Mental Attitude: Amino Acid Deficiency Associated with Severe Depression. Individuals with severe depression may
have low blood levels of an amino acid involved in brain function called acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC). In this study,
researchers found that participants with depression have lower serum levels of LAC than those without a history of
depression and that patients with more severe depression had even lower LAC levels. The research team also observed a
link between lower LAC levels and both depression that starts earlier in life and depression that is treatment-resistant.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, July 2018
Health Alert: Reduce the Risk of Early Cardiovascular Death… In this study, researchers measured the fitness levels
of 2,014 apparently healthy men at age 50 and monitored their health status for the next three decades. The research team
found that participants in better shape at midlife had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease before age 60.
European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, August 2018
Diet: Eating More Fish During Pregnancy May Reduce Premature Births. Expectant mothers may want to consume
more fish to help avoid delivering too early. In a new study, researchers monitored over 700 pregnancies and found that
the women who had the lowest omega-3 fatty acid serum levels during their first and second trimester were ten times
more likely to have a preterm delivery than those with the highest omega-3 fatty acid readings.
EBioMedicine, August 2018
Exercise: How Much Exercise Do We Need? If you do not have any medical restrictions, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recommends engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, or 75
minutes of vigorous exercise, and at least two strength training sessions per week. Examples of moderate-intensity
exercises include brisk walking, water aerobics, cycling on mostly level ground, and doubles tennis. Vigorous-intensity
exercise examples include jogging or running, swimming laps, singles tennis, basketball, and cycling fast or on hills.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2018
Chiropractic: Risk Factors for Back Pain. According to an analysis of data from an eleven-year study involving over
3,000 Finnish adults, researchers observed the following with regards to low back pain (LBP) and radicular pain: the risk
of LBP declines slightly with age, while the risk of lumbar radicular pain increases over time; abdominal obesity increases
the risk of LBP, while general obesity raises the risk of both LBP and lumbar radicular pain; the use of vibratory tools
increases the risk of lumbar radicular pain; smoking and strenuous physical work both increase the risk for LBP and
lumbar radicular pain; and walking or cycling to work reduces the risk of LBP. Arthritis Care & Research, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have a Urinary Tract Infection? The urinary tract is a common site for an infection,
especially among women. The National Institutes of Health lists the following warning signs of a urinary tract infection
(UTI): pain or burning during urination; fever, tiredness, or shakiness; the urge to urinate often; pressure in the lower
belly; urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish; and pain in the back or side below the ribs.
National Institutes of Health, July 2018
Quote: “He who laughs most, learns best.” ~ John Cleese

