Mental Attitude: Radon Exposure May Increase Alzheimer’s Disease Risk. A new study that compared data concerning
radon exposure and deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) appears to indicate a correlation between ionizing radiation
exposure and the development of this neurodegenerative condition. The authors of the study conclude, “Our findings, like other
studies, suggest that ionizing radiation is a risk factor for AD. Intranasal inhalation of radon gas could subject the
rhinencephalon and hippocampus to damaging radiation that initiates AD. The damage would accumulate over time, causing
age to be a powerful risk factor.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2017
Health Alert: Higher BMI Linked to Increased Risk Cardiometabolic Disease. In a study that included 119,859
participants, researchers examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic disease traits and found
a link between a higher BMI and an increased risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. The researchers
note, “Body mass index represents an important modifiable risk factor for ameliorating the risk of cardiometabolic disease in
the general population.” JAMA Cardiology, July 2017
Diet: Maternal High-Fat Diet Raises Breast Cancer Risk Across Generations. A high-fat diet may increase the risk of
breast cancer across generations. Using mice, researchers observed that first- and third-generation female offspring that had
been exposed to a high-fat diet while in utero were at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. The findings suggest that a
high-fat diet should be added to known causes of lifestyle-related breast cancer, which currently include alcohol consumption,
lack of physical exercise, obesity, choice of contraceptives, hormone therapy, and not breast-feeding.
Breast Cancer Research, July 2017
Exercise: Elderly Adults Who Exercise More May Live Longer. Among a sample of 803 seniors participating in the
Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, researchers found that those who increased their
physical activity levels over a ten-year period had a 43% lower risk of death during the course of the study than participants
whose activity levels declined or remained unchanged. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, July 2017
Chiropractic: Spondylolysis Associated with Degenerative Joints in the Spine. Spondylolysis is defined as a defect or stress
fracture in the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch. While the cause of spondylolysis is unknown, many factors are thought
to contribute to its development. A recent study set out to determine the effects of this condition on the facet joints in the lumbar
spine, which help make it possible to flex, twist, and bend. Researchers evaluated the radiographs of 107 patients with L5
spondylolysis and compared them with those of individuals without the condition and found that the patients with lumbar
spondylolysis had more severe degenerative changes of the facet joints than those without spondylolysis. The findings suggest
that individuals with spondylolysis are at a greater risk for developing degenerative joint issues in the lumbar spine.
Clinical Spine Surgery, July 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Food Safety When Packing for a Picnic. Picnicking can be a lot of fun, but nothing can ruin your
outdoor meal faster than a case of food poisoning. To reduce your risk, the United States Department of Health & Human
Services suggests: packing any meat, seafood, poultry, sandwiches, summer salads, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products in a
cold cooler; fill the cooler with ice to help it stay colder longer; and store it in a shady spot.
Department of Health & Human Services, June 2017
Quote: “Champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know a better chapter lies ahead.” ~ Paula White

