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.

Mental Attitude: Living in a Bad Neighborhood Linked to Cognitive Decline… After controlling for individual
factors, French researchers report that older women living in deprived neighborhoods appear to have a 1.29-times greater
risk for dementia and a 1.42-times increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, November 2017
Health Alert: Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Alzheimer’s Risk. Poor vitamin D levels have been linked with a
number of negative health outcomes. Now, a new study indicates that seniors with deficient vitamin D levels may have an
elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study used data from the French Three-City Bordeaux study concerning 916
non-demented seniors whom researchers followed for twelve years. They found that participants who consistently had
deficient vitamin D blood levels had a 2.85-times greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease than those who maintained
adequate vitamin D levels. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, November 2017
Diet: A Healthier Diet Could Reduce Pancreatic Cancer Risk for Some Women. In this study, researchers advised
over 46,000 overweight and obese women, aged 50 to 79, who normally consumed a high-fat diet to either eat less fat and
more fruits, vegetables, and grains or continue their normal diet. Fifteen years later, they found the women who received
education about eating a healthier diet had a 17% lower risk for developing pancreatic cancer than those who continued to
maintain a high-fat diet. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, November 2017
Exercise: Walk Your Way to Fitness. According to experts from the Mayo Clinic, regular brisk walking can help one
maintain a healthy weight; prevent or manage various chronic diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and
type 2 diabetes; strengthen bones and muscles; improve one’s mood; and improve one’s balance and coordination. They
add that the faster, further, and more frequent you walk, the greater the benefits you can achieve.
Mayo Clinic, November 2017
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Is a Major Problem for Surgeons! An analysis of data provided by 312 surgeons
found that neck pain was the most common musculoskeletal complaint among respondents, followed by neck pain
(45.8%), back pain (42.3%), and shoulder pain (40.1%). The research team also identified the these work-related risk
factors for musculoskeletal pain among surgeons: time spent performing surgeries per week (>25 hours per week),
duration of each surgery (> 3 hours), years spent as a surgeon (>10 years), and hours spent in a standing position each day
(>4 hours). Applied Ergonomics, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Oral Cancer Signs & Symptoms. Oral cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancer cases each year
and it is often diagnosed between the age of 55 and 64. According to the American Dental Association, oral cancer
symptoms may include the following: a mouth sore or irritation that doesn’t resolve within three weeks; red or white
patches; a lump, rough spot on usually smooth areas of the mouth; unexplained ear or throat trouble; and frequent
hoarseness while talking. If you have these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.
American Dental Association, November 2017
Quote: “If you believe you can, you might. If you know you can, you will.” ~ Steve Maraboli

