Mental Attitude: ADHD and Smoking… Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who become
smokers tend to try their first cigarette at a younger age than their peers without ADHD. Additionally, the data show that
smokers with ADHD smoke more cigarettes per day and have a more difficult time quitting.
Nicotine & Tobacco Research, March 2018
Health Alert: Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this study, researchers compared the health history of
8,760 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 26,280 children without ASD. They found the following risk
factors associated with ASD: maternal mental illness, epilepsy, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, polycystic ovary
syndrome, infection, or asthma; assisted fertility; hyperemesis, younger maternal age; labor complications; low birth
weight; infant infection; epilepsy; birth asphyxia; and newborn complications. Pediatric Research, March 2018
Diet: Even If You Eat Healthy Foods, Salt Can Increase Your Blood Pressure. An analysis of the dietary intake and
urine samples of more than 4,000 adults revealed that a diet rich fruits and vegetables fails to counter the hypertensive
effects of consuming too much salt. Study author Dr. Queenie Chan writes, “We currently have a global epidemic of high
salt intake—and high blood pressure. This research shows there are no cheats when it comes to reducing blood pressure.
Having a low-salt diet is key—even if your diet is otherwise healthy and balanced.” Hypertension, March 2018
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Recurrent Fall Risk. New research suggests that engaging in regular physical activity can
protect seniors from falls. In this study, investigators found that older adults who exercise are 39% less likely to
experience recurrent falls than their more sedentary peers. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, March 2018
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Disease Among Children Is an Economic Burden in the US. According to a new
report, more than 19 million children and adolescents in the United States (US) received treatment in medical centers,
private medical practices, and hospitals for musculoskeletal-related conditions or injuries in 2012 at a total cost of about
$7.6 billion. The report also found that musculoskeletal conditions account for 5.4% of hospital charges in the pediatric
population, but only 1.4% of pediatric research funding is dedicated to musculoskeletal research. The authors of the report
note the costs are most likely underestimated and that further research is needed to determine better ways of tracking
direct and indirect costs of musculoskeletal conditions among children. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: What to Ask If You Have Breast Cancer… When receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, it is
important to prepare a list of questions for your doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends inquiring about the
following: the type and size of the breast cancer; if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere; what stage is
the cancer; how curable is the cancer; what tests, if any, are needed before deciding on treatment; the need to see any other
doctor; what is the hormone receptor status of the cancer; what is the HER2 status of the cancer; what are the survival
rate; and what are the costs and insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment? American Cancer Society, March 2018
Quote: “If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas.” ~ Steve Maraboli

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

Mental Attitude: Dementia and Veterans. A review of data from six published studies involving military veterans has
found that those with a previous diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder have a
significantly higher risk for developing dementia. Psychological Medicine, March 2018
Health Alert: Child Obesity Levels Not Improving As Once Thought. Data from an ongoing health and nutrition study
indicates that almost 14% of preschool children were mildly obese in 2015-2016, up 5% from 2013-2014. Additionally,
researchers found no evidence of any sustained improvements in childhood obesity rates at any age. Instead, their longrange
view suggests a continued upward trend. The findings confirm the need for continued education and funding for
programs that teach healthy diet and lifestyle habits for children and parents. Pediatrics, February 2018
Diet: Carotenoid-Rich Foods Can Reduce Inflammation. New research shows that increasing the amount of
carotenoid-rich foods in the diet can help reduce inflammation in the body within six weeks. Foods rich in carotenoids
include carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and tomatoes. Nutrition Research, February 2018
Exercise: Fitness Trackers May Help Patient Keep Fit After Cardiac Rehab. Heart patients typically do well when
enrolled in a cardiac rehab program, but they usually revert to unhealthy lifestyles once they are discharged from care. A
new study suggests that virtual coaches and fitness trackers could keep these patients active, even after cardiac rehab ends.
In the study, investigators found that a twelve-week mobile health program that consisted of a wearable activity tracker, a
personalized prescription to walk a certain number of steps per day, and personalized virtual sessions with a health coach
over the phone or computer not only kept cardiac rehab patients from losing ground, but it actually helped them maintain
and even gain fitness compared with those who received usual care after cardiac rehab. Researcher Dr. Brian Duscha
adds, “This has important public health implications, because maintenance of physical activity and physical fitness are
inversely associated with cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.” American Heart Journal, March 2018
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Common with Migraines. According to a new study that monitored the status of 391 migraine
patients for 18 months, 42.5% of participants experienced neck pain in conjunction with migraine episodes. In a third of
these patients, neck pain triggered their migraine and the rest reported that neck pain manifested once their headache was
underway. The authors of the study caution, “Careful history taking is required to diagnose neck pain as a feature of
migraine and to differentiate it from secondary headache due to a cervical pathology for avoiding unnecessary imaging or
other investigations.” Neurology India, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Cholesterol in Check. Because blood sugar and blood pressure can influence cholesterol
levels, the American Diabetes Association recommends the following: if you smoke, quit; lose excess weight; exercise
daily; and eat a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
American Diabetes Association, March 2018
Quote: “Only two things can reveal life’s great secrets: suffering and love.” ~ Paulo Coelho