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

Mental Attitude: Making Amends. Surveys completed by more than 200 adults reveal that when couples have a disagreement,
men and women want different things from their partner before they make up. The data show that women prefer heart-felt
apologies and quality time while men prefer a kind gesture. These findings may allow couples to better understand how to
effectively apologize to their partner. Evolutionary Psychological Science, July 2017
Health Alert: Big Men More Prone to Aggressive Prostate Cancer. A new study suggests that both taller and heavier men
have a greater risk of getting and dying from aggressive prostate cancer. An analysis of data concerning nearly 142,000 men
indicates that for every additional four inches of height (10.16 cm), a man’s risk of being diagnosed with high-risk prostate
cancer increases by 21%. Furthermore, for every four inch (10.16 cm) increase in waist circumference, his odds of developing
aggressive prostate cancer increase by 13% and the risk of dying from prostate cancer increases by 18%. Lead researcher Dr.
Aurora Perez-Cornago believes that results of the study will help persuade men to achieve a healthy weight, as well as
encourage public health policies to prevent obesity. BMC Medicine, July 2017
Diet: Mac & Cheese Products Contain High Levels of Harmful Chemicals. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to
soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl, which can get into food from packaging and equipment used in
manufacturing. Past research has linked these chemicals to birth defects in boys and learning and behavior problems in older
children. According to a new report, investigators tested cheese products and found that all ten varieties of macaroni and cheese
they examined had high levels of phthalates, even those marketed as organic. The New York Times, July 2017
Exercise: Manage Knee Pain with Exercise. People who have knee pain are often tempted to rest instead of exercise;
however, regular exercise can help strengthen the knees and ease pain. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
recommends: start exercising slowly and increase repetitions or weights as you get stronger; some discomfort is normal, pain
isn’t, so stop if you feel pain; don’t push yourself so hard that you’re in pain the next day; and consult with a therapist or doctor
about how often to exercise and the types of exercise you should perform.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, July 2017
Chiropractic: Multisite Musculoskeletal Pain in Adolescence May Predict Medical and Social Issues. Norwegian
researchers report that teenagers with pain in multiple body sites have an elevated risk for life-affecting health problems during
young adulthood. In this study, researchers followed 3,987 teens for an average of eight years and found a positive relationship
between the number of pain sites the participants reported at age 15 or 16 and how much they utilized medical or social benefits
during their early 20s. The authors conclude, “Adolescents with multisite musculoskeletal pain are at substantially increased
risk of health and social difficulties into young adulthood. Identification and interventions for these adolescent problems could
alleviate this risk and be a sound socioeconomic investment.” European Journal of Pain, July 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Quit Smoking for Healthier Sinuses. Researchers assessed the severity of symptoms and medication
use of 103 former smokers with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and found that the severity of CRS decreased to the levels of
nonsmoking CRS patients over the course of about ten years. The former smokers also saw an improvement in the severity of
symptoms, medication usage, and quality-of-life over that time span. The findings may provide motivation for smokers to stop
smoking. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, July 2017
Quote: “There is love enough in this world for everybody, if people will just look.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

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

Mental Attitude: Time with Dad Good for Baby’s Brain. Researchers analyzed how 128 fathers interacted with their infants
at three months of age and then followed up with the children at two years of age. They found that babies whose fathers were
more engaged and active when playing with them in their early months of life performed better on thinking skill assessments
than those with less engaged fathers. Study leader Dr. Paul Ramchandani adds, “Even as early as three months, these fatherchild
interactions can positively predict cognitive development almost two years later, so there’s something probably quite
meaningful for later development, and that really hasn’t been shown much before.” Infant Mental Health Journal, May 2017
Health Alert: Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Becoming More Common in Nursing Homes. People in nursing homes often
suffer from health conditions that weaken their immune system, and they’re often on prolonged antibiotic use, which contributes
to antibiotic-resistance. Because nursing home residents share many spaces and interact with one another, germs have a chance
to move from person to person more easily. A research review of eight prior studies revealed that multidrug-resistant bacteria
rates among nursing home residents ranged from 11% to an alarming 59%, with an average of 27%. Experts say that good hand
hygiene is one of the number one ways to prevent infection and that continued work to reduce infection rates and the over
utilization of antibiotics is needed to address this issue. American Journal of Infection Control, May 2017
Diet: Preschoolers Who Know Common Food Brands on Road to Obesity. Researchers calculated the body mass index
(BMI) of 247 young children in the United States and then asked them to identify different food brands. They found that
overweight children were more likely to recognize brands associated with fast food, sugary cereals, cookies, and soft drinks
than the kids who maintained a healthy weight. Appetite, July 2017
Exercise: A Form of Rock Climbing May Help Treat Depression. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that involves lowlevel
climbing without the use of harnesses or ropes. In a new study, researchers followed 100 participants who took part in
bouldering for three hours per week for a total of eight weeks and found that participants with depression experienced
significant improvements in their depressive symptoms. The findings add to past research suggesting that physical activity can
help those suffering from depression. Association for Psychological Science, May 2017
Chiropractic: Smartphone Use Affects Posture. Using surface electromyography and a digital camera, researchers
investigated changes in posture and muscle activation among 18 participants while they interacted with their electronic device.
The results revealed that smartphone use induced a more flexed posture on the neck and trunk compared with desktop computer
use. The researchers also found that participants began to experience neck and back pain if they used their smartphone for
longer than 15 minutes. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should consider the influences of smartphone use in
posture and muscle activity in the evaluation, intervention, and prevention of neck and trunk conditions.
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, June 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Warning Signs of Uterine Fibroids. Growths in a woman’s uterus, called uterine fibroids, usually aren’t
cancerous; however, these growths can trigger significant pain and discomfort. Experts from the United States Department of
Health and Human Services note that typical uterine fibroid symptoms include: heavy, painful menstrual periods; a sensation of
fullness in the lower abdomen or pelvis; abdominal swelling; frequent urination; painful sex; low back pain; and reproductive
problems. Health and Human Services, May 2017
Quote: “Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl

