Mental Attitude: Can You Identify Signs of Stress? Chronic stress can have a negative effect on one’s mental and
physical wellbeing. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, common signs of excessive exposure to
stress include: not eating enough or overeating; feeling you have lost control of your life; forgetfulness; headaches; lack of
energy and focus; trouble completing tasks; poor self-esteem; short temper; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; and aches
and pains. Department of Health & Human Services, January 2018
Health Alert: A Widely-Used Painkiller May Reduce Male Fertility. In a new study involving 31 men, researchers
found that those who took 1,200 mg of ibuprofen each day for 14 days experienced a short-term drop in their testosterone
levels, which has been associated with lower fertility. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, January 2018
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Risk for Prostate Cancer. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the
consumption of vegetables, fruit, fish, lean meats, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil. An analysis of data that involved 733
men with prostate cancer and 1,229 healthy men revealed that those who most closely followed the Mediterranean diet
had a lower risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer with aggressive and extensive tumors. Lead investigator Dr.
Beatriz Pérez-Gómez notes, “This study adds important evidence to the scarce information regarding the association of
diet with [prostate cancer], and highlights the relevance of focusing on global dietary patterns.”
Journal of Urology, August 2017
Exercise: Can the Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle on the Heart Be Reversed? Living a mostly sedentary lifestyle can
result in stiffening of the heart muscles and a less efficient cardiovascular system. In this study, researchers found that
exercising four to five times per week for about 30-minutes, plus warm-up and cool-down, can lead to an 18%
improvement in maximum oxygen intake during exercise and a more than 25% improvement in the elasticity of the left
ventricular muscle of the heart. Circulation, January 2018
Chiropractic: Is Poor Pelvic Posture Common in Teens? Using 3D digital technology to evaluate the pelvic posture of
32 adolescents, researchers found that the majority of teens exhibited abnormal pelvic and total body posture. This is
concerning as postural changes, especially in the pelvis, can place added stress on the lower back, which can result in
lower back pain. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, December 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Choose a Nursing Home Wisely. When choosing a nursing home for a loved one, it is important
to find the right fit both personally and financially. The National Institute of Aging recommends the following: determine
what’s most important for your loved one, such as nursing care, meals, physical therapy, hospice care, or special-care
services; ask for recommendations from friends, relatives, healthcare providers, social workers, and religious groups;
inquire about the cost of each facility and how many people live there; and meet with the facility director and nursing
director of each facility on your list. National Institute of Aging, January 2018
Quote: “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” ~ Joseph Campbell

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

Mental Attitude: Entitled Individuals Think Differently. People who have a strong sense of entitlement think rules
don’t apply to them. Researcher Dr. Emily Zitek explains, “[These individuals] don’t think it’s fair for other people to tell
them what to do… Instructions are essentially an unfair imposition. They want to do their own thing. They feel like they
deserve good things and special treatment… The fundamental problem here is that entitled individuals think they deserve
more than other people think they do.” Social Psychological and Personality Science, December 2017
Health Alert: Asthma in America Costs Billions. Based on an analysis of medical expenses and costs associated with
work and school absences and deaths between 2008 and 2013, federal health officials say that the economic cost of
asthma in the United States is almost $82 billion per year. However, the actual cost of asthma is most likely
underestimated because the study did not include individuals with untreated asthma. Lead author Dr. Tursynbek
Nurmagambetov writes, “Cost studies can influence health policy decisions and help decision makers understand the
scale, seriousness and implications of asthma so that resources can be identified to improve disease management and
reduce the burden of asthma. [The findings show] the critical need to support and further strengthen asthma control
strategies.” Annals of the American Thoracic Society, January 2018
Diet: Eat More Fruits & Veggies! Adults who consume at least seven servings of fruits and vegetables per day are less
likely to be overweight or obese than men and women who eat six or fewer servings of produce each day.
Obesity Science & Practice, December 2017
Exercise: Get the Family Involved to Get Active. With today’s busy schedules, it can be difficult for family members to
meet physically activity recommendations. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests the following to get
more active: schedule family exercise after dinner, on weekends, or during other blocks of free time; stay motivated by
joining an exercise group or by having your kids participate in community sports; and engage in activities that don’t
depend on good weather, such as indoor cycling, indoor swimming, stair climbing, rope skipping, and dancing.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, January 2018
Chiropractic: Smoking Increases Risk for Chronic Back Pain. Based on surveys completed by 213 men and women
over the age of 50, researchers found that smokers are 2.59 times more likely to suffer from chronic low back pain
(CLBP) than nonsmokers. Asian Spine Journal, December 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Talking To Children About Divorce. When it comes to divorce, it’s important to be open and
honest with children. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following suggestions for divorcing parents: keep
communication clear and simple; do not promote the idea that the divorce is the child’s fault or that the child can help
rectify the situation; reassure the child that they will be safe; mention that mom and dad will both be happier; and
emphasize that there will be two homes in which the child will be loved. American Academy of Pediatrics, January 2018
Quote: “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” ~ e. e. cummings

