Neltner, the chemicals policy director at the Environmental Defense Fund,
explains, “In the last several decades, we’ve seen tremendous progress in reducing exposure to lead from major sources. Given
this progress and wide recognition that there is no safe level of exposure, it may seem unbelievable that common hair dyes
contain the neurotoxin—putting those who use the product and their children at risk… We now know that the approved use of
lead acetate in adult hair dyes no longer meets our safety standard.” The FDA notes that companies have twelve months to
reformulate hair dye products that contain lead acetate, which will put an end to the only remaining legal use of this neurotoxin
in cosmetic products in the United States. Food and Drug Administration, October 2018
Diet: Vitamin D Supplement May Help with Bedwetting. Nocturnal enuresis is a common urinary bladder problem in
younger children. In this study, researchers found that giving a daily vitamin D supplement to children with a history of wetting
the bed appeared to significantly reduce the number of wet nights experienced by 44.4% of the participants within two months.
Journal of Pediatric Urology, June 2018
Exercise: Exercise May Reduce Risk of Falls Among Alzheimer’s Patients. Among a group of 210 seniors with Alzheimer’s
disease, researchers observed that those who participated in a year-long exercise program had a lower risk of falling than
Alzheimer’s patients who did not exercise. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2018
Chiropractic: Diabetes-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. According to a new paper published in the European Journal of
Rheumatology, patients with diabetes mellitus have an elevated risk for a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
limited joint mobility syndrome, frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis, Dupuytren’s contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, stiff
hand syndrome, flexor tenosynovitis, Charcot osteoarthropathy, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic
amyotrophy, diabetic muscle infarction, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and osteoporosis. Doctors of chiropractic
commonly treat many of these conditions, often in conjunction with a patient’s medical provider, when appropriate.
European Journal of Rheumatology, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Child Fever Guidelines. Fever is generally not a concern, but some cases do require medical attention.
The Nemours Foundation recommends that you seek immediate care if your child shows the following behaviors or symptoms:
won’t stop crying; exhibits extreme irritability or fussiness; has trouble waking up; develops a rash or purple spots that look like
bruises; has blue lips, tongue, or nails; has a stiff neck; has a severe headache; is limp or refuses to move; has trouble breathing
that doesn’t improve when the nose is cleared; is leaning forward and drooling; has a seizure; and complains of moderate-tosevere
belly pain. Nemours Foundation, November 2018
Quote: “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” ~ Tom Peters
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Stigma of Autism Can Affect Psyche. Social stigma may play a significant role in depression, anxiety, and other
mental health issues experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In a study involving 111 autistic adults, researchers
found that 72% of psychological distress reported by participants was due to social stigma such as discrimination and rejection. Study
author Dr. Monique Botha writes, “We already suspected there would be a significant impact of discrimination on the mental health of
the autistic population, it’s just that no one’s really studied the impact of that before… The only thing we were surprised by was how
potentially strong a relationship there was… To put it colloquially, it blew our minds.” Society and Mental Health, October 2018
Health Alert: A Dangerous Synthetic Opioid Now Showing Up in Crack Cocaine. Fentanyl-laced crack cocaine is causing lifethreatening
overdoses. According to researchers, within a four-day period, 18 patients in a Philadelphia hospital were treated for an
apparent opioid overdose after using crack cocaine. Lead study author Dr. Utsha Khatri explains, “None of them had intended to use
opioids or fentanyl, but their drug testing as well as their clinical presentation argued they had been exposed to pretty high doses of
fentanyl.” Fentanyl has been increasingly found in drugs including heroin and cocaine, as well as methamphetamine, ketamine, and
counterfeit prescription pills. Emily Feinstein, the executive vice president of the Center on Addiction concludes, “We’re really in a
fentanyl epidemic right now… Overdose death rates are really driven by fentanyl.” New England Journal of Medicine, October 2018
Diet: Plant-Based Diets Are a Great Option for Type 2 Diabetics. A review of data from eleven clinical trials involving diabetics
has identified an association between adopting a plant-based diet and improved physical and emotional quality of life.
BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, October 2018
Exercise: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Linked to Vitamin D Levels. Among a group of 1,995 adults, researchers found that those
with higher vitamin D serum levels also tended to have better cardiorespiratory fitness than participants with sub-optimal vitamin D
readings. Researcher Dr. Amr Marawan adds, “Our study shows that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better exercise
capacity… We also know from previous research that vitamin D has positive effects on the heart and bones. Make sure your vitamin
D levels are normal to high. You can do this with diet, supplements, and a sensible amount of sun exposure.”