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

Mental Attitude: “Heading” a Soccer Ball May Be More Dangerous for Women. Several studies have linked heading
soccer balls with an increased risk for brain injury and new research suggests that the danger is even greater for female
athletes. In the study, researchers compared brain scans of 49 female and 49 male amateur soccer players who reported a
similar number of headings over the previous year (about 470 to 490) and observed far more extensive damage in the
brains of the female participants. Study leader Dr. Michael Lipton explains, “Researchers and clinicians have long noticed
that women fare worse following head injury than men, but some have said that’s only because women are more willing to
report symptoms… Based on our study, which measured objective changes in brain tissue rather than self-reported
symptoms, women do seem more likely than men to suffer brain trauma from heading soccer balls.” Radiology, July 2018
Health Alert: Smoking and Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is described as a serious mental health condition that can
involve hallucinations or delusions and symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania and depression. A review of data
from twelve published studies indicates that smokers are twice as likely to develop the condition as nonsmokers.
Nicotine & Tobacco Research, August 2018
Diet: Healthy Diet Linked to Lower Cancer Risk. An analysis of dietary and health data concerning over 40,000 adults
suggests that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—which focuses on fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, fish, lean
meats, and nuts/seeds—is associated with up to a 12% lower overall cancer risk. Cancer Research, August 2018
Exercise: Muscle “Switch” May Determine Benefits of Exercise. Scientists have discovered a molecular “switch” that
may explain why some people benefit from aerobic exercise and strength training, while others do not. Using both animal
and human subjects, researchers discovered that a protein called C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) helps to determine our
response to exercise. If JNK is activated during exercise, it stimulates skeletal muscle growth. If it’s not activated,
muscles will improve their adaptation for endurance and aerobic capacity. Further research is needed to determine JNK’s
implications in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and its possible role in building muscle to fight muscle-wasting
diseases. Nature Communications, August 2018
Chiropractic: Most Women Have Back Pain During Pregnancy. Questionnaires completed by 287 expectant mothers
revealed that 76% experienced back pain during their pregnancy. Additionally, the researchers found that nearly a third of
the participants in the study reported both back pain and pelvic girdle pain, with the risk for each increasing over the
course of the pregnancy. The research team adds that women with a previous history of back pain or pelvic girdle pain
have an elevated risk for experiencing such pain while pregnant.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: How to Prevent Foot Blisters. Friction against the skin can lead to blisters on the feet, especially
when wearing ill-fitting shoes. To prevent foot blisters, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the
following: wear socks that wick away moisture, make sure to wear shoes that fit properly, apply soft bandages to protect
problem areas, apply powder or petroleum jelly to reduce friction, and stop the current activity immediately if you have
foot pain or discomfort. American Academy of Dermatology, August 2018
Quote: “To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.” ~ Anatole France

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

Mental Attitude: Stressed Workers May Not Benefit from Vacations. A survey of more than 1,500 working
Americans found that many people are unable to relax and enjoy their time away from the office. More specifically, when
participants returned to work after time off, 68% said they were in a better mood; 66% were energized; and 27% reported
feeling motivated and less stressed. Unfortunately, 40% said these feelings were gone within days and 21% never seemed
to relax, saying they felt tense or stressed while on vacation. American Psychological Association, June 2018
Health Alert: Premature Birth Linked to ADHD? Among a group of 113,227 Norwegian children, researchers
observed that those born prior to 34 weeks gestation were over 23% more likely to experience symptoms associated with
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by age eight. JAMA Pediatrics, June 2018
Diet: Folic Acid Supplementation in Foods May Reduce Psychosis Among Kids. Beyond protecting against birth
defects such as spina bifida, fortifying grains with folic acid may also improve fetal brain development and reduce the risk
of developing psychosis. Researchers reviewed 1,400 MRI brain scans of children who were born either before or after
folic acid fortification became mandatory in the United States in the late 1990s and found that those born after
fortification went into effect had significantly thicker brain tissue than those born in previous years. This group also had
delayed thinning of the cerebral cortex in regions linked to schizophrenia risk. Corresponding author Dr. Joshua Roffman
comments, “What we and others are showing is that prenatal folic acid may also confer protection against severe mental
illness in youth, which was not anticipated.” JAMA Psychiatry, June 2018
Exercise: Improves Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients… A review of data from 36 published studies concluded
that regardless of mode (aerobic, resistance, or a combination of both), exercise is both a safe and effective method for
improving quality of life in breast cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, July 2018
Chiropractic: Conservative Treatment for CTS? Researchers reviewed data from ten published studies and concluded
that after one year, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) reported similar improvements in pain and function
regardless of whether or not they underwent surgery or pursued more conservative treatment options. Conservative
chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome often includes manual therapies (manipulation and mobilization) combined
with exercise, traditional wrist splinting, and nutritional recommendations. Hand, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Stay Safe While on Vacation. No one wants to take a trip to the hospital while they’re abroad.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends the following to keep you safe when traveling: avoid spending too much
time in the sun; check your medications before leaving on a trip to make sure you have enough; never pack medication in
your checked luggage; if you wear contacts, always use clean hands when putting them in and bring a spare pair; avoid
tattoo parlors in other countries that have different safety standards; and drink plenty of clean water and eat healthy foods.
Food and Drug Administration, June 2018
Quote: “Courage can’t see around corners but goes around them anyway.” ~ Mignon McLaughlin

