Mental Attitude: Heart Diagnosis, Depression, and Death. In this study, researchers assessed the mental health of 24,000 adults recently diagnosed with coronary artery disease and found about 15% suffered from depression—an amount that is significantly higher than the general population. Furthermore, half of those with depression died over the following decade compared to 38% of those without depression. American College of Cardiology, March 2017
Health Alert: Osteoarthritis Linked to Stroke. Taiwanese researchers report that patients living with osteoarthritis (OA) have an elevated risk for stroke. Using data from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, researchers found that patients with mild to moderate OA have a 95% higher risk for stroke when compared to those without OA. Additionally, the risk of stroke is nearly four-times greater for those with severe OA. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, March 2017
Diet: Staying Satisfied on a Vegetarian Diet. Contrary to what many believe, a vegetarian meal doesn’t have to leave you hungry and unsatisfied. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, veggie-based foods that can help you feel full include: lean, low-fat proteins, such as beans; veggie pizza or pasta with vegetables; vegetarian lo mein or lasagna; bean burritos or tofu stir-fry; and soy or vegetarian sausages, burgers, and hot dogs.
United States Department of Agriculture, March 2017
Exercise: Regular Yoga May Ease Depression Symptoms. Researchers randomly assigned 30 people with major depressive disorder to partake in either a “high-dose” or “low-dose” yoga program. The high-dose group participated in three 90-minute yoga classes each week along with home practice, while the low-dose group engaged in two 90-minute yoga sessions each week in addition to home practice. The researchers found that those who took three weekly yoga classes had fewer depressive symptoms than those in the “low-dose” group, but they added that even two classes a week provided positive mental health benefits. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, March 2017
Chiropractic: Soft Tissue Manipulation Benefits COPD Sufferers. A new study measured the immediate effect of soft tissue manual therapy on the lung function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The researchers measured residual volume, inspiratory capacity, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) of twelve severe COPD participants immediately before and after administration of a soft tissue manual therapy protocol (STMTP) designed to address changes in the accessory respiratory muscles and their associated structures. The results showed a decrease in residual volume and an increase in inspiratory capacity and SpO2. The study reveals that a single application of an STMTP can produce immediate improvements in lung function in patients with severe and very severe COPD.
International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Make an Emergency Plan for Allergic Reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs to be treated right away. Creating an emergency plan is key to protecting a child from a deadly allergic reaction, especially when they’re at school. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a plan should include: a simple explanation of symptoms that indicate a serious allergic reaction; guidance on when to use epinephrine; a customized plan for your child’s allergies, as well to any school regulations and local laws that may apply; keep the plan easy to understand for caregivers; and keep copies of the plan at your child’s school, daycare, and after-school care facility.
American Academy of Pediatrics, March 2017
Quote: “The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”
~ Marcus Aurelius