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

Mental Attitude: Sleep Apnea May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk. Past research has linked the accumulation of amyloid
plaque in the brain with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, researchers analyzed spinal fluid samples
from 208 older men and women without dementia and found signs that indicated the presence of brain plaque in the
samples taken from those with sleep apnea. This concerns researchers, as some estimates indicate that half of the elderly
population suffers from sleep apnea of varying severity. The findings suggest that treating sleep apnea could help reduce
the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, November 2017
Health Alert: Waiting Just a Month to Remove Melanoma Can Be Deadly. An analysis of data regarding over
153,000 adults found that postponing surgical treatment for more than 29 days led to lower survival rates for those
diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma. Researcher Dr. Brian Gastman writes, “We saw significantly worse prognoses and
outcomes for those surgically treated after 30 days of stage I melanoma diagnosis. Knowing for certain that a more
expedient time to surgery to remove an early melanoma improves the chances of survival is a game-changer in treating
this life-threatening skin cancer.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, October 2017
Diet: Certain Foods May Help Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain. According to a new report in the Frontiers of
Nutrition, foods such as pomegranates, dried plums, whole grains, ginger, turmeric, and olive oil appear to reduce
inflammation, which may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Frontiers in Nutrition, November 2017
Exercise: Is Biking to Work as Effective as Leisure Time Exercise? In this study, researchers assigned 130 overweight
people to one of four groups: a cycling group, a moderate-intensity leisure-time exercise group, a high-intensity leisuretime
exercise group, and a control group that did not exercise. The cycling group rode an average of 8.7 miles (14 kg) per
day, the high-intensity group exercised about 35 minutes per day, and the moderate-intensity group exercised for around
55 minutes a day. After six months, the researchers calculated that the total energy expenditure was the same in all three
exercise groups and all exercise participants lost between 9-10 lbs (4.08-4.53 kg). The findings suggest the riding a bike to
work would be a time-effective solution to lose weight and become more physically active.
International Journal of Obesity, October 2017
Chiropractic: On-Site Chiropractic Care Could Benefit Employers. A recent report explored the benefits of
employing a chiropractor part-time to provide on-site wellness care for one day each week. The investigators found that
employees who utilized on-site chiropractic care had work absenteeism rates lower than industry norms.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, September 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Reducing UV Radiation Exposure. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a
significant cause of skin cancer. To minimize exposure, the American Cancer Society suggests the following: stay in the
shade during the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are the strongest; wear sunscreen when outside at all times;
wear clothes that cover most of your skin; wear a wide brimmed hat to protect you head, neck, and face; and wear
sunglasses that are designed block dangerous UV rays. American Cancer Society, November 2017
Quote: “Laughter is a sunbeam of the soul.” ~ Thomas Mann

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

Mental Attitude: Vitamin D Levels May Affect Progress of Parkinson’s. In this study, researchers in the United Kingdom
followed 145 newly-diagnosed Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients for 36 months and found that those with poorer vitamin D
levels at baseline experienced more severe motor difficulties by the end of the study.
Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, October 2017
Health Alert: Working the Night Shift May Increase Your Waistline. An in-depth review of 28 studies revealed that, on
average, routinely working a night shift increases the risk of being overweight or obese by 29%. Connie Diekman, the director
of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis, believes that sleep disruption is to blame because it affects eating
habits and metabolism. She explains, “When people are awake when they should be sleeping, the hormones related to hunger
and satiety appear to be thrown off, resulting in changes in eating, changes in metabolism, and a tendency to eat more than we
need.” The findings should raise concerns, as 20% of the global workforce currently works at night.
Obesity Reviews, October 2017
Diet: Does Black Tea Boost Weight Loss? A new study involving mice has revealed that compounds found in black tea
increase the population of gut bacteria associated with lean body mass while reducing the presence of gut bacteria associated
with obesity. European Journal of Nutrition, October 2017
Exercise: How to Keep Running During Colder Months. When cold weather approaches, you don’t have to give up jogging
or head indoors to run on a treadmill. To keep your outdoor running on track in the chillier months, the American Podiatric
Medical Association recommends the following: wear warm, light-weight, moisture-wicking clothing to keep yourself warm
and dry, including a hat and gloves; shorten your running stride to increase stability and help prevent slipping on icy roads or
sidewalks; stretch before and after each run to make sure your muscles are warmed up; and wear warmer appropriate running
shoes that fit properly. American Podiatric Medical Association, October 2017
Chiropractic: Trigger Point Pain Linked to Childhood Migraines. Past research has demonstrated that dysfunction in the
neck may play a role in the migraine headache process. In this study, researchers applied manual pressure to trigger points and
non-trigger points in the trapezius muscle of 26 early adolescents with a history of migraines. Half of the subjects experienced a
migraine headache when pressure was applied to a trigger point and none reported a migraine when researchers targeted a nontrigger
point on the same muscle. The findings indicate that treatment aimed at resolving trigger points in the neck and upper
back may reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches. Doctors of chiropractic commonly treat trigger points with
manual therapy techniques. European Journal of Pain, September 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Risk Factors for Sepsis. Bloodstream infections, known as sepsis, claim the lives of six million people
worldwide each year. To determine risk factors for this condition, Norwegian researchers reviewed records of nearly 2,000
sepsis patients and found that smoking, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle are a significant threat for blood poisoning. When these
factors are combined, individuals face nearly a five-times greater risk of sepsis than their non-smoking, normal-weight, and
active peers. International Journal of Epidemiology, October 2017
Quote: “Make the most of what you have and keep your standards high. Never settle for anything less than you deserve or are
capable of achieving.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