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

Mental Attitude: Heart Failure Patients at Greater Risk for Dementia. After monitoring the health status of about
12,000 older adults for fifteen years, researchers found that those with a history of heart failure had up to a 60% increased
risk for developing dementia by the conclusion of the study. Journal of General Internal Medicine, July 2018
Health Alert: Diabetes Raises Cancer Risk. An analysis of data from 121 cohort studies involving over 19 million
participants indicates that diabetics have a 10% increased risk for a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Additionally, among
cancer cases, diabetics have a slightly elevated risk for cancer-related mortality. Diabetologia, July 2018
Diet: Savory Foods May Be Key to Healthy Eating. In this study, researchers measured the inhibitory control, eye
movement, and brain activity of female participants while they made food choices and found that after consuming a
savory flavor-rich broth, those at risk for obesity consumed less saturated fat in their subsequent meal. Senior author Dr.
Miguel Alonso-Alonso writes, “Many cultures around the world advocate drinking a broth before a meal. Our study
suggests the possibility that people at high risk of obesity could benefit from an umami-rich broth before a meal to
facilitate healthy eating and healthy food choice.” Neuropsychopharmacology, March 2018
Exercise: Get Off Your Seat and Start Moving. A review of data concerning nearly 128,000 men and women showed
that individuals who normally sit for six or more hours per day have a 19% higher risk of early death than those who sit
fewer than three hours per day. Excessive sitting may also increase one’s risk for the following: some cancers; heart
disease; stroke; diabetes; kidney disease; suicide; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); lung disease; liver
disease; peptic ulcer and other digestive disease; Parkinson’s disease; Alzheimer’s disease; nervous disorders; and
musculoskeletal disorders. American Journal of Epidemiology, June 2018
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy for Cervicobrachial Pain? Cervicobrachial pain (CP) is described as pain that extends
from the neck into the shoulder and upper arm. In a recent study, researchers found that patients treated with mobilization
therapy, a form of treatment performed by doctors of chiropractic, for six weeks experienced improvements in both pain
and function. The research team concludes, “Our findings challenge the role of pharmacologic versus manual therapy as
possible treatments that may improve pain intensity and upper limb functionality in subjects with CP.”
Archives of Medical Sciences, June 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Getting Outside Is Good for Your Health. Spending time in nature can provide an individual
with significant and wide-ranging health benefits. An analysis of data involving more than 290 million people revealed
that routine exposure to green spaces can reduce the risk for type II diabetes, heart disease, premature death, premature
births, stress, and hypertension. Lead author Dr. Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett notes, “We hope that this research will inspire
people to get outside more and feel the health benefits for themselves. Hopefully our results will encourage policymakers
and town planners to invest in the creation, regeneration, and maintenance of parks and greenspaces, particularly in urban
residential areas and deprived communities that could benefit the most.” Environmental Research, July 2018
Quote: “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