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

Mental Attitude: Lung Function May Affect Dementia Risk. Compared to their peers with strong lungs, young and
middle-aged adults with poor pulmonary function (PPF) have up to a 30% increased risk for developing dementia later in
life, even after controlling for smoking status and vascular comorbidities.
Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, March 2018
Health Alert: Can a Sunny Childhood Reduce MS Risk Later in Life? Growing up in sunnier regions may shield
individuals from developing multiple sclerosis (MS) decades later. In this study, researchers reviewed the history of 400
women with an average age of 40 and found that those who lived in regions with the highest levels of UV-B exposure
between the ages of 5 and 15 were 51% less likely to develop MS than those who spent their childhood in areas with less
UV-B exposure. The findings are not surprising because UV-B rays play a role in vitamin D production and past research
has linked low levels of vitamin D with an elevated risk of MS. Neurology, March 2018
Diet: Eating More Produce Linked with Weight Loss. In this study, researchers reviewed the dietary habits of 4,357
adults five years apart and found that participants who increased their fruit and vegetable intake during this time were
more likely to lose weight than those whose produce intake remained the same or declined. Public Health, March 2018
Exercise: Is Exercise an Antidote for Aging? Exercise may be the best option to counter the physical effects of aging. In
this study, investigators assessed both female and male cyclists, aged 55 to 79, and found that compared with nonexercisers,
the cyclists did not exhibit age-related muscle mass or strength loss, they did not experience age-related
increases in body fat or cholesterol levels, and their immune system was as robust as that of a younger person. Researcher
Dr. Janet Lord writes, “Our research means we now have strong evidence that encouraging people to commit to regular
exercise throughout their lives is a viable solution to the problem that we are living longer but not healthier.”
Aging Cell, March 2018
Chiropractic: Neck and Back Pain Are a Global Burden. A review of data from two studies found that in 2015, neck
and low back pain ranked as the fourth leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide just after ischemic heart
disease, cerebrovascular disease, and lower respiratory infection. The review also notes that in 2015, over 500 million
people worldwide suffered from low back pain and over a 333 million individuals suffered from neck pain longer than
three months duration. The findings reveal the need to prioritize spinal pain research funding to address the huge and
growing global burden caused by neck pain and back pain. European Spine Journal, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Colonoscopy Saves Lives. An analysis of the health histories of over 25,000 veterans revealed that
colonoscopy screening cuts the risk of colorectal cancer mortality by as much as 61%. Harvard Medical School’s Dr.
Andrew Chan writes, “I am not surprised… The results confirm an already substantial body of data supporting that
colonoscopy is associated with a substantial reduction in risk of colorectal cancer.”
Annals of Internal Medicine, March 2018
Quote: “Create your own miracles; do what you think you cannot do.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