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

Mental Attitude: Overweight Kids Often Suffer Socially. A new study has found that overweight kids are excluded and
ostracized by classmates more often than their thinner peers. Researchers examined the friendship dynamics of over 500
preteens and found that those who were overweight or obese were 1.7 times more likely to be disliked by their peers and 1.2
times more likely to dislike their peers. Study author Dr. Kayla de la Haye writes, “We consistently find overweight kids are
ostracized by their peers, which plays out over middle school and high school to the point where they’re pushed to the periphery
of these big social groups… We really need to take this seriously… Experiencing stigma has such big implications for these
kids, impacting their social development and mental health, and probably their physical health.” PLOS One, June 2017
Health Alert: Election Results May Be Harmful to Health. In this study, researchers found that some individuals on the
losing end of an election saw their mental and physical health start to sink under a wave of perceived threats and targeted
hostility. More specifically, the research team found that unwelcomed election results can increase stress levels as well as the
rates of disease incidence, premature birth, and early death. Study author Dr. David Williams comments, “The bottom line is
that we found that a dramatic social event, such as terrorist attack or even a presidential election, can be a factor that can
undermine health.” New England Journal of Medicine, June 2017
Diet: Drinking Coffee and Tea May Prevent Liver Disease. Chronic liver disease is a leading cause of death in the United
States, with nearly 32,000 people dying from it each year. Now, a new study suggests that a cup of coffee or tea a day may help
prevent this disease. In the study, 2,424 participants underwent a full physical checkup, which included anthropometric
measurements such as body mass index, height, blood tests, and abdominal scans. The data revealed that frequent coffee and
herbal tea consumption consistently correlated with a significantly lower risk of liver stiffness, which suggests regular coffee or
tea intake may prevent liver fibrosis before the signs of liver disease start to appear. Journal of Hepatology, June 2017
Exercise: Marathon Running Won’t Harm Arteries. In recent years, there’s been debate about whether endurance activities,
like marathons, are harmful for the heart. In a new study, researchers tested the arteries of 97 runners who had competed in long
distance races and found no evidence of a link between these endurance activities and atherosclerosis. Lead author Dr. Axel
Pressler adds, “Our study shows that runners who have finished 20 marathons do not have stiffer arteries or more impaired
vessel function than people of the same age who have finished five or zero marathons … It appears that you can run as many
marathons as you want and not be in danger of developing impaired blood vessel function or atherosclerosis.”
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, June 2017
Chiropractic: Tight Hamstrings Associated with Low Back Pain. In this study, researchers matched 30 individuals suffering
from low back pain with 30 participants of the same height and weight without low back pain. The investigators then measured
the participants’ hamstring length and found that those without low back pain had significantly longer hamstrings than the
individuals with low back pain. The findings suggest that reduced hamstring length may be either a contributor or the result of
low back pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, June 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Dealing with Sweaty Feet. If your feet are constantly sweaty, you may suffer from a condition called
hyperhidrosis. To cope with excess sweating, the American Podiatric Medical Association suggests the following: wash your
feet daily with antibacterial soap; dry your feet well and sprinkle cornstarch, foot powder, or antifungal powder on your feet;
wear socks made of synthetic materials to help wick sweat from your feet; choose shoes made of breathable material; and keep
and extra pair of socks with you and change them during the day. American Podiatric Medical Association, May 2017
Quote: “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” ~ Charles Dickens