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

Mental Attitude: Siblings Can Ease Pain of Family Conflict. In this study, researchers interviewed children from 236
families and found that teens who had good relationships with their siblings experienced less distress when answering
questions about observed parental disagreements. Study co-author Dr. Meredith Martin writes, “We showed that having a
good relationship with a brother or sister reduced heightened vulnerability for youth exposed to conflicts between their
parents by decreasing their tendencies to experience distress in response to later disagreements between their parents.”
Child Development, June 2018
Health Alert: Heat Waves Raise Heart Attack Mortality Risk. A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather
lasting several days in which temperatures exceed the historical average in the region. An analysis of data from 23
published studies indicates that heat waves may increase the risk of myocardial infarction-related death by up to 64%.
Environmental Pollution, October 2018
Diet: Eye Strain? Eat More Dark, Leafy Greens! Chinese researchers evaluated students from five universities and
found that participants with poor eyesight who consumed larger quantities of dark, leafy green vegetables in their diet had
a 40% reduced risk for eye strain. Examples of dark, leafy greens include spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale, Swiss
chard, arugula, and bok choy. International Journal of Ophthalmology, June 2018
Exercise: Stronger Hips May Help Pitchers Stay on the Mound. In this study, researchers measured lower extremity
performance in 18 collegiate pitchers before and after a simulated game. While researchers observed no change in jump
squat performance following the 117-pitch session, the participants did experience a decline in their hip abduction and
adduction strength that may have affected their pitching velocity. The research team concludes, “Our findings suggest that
hip abduction and adduction strength are susceptible to fatigue owing to repetitive throwing motions and that hip
adduction strength, especially, is an important physical fitness factor for maintaining ball velocity during a game in
baseball pitchers.” Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, June 2018
Chiropractic: Factors That Increase Risk for Degenerative Disk Disease. Disks degenerate when they become
dehydrated, lose height, and the vertebrae on either side develop bony growths called osteophytes, which can cause or
exacerbate lower back pain. In this study, researchers compared data concerning 160,911 degenerative disk disease
(DDD) patients and 315,225 healthy controls and identified the following risk factors for the condition: tobacco use,
hip/knee osteoarthritis, overweight/obesity, and diabetes. Clinical Spine Surgery, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: A Third of Women May Not Get Enough Sleep! Do you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night?
Among a sample of 9,749 Canadian women, researchers found that 38% did not get sufficient sleep. Previous research has
noted an association between insufficient sleep and an increased risk for accidents, poor cognitive performance,
cardiovascular disease, depression, weight gain, diabetes, and early death. Canadian Journal of Public Health, April 2018
Quote: “The man who realizes his ignorance has taken the first step toward knowledge.” ~ Max Heindel

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

Mental Attitude: Bright Future May Help Teens Avoid Violence. If teens are offered the possibility of a good future,
they may become more peaceful. A survey of 866 male teens in poorer neighborhoods showed that those who had a
positive outlook were less likely to say that they’d threatened somebody else or injured others with a weapon in the past
nine months. Based on the findings, researcher Dr. Alison Culyba writes, “Designing youth violence prevention
interventions to help teens develop a positive future orientation may be an important part of reducing violence
perpetration.” JAMA Pediatrics, June 2018
Health Alert: Lyme Disease-Carrying Ticks More Widespread Than Once Thought. A nationwide effort led by
scientists at Northern Arizona University has detected ticks that can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illness in
over 80 counties in the United States where such ticks had not previously been recorded. Researcher Dr. Nate Nieto notes,
“People should be aware of ticks and tick-borne disease, even when they may think there’s not a recorded incidence of a
tick in a county.” PLOS One, July 2018
Diet: Breastfeeding and Picky Eaters. According to a Danish study that included 236 boys and girls, the longer a child
exclusively breast feeds, the lower the chances they’ll be picky eaters when they move on to solid foods. In particular, the
researchers found that kids who exclusively breast fed for their first four/five months of life were almost three-times less
likely to exhibit picky eating behavior than children who breast fed for less than a month. PLOS ONE, July 2018
Exercise: Improved Access to Exercise Classes May Help Those with Lung Conditions. Using information gathered
from one-on-one interviews and focus groups, researchers report that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
patients are more likely to be physically active if they have routine contact with their healthcare provider, support from
their peers, and access to regular organized exercise sessions. Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, June 2018
Chiropractic: Taking Breaks Can Reduce Back Pain Risk for Office Workers. If you work in an office, taking breaks
can cut your risk for developing nonspecific lower back pain (NSLBP). In the study, researchers monitored the behavior
and health of 669 office workers over the course of a year and found that those who took more frequent breaks had a
lower risk for NSLBP, especially in light of more demanding work duties.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Check for Signs of Skin Cancer. The warmer months are a great time for people to check their
skin for signs of cancer. Dermatologist Dr. Katherine Gordon recommends looking for the following: moles that change,
have irregular shapes, or uneven edges; moles that are multi-colored, such as brown, tan, and black; moles that are raised;
moles that are large or have a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser; scales, itchiness, tenderness, or pain around
a mole; a sore that does not heal or recurs; and brown or black streaks under a nail.
UT Southwestern Medical Center, June 2018
Quote: “My main hope for myself is to be where I am.” ~ Woody Harrelson