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

Mental Attitude: Behavior in High School Predicts Success Later in Life. Beginning in 1960, researchers followed the
progress of 1,952 students and found that those who demonstrated being a responsible student, showed an interest in
school, and had good reading and writing skills were more likely to continue their education and attain more prestigious
jobs over the following five decades. Lead author Dr. Marion Spengler writes, “This study highlights the possibility that
certain behaviors at crucial periods could have long-term consequences for a person’s life.”
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, February 2018
Health Alert: Does Diabetes Increase Osteoarthritis Risk? Diabetes and osteoarthritis (OA) commonly occur together,
but it’s unknown if diabetes increases the risk for OA or if they just happen to share common risk factors. In this study,
researchers reviewed data from 40 published studies and found little evidence to suggest that impaired glucose
metabolism is an independent risk factor for OA. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, February 2018
Diet: Two Healthy Diets Equally Benefit the Heart. In a new study, researchers followed 107 overweight participants
who ate either a low-calorie vegetarian diet that included dairy and eggs or a low-calorie Mediterranean diet for three
months. At the end of the study, the research team observed that participants on either diet each lost about three pounds
(1.36 kg) of body fat and about four pound (1.81 kg) of weight overall. Study lead author Dr. Francesco Sofi notes, “[The]
take-home message of our study is that a low-calorie lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet can help patients reduce cardiovascular
risk about the same as a low-calorie Mediterranean diet.” Circulation, February 2018
Exercise: Gut Benefits from Exercise. In a recent study, 36 college students completed an eight-week exercise program
that involved cycling, jogging, step aerobics classes, and circuit training. Samples of the participants’ gut microbiome
taken during the program revealed greater microbial diversity, which can benefit the body in a number of ways. The
findings suggest that exercise could be used as a means for improving gut health in persons with health challenges, such
as diabetes, and autoimmune diseases like lupus and allergies. Northern Arizona University, February 2018
Chiropractic: Altered Trunk Muscles May Cause Back Pain. Using electromyography (EMG), researchers measured
trunk muscle activity during lifting among 25 patients with recurrent low back pain (but without current back pain) and 20
asymptomatic individuals. The data show differences in the activity of several trunk muscles (transversus
abdominis/internal abdominal oblique and multifidus) during lifting between the two groups. This suggests that patients
with a history of back pain may benefit from specific rehabilitation exercises to address these issues.
Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Bystander Use of an AED Significantly Increases Odds of Surviving Cardiac Arrest.
Automated external defibrillator (AED) can be found in most public spaces, and a new study suggests that individuals in
cardiac arrest are almost twice more likely to survive if a bystander administered the AED before first responders arrived.
Circulation, February 2018
Quote: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” ~ Henry Ford

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

Mental Attitude: Is Empathy in Your DNA? Researchers claim that our ability to “feel” the emotions of others stems
partly from our genetic makeup. A study of nearly 47,000 adults found that genes seem to explain 10% of the variance in
empathy from one individual to another and that these genes are also associated with the risk of autism, schizophrenia,
and anorexia. Researcher Dr. Varun Warrier writes, “We’ve known for a few decades now that differences in empathy
have been observed in various psychiatric conditions… Understanding how genes contribute to differences in empathy
may provide us with insights into the genetic basis for some of these psychiatric conditions.”
Translational Psychiatry, March 2018
Health Alert: ER Visits for Opioid Overdoses Continue to Increase. According to a new government report,
emergency room visits for opioid overdoses in the United States increased about 30% between July 2016 and September
2017. Acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Anne Schuchat writes, “This fast-moving
epidemic does not distinguish age, sex, or state or county lines, and it’s still increasing in every region of the United
States.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 2018
Diet: Duration of Obesity Linked to Heart Disease Risk. An analysis of health data regarding over 9,000 adults found
that the longer an individual was overweight or obese, the more likely they were to test positive for a protein called
troponin that is released when heart muscle has been damaged, such as occurs with a heart attack. Study lead author Dr.
Chiadi Ndumele adds, “What our findings suggest is that even in the absence of such heart disease risk factors as high
blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, the number of years spent obese or overweight contributes to the higher
likelihood of heart damage.” Clinical Chemistry, January 2018
Exercise: Ball Exercises May Benefit Women During Childbirth. New research suggests that taking warm showers,
performing perineal exercises with a gymball, or both while in labor can reduce stress, pain, and anxiety.
International Journal of Nursing Practice, March 2018
Chiropractic: Coordination Problems More Common Among Those with Back Pain. In a new study, researchers
examined the differences in synchronous movement between the trunk and lower limbs and found that when lifting, highdisability
chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients demonstrated decreased lumbar-hip movement coordination and stiffer
hip-knee movement than both low-disability CLBP patients and healthy controls. The findings may help clinicians
develop improved treatment approaches for patients with CLBP. Journal of Biomechanics, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Those Pesky Plantar Warts. Warm moist environments, such a bathrooms or locker
rooms, are the most likely places for contracting the virus that causes plantar warts. To help reduce your risk, the
American Podiatric Medical Association suggests the following: avoid walking barefoot, especially high-risk places;
change shoes and socks daily; keep your feet clean and dry; avoid contact with warts on other people; and don’t ignore
skin growth or changes. American Podiatric Medical Association, March 2018
Quote: “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” ~ Stephen Hawking