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

Mental Attitude: Loneliness May Reduce Sleep Quality. Researchers surveyed more than 2,200 young adults and found that
between 25% and 30% of the participants felt lonely sometimes, while another 5% reported they frequently felt lonely.
Furthermore, they observed that the lonelier people were 24% more likely to feel tired and have difficulty concentrating during
the day. Study author Dr. Louise Arseneault adds, “Diminished sleep quality is one of the many ways in which loneliness gets
under the skin, and our findings underscore the importance of early therapeutic approaches to target the negative thoughts and
perceptions that can make loneliness a vicious cycle.” Psychological Medicine, May 2017
Health Alert: Too Many Teens Ride with Impaired Drivers. More than one-third of Canadian high school students admit to
riding with a driver who has been drinking alcohol. The study, which involved 24,650 students, also revealed that almost 20%
of students said they’ve ridden with someone who’d recently used marijuana. Study author Dr. Leia Minaker notes the findings
are concerning because a significant proportion of motor vehicle accident deaths are related to alcohol and drug impairment.
Canadian Medical Association Journal Open, May 2017
Diet: Whole Fruits May Reduce Risk of Diabetes. An analysis of the diet and health records of thousands of people revealed
that those who ate two or more daily servings of fruits like blueberries, grapes, raisins, prunes, apples, and pears reduced their
likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes by 23%. However, the study also showed that drinking fruit juice daily increased the
risk of diabetes by 21%. The findings suggest that eating more whole fruits can help prevent the onset of diabetes.
BMJ, May 2017
Exercise: Exercise May Be Key to Better Bone Health. Previous studies indicate that fat in bone marrow leads to low bone
density. In a study involving obese mice, researchers discovered that just a few weeks of exercise resulted in both a reduction of
marrow fat and an improvement in bone quality. The findings suggest that obese individuals, who often have poor bone quality,
could derive even greater bone health benefits from exercising than their lean counterparts.
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, May 2017
Chiropractic: Exercises Improve Neck Pain in Office Workers. Chronic computer-related neck pain is common among
office workers. In this study, researchers randomly selected 109 female office workers with chronic neck pain to perform either
progressive resistance training (PRT), fixed resistance training (FRT), or no exercise to act as a control group (CG). Those in
the exercise groups performed four exercises targeting the neck muscles with an elastic rubber band on a regular basis for six
weeks. The investigators found that outcomes (pain levels, pain threshold, and neck strength) were significantly better in the
PRT and FRT groups than in the control group both immediately after the six weeks of training and three months later. The
study suggests that women with work-related neck pain may benefit from neck exercises. Chiropractic care for neck pain often
includes specific neck exercises to help reduce pain and improve mobility and function.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, May 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Know the Risks for Obesity? Obesity is associated with an increased risk for heart disease,
stroke, and high blood pressure, as well as other chronic diseases. Besides diet, there are other factors that can play a role in one
becoming obese. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute lists the following risk factors: living a sedentary lifestyle
without regular exercise, insufficient sleep, frequently becoming stressed, having family members who are obese, and having
easy access to fast food. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, May 2017
Quote: “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” ~ Maya Angelou

