Category Archives: Uncategorized

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 11-19-2018

Mental Attitude: Kids with Musculoskeletal Pain Have Increased Risk for Psychological Issues… According to
a new study that looked at data from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children’s Health, boys and girls with a
musculoskeletal condition have an elevated risk for anxiety, depression, and behavioral/conduct problems.
Rehabilitation Psychology, October 2018
Health Alert: Path to Obesity Starts in Preschool. Preschoolers who quickly gain weight are at a particularly
higher risk for becoming obese teens. In this study, researchers looked at the weight-gain patterns of more than
51,000 German children and found that more than 50% of obese teens had already become overweight or obese by
the time they reached age five. New England Journal of Medicine, October 2018
Diet: A Third of Americans Eat Fast Food Daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports
that 37% of adults have eaten fast food at least once in the last 24 hours.
National Center for Health Statistics, October 2018
Exercise: Family Caregivers Benefit From Exercise. Exercise can reduce stress and improve cellular health
among family caregivers. Researchers recruited 68 sedentary individuals who cared for family members suffering
from either Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The participants were divided into either a group that
undertook 40 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five times per week or a group that was asked not to alter their
current level of activity. At the end of the six-month study, the exercise group not only experienced improved
cardiorespiratory fitness, but they also reduced their body mass index, trimmed their waistlines, and reported lower
levels of stress. Lastly, the researchers observed an increase in telomere length among participants in the exercise
group, a trait that previous studies have associated with slowed cellular aging.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, October 2018
Chiropractic: Leg Pain Commonly Precedes Spinal Pain in Children. In a study involving 1,008 Danish school
children, parents reported each week whether their child had spinal pain, lower extremity pain, or upper extremity
pain. The results revealed that children were more likely to experience an episode of spinal pain after experiencing
lower extremity pain. Additionally, the likelihood of spinal pain increased in children who had more frequent or
longer lasting lower extremity pain. The researchers conclude, “This paper confirms that attention to the entire
musculoskeletal system is required to understand the course and development of spinal pain.”
European Journal of Pediatrics, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Should Pregnant Women Take a Calcium Supplement? Following a review of data from
27 published studies, researchers conclude that women who take a calcium supplement during their pregnancy may
have a reduced risk for pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, particularly if they also consume a low-calcium diet.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, October 2018
Quote: “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” ~ William Penn
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, 11-12-2018

Mental Attitude: Sleep Duration May Affect Stroke Risk in Men. After reviewing data concerning
approximately 17,000 American adults, researchers report that men who sleep nine or more hours per night have a
70% greater risk for stroke than average sleepers. Neurology, October 2018
Health Alert: Dementia and Diabetes Are a Deadly Combo. An analysis of data regarding nearly 20,000 seniors
with either type 1 or 2 diabetes revealed that older adults with both diabetes and dementia had a 67% elevated risk
for death following dangerously low blood sugar than those with only diabetes. Dr. James Pickett, the head of
research at the Alzheimer’s Society notes, “Very low blood sugar levels are clearly dangerous to anyone with
diabetes, and this suggests the effects might be even more extreme in people with dementia.”
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, October 2018
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Help Your Vision. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as the
Mediterranean-style diet, may significantly reduce your risk for developing age-related macular degeneration
(AMD). In this study, researchers analyzed data on over 5,000 people, aged 55 and older, and found that those who
closely followed a Mediterranean style diet had a 41% lower risk for developing late-stage AMD than participants
who did not follow such a diet. American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson Dr. Emily Chew adds,
“Chronic diseases, such as AMD, dementia, obesity and diabetes, all have roots in poor dietary habits. It’s time to
take quitting a poor diet as seriously as quitting smoking.” Ophthalmology, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise Helps Kids with ADHD. A review of data from 18 published studies found moderate-to-highquality
evidence that engaging in an exercise program improved attention and social behavior in children with
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, September 2018
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care Improves Health-Related Quality of Life. Assessments completed by 2,024
neck pain and back pain patients at 125 chiropractic clinics throughout the United States revealed that overall,
chiropractic treatment results in significant quality of life improvements with respect to physical functioning, pain,
fatigue, sleep disturbance, and social health. Spine, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Dealing with Poison Ivy. If you touch or even get near poison ivy, you can develop an itchy,
blistering rash within 72 hours. Though the rash usually goes away after a short time, some people can have serious
reactions that require a trip to the doctor. To help manage a poison ivy rash, the American Academy of Dermatology
offers these suggestions: wash anything that may have come in contact with the oil; avoid scratching, which can
trigger an infection; take lukewarm soapy baths to ease itching; apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the
rash; and take an antihistamine if recommended by your physician.
American Academy of Dermatology, September 2018
Quote: “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” ~ John Wooden
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, 11-5-2018