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, October 2018
Chiropractic: A Frozen Shoulder Causes More Than Pain. Adhesive capsulitis (AC), also known as frozen shoulder, is described
as a painful restriction of the shoulder’s range of motion and about 3% of adults will develop the condition in their lifetime. In this
study, researchers examined 148 adults, half of whom had AC, and identified a strong association between pain, anxiety, and sleep
disturbance among those with frozen shoulder. The findings suggest that anxiety and disturbed sleep are common among patients with
frozen shoulder and that conservative treatment, such as chiropractic care, aimed at reducing pain and improving range of motion may
also improve sleep quality and anxiety levels in patients with the condition.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Swollen Gums. Unhealthy gums are often swollen, red, and painful. Triggers for swollen gums
usually include poor dental care, malnutrition, poorly fitted dentures, or side effects of a medication. To prevent swollen gums, the
National Library of Medicine recommends the following: consume a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and
vegetables; skip foods that can lodge under the gums, such as popcorn or chips; avoid mouthwash that irritates your gums; brush and
floss your teeth regularly; and visit your dentist or periodontist a minimum of every six months.
National Library of Medicine, November 2018
Quote: “Fortune does favor the bold and you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Sleep Vital for Concussion Recovery in Kids. Among a group of 356 youth athletes who had suffered a
sport-related concussion, researchers observed that those who experienced trouble sleeping were not only less likely to recover
during the following 2-4 weeks but they also reported more severe symptoms. First author Dr. Jane Chung writes, “The
importance of good sleep quality is often underestimated in young athletes… Sleep is not only important for physical, mental,
and cognitive well-being, but also seems to play a pivotal role in the recovery of the brain following a sport-related
concussion.” American Academy of Pediatrics, November 2018
Health Alert: Instant-Soup Burns Sends Thousands of Kids to ER Yearly. Instant soups can provide a quick meal for kids,
but these food products can also lead to scalding burns. Researchers analyzed data from 2006 to 2016 and found that burns
associated with instant soups and noodles affect more than 9,500 children each year with about 40% of these burns occurring on
the torso. The investigators note these burns are most likely due to kids spilling hot soup or water on themselves when picking
up a hot container. American Academy of Pediatrics, November 2018
Diet: Cottonseed Oil May Help Lower Cholesterol. University of Georgia researchers have found that a high-fat diet enriched
with cottonseed oil significantly improved cholesterol profiles in 15 healthy, normal weight men who ate high-fat meals for five
days in two separate trials. Specifically, the participants experienced an average decrease of 8% in total cholesterol while on the
cottonseed oil diet, along with a 15% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), a 30% decrease in triglycerides, and
an 8% increase in high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol). Researcher Dr. Jamie Cooper adds, “One of the reasons these
results were so surprising is because of the magnitude of change observed with the cottonseed oil diet… To see this amount of
change in such a short period of time is exciting.” Nutrition Research, November 2018
Exercise: Exercise Can Reduce Effect of Some Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions During Pregnancy. Researchers analyzed
data from 32 studies that included over 52,000 pregnant women and found that while exercise did not reduce their risk for low
back pain, pelvic girdle pain, or lumbopelvic pain either during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, being physically active
did lessen the severity of these musculoskeletal conditions when they occurred. BMJ Sports Medicine, October 2018
Chiropractic: Manipulation & Exercise Helps Seniors with Neck and Back Pain. Back pain and neck pain are common
causes of disability among older adults. In this study, researchers observed that among a group of 182 seniors with back pain or
neck pain, those who participated in a twelve-week treatment program that involved a combination of spinal manipulative
therapy and rehabilitative exercise experienced significant improvements in disability.
Arthritic Care & Research, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Importance of Ear Wax. Ear wax is naturally produced in the ear canal. Over time, it gradually travels
to the opening of the ear, where it falls out or is removed when bathing. For some individuals, ear wax can build up in the ear,
impairing hearing and requiring removal by a healthcare provider. According to the Nemours Foundation, here are some of the
functions of ear wax: it protects and moisturizes the skin to help prevent dry and itchy ears; it contains special chemicals that
help prevent infection; and it acts as a shield for the eardrum, protecting it against dust, dirt, or other objects that enter the ear.