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

Mental Attitude: Why Do We Get Tongue Tied? Do you have problems getting out the right words from time to time?
An analysis of thousands of voice recordings from around the world revealed that there is a tendency to slow-down before
saying nouns. In other words, you’re more likely to pause a little bit or use “uh” or “uhm” when using a noun. Researchers
say this finding suggests the brain has more difficulty planning for some words than others and they recommend further
study to investigate how the brain reacts to the information value of different words.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 2018
Health Alert: Mosquitoes Bite More During Droughts. Typically, about 5-10% of female mosquitoes feed at any time
during normal weather situations. However, a new study found that lab-induced dehydration led to a 30% feeding rate,
suggesting that mosquitoes try to hydrate on blood when water is not available. Study co-author Dr. Elise Didion writes,
“It makes sense… We find the highest transmission rates of West Nile virus during droughts because mosquitoes may use
blood meals to replace the water they lose.” Scientific Reports, May 2018
Diet: Regular Egg Consumption May Decrease Cardiovascular Risk. An analysis of data concerning nearly half a
million people in China showed that daily egg consumers had a 26% lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke, a 28% lower risk
of death from hemorrhagic stroke, a 12% lower risk of ischemic heart disease, and an 18% lower risk of cardiovascular
death. Though the study was only observational, the findings suggest that there is an association between moderate egg
consumption and a lower rate of cardiac events. Heart, May 2018
Exercise: Promoting Better Health at Work Can Help the Bottom Line. In a study that involved 1,120 employees
from ten businesses, researchers found that participants who received customized information to promote physical activity
and reduce sitting time not only experienced improved health but they also reported greater job satisfaction and increased
productivity. Ergonomics, June 2018
Chiropractic: Sleep Quality Predicts Low Back Pain. Want to reduce your risk for back pain? Work on getting
sufficient, quality sleep. A new study involving 405 working adults found that those with sleep problems had an elevated
risk for one or more episodes of low back pain during the following two years. Based on this finding, the study authors
suggest that difficulty getting sufficient quality sleep may be an early indicator for lower back pain.
Psychology, Health & Medicine, May 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Are You at Risk for an Ectopic Pregnancy? When a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus,
usually in the fallopian tube, it is referred to as an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy causes the fallopian tube to
eventually burst, leading to life-threatening bleeding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists, risk factors for such a pregnancy include the following: previous ectopic pregnancy, prior fallopian tube
surgery, previous pelvic or abdominal surgery, certain STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, smoking,
becoming pregnant at 35 or older, infertility history, and the use of assisted reproductive technology.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2018
Quote: “We are what we believe we are!” ~ C.S. Lewis