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

Mental Attitude: Brain Scans May Predict Autism. A special type of imaging known as functional connectivity MRI
(FcMRI) may help doctors predict which high-risk babies may develop autism as toddlers. In this study, researchers used
FcMRI to scan different regions of the brain of 59 babies believed to be at high risk for autism spectrum disorder and with this
data, they accurately predicted nine out of the eleven babies who later developed the behavioral signs of autism. Dr. Thomas
Frazier, the chief science officer of Autism Speaks adds, “Autism has been thought to be a disorder of connections in the brain,
and the fact that the function connectivity MRI is a good predictor of autism helps confirm those suspicions.”
Science Translational Medicine, June 2017
Health Alert: Almost 15% of Americans Have Kidney Disease. Chronic kidney disease develops when the kidneys can no
longer properly filter fluid and waste products from the blood. Kevin Longino, the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation,
notes that about 96% of individuals with early kidney disease don’t know they have it and nearly 50% of those who have
severely reduced kidney function and aren’t on dialysis are unaware of they have kidney disease.
National Kidney Foundation, June 2017
Diet: Low-Fat Dairy Intake Linked to Parkinson’s Risk. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that can cause
tremors, problems with movement, impaired balance and coordination, and muscle rigidity. An analysis of decades of data
concerning more than 120,000 men and women revealed that the risk of Parkinson’s disease was higher among those who
consumed at least three servings of low-fat dairy products per day, compared with the participants who consumed only one
daily serving. Neurology, June 2017
Exercise: Man’s Best Friend May Help Seniors Get Fit. In a new small study, researchers monitored the activity levels of 86
people age 65 and older, half of which were dog owners, for three weeks. They found that the dog owners in the study walked
an average of 22 minutes more and took 2,760 more steps per day than the non-dog owners. Lead author Dr. Philippa Dall adds,
“Over the course of a week this additional time spent walking may in itself be sufficient to meet [World Health Organization]
recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.” BMC Public Health, June 2017
Chiropractic: Different Back Pain Risk Factors Among Men and Women. Brazilian researchers analyzed data from a 2013
National Health Survey and found that 18.5% of the Brazilian population suffers from chronic back pain. Among men, risk
factors for chronic back pain include: 65 years or older; low education level; living in rural area; history of smoking, high salt
intake, heavy physical activity at work or home; being overweight or obese; hypertension; high cholesterol; and worse overall
health. Among women, the researchers found the following risk factors for chronic back pain: 55-64 years of age; low education
level; history of smoking, regular candy consumption, high salt intake, heavy physical activity at work or at home; overweight
or obese; hypertension, high cholesterol; and worse health assessment. Public Health Magazine (Brazil), June 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Sleep Apnea in Check. Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder that causes sufferers
to stop breathing during sleep. If you suffer from this condition, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends the
following: visit your doctor regularly to make sure your treatment is working, avoid gaining weight as a healthy weight reduces
your risk of complications from sleep apnea, understand the dangers of driving or using heavy machinery if you’re tired from
sleep apnea, and see your dentist regularly if you use a mouthpiece for sleep apnea.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, June 2017
Quote: “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” ~ Victor Borge