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

Mental Attitude: Volunteer Work Is Good for the Brain. An analysis of data from the 2010, 2012, and 2014 Swedish National Prescribed Drug Register reveals that seniors who regularly perform volunteer work in their community are significantly less likely to develop dementia than those who don’t do volunteer work or only do so infrequently. The authors of the analysis write, “Our results largely support the assumptions that voluntary work in later life is associated with lower self-reported cognitive complaints and a lower risk for dementia, relative to those who do not engage, or only engage episodically in voluntary work.” PLOS ONE, March 2017
Health Alert: Hearing Loss to Increase Significantly in the US By 2060. Researchers report millions of men and women in the United States (US) will face the prospect of losing their hearing as the population ages. The number of adults affected by hearing loss is expected to increase from 44 million in 2020 to 73.5 million by 2060. Lead author Dr. Adele Goman adds, “In the coming decades, there will be an increased need for affordable interventions and access to hearing healthcare services.”
JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, March 2017
Diet: Gluten-Free Diets May Elevate Diabetes Risk. New research casts some doubt on a gluten-free diet’s presumed health benefits. In a large study involving nearly 200,000 health professionals in the United States, scientists found that participants who ate the least amount of gluten actually had a somewhat higher risk of developing diabetes over time. The investigators speculate that going on a low-gluten diet reduces the intake of dietary fiber, which helps ward off type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Lauri Wright, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics comments, “Unless you have celiac disease, focusing on the quality of your carbohydrates—rather than gluten avoidance—is the way to go.”
American Heart Association, March 2017
Exercise: Physical Exercise Benefits Cancer Patients During Chemo. Jogging or simply walking can help patients with gastrointestinal cancer better cope with the side effects of chemotherapy. In the study, cancer patients exercised either 50 minutes a day three times a week or for 30 minutes a day five times a week at a pace which they considered to be “slightly strenuous.” Not only were the patients better able to tolerate their chemotherapy treatments but they also had a lower risk of disease recurrence. Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, March 2017
Chiropractic: Neck Stiffness and Headaches. A recent study investigated upper cervical spine stiffness among patient with either migraine or tension-type headaches. Regardless of headache type, the participants in the study exhibited a reduced cervical range of motion, suggesting a “likely link between the cervical discomfort and these pathologies.” The findings confirm what chiropractors have noted for years: neck function and headaches are often interrelated.
Clinical Biomechanics, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Folic Acid During Pregnancy May Protect Some Kids from High Blood Pressure. Researchers wanted to see if a woman’s folic acid levels and heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity) during pregnancy individually or jointly had an impact on a child’s blood pressure. They found an association between higher levels of folic acid during pregnancy and a 40% reduced risk of high blood pressure among children of mothers with heart disease risk factors. Study author Dr. Xiaobin Wang notes, “Our findings raise the possibility that early risk assessment and intervention before conception and during pregnancy may lead to new ways to prevent high blood pressure and its consequences across life span and generations.” American Journal of Hypertension, March 2017
Quote: “Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.” ~ Terry Pratchett

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

Mental Attitude: Are Common Insecticides Linked to Behavior Issues? Exposure to a commonly used group of insecticides may lead to an increased risk of behavioral problems among children. A French research team found that children with the highest levels of pyrethroid metabolites in their bodies are about three times more likely to have behavioral problems. The researchers suspect that pyrethroids may trigger abnormal behavior by affecting neurochemical signaling in the brain. Based on their findings, they conclude, “The current study suggests that exposure to certain pyrethroids at the low environmental doses encountered by the general public may be associated with behavioral disorders in children.”
Journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, March 2017
Health Alert: Type 1 Diabetics at Increased Risk for Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain, which can damage the surrounding brain cells and even result in death. In this study, researchers looked at the incidence of ICH among type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics, and non-diabetics in Scotland between 2004 and 2013. While type 2 diabetics had a slightly greater risk for ICH than non-diabetics, the researchers found type 1 diabetics had a 74% elevated risk for ICH and a 35% greater risk of death within 30 days of hospital admission for ICH than non-diabetics. Diabetes, Obesity, & Metabolism, March 2017
Diet: Fruits and Veggies Are Good for Mental Health. Australian researchers reviewed health data concerning 60,404 adults and found that those who consumed more servings of fruits and vegetables each day were less likely to experience symptoms related to psychological distress. This adds to the growing body of evidence linking diet and mental health.
BMJ Open, March 2017
Exercise: Exercise Counters Cancer-Linked Fatigue. Cancer can be exhausting, but a new research review reveals there are ways to fight cancer-related fatigue. Investigators reviewed 113 past studies that included over 11,000 cancer patients and found that exercise and/or behavioral and educational therapy are more effective than prescription medication for dealing with fatigue. Based on the findings, researchers say that more studies are now needed to explore the ideal way to integrate exercise and psychological interventions with cancer patients. JAMA Oncology, March 2017
Chiropractic: Law Enforcement Officers Often Suffer from Back Pain. Police officers are often exposed risk factors for low back pain (LBP), but few studies have specifically looked at LBP and its effect on members of this profession. Questionnaires completed by 3,589 law enforcement officers revealed that nearly 70% reported LBP symptoms in the past twelve months, and almost 97% of them perceived that presence of LBP was totally/partially linked to their work in the police force. Nearly 30% of respondents lived with chronic LBP, and these officers were more likely to report a reduction of work activities and lost work days in the past year. The findings shed light on the frequency and burden of chronic low back pain among police officers and underscore the importance implementing workplace management programs for this condition.
Spine, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Enjoy a Massage. The use of massage therapy can help can help relax the body and mind as well as ease pain and stress. The Mayo Clinic says possible benefits of massage include: managing anxiety, stress-related insomnia, and headache; easing pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia, sports-related injuries, injuries of the soft tissues, and temporomandibular joint pain; and reducing muscle tension. Despite these benefits, representatives from the Mayo Clinic add that massage therapy should not be considered a replacement for regular healthcare. Mayo Clinic, March 2017
Quote: “A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