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

Mental Attitude: Facing Death Brings Wisdom. Terminal illness appears to bring newfound and profound wisdom. In
this study, patients in hospice care admitted that facing their own mortality and imminent death changed how they viewed
wisdom, and they often desired to find peace or acceptance as their health declined. Researcher Dr. Lori Montross-
Thomas explains, “It wasn’t passive ‘giving up,’ but rather an active coping process. They emphasized how much they
appreciated life, taking time to reflect. There was a keen sense of fully enjoying the time they had left and, in doing so,
finding the beauty in everyday life.” International Psychogeriatrics, January 2018
Health Alert: Extra Body Fat Increases Risk of Breast Cancer. Older women who have extra body fat may face a
greater risk of breast cancer, even when their weight falls in the normal range. An analysis of data concerning 3,460
women, aged 50 to 79, showed that those with higher body fat levels had up to double the risk for developing estrogen
receptive positive breast cancer. American Association for Cancer Research, January 2018
Diet: Fiber Protects Against Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to obesity and is
described as a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the
waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and
diabetes. In a new animal study, researchers found that enriching the diet of mice with fermentable fiber inulin prevented
metabolic syndrome by restoring gut microbiota, increasing the production of intestinal epithelial cells, and restoring the
expression of a specific protein that protects epithelial cells. Researcher Dr. Andrew Gewirtz writes, “These results
contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that underlie diet-induced obesity and offer insight into how
fermentable fibers might promote better health.” Cell Host & Microbe, January 2018
Exercise: Exercise Cuts Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Men. Vanderbilt University-based researchers report that men who
engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes per week or high-intensity exercise for 75 minutes per week have
about a 40% lower risk for developing pancreatic cancer over the following decade.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, February 2018
Chiropractic: Mobilization & Manipulation for Chronic Back Pain. Manual therapies such as mobilization and
manipulation are widely used by doctors of chiropractic to treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and
back pain. A review of data from 51 clinical trials concluded that mobilization and manipulation techniques can safely
reduce pain and improve function among patients with chronic low back pain. Spine Journal, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have Anemia? Iron-deficiency anemia develops when your body does not have enough
iron to make healthy red blood cells or when your blood cells do not work properly. The Office on Women’s Health lists
the following symptoms for this condition: fatigue; weakness; dizziness; headaches; low body temperature; pale skin;
rapid or irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; chest pain with physical activity; brittle nails; and unusual cravings for
ice, very cold drinks, or non-food items such as dirt or paper. Office on Women’s Health, February 2018
Quote: “Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” ~ Isaac Newton

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

Mental Attitude: Concussions Tied to Increased Dementia Risk. Experiencing a serious head injury appears to
increase one’s risk for dementia later in life. A new large-scale study found that an individual’s risk for dementia can
remain elevated by up to 25% even three decades after their head injury occurs. PLOS One, January 2018
Health Alert: Another Reason to Quit Smoking… According to a new study, smokers who abstain from tobacco
products following a hospital stay are 30% more likely to report good health and 19% less likely to experience
psychological distress during the following six months. Preventative Medicine, February 2018
Diet: Low-Carb Diets Boost Risk for Serious Birth Defects. Following a low-carb diet while pregnant may increase the
risk of serious birth defects. In a new study, researchers found the pregnant women who reduced or eliminated carbs were
30% more likely to have babies with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly than women who didn’t
restrict their carbs while pregnant. Study leader Dr. Tania Desrosiers writes, “This is concerning because lowcarbohydrate
diets are fairly popular… This finding reinforces the importance for women who may become pregnant to
talk to their health care provider about any special diets or eating behaviors they routinely practice.”
Birth Defects Research, January 2018
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise May Delay or Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms. A review of data from 19 published
studies found that older adults either at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who engaged in an aerobic exercise
program experienced an improvement in their cognitive function. Interestingly, the researchers observed that participants
who performed only aerobic exercise fared better in regards to mental function than those in an aerobic exercise plus
resistance training group. The findings suggest that older adults who are at risk for or who have Alzheimer’s disease
should focus on aerobic exercise over other types of exercise to help preserve the ability to think and make decisions.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2018
Chiropractic: How to Improve Your Chances for a Successful Outcome. While nearly all of us will experience an
episode of neck or back pain during our lifetime, not everyone recovers and many go on to experience chronic pain. In
this study, researchers reviewed data from seven clinical trials and found that the more time a patient waited before
seeking treatment for a musculoskeletal condition, the lower their odds for a successful outcome within the next 90 days.
European Journal of Pain, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Chew Gum to Protect Your Teeth? According to the American Dental Association (ADA),
chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which can neutralize and wash away harmful acids produced by
chewing food, offering some protection to the teeth. Currently, the ADA grants a Seal of Acceptance to companies that
provide proof that their gum can safely and effectively protect teeth. While chewing gum does not replace brushing and
flossing, the ADA says that clinical research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help
prevent tooth decay. American Dental Association, January 2018
Quote: “Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.” ~ William Arthur Ward