Nemours Foundation, October 2018
Quote: “Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.” ~ Marie Curie
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Adversity Early in Life Affects Development. Examinations of 274 children and adolescents have uncovered a
link between physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and faster biological aging, including pubertal development and cellular aging.
Additionally, the researchers found that children exposed to other forms of early life adversity, such as neglect and food insecurity,
showed signs of delayed pubertal development. Senior author Dr. Katie McLaughlin adds, “[The findings] demonstrate that different
types of early-life adversity can have different consequences for children’s development.” Biological Psychiatry, November 2018
Health Alert: Gut Bacteria May Be Linked to Body Movement… Researchers from the California Institute of Technology have
discovered that when they changed the composition of gut bacteria in fruit flies, it had a corresponding effect on the locomotive
capabilities of the test subjects. While further research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms involved and if such
findings may carry over to humans, the findings suggest dietary modifications could one day aid in the treatment of movement
disorders, like Parkinson’s disease. National Institutes of Health, October 2018
Diet: Low-Fat Diet May Improve Cancer Survival? According to a new study involving mice, a simple dietary change could
potentially help increase the survival rate of obese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Researchers discovered that when
obese mice with leukemia were switched to a low-fat diet, they were five times more likely to survive than subjects that continued to
consume a high-fat diet. Lead researcher Dr. Steven Mittelman adds, “The most exciting thing to me about this study is the fact that
this shows that a dietary intervention could potentially help us kill leukemia cells in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia…
The current treatments for leukemia are very toxic, so finding a way to use a healthy diet, without increasing the toxicity of therapy to
treat people with cancer, would be incredible.” Cancer & Metabolism, October 2018
Exercise: Only Three Percent of Children Reach Recommended Daily Activity Levels. In a study that included 807 children, aged
nine or ten, researchers found that although a third of the boys and girls in the study exercised an average of 60 minutes per day, only
3% did so every day. Researcher Dr. Lisa Price notes, “We don’t know whether averaging 60 minutes a day will be different in terms
of health outcomes compared to 60 minutes daily—more research is needed to look into this… We do know that most children aren’t
doing enough physical activity, and that this has consequences not just in childhood but in adulthood too.”
Journal of Physical Activity and Health, November 2018
Chiropractic: Sleep Troubles May Predict Chronic Widespread Pain. Over the course of an 18-year study, researchers observed
that participants who developed problems with initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, early awakening, and non-restorative sleep had
about double the risk for developing chronic widespread pain. Past research has uncovered a two-way relationship between poor sleep
and musculoskeletal pain, underscoring the importance of seeking care to manage conditions like neck pain and back pain as soon as
possible—rather than delaying treatment—in order to reduce the risk of disturbed sleep and subsequent chronic widespread pain in the
future. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, November 2018
Wellness/Prevention: When to Wash Your Hands. Frequent hand washing is an excellent way to prevent illness. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention notes that you should always wash your hands in the following instances: before, during, and after
preparing food; before eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or
cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom; after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing; after touching an animal, their cage,
or their food or handling animal waste; after handling garbage; and if you have dirty hands.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2018
Quote: “You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” ~ Albert Camus
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Week of: Monday, December 3rd, 2018
Courtesy of:
Mental Attitude: Happy Memories As a Child Might Benefit Your Health Later. A multi-year study that monitored the
wellbeing of over 22,000 adults in their mid-40s found that participants who recalled receiving higher levels of affection from
their mother during childhood were more likely to have better physical health and fewer depressive symptoms in the present
day. Lead author Dr. William Chopik adds, “One might expect childhood memories to matter less and less over time, but these
memories still predicted better physical and mental health when people were in middle age and older adulthood.”