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

Mental Attitude: Smell Your Partner’s Shirt to Reduce Stress. In this study, investigators observed that women who
smelled their partner’s shirt had a reduced response to stress in comparison with those who smelled a stranger’s scent.
Senior author Dr. Frances Chen comments, “Our research suggests that something as simple as taking an article of
clothing that was worn by your loved one could help lower stress.”
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, January 2018
Health Alert: Common Drug May Lead to Reduced Fertility of Offspring. Paracetamol, also known as
acetaminophen, is commonly taken by pregnant women to help relieve pain, but a new study suggests that this medication
may lead to reduced fertility among female offspring. Investigators found that rodents given paracetamol during
pregnancy, at doses equivalent to what pregnant woman usually take for pain relief, produced female offspring with fewer
eggs. Lead investigator Dr. David Kristensen writes, “Although this may not be a severe impairment to fertility, it is still
of real concern since data from three different labs all independently found that paracetamol may disrupt female
reproductive development in this way, which indicates further investigation is needed to establish how this affects human
fertility.” Endocrine Connections, January 2018
Diet: Many Babies in the US Start Solid Foods Too Soon. Researchers analyzed the food intake of nearly 1,500 babies
in the United States and found that about 16% of parents fed their child complementary foods before the age of four
months, and about 38% provided their son or daughter solids or other drinks by five months of age. Lead investigator Dr.
Chloe Barrera warns, “Introducing babies to complementary foods too early can cause them to miss out on important
nutrients that come from breast milk and infant formula.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, January 2018
Exercise: Can Exercise Help Slow Cognitive Decline? Seniors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have an elevated
risk for developing dementia. However, a review of data from eleven published studies indicates that adults with MCI can
improve their cognitive function by engaging in an aerobic exercise routine.
International Journal of Nursing Studies, January 2018
Chiropractic: Walking is Good for Chronic Back Pain. For patients with chronic low back pain, a daily walk may be
just what the doctor ordered. A review of findings from nine published studies indicates that daily walks can help reduce
both pain and disability in patients with chronic back pain. Since walking is easy to perform and highly accessible, the
authors recommend that walking be included in treatment recommendations for patients with chronic low back pain.
Musculoskeletal Science and & Practice, December 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Get Healthy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends the
following to achieve a healthier lifestyle: don’t smoke or abuse drugs; limit alcohol intake; make healthy food choices;
exercise regularly; maintain a healthy weight; manage your blood pressure; get enough sleep; and maintain a strong
relationship with your healthcare provider and ask your them about any health concerns.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, January 2018
Quote: “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” ~ Stephen Hawking

