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.

Mental Attitude: Concussions May Accelerate Alzheimer’s. A new study suggests concussions may speed up mental decline among individuals already at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, researchers examined 160 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and found that concussions seemed to accelerate Alzheimer’s disease-related brain deterioration and mental decline in the veterans at genetic risk for the disease. Dr. Jasmeet Hayes, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine writes, “Our results suggest that when combined with genetic factors, concussions may be associated with accelerated cortical thickness and memory decline in Alzheimer’s disease-relevant areas.” Brain, January 2017
Health Alert: Rural Americans at Higher Risk of Preventable Causes of Death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2014, Americans living in more rural areas had a greater risk of death from mostly preventable causes such as heart disease, cancer, accidental injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden notes, “This new study shows there is a striking gap in health between rural and urban Americans. To close this gap, we are working to better understand and address the health threats that put rural Americans at increased risk of early death.”
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, January 2017
Diet: The DASH Diet Wins Again. The US News & World Report has named the DASH diet as the best overall diet choice for the seventh year in a row, followed by the Mediterranean and MIND diets. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, but experts say the benefits go beyond preventing high blood pressure as it is also effective for weight loss, lowering cholesterol, and managing or preventing diabetes. The diet focuses on eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, low- or no-fat dairy, lean meats, poultry, and fish. US News & World Report, January 2017
Exercise: Routine Checkup Should Include Fitness Tests. A medical checkup usually includes height, weight, blood pressure, and a cholesterol screen, but one expert says healthcare providers should also collect data on cardiorespiratory fitness—a measure of how much work your body can do during exercise. Dr. Benjamin Levine from UT Southwestern Medical Center explains, “This measurement is so important because it shows how the heart, lungs, and muscles all work together, and it should be an element of assessment of heart disease risk along with factors like smoking history, diabetes, and [high blood pressure].” UT Southwestern Medical Center, December 2016
Chiropractic: Stabilization Exercises Help Reduce Pain. Core stabilization has long been recommended to aid in the management of low back pain. A recent study set out to examine the effects of lumbopelvic stabilization training on pain threshold and pain intensity in comparison to passive automated cycling and a control intervention among a sample of 25 patients suffering from chronic nonspecific low back pain. The findings revealed that the patients reported significant improvements in their pain threshold and pain intensity following stabilization training that they did not experience with the other interventions. Pain Practice, January 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Staying Trim Can Help Grades. Researchers followed 281 university students for two academic years and found a correlation between maintaining a healthy body weight and better academic performance.
Preventive Medicine Reports, December 2016
Quote: “The greatest ideas are the simplest.” ~ William Golding

