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.

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.

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.

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.

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.