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

Mental Attitude: Could Smog Be to Blame for Badly Behaving Teens? In this study, researchers tracked 13 rulebreaking
behaviors among 682 kids in Los Angeles for nine years and found a link between greater exposure to airborne
particulate matter and an increased risk for delinquent behaviors. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, December 2017
Health Alert: Obesity May Increase Risk for Rosacea. Rosacea is estimated to affect 16 million Americans and is
characterized by redness, bumps, and pimples on the face, as well as skin thickening and eye irritation. Researchers
reviewed data on nearly 90,000 women in the United States and found a 48% greater likelihood of rosacea among those
with a BMI of 35 and greater compared with women of normal weight. Study author Dr. Wen-Qing Li writes, “Our study
holds general public health significance, [adding] rosacea to the list of chronic diseases associated with obesity… A
healthier weight should definitely be encouraged for general health and well-being.”
American Academy of Dermatology, December 2017
Diet: Eating More Fruits and Veggies Is Good for Your Teeth! Japanese researchers evaluated the teeth of over 6,500
elderly men and women and found an association between greater fruit and vegetable consumption and better oral health.
Nutrients, December 2017
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Chemotherapy-Related Neuropathy. Over half of patients receiving chemotherapy
treatment experience numbness, tingling, pain, cold sensitivity, and motor impairment in their hands and feet. In this
study, which featured over 300 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who participated in a six-week walking
and resistance training program reported a significant reduction in their neuropathy symptoms.
Supportive Care in Cancer, December 2017
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Influences Balance. For older adults, falling down can result in a serious injury
that can dramatically reduce their mobility and independence. In this study, researchers measured pain intensity, postural
sway, and concerns about falling in 48 seniors with either neck or low back pain. The research team found that intense
neck pain paired with limited neck mobility led to significant changes in postural balance, while intense low back pain
significantly increased the fear of falling down. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, December 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Start Brushing Habits Early. To instill lifelong habits to protect one’s smile, experts recommend
that tooth brushing begin early in childhood. To accomplish this, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises the
following: wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean washcloth; never give your baby a bottle in the crib; introduce solid
healthy food choices to avoid tooth decay; brush your child’s teeth twice daily until the age of three using a smear of
toothpaste the size of a grain of rice; and children age three and older should be able to brush their teeth twice daily by
themselves with adult supervision using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
American Academy of Pediatrics, December 2017
Quote: “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
~ Edmund Hillary

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

Mental Attitude: Rheumatic Diseases Increase Dementia Risk. Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance
Research Database, researchers report that patients with either Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus,
osteoarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis have an elevated risk for developing dementia. The research team is unsure why
patients with rheumatic diseases have a higher risk for dementia but suggest that increased inflammation may be a
contributing factor. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, December 2017
Health Alert: Traffic Pollution Poses Health Risks to Unborn Babies. Air pollution caused by road traffic is having a
detrimental impact on the health of unborn babies in London. In a new study, researchers found a link between increases
in fine particulate matter from road traffic and a 2-6% increased risk of low birth weight and a 1-3% increased risk of
being small for gestational age. The researchers note their findings are most likely applicable to other cities with similar
pollution and they call for environmental health policies to improve air quality in these areas. BMJ, December 2017
Diet: Drinking Soda During Pregnancy May Boost Odds of Asthma in Kids. Children are more likely to develop
asthma if their moms consumed sugary drinks during their pregnancy. An analysis of data on 1,068 mother-child pairs
from a long-term study revealed that expectant mothers who drink two or more sugary beverages per day are up to 63%
more likely to have a son or daughter with asthma than women who refrain from such beverages.
Annals of the American Thoracic Society, December 2017
Exercise: Staying Fit Cuts Diabetes Risk. Japanese researchers followed 7,804 adult males for over 20 years and found
that those with higher fitness levels throughout the course of the study had up to a 53% lower risk for developing diabetes
in comparison with participants who led mostly sedentary lives. Journal of Epidemiology, December 2017
Chiropractic: Heel Posture Plays Role in Back Pain. A recent study set out to investigate the influence of calcaneal
(heel) position on the pelvic and trunk alignment of ten healthy subjects. Using 3-D motion analysis, the researchers found
that calcaneal inversion (commonly seen among those with a high arch) can affect the alignment of the pelvic and trunk,
increasing the risk for back pain. The findings reveal the importance evaluating the foot and ankle when assessing low
back pain patients. Journal of Physical Therapy and Science, November 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of
depression triggered by decreased exposure to daylight, which makes it more common in winter months. Common
symptoms include feeling down, having low energy, sleeping a lot, and craving sweet or starchy foods. To help manage
SAD, the National Sleep Foundation suggests the following: expose yourself to more daylight by going for a walk outside
during the day or buy an artificial light source that mimics sunlight; consume a healthy diet; stay active during the winter
months; and seek professional counseling if you have difficulty managing the feelings of SAD.
National Sleep Foundation, November 2017
Quote: “Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into
air.” ~ John Quincy Adams