Mental Attitude: Asthma May Increase Postpartum Depression Risk. A review of data concerning over 200,000
new mothers found that those with asthma were 58% more likely to develop postpartum depression within one year
of the birth of their child. The researchers conclude, “A close monitoring of signs of depression for pregnant women
with asthma is indicated, allowing prompt and efficient interventions if needed.”
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, October 2018
Health Alert: Diabetes Linked to Arthritis and Osteoporosis. Data from a Danish National Health Survey
involving 109,218 adults over the age of 40 showed that those with diabetes were 33% more likely to have
osteoarthritis, 70% more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis, and 29% more likely to have osteoporosis. Low back
pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain were also more common among diabetics. Researchers suspect that the
relationship between these conditions and diabetes may be due to the presence of chronic inflammation.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, October 2018
Diet: Diet May Affect Breast Cancer Risk. A new animal study suggests that the breast glands have a
“microbiome” that’s influenced by diet—just like the gut! In the study, researchers found that monkeys fed a
Mediterranean-style diet had a different mix of bacteria in their breast tissue than those fed a Western-style diet.
Specifically, the researchers observed a ten-fold increase in lactobacillus in the mammary glands of the monkeys in
the Mediterranean-style diet group, which past studies have demonstrated can inhibit breast cancer tumor growth.
Cell Reports, October 2018
Exercise: Fitness May Improve Cancer Survivability! In this study, researchers found that men with greater
cardiorespiratory fitness at the time of their cancer diagnosis were 23% less likely to die during the following five
years than those with poor fitness scores. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, October 2018
Chiropractic: Back Pain is a Major Problem for Med School Students. Brazilian researchers interviewed 629
medical school students and found that 77% of female students and 51% of male students experienced periods of
recurrent back pain. One in five said their back pain interfered with social activities, while about 30% noted back
pain interfered with either physical activities or school activities. The research team also noted a strong association
between the risk of recurrent back pain and poor posture habits among the participants in the study.
Clinical Rheumatology, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Coping with Cancer. The American Cancer Society offers the following advice for
individuals who have received a cancer diagnosis: become informed about your cancer and how you can improve
your health; face your fears, but don’t dwell on them; express your feelings to a loved one or counselor; enjoy the
present, rather than dwelling on the future or past; make time to do what you want; maintain a positive attitude;
identify things you feel grateful about; eating well and exercise; rest often; and explore different ways to relax.
American Cancer Society, October 2018
Quote: “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
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, 10-29-2018

Mental Attitude: Doctor Burnout Leads to Poor Care. Investigators analyzed data concerning nearly 42,500 doctors
from around the world and found that physicians who were overworked or overstressed were 1.9 times more likely to
have a patient safety incident, such as a medication error or a miscommunication about treatment that placed the patient at
risk. Furthermore, these doctors were 2.3 times more likely to act unprofessionally or receive poor satisfaction marks from
their patients. Dr. Cynthia Smith, the vice president for clinical programs with the American College of Physicians,
explains that paperwork is a leading cause of burnout for doctors of all ages, and the advent of electronic health records
has made things worse rather than better. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce paperwork and ease doctors’
administrative burden could help reduce burnout. JAMA Internal Medicine, September 2018
Health Alert: Serious Birth Complications on the Rise in the US. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality, the rate of serious birth complications in the United States rose from 101 per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations
to 147 per 10,000 between 2006 and 2015, and the rates of acute kidney failure, shock, mechanical ventilation use, and
sepsis at delivery more than doubled during the same period. Agency director Dr. Gopal Khanna writes, “With these data
in hand, state and federal agencies, patient safety experts, and health systems can evaluate maternal morbidity trends in
greater depth, a vital step before addressing the challenge.” Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2018
Diet: Children without Access to Good Food Face Hypertension Risk. An analysis of national health survey data from
2007 to 2014 showed that more than one-fifth of kids between the age of 8 and 17 lacked access to nutritious foods.
Furthermore, among boys and girls with poor nutrition, over 14% had high blood pressure, compared to only 11.6%
among those with better access to nutritious food. American Heart Association, August 2018
Exercise: Better Student Fitness and Higher Test Scores? Using data collected over the course of four years from
1,138 elementary schools across the state of Georgia, researchers identified a school-wide association between higher
cardiorespiratory fitness and better performance on standardized tests. Journal of School Health, October 2018
Chiropractic: Poor Posture Linked to Headaches? In this case study, a man with a history of constant pain and
headaches following a work injury presented for chiropractic care. A thorough examination revealed that the patient had
exaggerated forward head posture and thoracic hyperkyphosis. Following a thirteen-week treatment plan that involved
exercises, traction, and manipulation, the patient experienced improvements in regards to his posture, pain, and headaches.
This case report adds to a growing body of research linking headaches with dysfunction in the cervical and thoracic spine.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D and Scarring. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of negative health
outcomes, and new research shows it may even affect scarring. In the study, researchers examined 50 patients who had
sustained a cut longer than one inch the previous year and found that those with healthy vitamin D levels were less likely
to have developed a raised or hypertrophic scar. Dermatologic Surgery, September 2018
Quote: “The greatest truths are the simplest, and so are the greatest men.” ~ Julius Charles Hare