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

Mental Attitude: Elite High School Students at Higher Risk of Addiction. Teens at elite high schools in the United States
seem to face a greater risk of addiction as young adults. In this study, researchers followed more than 500 students from affluent
communities starting in their senior year of high school, through college, and from ages 23 to 27. Compared with the overall
population of people in their 20s, these individuals had a roughly two- to three-times greater risk for drug or alcohol addiction
during young adulthood. Study author Dr. Suniya Luthar explains, “Paradoxical though it may seem, these ostensibly privileged
youth, many of who start experimenting early and often with drinking and drugs, could well be among the groups at highest risk
for alcoholism and addiction in adulthood… This is a problem that derives from multiple levels of influence, so we’re going to
need interventions at multiple levels to tackle it.” Development and Psychopathology, May 2017
Health Alert: Teen Drivers Face Triple the Risk of a Fatal Crash. An analysis of national data found that compared with
drivers aged 30-59 years old in the United States, teen drivers are 4.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash and over three
times as likely to be in a fatal collision. The investigators say that the three main factors associated with fatal teen crashes are
distraction, not buckling up, and speeding. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, June 2017
Diet: Just Over 3% of Americans May Suffer from Food Allergies. A review of nearly three million medical records
identified more than 97,000 patients who suffered from one or more food allergies or food intolerance. The researchers found
that the most common allergy was to shellfish, such as shrimp and lobster. Other common food allergies included fruits,
vegetables, dairy, and peanuts. These food allergies can lead to potentially life-threatening reactions such as hives, anaphylaxis,
shortness of breath, wheezing, itching, swelling, or other allergic-like reactions called intolerances.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, May 2017
Exercise: Do Compression Tights Improve Running Times? Many runners think compression tights help improve their
running times, but a new study suggests otherwise. Researchers monitored runners on a treadmill on two different days, once
with compression tights and once without. They found that compression tights greatly reduced muscle vibration but did not
reduce muscle fatigue, which means they don’t help runners go farther or faster.
American College of Sports Medicine, June 2017
Chiropractic: Many Conservative Treatments Benefit Shoulder Conditions. Investigators recently performed a systematic
review of non-drug and non-surgical treatments of common shoulder conditions such as shoulder impingement syndrome,
rotator cuff-associated disorders, adhesive capsulitis, and non-specific shoulder pain. They found evidence supporting the use of
manual therapies for all four shoulder conditions; exercise, combined with manual therapy protocols for impingement syndrome
and adhesive capsulitis; and moderate evidence for the use of several passive modalities for shoulder impingement syndrome.
Chiropractors utilize many of these therapies when managing these common shoulder conditions.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, May 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Nail Fungus? A fungal infection of the nails may not always hurt, but it can cause unsightly nails that
itch and affect the surrounding toe or finger. The American Academy of Dermatology lists the following symptoms of a fungal
nail infection: nails that become yellow or brown; accumulation of debris underneath the nails, which can cause nails to detach
as they pull away from the nail beds; and a powdery, soft, or dry texture to the nails.
American Academy of Dermatology, May 2017
Quote: “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” ~ Otto Rank

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

Mental Attitude: Screen Time Tied to Speech Delay. An analysis of data concerning nearly 900 young children revealed that for
each 30-minute increase in time a child spends on a smartphone, tablet, or electronic device at 18 months of age, they have a 49%
elevated risk for expressive speech delay. According the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressive language is the ability to
convey feelings and information. Of concern to the researchers is that 20% of the children in the study spent an average of 28 minutes
per day in front of a screen. Pediatric Academic Society, May 2017
Health Alert: Sunscreen Use May Cause Vitamin D Deficiency. Sunscreen is key to protecting our skin from the damaging effects
of the sun, but a new study suggests that using sunscreen could lead to vitamin D deficiency. In this study, researchers found that
using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher could reduce the body’s vitamin D-3 production by 99%. Based on the findings, the
researchers suggest that individuals should avoid sunscreen use when exposed to midday sun for up to 30 minutes twice weekly in
order to increase and maintain normal vitamin D levels. Co-author Dr. Kim Pfotenhauer adds, “People are spending less time outside
and, when they do go out, they’re typically wearing sunscreen, which essentially nullifies the body’s ability to produce vitamin D.
While we want people to protect themselves against skin cancer, there are healthy, moderate levels of unprotected sun exposure that
can be very helpful in boosting vitamin D.” Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, May 2017
Diet: A Specific Antioxidant May Help the Arteries of Diabetics. The antioxidant called resveratrol—which is found in red wine,
peanuts, and berries—may improve the health of blood vessels in people with type 2 diabetes. According to the results of a new study,
researchers have found that resveratrol supplements lessened artery stiffness in some diabetic individuals. Among a group of patients
who each had an exceptionally stiff aorta at the start of the study, researchers found that 100mg daily doses of resveratrol reduced
stiffness nearly 5% in just two weeks. Increasing the dose to 300mg per day for the next two weeks reduced stiffness by 9%.
American Heart Association, May 2017
Exercise: Avoid These Common Exercise Errors. To reach your exercise goals, the American College of Sports Medicine
recommends avoiding these seven mistakes: failing to keep a journal to monitor your progress, losing track of your goals, strengthtraining
the same muscles on consecutive days, breathing incorrectly during exercise, not eating enough protein, getting distracted
during your workout, and ignoring flexibility and balance training. American College of Sports Medicine, May 2017
Chiropractic: Myofascial Release Protocol Reduces Chronic Low Back Pain. Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on technique
that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. A
study recently investigated the effects of MFR on pain and disability in patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP). The
study included 54 participants with nonspecific CLBP who either received four sessions of myofascial treatment lasting 40 minutes or
a sham treatment (similar to taking a placebo in a drug trial). The researchers found that participants in the myofascial group reported
significant improvements in pain and disability compared with those in the sham group. Myofascial release is often utilized by
chiropractors to manage many musculoskeletal conditions. Spine, May 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Dropping Weight Can Save Your Knees. Losing a few extra pounds may take a load off your knees.
Researchers collected data on 640 obese and overweight people who had mild osteoarthritis or were at risk of it. Investigators found
that obese and overweight people who lost 5% or more of their weight over four years experienced less degeneration of their knee
cartilage compared with individuals whose weight remained stable. Furthermore, patients who lost 10% of their body weight
experienced even slower cartilage degeneration. Radiology, May 2017
Quote: “Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.” ~ Joan Didion