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

Mental Attitude: Heavy Social Media Users May Feel Isolated. This study included nearly 1,800 people aged 19 to 32 who completed an online questionnaire and found that those who used social media sites/apps more often—either in terms of the number of times they used them or in total amount of time spent on them—were more likely to feel isolated from others. Study lead author Dr. Brian Primack explains, “Compared with those in the lowest quarter for frequently checking social media, people in the top quarter were about three times as likely to have increased social isolation.”
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 2017
Health Alert: Can Secondhand Smoke Lead to Food Allergies in Kids? Early exposure to secondhand smoke may boost the risk of food allergies among children. Researchers followed the health of nearly 3,800 Swedish children until they were 16 years of age and found that kids whose parents smoked when the children were two months old were more likely to develop signs of food allergies, especially to eggs and peanuts. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, March 2017
Diet: Probiotics May Help Treat Depression. Past studies have indicated that the gut microbiome (the population of microorganisms that reside in the digestive system) plays a significant role in mental health. A new animal study suggests that probiotics may someday be an effective alternative to medication in the treatment of depression. In the study, researchers found that beneficial bacteria called Lactobcillus (commonly found in live-cultured yogurt, though it can be taken in supplement form) altered the gut microbiome of mice, which the researchers then linked with a subsequent reversal of symptoms similar to depression in humans. Lead researcher Dr. Alban Gaultier writes, “The big hope for this kind of research is that we won’t need to bother with complex drugs and side effects when we can just play with the microbiome… It would be magical just to change your diet, to change the bacteria you take, and fix your health—and your mood.” Scientific Reports, March 2017
Exercise: Exercise May Help Your Muscle Cells Stave Off Old Age. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a type of cardiovascular exercise that involves alternating short periods of intense exercise with less intense recovery periods. In a new study, researchers took muscle biopsies from participants who performed different types of exercise and compared them with samples taken from sedentary individuals. They found that exercise, in particular HIIT, improves the energy-producing capacity of muscle cells, which is known to naturally decline as part of the aging process. Study senior author Dr. Sreekumaran Nair adds, “Based on everything we know, there’s no substitute for these exercise programs when it comes to delaying the aging process.” Cell Metabolism, March 2017
Chiropractic: Joint Pain and Arthritis Increase Health Costs. Joint pain and arthritis affect more than 100 million individuals in the United States. A new study set out to investigate differences in medical costs between patients with arthritis and joint pain and those not suffering from such ailments. The results of the investigation revealed that mean medical expenditures were nearly $6,774 greater each year for those with joint pain or arthritis. Based on the findings, the study authors recommend an interdisciplinary approach and heightened awareness to identify strategies that to help prevent and delay disease progression. Arthritis Research and Therapy, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Sugar Can Impact Sleep. Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet can lead to a more restful night’s sleep. The National Sleep Foundation notes the following: too much sugar may increase your risk of waking during the night; your energy may crash after a high-sugar treat, prompting you to feel drowsy during the day; and avoid refined sugars found in cereals, juices, desserts, white bread, sodas, and white pasta. National Sleep Foundation, March 2017
Quote: “In a time of destruction, create something.” ~ Maxine Hong Kingston