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, 10-22-2018

Mental Attitude: COPD and Depression… Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease
that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. Among a group of 556 COPD
patients, researchers found that more than half (57.2%) suffered from depression, which previous research has associated
with both reduced quality of life and increased mortality risk. Cureus, July 2018
Health Alert: Evidence Lacking for Statin Use in Healthy Seniors? In this study, researchers analyzed data concerning
nearly 47,000 elderly adults with no history of heart disease and found that statins were not associated with a reduced risk
of heart disease or death from any cause in healthy people in this age group. BMJ, September 2018
Diet: Should Expectant Mothers Take Fish Oil Supplements? According to a new study, taking fish oil supplements
during pregnancy can lead to healthier growth in the first six years of a child’s life. In the study, researchers monitored
736 women who took either fish oil or olive oil supplements in the third trimester of their pregnancy until one week after
giving birth. They observed that children whose mothers took fish oil had higher total mass, higher lean mass, and higher
bone mineral content at age six than the children whose moms consumed an olive oil supplement. BMJ, September 2018
Exercise: Walking Linked to Lower Heart Failure Among Women. Among a group of over 137,000 middle-aged and
older women, researchers identified an association between walking and a lower risk for developing heart failure.
Heart Failure, September 2018
Chiropractic: Strategies to Reduce Work-Related Back Pain. No matter if you work at a desk or operate heavy
machinery, back pain can make it difficult to perform your job. To help avoid back pain at work, experts at the Mayo
Clinic recommend the following: maintain good posture; when lifting heavy objects, lift with your legs, use your core
muscles, and avoid twisting; when available, use a lifting device; alternate physically demanding tasks with less
demanding ones; limit or avoid carrying heavy brief cases, purses, or bags; change positions often; and walk and stretch
periodically. Mayo Clinic, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Avoid Lawnmower Injuries. Lawnmower injuries can range from cuts and burns to broken bones
and amputations. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand recommends the following to help stay safe when
operating a mower: read the mower’s manual before use; make sure to keep the mower in good working order with sharp
blades, and make sure the mower has protection over hot and sharp parts; clear potential hazards, such as stones, toys, and
debris, before mowing; wear goggles, hearing protection, gloves, and long pants while mowing; wear sturdy, close-toed
shoes while mowing; don’t drink alcohol before or during mowing; don’t remove safety devices or guards from mowing
equipment; never insert hands or feet into the mower to remove grass or debris; never lift a mower by the bottom, as the
blades can cut fingers even if the mower is off; never cut grass while it is wet or damp; never allow children under age
twelve to operate a push mower or those under 16 to drive a riding mower; keep children off the lawn while mowing; and
never have a passenger on a riding mower. American Society for Surgery of the Hand, September 2018
Quote: “In youth we learn; in age we understand.” ~ Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200