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

Mental Attitude: Premature Babies and Stress for Fathers… In this study, researchers followed 86 parents of
premature babies and found that both mothers and fathers had high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva
while their infant was in the hospital. However, the research team observed that after their baby came home, maternal
cortisol levels stabilized while stress hormone levels increased in the fathers. Lead author Dr. Craig Garfield explains,
“Dad goes from a situation where the baby and mom are cared for by experts in the hospital to having to simultaneously
care for his baby, partner and work. He is supposed to be the ‘rock’ for his partner but the stress can really set in.” The
findings suggest that more emphasis should be placed on making fathers of premature babies comfortable and confident
with their child. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, December 2017
Health Alert: Vaping May Lead to Smoking Among Teens. Surveys completed by 800 high school students revealed
that teens who have used an e-cigarette during the previous month are at least four times more likely to smoke a cigarette
in the near future. Pediatrics, December 2017
Diet: Too Much Takeout Food Bad for Kids’ Health. In a new study, researchers monitored the eating habits and health
of more than 1,900 children and found that those who regularly consumed takeout food typically had higher levels of
body fat and blood cholesterol than those who usually ate meals prepared at home.
Archives of Disease in Childhood, December 2017
Exercise: Exercise Can Change Gut Microbes. Researchers have discovered the first definitive evidence that exercise
can change gut microbial composition independent of diet. In the study, researchers followed 18 lean and 14 obese
sedentary adults for six weeks while they maintained their normal diet. A comparison of pre- and post-study fecal samples
revealed increases in concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, which promote healthy intestinal cells, reduce
inflammation, and generate energy. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, November 2017
Chiropractic: Improving Thoracic Posture Improves Lung Function. This case study involved the non-surgical
treatment of a 33-year-old male patient with straight back syndrome (lack of normal curve of the spine) using spinal
traction and postural correction. After 16 weeks, the patient experienced a ten-degree improvement in thoracic spine
curvature, a reduction in back pain, improved breathing, and a greater than two liter increase in lung capacity. The authors
note this case study illustrates that non-surgical improvement of thoracic curvature is possible and can positively influence
lung capacity, health, and function. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, November 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Norovirus Infection. Every year, the highly-contagious norovirus causes up to 21
million illnesses, about 70,000 hospitalizations, and up to 800 deaths in the United States alone. This virus in known to
cause vomiting and diarrhea, and often lurks in confined areas. To help protect yourself from the norovirus, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following: wash your hands often with soap and water; prepare food
safely; disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated by someone who is sick; and wash laundry with hot water, especially
if clothing is stained with contaminated fluids or waste. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2017
Quote: “Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.” ~ Alexander Hamilton

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

Mental Attitude: Anemia Increases Dementia Risk. Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-
National Health Screening Cohort database, researchers found that seniors with mild-to-moderate anemia have about a 19-
47% increased risk for developing dementia. Additionally, the research team also observed that patients with severe
anemia have a nearly six-times greater risk for developing dementia when compared to their peers with no history of iron
deficiency. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, December 2017
Health Alert: Diet May Help Epileptics When Medications Fail… The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet
that seeks to place the body into a metabolic state in which it becomes more efficient at burning fat for energy. In this
study, researchers found that nearly two-thirds of kids with epilepsy on the ketogenic diet successfully controlled their
seizures. This is an important finding since experts estimate that only about 30% of individuals with epilepsy respond to
traditional medicines. Dr. James Wheless, a spokesman for the American Epilepsy Society said, “Although medical
therapy is our mainstay for treatment, ketogenic dietary therapy can be a very effective option.”
American Epilepsy Society, December 2017
Diet: Eat More Fruits and Veggies! Compared to individuals with healthy blood sugar levels, the average patient with
prediabetes consumes fewer servings of fruits and vegetables in their diet. This finding suggests that eating a produce-rich
diet can help individuals better control their blood sugar. European Journal of Nutrition, December 2017
Exercise: Reducing Sitting Time Among Office Workers. In a recent study, investigators examined the impact of a
workplace intervention that addressed organizational, physical environment, and individual behavioral changes to help
reduce sitting time among employees in an office setting. The approach led to a significant reduction in sitting time during
work hours and throughout the day—improvements that persisted for up to a year. The findings confirm that it’s possible
for workplace interventions to reduce sitting time among generally sedentary employees.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, September 2017
Chiropractic: Are Heel Pain and Back Pain Linked? That annoying heel pain today may lead to future low back pain
and disability. A recent study set out to compare the prevalence of low back pain among patients with and without heel
pain and found that those with heel pain were more likely to have back pain than participants without heel pain. The
researchers also found a link between reduced foot/ankle function and higher lower back disability. The findings suggest
that evaluating foot/ankle function in patients with back pain may result in better treatment outcomes.
Foot, September 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Daily Multivitamin May Reduce Cardiovascular Risk. Among a group of 1,708 heart attack
survivors, those given a high-dose multivitamin, multi-mineral supplement had a 54% reduced risk for a poor
cardiovascular outcome when compared with participants who consumed a placebo. This finding surprised researchers
who will repeat this experiment with a larger pool of participants in the future. American Heart Journal, January 2018
Quote: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~ T.S. Eliot