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

Mental Attitude: Diabetes and Parkinson’s Risk. Following a review of patient data concerning over eight million
individuals, researchers report that type 2 diabetics have a 32% increased risk for developing Parkinson’s disease. The
researchers note their “findings may reflect shared genetic predisposition and/or disrupted shared pathogenic pathways
with potential clinical and therapeutic implications.” Neurology, June 2018
Health Alert: There’s No Such Thing As “Healthy Obesity”. An analysis of thirty years of data concerning over
90,000 American women showed that obese women who were metabolically healthy (normal blood pressure, cholesterol,
and blood sugar) for over twenty years still had a 57% elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. Lead researcher Dr.
Matthias Schulze explains, “If you are obese, but free of disease like diabetes or hypertension, it does not mean you are
free of the risk for cardiovascular disease… You are still at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to normalweight
healthy women.” The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, May 2018
Diet: Cutting Down on Meat and Dairy May Reduce Heart Failure Risk. Middle-aged men who eat a lot of meat,
dairy, and other high-protein foods may be increasing their risk for heart failure. A review of 22 years of data concerning
2,400 Finnish men found that those with a high-protein diet had a 33% increased risk for heart failure, and the risk
increased if their primary sources of protein were animal meat or dairy. Researcher Dr. Jyrki Virtanen notes, “Our
findings indicate the high protein intake may have some adverse effects on health, especially if the protein is coming from
animal sources.” Circulation: Heart Failure, May 2018
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Fall Risk in Kidney Patients. Falls are a leading cause of death and injury among seniors,
especially those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). An analysis of data concerning 157,753 adults age 65 and over found
that CKD patients who regularly exercised had a 32% reduced risk for experiencing a fall.
Preventing Chronic Disease, June 2018
Chiropractic: Manipulative Treatment Beneficial for Low Back Pain. In a recent study, researchers randomly
assigned 68 patients suffering from non-specific chronic low back pain to receive either five manipulative therapy
treatments or five sham treatments over a one-month period. Following the conclusion of care, the investigators reported
that the patients in the manipulative treatment group experienced significant improvements in pain and disability that were
not observed in the sham treatment group. The findings reveal the beneficial role that manipulative therapy treatments,
such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, can have in the management of non-specific chronic low back pain.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, May 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Sleeping in on the Weekends May Help You Live Longer? New research suggests that too little
sleep during the work week can be counteracted by sleeping in on the weekends. A study involving nearly 44,000 people
showed that the risk of early death among individuals who got less sleep during the week and more sleep on the weekends
differed very little from those who averaged seven hours per night on both weekdays and weekends. The findings suggest
we shouldn’t feel guilty about sleeping in on the weekends. Journal of Sleep Research, May 2018
Quote: “Saying nothing… sometimes says the most.” ~ Emily Dickinson

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

Mental Attitude: Mediterranean Diet May Protect the Brain! The Mediterranean diet focuses on fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, legumes, nuts, healthy fats (such as olive oil), and lean sources of protein such as fish and poultry. In
addition to improved heart health, studies show that the Mediterranean diet may also protect against cognitive decline and
neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Current Nutrition Reports, May 2018
Health Alert: Breast Cancer Survivors Often Not Getting Needed Mammograms. Researchers followed the status of
more than 27,000 women after their breast cancer surgery and found that 13% failed to have a mammogram within one
year of their procedure. At the five-year mark, the percentage of women who had not had a mammogram in the last year
rose to 19% and only 50% had undergone annual mammograms in the preceding half-decade. Lead researcher Dr.
Kathryn Ruddy writes, “The use of regular mammograms to detect a return of breast cancer before any symptoms appear
is associated with better overall survival… Therefore, clinicians need to make sure that their patients are fully aware of
the role these annual mammograms play in screening for new breast cancers as well as for local recurrences.”
Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, May 2018
Diet: Green Tea May Protect the Heart. In atherosclerosis, a protein called apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) sticks to
plaques and makes them larger, which further restricts blood flow. In a new study, researchers discovered that a
compound found in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can break down apoA-1, potentially improving
blood flow. Journal of Biological Chemistry, May 2018
Exercise: Brisk Walking May Lead to a Longer Life. After reviewing survey data and death records from individuals
in both England and Scotland, researchers report that walking speed may predict one’s risk for an early death. In
particular, the research team observed that slow walkers are 20-24% more likely to suffer an early death from any cause
than those who walk at either an average or swift pace. Researcher Dr. Emmanuel Stamatakis adds, “These analyses
suggest that increasing walking pace may be a straightforward way for people to improve heart health and risk for
premature mortality.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, June 2018
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Benefits Common Low Back Conditions. A recent study investigated the effects
of spinal manipulation of the lumbar and sacroiliac joints in twenty patients with lumbar disk herniation combined with
lack of sacroiliac motion (hypomobility). The patients received five spinal manipulations over a two-week period, which
led to significant improvements in back and leg pain that persisted up to one month following their final treatment. The
results show that spinal manipulation can be beneficial in the management of pain and functional disability in patients
with lumbar disk herniation and concomitant SIJ hypomobility. Chiropractic Manual Therapies, May 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Reduce Risk of Miscarriage. An examination of the vitamin D levels of 1,200
women with a history of miscarriage showed that those who had vitamin D levels of 30 ng/mL or more were 10% more
likely to become pregnant within the next six months and 15% more likely to have a live birth than women with lower
vitamin D levels. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, May 2018
Quote: “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” ~ William Butler Yeats