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, 10-15-2018

Mental Attitude: Post-Concussion, Ease Back into Normal Activities… New United States government guidelines
recommend that after sustaining a concussion, children should refrain from physical and mental activities for the first
three days, including school and sports, and then gradually resume their normal routine. Researchers Dr. Matthew
Breiding notes, “Some children and teens think concussions aren’t serious or worry that if they report a concussion they
will lose their position on the team or look weak. Remind them that it’s better to miss one game than the whole season.”
JAMA Pediatrics, September 2018
Health Alert: Sleep Loss Increases Risk for Diabetes. In this study, researchers found that six hours of sleep
deprivation led to elevated blood glucose in the liver, an increase in triglyceride levels, and changes to levels of liver
enzymes related to metabolism in otherwise healthy rats. The research team believes that the changes induced by sleep
deprivation may be the root cause of insulin resistance and buildup of fat in the liver, increasing the risk for diabetes,
regardless of changes in activity and diet. American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism, July 2018
Diet: Nutrient-Rich Diet Beneficial to Heart Failure Patients. An examination of data regarding 246 heart failure
patients found that 44% of patients with deficiencies in seven or more micronutrients—the most common being calcium,
magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E—were hospitalized or died within the next year, compared with only 25% of
patients who had fewer or no nutrient deficiencies. Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise May Boost Brain Power in Alzheimer’s Patients. According to a study involving mice with a
condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, exercise may trigger the production of new neurons in brain regions
where memories are encoded, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. Science, September 2018
Chiropractic: Almost Half of Golfers Have Back Pain… Among a group of 271 recreational golfers, researchers found
that 45% suffered from mechanical lower back pain (MLBP) and 23% had sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD). Further
analysis showed that nearly 96% of the golfers with SIJD also had MLBP. The findings suggest that doctors should
evaluate the sacroiliac joint in golfers with low back pain and that improving sacroiliac joint function could reduce the
risk of low back pain recurrence. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Connecting with Your Child. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that children who
have a positive, healthy relationship with their parents are better able to handle challenges such as family instability,
parental stress, or depression. To improve parent-child bonding, the NIH recommends the following: reward and praise
your child for good behavior; give your child chores and offer praise for jobs well done; don’t be overly critical if a child
fails a task and allow time to develop new skills; use kind words, tones, and gestures when giving instructions or making
requests; spend time every day in warm, positive, loving interactions with your child; identify opportunities to increase
family time, such as taking walks or reading books together; brainstorm solutions to problems at home or school together;
set rules for screen time; show interest in your child’s feelings, concerns, worries, goals, and ideas; and participate in
activities that your child enjoys, such as the child’s games, activities, and performances.
National Institutes of Health, September 2018
Quote: “The worst times can be the best if you think with positive energy.” ~ Domenico Dolce

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, 10-8-2018

Mental Attitude: Air Pollution Linked to Dementia. Among a group of 130,978 United Kingdom residents, researchers
found that those living in areas with higher levels of air pollution had up to a 40% increased risk for developing dementia
over the following decade. BMJ Open, September 2018
Health Alert: Poor Healthcare Linked to Millions of Death Worldwide. A two-year project in which 30 academics,
policymakers, and health experts examined how to measure and improve healthcare quality worldwide concluded that
poor-quality healthcare leads to about 5 million deaths per year in developing countries. They found that poor-quality care
is a major cause of deaths from treatable conditions, such as cardiovascular deaths, neonatal conditions, road injury,
tuberculosis, HIV, and other infectious disease. Additionally, lack of access to care is a significant factor in deaths from
cancer, mental and neurological conditions, and chronic respiratory conditions.
The Lancet Public Health Journal, September 2018
Diet: Whole Grains Help Prevent Diabetes. After monitoring the health of 55,000 adults for 15 years, researchers report
that participants with the highest wholegrain intake had a lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes (34% for men and
22% for women) than those with the lowest wholegrain intake. Journal of Nutrition, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise Doesn’t Affect Onset of Menopause. Is there a link between how much a woman exercises and her
risk for early menopause? An analysis of twenty years of data concerning more than 107,000 women found no association
between physical activity levels at any point in life and the early onset of menopause. Study director Dr. Elizabeth
Bertone-Johnson writes, “Our results, in conjunction with other studies, provide substantial evidence that physical activity
is not importantly associated with early menopause… we would encourage premenopausal women to be physically active,
as exercise is associated with a range of health benefits.” Human Reproduction, September 2018
Chiropractic: Does Chiropractic Care Prevent Back Pain? If you suffer from non-specific low back pain (NSLBP),
the results of a new study support continued chiropractic care following your initial course of treatment. In the study,
which included 328 NSLBP patients who responded well to chiropractic treatment, those who continued to receive care at
least once every three months reported twelve fewer days with bothersome back pain over the following year than patients
who did not receive maintenance care. PLOS One, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Protecting Children After Pet Exposure. Classroom pets, such as Guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, or
frogs can be a great learning experience for kids, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that
exposure to animals does come with some risk. Because they are still developing their immune system, children are more
likely to get sick after handling an animal. The CDC recommends the following to reduce a child’s risk: always wash
hands with water and soap right after touching animals, their food, or their habitats; disinfect areas where animals have
been; supervise handwashing for younger children; use a hand sanitizer if running water and soap are not available; and
avoid cleaning tanks, feeders, water containers, and other equipment where food is prepared, served, or eaten.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 2018
Quote: “The measure of success is happiness and peace of mind.” ~ Bobby Davro