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

Mental Attitude: Is Divorce in Our Genes? Past studies have shown that children of divorced parents are usually more likely
to become divorced in adulthood, but why is that? Experts have speculated that this association is due to psychological and
social factors, but a new study that included nearly 20,000 adoptees found that these individuals had a similar divorce rate as
their biological parents but not their adoptive parents. Study author Dr. Jessica Salvatore notes her team’s findings suggest that
“[the] reason that the offspring of divorced parents are more likely to get divorced has to do with the genes that parents and
children share, rather than the experience of seeing [their] parents split up.” Psychological Science, October 2017
Health Alert: Cardiac Arrest Linked to Low Calcium. Sudden cardiac arrest is described as the abrupt, unexpected loss of
heart function, breathing, and consciousness, which usually results from an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts
normal pumping action and blood flow to the rest of the body. An analysis of data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death
Study indicates that the risk of sudden cardiac arrest was 2.3 times greater for the individuals in the study who had the lowest
blood calcium levels compared to those with the highest calcium levels. The research team says its findings should be
interpreted with caution, and future research is needed to determine the relationship and to determine if controlling calcium
levels can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, October 2017
Diet: Too Much Sugar Raises Risk for Heart Disease. In a new study, researchers found that healthy participants who
consumed a high-sugar diet for just three months developed a fatty liver similar to that of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty
liver disease (NAFLD)—a condition associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Researcher Dr. Bruce Griffin
writes, “Our findings provide new evidence that consuming high amounts of sugar can alter your fat metabolism in ways that
could increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.” Clinical Science, October 2017
Exercise: Benefits of Aerobic Exercise. The Mayo Clinic lists the following benefits of aerobic exercise: reduces excess
weight; increases stamina; wards off illness; reduces the risk of heart disease and certain cancers; helps manage chronic
conditions such as high blood pressure; strengthens the heart; boosts mood; and helps you stay active and independent as you
age. Mayo Clinic, October 2017
Chiropractic: Jaw Pain and Sleep Trouble. Evaluations of 187 temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients and 99 healthy
controls revealed that TMD patients generally score lower on sleep quality assessments. However, further analysis showed that
TMD patients with a history of whiplash tend to experience even greater sleep disturbances, which highlights the importance of
seeking appropriate care following a car accident, slip and fall, or sports collision when a whiplash injury may have been
sustained. Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat patients suffering from whiplash and TMD with a high degree of patient
satisfaction. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, October 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Lung Cancer Prevention. Lung cancer screenings are important because lung cancer often lacks
symptoms in its earlies stages. The American Lung Association notes that low dose CT scans can help detect lung cancer in its
early stages when it’s easier to treat and though screening is not suitable for everyone, it is recommended for those at a greater
risk for developing the disease, such as smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke or radon.
American Lung Association, October 2017
Quote: “Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Pre-Stroke Depression May Affect Recovery. Among a sample of 364 ischemic stroke survivors,
researchers found that those with a history of depression experienced worse function and cognitive outcomes.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, November 2017
Health Alert: Childhood Obesity Increasing Worldwide. According to a new study, the rate of childhood obesity has
massively increased around the world since 1975. Overall, researchers found that childhood obesity rates jumped from just
under 1% in the 1970s to nearly 6% for girls and almost 8% for boys in the present day, with rates at 20% or greater in the
United States, Egypt, and some Polynesian islands. This means that 50 million girls and 74 million boys around the world are
currently obese, which places them at risk for serious health problems both now and during adulthood. Study author Dr. Leanne
Riley writes, “The trends show that without serious, concerted action to address obesity… the health of millions of people will
be needlessly placed in great jeopardy, leading to immense human and economic costs to communities.”
The Lancet, October 2017
Diet: Lack of Vitamin K Could Harm Young Hearts. Not eating enough leafy green vegetables may take a toll on the heart
health of teens. In this study, researchers monitored the physical activity, diet, and heart health of 766 teens and found that those
who seldom ate vitamin k-rich foods, such as spinach and lettuce, had a three-times greater risk for an enlarged left ventricle (a
pumping chamber in the heart) than adolescents who regularly consumed leafy greens. An enlarged left ventricle increases the
risk for hypertension in adulthood and can lead to impaired heart function. Journal of Nutrition, October 2017
Exercise: A Little Bit of Exercise May Curb Risk of Depression… Norwegian researchers reviewed the exercise habits and
depression risk of 34,000 men and women and found that those who engaged in just an hour of exercise per week, of any
intensity, had a 44% lower risk for developing depression than did not exercise at all.
American Journal of Psychiatry, October 2017
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Common Among Office Workers. The results of a questionnaire completed by 528
office workers indicate that such individuals frequently complain of neck pain (52.5%) and back pain (53%). Furthermore, the
researchers found that work environment variables that significantly affected musculoskeletal pain include sitting at the desk for
a long time, sitting on a chair that only supported the lumbar area and arms, having the computer mouse positioned a distance
from the keyboard, continuously looking down while working, holding the arms above the level of the desk, not exercising
daily, and having a stressful work environment. The study shows that improving ergonomics and reducing stress could
potentially lower the risk of musculoskeletal pain in the office environment.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine Environmental Health, October 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Symptoms of Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men.
Symptoms include the following: difficulty initiating urination; weak or interrupted urine flow; and frequent urination,
especially at night. Men who experience these symptoms should see their primary care provider as soon as possible.
Food and Drug Administration, October 2017
Quote: “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but
through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” ~ Helen Keller