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

Mental Attitude: Pet Dogs Help Children Feel Less Stressed. Pet dogs can provide valuable social support for kids when they’re
stressed. Researchers randomly assigned children to experience stressors, such as public speaking or a mental task, with either their
dog or a parent present for social support, or no one at all. They found that children who had their pet dog with them reported feeling
less stressed compared with having a parent for social support or having no social support. Furthermore, saliva tests revealed reduced
cortisol levels among children who spent more time with their dog. Social Development, May 2017
Health Alert: Nearly 30% of Prescription Drugs Have Safety Issues After FDA Approval. Safety issues emerge with nearly a
third of prescription drugs after they’ve been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An analysis of data
on drugs approved by the FDA between 2001 and 2010 found that 32% of drugs had safety issues after approval. More specifically, of
the 222 drugs approved during the study period, three were withdrawn, 61 received boxed warnings, and 59 prompted safety
communications. The medications that were most likely to have post-approval safety issues included biologics, psychiatric drugs, and
medicines approved through the FDA’s accelerated approval process. JAMA, May 2017
Diet: Too Much Salt in a Teen’s Diet Can Lead to Unhealthy Changes to Blood Vessels. A study that involved 775 teenaged
participants measured the elasticity of a major artery located in the upper arm as well as the speed that blood traveled in major arteries
in the neck and groin. After analyzing the amount of sodium consumed on self-reported diet records, the researchers found that the
adolescents who consumed the most salt had measurable changes in their blood vessels linked to early signs of cardiovascular disease
in adults. The findings suggest that adolescents who consume too much salt may place themselves at higher risk for future a heart
attack or stroke. Pediatric Academic Society, May 2017
Exercise: Running Can Reduce Cellular Aging. Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, which are
considered a marker of biological age. As we age, telomere length usually shortens. In this study, researchers analyzed data
concerning 5,823 adults who were a part of the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those
who ran for 30 to 40 minutes a day, five days a week had telomere lengths more akin to people up to nine years their junior. Lead
researcher Dr. Larry Tucker adds, “If you want to see a real difference in slowing your biological ageing, it appears a little exercise
won’t cut it. You have to work out regularly at high levels. We know that regular physical activity helps to reduce mortality and
prolong life, and now we know part of that advantage may be due to preservation of telomeres.” Preventive Medicine, May 2017
Chiropractic: Chronic Pain Affects Quality of Life. Chronic pain can result in significant clinical and social consequences. A recent
study set out to investigate the influence of chronic pain on health-related quality of life, work productivity, depression, and anxiety
among individuals in a community setting. The researchers found that roughly a third of those with either multisite pain or neuropathic
pain reported depressive symptoms. Furthermore, those suffering from either chronic multisite or neuropathic pain reported their
condition significant interferences with their daily activities and physical function, as well as their performance at work. The findings
confirm that chronic pain is a multifaceted health condition that requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Chiropractic care
focuses on improving quality of life and function among sufferers with these types of conditions. Family Practice, April 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Coping with a Stomach Virus. A gastrointestinal virus can cause your stomach to become sensitive to many
foods, which can lead to nausea or a general worsening of symptoms. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests the
following easy-on-your-tummy foods: bananas, rice, plain potatoes, plain applesauce, plain dry toast, saltine crackers, and clear broth.
American Academy of Family Physicians, May 2017
Quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