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, 10-1-2018

Mental Attitude: Depression and Anxiety Are Common in Adults with Autism. Using data from 35 studies published
between 2000 and 2017, researchers estimate that nearly one in four (23.7%) adults with autism spectrum disorder
currently have depression while 27% suffer from an anxiety disorder. Psychological Medicine, September 2018
Health Alert: Superbug Spreading in Hospitals. Three variants of the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis
bacteria have been discovered in samples from 78 hospitals in ten countries. It is suspected that the superbug is spreading
rapidly due to the high use of antibiotics in intensive care units, where patients are routinely prescribed strong drugs.
Researcher Dr. Ben Howden adds, “This highlights that the use of more and more antibiotics is driving more drugresistant
bacteria… With all bacteria in a hospital environment we are driving more resistant strains and there’s no doubt
that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest dangers to hospital care worldwide.” Nature Microbiology, September 2018
Diet: Amazonian Fruit May Help Prevent Obesity. In this study, researchers found that consuming camu camu—a fruit
native to the Amazon— improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and reduced blood endotoxins and metabolic
inflammation in mice that were fed a high-sugar, high-fat diet. The findings suggest that camu camu phytochemicals may
play a role in the fight against obesity and metabolic disease, but further studies are needed to determine if such benefits
would extend to humans. Gut, July 2018
Exercise: Nearly 1.5 Billion Adults Worldwide Face Disease Because of Inactivity. Living a sedentary lifestyle has
put more than one-quarter of adults worldwide at risk for serious disease. Current guidelines call for at least 150 minutes
of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Based on an
analysis of survey data, researchers report that nearly one-third of women and one-quarter of men worldwide failed to
meet these levels in 2016, placing them at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and certain types of cancer.
The Lancet Global Health, September 2018
Chiropractic: Does Spinal Manipulation Improve Pulmonary Function? Thoracic spinal manipulation may improve
pulmonary function in stroke patients. In this study, researchers tested the pulmonary function of 36 stroke patients before
and after they received either a thoracic spinal adjustment or a sham treatment. The participants in the thoracic
manipulation group experienced significant improvements in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at one
second. Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: What Causes Urinary Incontinence? Loss of bladder control is called urinary incontinence (UI).
It is a common condition that becomes more prominent with age. Common causes include weakened and stretched pelvic
muscles in women following childbirth; certain medications; being overweight or obese, which increases pressure on the
bladder and related muscles; urinary tract infection; vascular disease; and diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and
multiple sclerosis. In many instances, UI can be treated with simple exercises and bladder training, though serious cases
may require more invasive approaches. HealthDay, September 2018
Quote: “To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven.” ~ J. B.
Priestley
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, 9-24-2018