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

Mental Attitude: Harsh Parenting Can Backfire. Parenting that includes frequent yelling, hitting, and threats may bring out the worst in a teen’s behavior. Researchers tracked nearly 1,500 students over nine years and found that seventh graders subjected to harsh parenting tactics are more likely to turn to their peers in unhealthy ways, such as hanging out with friends instead of doing homework or engaging in early sexual behavior. Furthermore, these teens are also more likely to drop out of school. Study co-author Dr. Rochelle Hentges writes, “We’re primed as individuals to pay attention to our environmental cues. If we’re in a situation where there’s a lot of harshness, unpredictability, or danger, we’re more likely to try to capitalize on immediate and short-term rewards…. [On the other hand,] if you’re in a really stable, secure environment, it makes sense to put resources toward a long-range goal, like education.” Child Development, February 2017
Health Alert: Too Many Adults Have High Blood Pressure. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) warn that too many Americans struggle with high blood pressure. Data presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that 29% of Americans (75 million people) have high blood pressure, but only 54% have it under control. AAFP President Dr. John Meigs Jr. writes, “This finding is concerning because we know that high blood pressure and heart attacks or chronic heart failure are so closely related… Get your blood pressure checked. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to treat it and lower your risk factors.” American Academy of Family Physicians, February 2017
Diet: Just Two Servings of Produce Per Day Increases Wellbeing. Among a sample of 171 young adults, those who consumed an extra two servings of produce per day for fourteen days reported an increase in psychological wellbeing that did not occur in participants who continued to eat their normal diet. PLOS ONE, February 2017
Exercise: Jump Some Rope. Jumping rope is an excellent way to get your heart pumping and burn some calories. The American Council on Exercise offers the following guidelines for jumping rope: hold the handles near the end of the rope, keeping your grip light; keep your elbows close to your body and relax your shoulders and bend your knees slightly; use your wrist to turn the rope, maintaining a smooth arc as you swing the rope over your head; keep your head up and your back straight, making sure not to round your back or shoulders; and reduce joint impact by jumping low.
American Council on Exercise, February 2017
Chiropractic: Obesity Increases Risk for Spinal Pain. After controlling for factors such as marital status, gender, age, smoking status, household income, health insurance coverage, educational attainment, and the use of health services for other major categories of diseases, an analysis of data concerning 23,048 adults indicates that obesity significantly increases the risk for lower back problems, as well as intervertebral disk disorder.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Smoking Increases Substance Abuse Relapse Risk. For substance abusers in recovery, those who continue to smoke or start smoking are at least twice as likely to relapse as those who don’t smoke. This suggest incorporating smoking cessation and prevention strategies into substance abuse treatment programs may lead to better outcomes.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, February 2017
Quote: “The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will.’ Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities.” ~ David Copperfield

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

Mental Attitude: Driving May Suffer Even After Concussion Symptoms Fade. Concussion patients may still have difficulty driving, even after their symptoms disappear. Researchers tested fifteen college-aged participants in a driving simulator within 48 hours of reporting they no longer felt the effects of their concussions and found that despite the participants feeling like they had recovered, they continued to have problems controlling their vehicle and staying within their lane.
Journal of Neurotrauma, February 2017
Health Alert: Calcium Buildup in Arteries Among Young May Signal Cardiovascular Problems. Researchers performed CT scans and collected data on more than 3,000 men and women with an average age of 40 and found that individuals with any calcified plaque in their arteries had a five times greater risk for cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, these individuals had a three times increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Northwestern University’s Dr. Philip Greenland comments, “The fact that arterial blockages can occur in such young adults reinforces the need for much younger people—like teenagers and 20- to 30-year-olds—to follow healthy exercise and eating habits and not smoke.” JAMA Cardiology, February 2017
Diet: Following a Healthy Diet. The American Heart Association advises the following tips for eating well without dieting or feeling hungry: follow a simple, nutritious eating plan and avoid fad diets; shrink portion sizes instead of quitting your favorite treats; bulk up on foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and legumes; and avoid the temptation to consume a high-sugar beverages or other foods with empty calories by keeping them out of your home.
American Heart Association, February 2017
Exercise: Brief Intense Stair Climbing Boosts Fitness. Not having enough time to exercise is no longer an excuse to not get fit. This study included 31 sedentary healthy women who performed brief ten-minute stair climbing routines three times per week for six weeks. The routines involved quick bursts of vigorous stair climbing separated by short periods of recovery. Despite achieving a total of only 30 total minutes of exercise a week, the participants experienced increased cardiorespiratory fitness—an important healthy marker linked to longevity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, February 2017
Chiropractic: Hip Issues Common in Low Back Pain Sufferers. In a recent study, over one-hundred back pain patients received a physical examination and completed questionnaires on spinal pain, hip pain, and physical function. The findings revealed that hip dysfunction is common in patients presenting with low back pain, and patients with both low back pain and positive hip examination findings tend to have more pain and disability than those with low back pain but without hip issues. Doctors of chiropractic can effectively treat both low back pain and hip pain while improving overall musculoskeletal function.
The Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: You Can Reduce Stress. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these stress reducing suggestions: exercise regularly; eat nutritious meals; get plenty of sleep; stretch, breathe deeply, or practice relaxation training; move past things that are out of your control, and don’t sweat the small stuff; prepare as much as possible for upcoming challenges; maintain a positive attitude; find a friend or relative to talk to about what you’re feeling; don’t overburden yourself, and don’t be afraid to say “no” when necessary; establish realistic goals; and make time for fun.
American Academy of Family Physicians, February 2017