Health Psychology, November 2018
Health Alert: A Noisy Neighborhood May Raise Heart Disease Risk. Living in a noisy neighborhood may be more than just
annoying, it may raise the risk for serious heart issues. Among a group of 500 healthy adults, researchers found that those who
lived in areas with higher levels of ambient noise have up to a three-times greater risk for heart attack, stroke, or another major
cardiovascular event than participants from quieter areas. Further analysis showed that participants from noisier neighborhoods
tended to have greater activity in their amygdale (a region of the brain involved in stress regulation) and more inflammation in
their arteries, which has been associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular problems. Lead researcher Dr. Azar Radfar
notes, “We are not the first group talking about noise and cardiovascular disease… What we really show here is the mechanism
linking noise to major adverse cardiovascular events.” American Heart Association, November 2018
Diet: Just One Energy Drink… Caffeine-loaded energy drinks are very popular, but a new study suggests that they may make
your blood vessels less efficient in the short term. Researchers examined the blood vessels of 44 healthy, non-smoking medical
students both before and after they consumed a 24-ounce energy and found that after finishing the energy drink, the internal
diameter of the participants’ blood vessels became dramatically smaller. Lead researcher Dr. John Higgins explains, “It’s more
work for the heart and less oxygen supply for the heart. This could explain why there have been cases where kids have had a
cardiac arrest after an energy drink.” American Heart Association, November 2018
Exercise: Physical Activity Protects the Heart. According to a new study that monitored the health status of over 65,000
middle-aged adults for a decade, regular exercisers have a reduced mortality risk for several cardiovascular outcomes, including
acute myocardial infarction, chronic ischaemic heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure,
cerebrovascular events, and aneurysm and peripheral vascular diseases. European Journal of Epidemiology, November 2018
Chiropractic: Cervical Spine Mobilization Results in Immediate Results. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal
complaint that can be both costly and disabling. In this study, 40 neck pain patients received either cervical mobilization or a
motionless manual contact. Those in the mobilization group experienced improvements related to movement-associated pain, as
well as increased range of motion and velocity when turning the head. Mobilization is frequently used by doctors of chiropractic
to treat patients with neck pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Getting Adequate Vitamin D. Vitamin D is vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system. The
Arthritis Foundation offers the following suggestions for boosting one’s vitamin D levels: get direct sunlight without sunscreen
for just 10 to 15 minutes every other day; eat 3 ounces of a fish rich in vitamin D, such as salmon or Atlantic mackerel, two to
four times a week; take a cod liver oil supplement; and eat vitamin D-fortified foods. Arthritis Foundation, October 2018
Quote: “A friend is a gift you give yourself.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Subjective Cognitive Decline May Predict Mortality Risk. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD)
describes a state in which a person feels their thinking abilities have worsened, but this decline cannot be verified by
standardized tests. In a study involving 1,741 seniors, those who reported SCD had an elevated risk for death during
the following five years. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, September 2018
Health Alert: Gum Disease and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Compared to seniors with normal cognitive
function, patients with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or subjective cognitive decline are more
likely to have periodontitis. The results suggest that poor oral health may indicate an individual has an elevated risk
for future cognitive difficulties. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, October 2018
Diet: Vitamin D Supplements May Aid Weight Loss in Obese Kids. Childhood and adolescence obesity represent
a major health problem worldwide, as it can lead to the development of expensive, serious, and debilitating health
complications later in life. A study that involved 232 obese children and adolescents revealed that those given
vitamin D supplements had significantly lower body mass index and body fat and improved cholesterol levels after
one year. These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation could be part of an effective strategy to address
childhood obesity and reduce the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, later in life.
European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise Helps Eliminate Toxic Proteins from Muscles. A new animal-based study has found that daily
exercise helps facilitate the elimination of proteins and organelles in the muscles that are no longer functional.
Investigators say the removal of these components is vital, because when they accumulate, they become toxic and
contribute to muscle cell impairment and death. Principle investigator Dr. Julio Cesar Batista Ferreira explains,
“Imagine the muscles working in a similar manner to a refrigerator, which needs electricity to run. If this signal
ceases because you pull the plug on the fridge or block the neurons that innervate the muscles, before long, you find
that the food in the fridge and the proteins in the muscles will start to spoil at different speeds according to their
composition.” Scientific Reports, September 2018
Chiropractic: Manipulation Plus Exercise Can Help Patients with Shoulder Pain. Americans make over seven
million doctor visits each year for shoulder and upper arm pain. A review of past research has found quality evidence
that a treatment plan that combines thrust manipulation with specific exercises can reduce pain and improve function
in patients with rotator cuff dysfunction. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Don’t Smoke! As if there were not already enough reasons to stop smoking or never start in
the first place, new research indicates that smokers with diabetes have an elevated risk for foot ulcers and more
severe foot ulcers should they occur. Journal of Diabetes Investigation, October 2018
Quote: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” ~ Desmond Tutu
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.