Mental Attitude: Extra Fat Around the Middle Linked to Cognitive Impairment. Researchers have uncovered an
association between a greater hip-to-waist ratio and worse performance on cognitive assessments after age 60. Given the
high incidence of obesity in the aging population and the economic and social burden of cognitive dysfunction, the
findings suggest that reducing obesity could offer a cost-effective public health strategy for the prevention of cognitive
decline. British Journal of Nutrition, August 2018
Health Alert: Eat More Types of Vegetables. Among a sample of 1,429 Australian women over the age of 70,
researchers observed a relationship between the diversity of vegetables one eats and their risk for suffering a serious fall.
In particular, the research team found that for every serving of a different vegetable consumed per day, the risk for
experiencing a serious fall drops by 8%. Nutrients, August 2018
Diet: Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy Helps Children of Women with Epilepsy. Common medications
taken during pregnancy to prevent epileptic seizures can increase the risk of language delays in children, but a new study
that included data from over 100,000 participants suggests that taking a folic acid supplement can cut that risk by up to
66%. Researcher Dr. Elisabeth Synnove Nilsen Husebye writes, “These results are important for women with epilepsy all
over the world because many epilepsy drugs interact with the way folate is metabolized by the body, so we are still
learning how much folic acid is needed for women with epilepsy and how it benefits their children.”
Neurology, August 2018
Exercise: Benefits of Swimming. Here are fifteen reasons to consider taking up swimming a form of exercise: it’s a
whole-body workout, it builds cardiovascular strength, it’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, it’s a great
skill to have, it’s beneficial for people with injuries, it’s good for people with disabilities, it can help those with asthma, it
helps improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS); it’s safe to do during pregnancy; it helps burn calories; it adds variety
and fun to your exercise program; it helps improve sleep; it boosts mood; it can help manage stress; and it’s accessible and
affordable. WebMD, July 2018
Chiropractic: Office Workers with Neck Pain Have Poor Posture. Work-related neck disorders are common among
office workers. In a new study, researchers assessed the relationship between moderate work-related neck disorders and
head posture, stiffness, and pain thresholds of the neck muscles in 16 office workers with work-related neck pain and 16
asymptomatic office workers. They discovered that female office workers with work-related neck pain were more likely
to exhibit forward head posture and experience more stiffness in the upper trapezius muscles. The findings suggest that
employers could reduce work-related neck pain by improving ergonomics and promoting proper neck posture among their
staff. PM&R, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Diabetics who maintain healthy vitamin D
levels have a reduced risk for painful peripheral neuropathy. This suggests that strategies to improve vitamin D levels
(getting more sun exposure, eating more vitamin D-rich foods, taking a supplement) should be incorporated into the
diabetes management process. Diabetes Medicine, August 2018
Quote: “We all can be only who we are, no more, no less.” ~ Terry Goodkind

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UDATE for your Napa Chiropractor, 9-17-2018

Health Alert: Can Being Overweight Change the Heart Structure of Young Adults? Being overweight may thicken
heart muscle tissue and increase blood pressure, elevating one’s risk for future heart disease. In this study, researchers
analyzed data on thousands of healthy young adults and found a link between a greater BMI and both higher blood
pressure and enlargement of left ventricle of the heart. Lead author Dr. Kaitlin H. Wade explains, “Thickening of vessel
walls is widely considered to be the first sign of atherosclerosis, a disease in which fatty plaques build up within the
arteries and lead to heart disease. However, our findings suggest that higher BMIs cause changes in the heart structure of
the young that may precede changes in blood vessels… Our results support efforts to reduce body mass index to within a
normal, healthy range from a young age to prevent later heart disease.” Circulation, July 2018
Diet: Caffeine Not Helpful to Dieters. Caffeine is often found in weight-loss aids, claiming to curb appetite and speed up
metabolism, but new research suggests otherwise. In a study involving 50 healthy adults, researchers observed that
participants ate 70 fewer calories in the morning after drinking a small amount of caffeine equivalent to 4 ounces of
coffee; however, the participants tended to eat more later in the day, suggesting that caffeine had no effect on total calorie
consumption. Study co-author Dr. Carol DeNysschen writes, “[This study] reinforces the importance of good eating habits
and not relying on unsupported weight-loss aids or unhealthy practices.”
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, July 2018
Exercise: Active Teenagers Are Healthier. Encouraging teens to be physically active can lead to a number of health
benefits. In a study that included 422 high school students, researchers found that teens who engaged in at least one hour
of physical activity at least five days a week had a greater overall sense of wellbeing and life satisfaction; a lower risk for
depression, including self-harm and suicide ideation; and a reduced risk for substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol,
and illicit drugs. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, August 2018
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Can Affect Your Shoulder Movement… In this study, researchers found that among a group
of 60 adults under the age of 45, those with chronic neck pain exhibited reduced function and range of motion in the
shoulder. Additionally, the research team observed a relationship between greater neck pain intensity and worse shoulder
joint performance. Physiotherapy Research International, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Benefits of Whole Grains. Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet, as they provide
a source of fiber, several B vitamins, and important minerals such as iron, magnesium, and selenium. The Department of
Agriculture notes that adding more whole grains to one’s diet can reduce constipation, improve heart health, aid in weight
loss, and prevent neural tube defects during fetal development. Department of Agriculture, August 2018
Quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” ~ Samuel Goldwyn

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