Quote: “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

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

Mental Attitude: Sleep Is Important for Motivation. Adequate sleep is a key component to achieving goals, such as healthier eating, more exercise, quitting smoking, improving relationships, or getting ahead at work. According to Dr. Cathy Goldstein, a sleep specialist at the University of Michigan, individuals who don’t get enough sleep are less likely to feel motivated to exercise or stick to their no-smoking plan and more likely to be in a bad mood, be less productive at work, eat unhealthy foods, and overeat. University of Michigan, February 2017
Health Alert: Obstetric Complications May Increase the Risk for Autism. Complications that occur later in pregnancy or during delivery may increase a child’s risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An analysis of health records of almost 600,000 children showed that those who faced complications during the third trimester had a 22% greater risk for ASD, while those who experienced a complication during delivery had a 10% higher risk for the disorder. Furthermore, children experiencing complications both before birth and during delivery had a 44% greater risk of being diagnosed with autism than kids who did not face these problems. American Journal of Perinatology, January 2017
Diet: Improving Diet Can Help Depression. Deakin University researchers assigned adults with major depressive disorder to either social support or support from a clinical dietician in an effort to assess if dietary changes would help combat depression. The dietary group received guidance on how to improve the quality of their current diet, with a focus on increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, lean red meats, olive oil, and nuts, while reducing the consumption of unhealthy sweets, refined cereals, fried food, fast-food, processed meats, and sugary beverages. At the end of the three-month trial, about 30% of participants in the dietary support group met criteria for remission of major depression compared to only 8% in the social support group. The findings suggest that a quality diet can be a possible treatment approach for depression.
BMC Medicine, January 2017
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Benefits Alzheimer’s Patients. Alzheimer’s disease patients who engaged in a six-month aerobic exercise regimen experienced improvements in their executive function skills, memory, and hippocampal brain volume. The findings suggest that aerobic exercise early in the course of the disease may slow its progression. PLOS ONE, February 2017
Chiropractic: Seating Position Affects Whiplash Risk. Most studies that seek to examine the effect of whiplash injuries on the cervical spine involve subjects seated with their back and head against the seatback and headrest. This study sought to identify what impact might result from the body leaning forwards ten degrees from the seatback and/or the head positioned twenty degrees away from the headrest—characteristics common to many drivers—at the time of collision. The research team found that leaning forwards increases the risk to the capsular ligaments while having both the body and head in a forward position results in a greater risk of cervical injury. This study underscores the importance of having the seat back and headrest properly adjusted, so the head is no greater than 1-2 inches from the headrest.
Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Filter Your Water. Filtering your water is important because you can’t necessarily taste or see contaminated water. The Environmental Working Group recommends the following to obtain cleaner drinking water: research your local water supply for possible contaminants; look for a filter that can remove the contaminants in your water supply and fits your budget; and drink tap water out of a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel or BPA-free plastic if you’re on the go. Environmental Working Group, February 2017
Quote: “You are what you share.” ~ Charles W. Leadbeater