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

Mental Attitude: Acne Can Be Emotionally Devastating. New research suggests that acne can throw some people into
deep depression. An analysis of data concerning nearly two million patients found that those with acne had more than a
50% increased risk for developing clinical depression. British Journal of Dermatology, February 2018
Health Alert: Is Noise a Risk Factor for Heart Disease? Everyday loud noises from traffic, construction, and raucous
workplaces may increase one’s risk for heart disease. A review of data from past studies found that both people and
animals exposed to frequent, loud noises had a greater risk for heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Though the study does not prove cause and effect, the authors believe that noise
pollution should be considered a risk factor for heart disease.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, February 2018
Diet: A Compound in Kiwi May Prevent Fatty Liver Disease. Past studies have shown that the children of mothers
who eat a high-fat diet while pregnant have an elevated risk for obesity or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In a
new animal study, researchers have discovered that a compound called pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) found in kiwi,
celery, and papaya can prevent the progression of NAFLD in mice whose mothers consumed a high-fat diet during their
gestation. The findings suggest that PQQ could be a feasible candidate for the prevention of NAFLD either by diet or
supplementation. Hepatology Communications, January 2018
Exercise: Setting Milestones for Exercise Motivation. Because the drive to get in shape can wane over time, the
American College of Sports Medicine offers the following recommendations to help you stay motivated: set specific
goals; develop a realistic action plan; use environmental cues, such as placing a gym bag by the door or setting reminders
on your phone; have fun; make exercise convenient; record your progress; build a support network with friends or family
who can work out with you; reward yourself with flowers, a movie, or new exercise clothes; and believe in yourself.
American College of Sports Medicine, February 2018
Chiropractic: Poor Balance Linked to Back Pain. A recent research review found that chronic low back pain can
impair an individual’s standing balance. The authors of the review conclude, “Results from balance assessments should be
used to indicate areas of improvement and help guide the course of treatment…”
Disability and Rehabilitation, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Keeping Drivers with Dementia Off the Road. In this study, researchers analyzed data
concerning nearly 137,000 older drivers in the United States who had been hospitalized after a crash and found that those
in states with in-person license renewal laws were about 38% less likely to have dementia. Study co-author Dr. Steven
Albert writes, “The results of our study point to age-based licensing requirements as an effective way to improve safety.”
Neurology, January 2018
Quote: “We see the world not as it is, but as we are.” ~ Stephen Covey