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

Mental Attitude: Heart Attack Raises Vascular Dementia Risk. Vascular dementia is characterized by a decline in thinking
skills due to reduced or impaired blood flow to the brain. Using 35 years of data concerning nearly 1.9 million adults,
researchers found that myocardial infarction survivors have an elevated risk for developing vascular dementia, and the risk rises
dramatically if they also sustain a stroke following their heart attack. Circulation, October 2017
Health Alert: Obesity Linked to Several Cancers. A report issued by the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention concludes that obesity plays a role in at least thirteen types of cancer, which accounts for about
40% of all cancer diagnoses in a given year. These cancers include brain cancer; multiple myeloma; esophageal cancer;
postmenopausal breast cancer; thyroid cancer; gallbladder cancer; stomach cancer; liver cancer; pancreatic cancer; renal cancer;
ovarian cancer; uterine cancer; and colon cancer. The specific mechanism for how being obese increases the risk of developing
these types of cancers is unknown, but it’s reasonable to suggest that weight management could be an important tool in reducing
one’s cancer risk. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, October 2017
Diet: Omega-6 Fatty Acids May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. An analysis of data from twenty published studies involving
39,740 adults found that individuals who had the highest blood levels of an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid—a fatty-acid
is found in bean and seed oils such as soybean and sunflower oils—were 35% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those
with the lowest linoleic acid levels. Lead author Dr. Jason Wu notes, “Our findings suggest that a simple change in diet might
protect people from developing type 2 diabetes which has reached alarming levels around the world.”
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, October 2017
Exercise: How to Be More Active. Reaching daily physical activities goals can be difficult when life gets in the way. To help
you become more active, the National Library of Medicine recommends the following: use the stairs instead of the elevator;
walk to a co-worker’s desk or office instead of sending an email; park farther away in the parking lot to increase the distance
you have to walk; join an exercise group; listen to music or watch TV while working out to reduce boredom; and find activities
that you can perform indoors when the weather is bad. National Library of Medicine, October 2017
Chiropractic: Leisure Time Activity May Reduce Risk of Low Back Pain. A recent literature review concludes that
individuals who are more active during their free time are about 11-16% less likely to develop chronic lower back pain.
Examples of leisure time physical activity include planned exercise, hiking, sports, walking, cycling, dancing, gardening, yard
work, and household chores. British Journal of Sports Medicine, October 2017
Wellness/Prevention: “Sleep Positioners” Pose Dangers for Baby. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a
statement that newborns should only be put to sleep on their backs on a firm, empty surface and should never be placed on a
“sleep positioner”. The FDA claims that these products can actually prevent babies from breathing, increasing the risk of
accidental suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Experts from the FDA further advise that that babies should
never sleep with a pillow, blanket, sheet, comforter, or quilt, as all present suffocation risks. If parents have questions about
putting babies to sleep safely, they should consult their child’s doctor. Food and Drug Administration, October 2017
Quote: “If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything.”
~ Ernest Hemingway