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

Mental Attitude: Marriage Reduces Dementia Risk. Compared with those who are married, lifelong singles and
widowers have a 20-42% increased risk for developing dementia. The researchers behind this finding recommend,
“Dementia prevention in unmarried people should focus on education and physical health and should consider the
possible effect of social engagement as a modifiable risk factor.”
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, November 2017
Health Alert: Noisy Commutes Pose Dangers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to noise at
114 decibels for more than four seconds can harm hearing. In a new study, researchers explored the impact of noise
exposure among commuters who used subways, trams, buses, and other forms of public transportation. The research team
was surprised to find that commuters were often exposed to short bursts of noise levels above 114 decibels. The findings
are concerning, as chronic excessive noise exposure is known to not only contribute to hearing loss, but can also lead to
other health issues, such as depression, anxiety, increased risk of chronic diseases, and increased accident risk.
Journal of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, November 2017
Diet: Poor Dietary Behaviors May Impact Well-Being. Korean researchers surveyed 65,212 students and found that
those with a greater intake of soft drinks, sugary drinks, and fast food were more likely to report lower scores in regards to
sleep quality, happiness, and overall health. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, November 2017
Exercise: Do Females Have a Superior Aerobic System? In a small study involving 18 men and women, researchers
found that female bodies are more efficient at delivering oxygen to the muscles. Researcher Dr. Richard Hughson
explains, “We found that women’s muscles extract oxygen from the blood faster, which, scientifically speaking, indicates
a superior aerobic system.” Lead author Dr. Thomas Beltrame adds, “The findings are contrary to the popular assumption
that men’s bodies are more naturally athletic.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, June 2017
Chiropractic: Does Spinal Manipulation Have an Anti-Inflammatory Effect? In this study, participants with acute or
chronic low back pain received a series of six high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulative thrusts on alternate days for two
weeks. At the end of the study, the participants not only reported a decrease in pain and perceived disability, but blood
tests also showed a significant decrease in chemotactic cytokines—proteins associated with inflammation. High-velocity,
low-amplitude manipulation is commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic for the treatment of back pain and neck
pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, January 2018
Wellness/Prevention: A Little Weight Loss May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. A review of data on more than 61,000
postmenopausal women from a long-term study suggests that it’s never too late to lose weight to reduce the risk of breast
cancer. The review revealed that a 5% or greater weight loss among post-menopausal women lowered their odds for
developing breast cancer by about 12%, while losing 15% or more of their body weight cut their breast cancer risk by up
to 37%. Lead study author Dr. Rowan Chlebowski adds, “A modest weight loss that seems to be sustainable could have
important health consequence.” San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 2017
Quote: “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” ~ William Penn