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

Mental Attitude: Do Wood Burning Stoves Increase Dementia Risk? Swedish researchers monitored the health status
of 1,806 individuals for nearly twenty years and found that participants who lived in areas with a higher utilization of
wood burning stoves had an elevated risk for dementia. Though further research is necessary, the results suggest that
exposure to air pollution from wood burning stoves may be an independent risk factor for dementia.
PLOS ONE, June 2018
Health Alert: Lack of Quality Care Leads to Millions of Deaths Worldwide. An analysis of diseases in 130 low- and
middle-income countries that lack quality healthcare showed that 8 million people die needlessly each year, costing those
countries a total of about $6 trillion economically. Experts say it’s important to attach a monetary cost to the loss of
human life, because those numbers can provide economic incentives that spur changes in policy and healthcare investment
aimed at saving lives. Health Affairs, June 2018
Diet: Soda Consumption and Sleep… Regular soda intake by kids may affect sleep duration. An analysis of data
concerning 5,873 children from around the world found that kids who consume at least one soft drink per day sleep about
twelve fewer minutes per night. Public Health Nutrition, April 2018
Exercise: Get More Active at Work. Prolonged sitting at work can cause poor posture, low back pain, and increased risk
for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. To combat the negative effects of long periods of sitting, the American Council
on Exercise recommends the following: standing for a few minutes every hour; sitting on a gym ball for half an hour per
day to activate your core muscles; participating in walking meetings; doing some wall push-ups, squats, and calf raises
throughout the day; working out or taking a walk during your lunch hour; biking or walking to work; and practicing yoga
or meditation to help reduce stress. American Council on Exercise, May 2018
Chiropractic: Looking Down May Increase the Risk for Neck Pain… Among a group of 38 young adults with no
history of neck, shoulder, or back pain, researchers found that engaging in just ten minutes of static neck flexion (looking
downward at a smartphone, for example) resulted in potentially harmful changes in cervical sensory motor control. More
specifically, the research team observed that prolonged neck flexion led to impairments in both the participants’s ability to
return their head to a neutral position and to quickly make adjustments to compensate for movement elsewhere in the
body. The research team concludes, “These changes in sensory-motor control may be a risk factor for neck pain and
injury.” Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, April 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Sunscreen Tips. The American Academy of Dermatology offers the following information about
sunscreen: broad spectrum sunscreen means it can protect you from both UVA and UVB sun rays, which helps prevent
skin cancer, early skin aging, and sunburn; sunburn protection factor (SPF) defines how protective the sunscreen is, the
higher the number, the greater the level of protection; no sunscreen is waterproof, but some are water-resistant for 40 to
80 minutes; sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours; and a chemical sunscreen absorbs the sun’s rays, while a
physical sunscreen protects you by deflecting the sun’s rays. American Academy of Dermatology, June 2018
Quote: “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

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