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

Mental Attitude: Toxic Bosses Bad for Employee Health. Twelve hundred participants completed questionnaires related to their own psychological wellbeing, prevalence of bullying at their workplace, and their manager’s personality. Their responses revealed that those who work for leaders with psychopathic and narcissistic traits had lower job satisfaction and were also more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Furthermore, not only did employees’ wellbeing suffer, they were also more likely to engage in undesirable behaviors at work. British Psychological Society, January 2017
Health Alert: Peroxide Ingestion Can Be Deadly. Ingestion of high-concentration peroxide as promoted in some alternative medicine circles poses numerous life-threatening issues. Investigators examined ten years of poison control records regarding high-concentration peroxide ingestion (10% or greater concentration) and found that nearly 14% of reported cases had an embolic event and 6.8% died or exhibited continued disability. Study author Dr. Benjamin Hatten writes, “This is a caustic liquid, and as with many poison prevention efforts, we recommend keeping this product in its original container and adding both child-resistant capping and a colorizing agent to reduce the possibility of accidental ingestion.”
Annals of Emergency Medicine, January 2017
Diet: What You Eat Can Improve Your Sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following dietary tips to raise your odds for getting a good night’s rest: reduce saturated fat and increase fiber intake; reduce sugar consumption, as too much sugar increases the likelihood that you’ll wake up in the middle of the night; avoid food and drinks that are spicy, greasy, sugary, or alcoholic to reduce your risk of sleep-interrupting heartburn; and consume more B vitamin-rich foods, such as dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish, as they can regulate melatonin and help stabilize your sleep.
National Sleep Foundation, February 2017
Exercise: Regular Exercise Reduces Depression Risk in Children. In a new study, researchers assessed about 700 children at ages six, eight, and ten and found that kids who participated in regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise were less likely to develop depression over those four years. Lead study author Dr. Tonje Zahl explains, “Being active, getting sweaty, and roughhousing offer more than just physical health benefits. They also protect against depression.” Pediatrics, January 2017
Chiropractic: Try Drug-Free Options First, Say Experts. New treatment guidelines from the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommend that people with a new episode of low back pain should try drug-free therapies before considering medication. In general, the guidelines recommended that those with back pain that has lasted less than twelve weeks should consider non-drug therapies such as heat wraps, massage, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation (the primary form of treatment offered by chiropractors) to ease pain and restore function. The ACP stressed that powerful opioid painkillers should only be used as a last resort in some cases of long-lasting back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine, February 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Weight Loss Lowers Risk of Uterine Cancer. A review of data concerning more than 35,000 American women between the age of 50 and 79 found that weight gain/loss after age 50 can affect a woman’s risk for developing endometrial cancer. Researchers report that older women who lost 5% of their body weight reduced their uterine cancer risk by 29%, while the same reduction among obese women cut the risk by 56%. On the other hand, older women who gained more than ten pounds (4.53 kg) increased their risk for endometrial cancer by as much as 26%!
Journal of Clinical Oncology, February 2017
Quote: “Open your mind before your mouth.” ~ Aristophanes

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

Mental Attitude: Living Near Major Roads May Boost Dementia Risk. Living near a major roadway may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Researchers followed 6.6 million Canadians for a decade and found those living within 160 feet of a major highway had a 7% greater risk for developing dementia. Study author Dr. Hong Chen adds, “Our study suggests that busy roads could be a source of environmental stressors that could give rise to the onset of dementia.”
The Lancet, January 2017
Health Alert: Immune System Reboots During a Good Night’s Rest. T-cells are a type of lymphocyte (a subtype of white blood cell) that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. In this study, researchers took blood samples from fourteen healthy men and found the levels of all types of T-cells fell when they had a full night’s sleep. However, their T-cell levels stayed high when they stayed awake all night. Study author Dr. Luciana Besedovsky notes the rapid fall in T-cell levels during sleep shows “that even one night without sleep affects the adaptive immune system… This might be one reason why regular sleep is so important for general health.” American Journal of Physiology, January 2017
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Give Your Boost Brain a Boost. The Mediterranean diet may preserve brain health among older adults. Investigators collected dietary information and performed brain scans on almost 1,000 people around the age of 70. They found that those who followed the dietary habits common in Mediterranean countries—such as eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and beans—retained more brain volume into old age than those who did not. The researchers suspect that the combination of foods may protect against factors such as inflammation and vascular disease, which can cause brain shrinkage. Study leader Dr. Michelle Luciano notes, “Research is accumulating to show protective effects of the Mediterranean diet on normal cognitive [mental] decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.” Neurology, January 2017
Exercise: Cycling While in Bed Good for ICU Patients. In this study that included 33 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, researchers found patients who used special in-bed cycling equipment for 30 minutes a day had better physical function at discharge, which they believe may promote a faster recovery. PLOS ONE, January 2017
Chiropractic: Myofascial Pain Syndrome Common Among Neck Pain Sufferers. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional pain syndrome described as myofascial trigger points in skeletal muscle that can refer pain to nearby regions. A recent study discovered the presence of MPS in a group 224 patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. The investigators found the most common location for myofascial trigger points among participants was in the trapezius muscles, followed by the levator scapulae, multifidii, and splenius cervicis muscles in the neck region. Based on the findings, MPS should be considered a common source of pain among individuals presenting chronic non-specific neck pain. Chiropractic care includes myofascial release techniques of many varieties in addition to spinal manipulation and other modalities that reduce the pain and disability associated with MPS. Pain Medicine, December 2016
Wellness/Prevention: In-Car Breathalyzers Prevent Drunk-Driving Deaths. After examining trends in alcohol-related fatal car accidents from 1982 to 2013, researchers estimate ignition interlock laws have prevented about 1,250 deaths. Study leader Dr. Emma McGinty notes, “Our study suggests that [ignition interlocks] are effective, and it’s encouraging to see more and more states moving towards this evidence-based policy change.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, January 2017
Quote: “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” ~ Socrates