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

Mental Attitude: Low Vitamin D Levels Make Stress More Difficult to Manage. Previous studies have noted that
vitamin D deficiency increases one’s risk for a number of negative health outcomes. Now, a new study involving mice
indicates that vitamin D deficiency also makes it more difficult to cope with stress. In the study, researchers fed mice
either a normal diet or a vitamin D-poor diet for ten weeks before exposing them to stressful situations. The research team
observed that the vitamin D-deficient mice had a greater vulnerability to stress, suggesting that vitamin D plays a role in
the stress response. Psychoneuralendocrinology, December 2017
Health Alert: Belly Fat Increases Emergency Surgery Issues. An analysis of the health records of 600 patients who
had emergency surgery showed that those with excess belly fat were five-times more likely to experience complications
and eight-times more likely to die than slimmer patients. The findings are important, as two thirds of Americans are
currently overweight or obese. American College of Surgeons, October 2017
Diet: Western Diet May Increase Risk of Diabetes. In a recent study involving rodents, researchers observed that a
high-fat diet could cause blood vessel damage and increased blood pressure—symptoms common in diabetics—within a
short period of time. Researcher Dr. Maria Alicia Carrillo Sepulveda writes, “Our findings suggest that short-term
exposure to the western diet can put individuals at risk for developing vascular damage long before the tell-tale signs of
diabetes are present. This may explain why some diabetics who successfully manage their blood glucose still experience
other cardiovascular diseases, like hypertension, even while receiving treatment.”
New York Institute of Technology, October 2017
Exercise: College Students Who Exercise Drink Less Alcohol. A new study that evaluated the lifestyles of 132
university students found a link between increased physical fitness and reduced alcohol consumption. This suggests that
programs aimed at encouraging increased physical activity could reduce alcohol consumption among college students.
Journal of Behavioral Medicine, December 2017
Chiropractic: Metabolic Syndrome Common Among Workers with Back Pain. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of
conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol
or triglyceride levels that occur together, increasing one’s risk for diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. A recent study
involving 656 healthcare workers who experienced an episode of lower back pain in the previous year found that those
with metabolic syndrome reported higher levels of disability related to their back pain. The findings suggest that
addressing metabolic syndrome may be an effective way to reduce disability due to low back pain.
International Journal of Occupation of Medical Environmental Health, November 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Healthier Lifestyle May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk in Women with Higher Genetic Risk.
Previous research indicates that women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have an elevated risk for developing
breast cancer. A pilot study involving 68 BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers indicates that the incidence of breast cancer
is lower among those who regularly exercise and refrain from smoking. The research team recommends a larger scale
study to confirm their findings. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, December 2017
Quote: “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk

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

Mental Attitude: Spanking May Heighten Adult Mental Health Issues. The results of a new survey suggest that
individuals who were spanked as children face a greater risk for certain mental health problems later in life. The survey,
which included over 8,300 adults, revealed that 55% were spanked during childhood at least a few times each year. Those
who were spanked were 37% more likely to have attempted suicide and about 30% more likely to have abused drugs
during their lives. The findings add to previous research showing both the physical and mental health dangers of this form
of discipline. Researcher Dr. Andrew Grogan-Kaylor adds, “And there’s almost no literature suggesting spanking has
positive effects.” Child Abuse & Neglect, September 2017
Health Alert: 20% of Americans Still Use Tobacco. A government study has found that nearly one in five adults in the
United States still smoked tobacco in 2015. According to experts, smoking kills about 480,000 Americans each year and
more than 16 million people in the United States live with diseases caused by smoking. The report reveals the need for
more action to reduce tobacco use and its associated health consequences.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 2017
Diet: Menus with Calories Appear to Be Paying Off. Since the implementation of regulations and laws requiring many
restaurants around the United States to include caloric information next to menu items, researchers have found that calorie
counts per menu item have dropped an average of 15 calories and diners have consumed an average of 27 fewer calories
per meal—with overweight restaurant goers cutting 83 calories from their average meal! Lead researcher Dr. Natalina
Zlatevska writes, “In the same way that corporate or financial disclosure changes behavior, here we see the disclosure
effect changing the food environment.” Journal of Retailing, November 2017
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise May Benefit OCD Patients. Patients under care for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
who participated in a twelve-week supervised aerobic exercise program achieved greater improvements in regards to OCD
symptom severity, depression, and anxiety than patients who simply attended health education classes. The authors of the
study conclude, “The results of this preliminary study suggest that exercise and health-focused interventions may be
beneficial adjuncts to existing OCD treatment.” General Hospital Psychiatry, November 2017
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Problems Common in Construction Workers. A recent systematic review investigated
the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among construction workers and found that within a given year, more than
half (51.1%) could expect to experience an episode of lower back pain. Other common conditions experienced each year
by construction workers include knee pain (37.2%), shoulder pain (32.4%), wrist pain (30.4%), neck pain (24.4%),
ankle/foot pain (24.0%), elbow pain (20.3%), upper back pain (19.8%), and hip/thigh pain (15.1%).
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, October 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Self-Driving Cars Might Save Lives. The RAND Corporation reports that the introduction of
self-driving cars that are just 10% safer than human-driven cars could save hundreds of thousands of lives over the next
15 to 30 years. RAND Corporation report, November 2017
Quote: “You can only be afraid of what you think you know.” ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti

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