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

Mental Attitude: Over-the-Counter Painkillers May Alter Emotions. A recent research review focusing on
nonprescription painkillers found that these types of medicines can reduce a person’s ability to empathize with the pain of
others, make some more willing to part with possessions, and can even impair information processing. Lead researcher
Dr. Kyle Ratner writes, “In many ways, the reviewed findings are alarming… Consumers assume that when they take an
over-the-counter pain medication, it will relieve their physical symptoms, but they do not anticipate broader psychological
effects.” Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, February 2018
Health Alert: Colonoscopy May Raise the Risk of Appendicitis. Though colonoscopies are vital for detecting and
removing cancer in the colon or large intestine, a review of the medical histories of nearly 393,000 veterans found that
patients who underwent a colonoscopy had a 400% increased risk for appendicitis in the week following their procedure.
However, despite this finding, lead researcher Dr. Marc Basson notes, “Colonoscopy is generally a safe test, and the risk
of having appendicitis is lower than the risk of having some of the other complications.” JAMA Surgery, January 2018
Diet: Hot Tea Linked to Increased Risk of Esophageal Cancer. Drinking hot tea appears to raise the risk of esophageal
cancer among men and women who also drink alcohol or smoke. A study involving more than 450,000 people found that
individuals who regularly imbibed very hot tea in addition to a glass of alcohol each day are five times more likely to
develop esophageal cancer than those who less frequently consumed either beverage. Additionally, the researchers found
that smokers who drank a cup of tea a day had double the risk of esophageal cancer in comparison to nonsmokers.
Annals of Internal Medicine, February 2018
Exercise: Arm Exercises Improve Walking Ability Following a Stroke. Arm training exercises appear to improve
walking ability months and even years after having a stroke. In this study, investigators found that stroke participants who
performed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity arm cycling training sessions three times per week for five weeks
experienced significant improvements in their walking ability. The researchers explain that the nerves in the arms activate
and adapt to improve function of the spinal cord in other areas of the body, including the legs. The results could have a
significant impact on stroke rehabilitation. Journal of Neurophysiology, December 2017
Chiropractic: Back Pain Is a Common Reason for Sick Leave During Pregnancy. An analysis of questionnaires
completed by 508 employed pregnant women revealed that back pain is the most common reason expectant mothers take
long-term sick leave. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for women
experiencing low back pain associated with their pregnancy. Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Diet + Exercise Has Synergistic Effect on Weight Loss. While adopting an exercise
program or switching to a healthier diet can increase one’s chances for weight loss by about 500-700%, a new study
involving 1,488 New Zealanders found that both starting an exercise routine and eating a healthy diet can boost one’s
odds for losing weight by over 1,700%! BMC Public Health, February 2018
Quote: “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” ~ Albert Einstein

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

Mental Attitude: Sense of Purpose Protects the Brain. A review of data from the Health and Retirement Study
indicates that seniors who feel their life has purpose have a 30% reduced risk for developing dementia.
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, January 2018
Health Alert: Hearing Loss May Lead to Other Problems. After reviewing health data concerning 3,777 older adults
for 25 years, a team of French scientists reports that that seniors with self-reported hearing loss have an increased risk for
disability, depression, and dementia. However, the investigators did not observe these associations among those who wore
a hearing aid. The researchers conclude, “These results highlight the importance of assessing the consequences of treating
hearing loss in elders in further studies.” The Journals of Gerontology, January 2018
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Keep Older Adults from Becoming Frail. A systematic review and meta-analysis of
past studies examining associations between adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and the development of frailty
revealed that people who consumed a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts were less than half as likely to
become frail over a four-decade period than seniors who consumed a more high-fat Western-style diet. Researcher Dr.
Gotaro Kojima adds, “Our study supports the growing body of evidence on the potential health benefits of a
Mediterranean diet, in our case for potentially helping older people to stay well as they age.”
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2018
Exercise: Set Goals When Using Activity Monitors. In a new study, researchers followed 400 healthy adults for six
months and found that when people used activity monitors without a specific goal in mind, their activity declined and
their heart health failed to improve. Researcher Dr. Luke Burchill notes, “When paired with activity goals—such as 7,000
to 10,000 steps a day or 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week—these trackers can be powerful tools for
increasing physical activity.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, December 2017
Chiropractic: Do Lower Extremity Injuries Increase Low Back Pain Risk? Each year, about one in twelve soldiers
will experience an episode of acute lower back pain (LBP). A recent study found that a previous injury to the lower
extremities increases a soldier’s risk for developing LBP by about 70%. They authors of the study conclude, “These
findings suggest that a potential second order effect of [lower extremity injury] is an increased short-term risk for
developing LBP, which should be considered during rehabilitation planning.”
Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise, December 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Improved Screening and Treatment Reduces Breast Cancer Deaths. Due to improvements in
screening and treatment, researchers report that the survival rate of breast cancer patients rose about 32% between 2000
and 2012. Lead researcher Dr. Sylvia Plevritis explains, “Mammography is an important contributor to the reduction in
breast cancer mortality… But the overall benefit is greater largely because of the advances in treatment.”
Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2018
Quote: “Can anything be sadder than work left unfinished? Yes, work never begun.” ~ Christina Rossetti

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