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

Mental Attitude: Children Bullied in Fifth Grade at Risk for Substance Abuse in High School. In this study, researchers
analyzed data concerning nearly 4,300 children from three larger cities in the United States and found a dangerous trajectory between
being bullied at age ten or eleven and worrisome behaviors in high school, such as using alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco.
Pediatrics, May 2017
Health Alert: Hepatitis C Infections Hit 15-Year High. According to a government report, new hepatitis C infections have nearly
tripled over the last five years in the United States, reaching a 15-year high. Hepatitis C is a virus that is spread by contact with
contaminated blood, such as sharing needles, unsterile tattoo equipment, or through unprotected sex. Over the long term, the condition
can result in cirrhosis of the liver, which can require a transplant. Health officials for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) note the highest number of new hepatitis C infections were among 20-29 year olds, mostly as a result of injecting drugs linked
to the current opioid epidemic. The CDC’s Dr. Jonathan Mermin adds, “We must reach the hardest-hit communities with a range of
prevention and treatment services that can diagnose people with hepatitis C and link them to treatment. This wide range of services
can also prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and ultimately stop drug use—which can also prevent others from getting hepatitis C
in the first place.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2017
Diet: Making Food More Flavorful. Going on a diet does not mean eating only bland and boring foods. The Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics recommends adding flavor the following ways: pan-sear, grill, or broil to intensify flavors; drizzle vegetables with olive
oil, then roast in an oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232.2 degrees Celsius); caramelize onions over low heat in a pan with a little oil
to give a sweet flavor; add colorful peppers or some hot sauce; add citrus fruit, chipotle peppers, cilantro, or pomegranate seeds to
give richer flavor; and use flavorful condiments, such as horseradish, mustard, chutney, or salsa.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, May 2017
Exercise: Tai Chi May Ease Insomnia Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that today is
practiced as a graceful form of exercise. In a new study, researchers surveyed 90 breast cancer survivors and found that this slowmoving
form of meditation is as good as talk therapy and more effective than medication in treating insomnia. The study suggests that
breast cancer survivors should consider this gentle form of exercise if they experience difficulty sleeping.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, May 2017
Chiropractic: Back Pain Associated with Curve of the Lumbar Spine. Investigators recently performed a research review on the
relationship between lower back pain and lumbar lordosis (curve) using data concerning 796 low back pain patients and 927 healthy
controls from a total of 13 published studies. The researchers found that overall, lower back pain patients tended to have a smaller
lumbar lordotic curve than those without back pain. Furthermore, the research team observed that the loss of lumbar lordotic curvature
is significantly associated with lower back pain caused by either disk herniation or disk degeneration. Spine Journal, May 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have a Spring Weather Kit? Spring can bring unpredictable weather, such as tornadoes,
thunderstorms, or floods. To help prepare for the surprises such weather can bring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends the following essential emergency supplies: a flashlight, weather radio, batteries, and an emergency evacuation plan for
your family; contact information for your family and neighbors, insurance information, and medical information; a first aid kit,
including bandages and antibiotic ointment; a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water to last up to five days; sleeping bags,
blankets, and personal hygiene items; and an emergency kit for your car. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2017
Quote: “True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” ~ Leo Tolstoy

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