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

Mental Attitude: Is Vitamin D Deficiency a Risk Factor for Dementia? Vitamin D is created in the body by way of exposure to sunlight, though it can also be acquired by diet or supplementation. A review of data from six cohort studies indicates that men and women with serious vitamin D deficiency have a 54% greater risk for developing dementia than those with adequate vitamin D levels. BMC Geriatrics, January 2017
Health Alert: Flameless Candle Batteries Pose Dangers to Kids. The tiny button batteries that light up flameless “tea candles” pose a significant risk to children when swallowed. These lithium batteries, which are commonly used in these candles, account for 14% of all the button batteries swallowed by children during the last two years. Button batteries have higher voltage than other batteries, and they can cause severe burns in the esophagus if they become lodged there. Experts recommend that parents make sure battery compartments are shut on all devices that use batteries. They also recommend choosing devices that have screws to secure the battery compartment or using strong tape to make batteries difficult to access.
National Capital Poison Center, January 2017
Diet: Eating Rare Meat Safely. If you prefer your meat cooked rare versus well done, it is important that it is prepared safely. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests: use a food thermometer to make sure rare meat is hot enough to destroy any germs; avoid using the color of meat, the color of juices, or the firmness of meat to determine if it’s sufficiently cooked; cook ground lamb, pork, veal, or beef to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71.11 degrees Celsius) at its center; and cook steak to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (62.77 degrees Celsius) at its center. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, January 2017
Exercise: Set a Health Goal That Lasts. Did you make a New Year’s resolution to become healthier? The American Council on Exercise offers the following tips to help one continue to strive towards their goal as the year progresses: set a small, specific, actionable goal, such as going for a walk every other day; view your goal as a positive change that you want to see in yourself; don’t make your goal so challenging that you are likely to get frustrated; reward yourself for meeting the goal; and ask for support from family, friends, and loved ones. American Council on Exercise, January 2017
Chiropractic: Surgery No More Effective Than Conservative Care for Disk Herniations in the Long-Term. A recent study sought to compare the effectiveness of surgical and conservative treatment for patients with a lumbar disk herniation in regards to sciatica symptom severity and quality of life. Researchers followed 370 lumbar disk herniation patients for 104 weeks and found that surgical treatment did not show a benefit over conservative treatment during long-term follow-up. The findings suggest that conservative care has the same long-term effects as surgery for lumbar disk herniation but with less cost and associated risk. BMJ Open, December 2016
Wellness/Prevention: How to Avoid Feeling Tired. If you’re not getting enough sleep and feel groggy when you wake up, you don’t need to turn to caffeine to stay awake. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following to feel more alert: avoid alcohol before bed; set a sleep schedule, waking and going to sleep at the same time every day—even on weekends; set your alarm for the time you truly need to wake up; open the curtains to let in natural sunlight as soon as you wake; exercise daily; and eat a nutritious and balanced breakfast. National Sleep Foundation, January 2017
Quote: “You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.” ~ Charlie Chaplin

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