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

Mental Attitude: Antioxidants May Reduce Parkinson’s Risk. A fifteen-year study that followed over 80,000 adults found
that those with a diet high in the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E had a 9-13% reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s
disease during that time. Movement Disorders, September 2017
Health Alert: Are Young Adults Ignoring Their High Blood Pressure? A survey of more than 41,000 Americans suggests
that only half of the 6.7 million young adults with high blood pressure received treatment for it in 2013 and 2014. Senior study
author Dr. Andrew Moran writes, “While hypertension awareness, treatment, and control have improved overall since the early
2000s, all three remain worse in young adults—those aged 18-39.” Hypertension, August 2017
Diet: Breakfast Tips for Parents. Studies show that children who eat breakfast tend to be healthier and perform better in
school than those who skip what’s considered to be the most important meal of the day. The United States Food and Drug
Administration offers these suggestions for choosing a good breakfast for your child: offer healthy foods that your child enjoys;
include peanut butter or almond butter for an excellent source of protein; if your child prefers sugary cereals, mix the sugary
offering with a more nutritious option; if your child is especially active or is going through a growth spurt, they may require
more calories, notably at breakfast; offer healthy choices, even when everyone’s on the run, such as fresh fruit or a bag of trail
mix; always read nutritional labels; and opt for unprocessed foods as much as possible.
Food and Drug Administration, September 2017
Exercise: Impact Sports Improve Bone Health. Teenagers who engage in impact sports—basketball, baseball, football, and
soccer, for example—appear to have greater bone density than adolescents who participate in non-impact sports, like
swimming, or who refrain from athletics. Additionally, impact sport athletes also have a reduced risk for sustaining a stress
fracture compared with non-athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, December 2017
Chiropractic: Are Diabetes and High Cholesterol Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Pain? Using data from the Stockholm
Public Health Cohort, researchers reviewed the health data of 10,044 men and women who were pain free in 2006 to see if
diabetes and/or high cholesterol were linked with an elevated risk for back, neck, and/or shoulder pain (BNSP) in 2010. After
adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, high blood pressure, and socioeconomic status, the research team found
that diabetic men had a 64% increased risk for BNSP while high cholesterol levels led to a 19-23% elevated risk for BNSP in
both men and women. The findings suggest that metabolic diseases may have an impact on the pathophysiology of
musculoskeletal pain. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, August 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Calcium in Arteries May Predict Risk of Heart Attack. Individuals without calcium buildup in their
arteries appear to have a significantly lower risk for heart attack and stroke. Researchers looked at CT scans of nearly 6,200
people and found that those whose arteries were free of calcium deposits had a less than a 3% chance for a heart attack or stroke
over the next ten years. The findings held true even among those who had other cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, or high levels of bad cholesterol. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, August 2017
Quote: “My only regrets are the moments when I doubted myself and took the safe route. Life is too short to waste time being
unhappy.” ~ Dan Howell

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