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

Mental Attitude: Over-Planning Can Spoil Leisure Time. Too much planning makes leisure time seem like work. A review of thirteen studies found that people enjoyed their leisure activities less when they over-scheduled. Study co-author Dr. Selin Malkoc adds, “People associate schedules with work. We want our leisure time to be free-flowing… Anything that limits and constrains our leisure chips away at the enjoyment.” Journal of Marketing Research, December 2016
Health Alert: Alcohol Abuse Elevates Heart Risks. Alcohol abuse is defined as the consumption of alcoholic beverages to excess, either on individual occasions or as a regular practice. An analysis of medical records on close to 15 million Californians revealed that alcohol abusers are twice as likely to have atrial fibrillation, 1.4 times more likely to have a heart attack, and 2.3 times more likely to have congestive heart failure than individuals without history of alcohol abuse. Lead researcher Dr. Gregory Marcus notes, “We were somewhat surprised to find those diagnosed with some form of alcohol abuse were at significantly higher risk of a heart attack… We hope this data will temper the enthusiasm for drinking in excess and will avoid any justification for excessive drinking because people think it will be good for their heart. These data pretty clearly prove the opposite.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, January 2017
Diet: Common Antioxidant May Protect Against Liver Disease. An antioxidant found in breast milk and foods like kiwi, soy, and celery may protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in one’s offspring. Researchers found that when researchers gave pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) to obese mice during and shortly after pregnancy, it protected their offspring from developing the symptoms of liver fat and damage that lead to NAFLD—a condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver cancer in early adulthood. NAFLD is the most common form of liver disease in the world, affecting 20-30% of all adults in the United States and over 60% of those who are obese. Lead author Dr. Karen Jonscher adds, “Perhaps supplementing the diet of obese pregnant mothers with PQQ, which has proven safe in several human studies, will be a therapeutic target worthy of more study in the battle to reduce the risk of NAFLD in babies.”
The FASEB Journal, December 2016
Exercise: Exercise Protects the Brain. After following 6,104 seniors for over a decade, researchers report that participants who performed the best on an initial treadmill test were 8% less likely to develop dementia than the other participants.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, January 2017
Chiropractic: Obesity Increases Risk of Chronic Pain. In the United States, 25 million adults experience daily chronic pain. In this study, researchers analyzed a sample of 6,079 middle-aged women and found that obese individuals were 2.06 times more likely to experienced chronic pain than those who fell within the normal weight range.
Gynecological Endocrinology, January 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Soundly When Traveling. It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep while traveling due noise, activity, or a bright room. To improve your sleep while traveling, the National Sleep Foundation recommends: using an eye mask to help block out light, bringing a travel-sized pillow and your own blanket; using a pair of ear plugs; and using some lavender-scented hand cream to help you sleep. National Sleep Foundation, January 2017
Quote: “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” ~ Bruce Lee

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

Mental Attitude: Depression and Facebook. Experts say that comparing yourself with others on Facebook can lead to feelings of depression. Researchers examined studies from 14 countries that included 35,000 participants and found that Facebook users were more at risk for depression when they felt envy, accepted former romantic partners as Facebook friends, made negative social comparisons, and made frequent negative status updates. They also found that gender and personality influenced the risk, with women and people with neurotic personalities more likely to become depressed. However, researchers stressed that online activity can also help people with depression who use it as a mental health resource.
Behavior and Social Networking, November 2016
Health Alert: Smoking Raises Heart Attack Risk in Those Under 50. An analysis of data from more than 1,700 adult heart attack patients revealed smokers under age 50 have a heart attack risk nearly 8.5 times higher than former smokers and nonsmokers in their age group. Heart, November 2016
Diet: Common Sugar Substitute May Promote Weight Gain. Investigators have discovered a possible mechanism explaining why use of the sugar substitute aspartame may not promote weight loss. In a new study, researchers found that aspartame blocks a gut enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase. Previous research has shown that this enzyme can prevent obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The study also found that mice receiving aspartame gained more weight and developed other symptoms of metabolic syndrome compared with a control group not fed the sweetener. Senior author Dr. Richard Hodin writes, “Sugar substitutes like aspartame are designed to promote weight loss and decrease the incidence of metabolic syndrome, but a number of clinical and epidemiologic studies have suggested that these products don’t work very well and may actually make things worse.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, November 2016
Exercise: Tennis May Prolong Your Life. After reviewing data concerning over 80,000 adults, researchers report those who played racquet sports—such as badminton, squash, and tennis—had nearly a 50% lower risk of dying from any cause over a 15-year period. Furthermore, they observed those who played racquet sports also had a 56% lower risk of death from heart disease during the course of the study. British Journal of Sports Medicine, November 2016
Chiropractic: Goodbye Heel Pain. A recent case involved a 44-year-old patient with a one-year history of heel pain. An examination led to a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and weakness of the hip muscles. The patient received ten sessions of hip strengthening and manipulative therapy over a period of three months. After the conclusion of care, the patient reported a significant improvement in pain intensity. This case history demonstrates how a combination of hip strengthening and manipulative therapy can improve foot pain in a patient suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, December 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Your Skin Looking Healthy. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following to protect your skin as you age: wear sunscreen when you’re outside; don’t smoke; inspect your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer; determine your skin type, such as oily or dry, and use products formulated for that type; use warm water and a gentle cleanser when washing your face; wash your face before bed, when you wake, and after you sweat; and find ways to manage stress. American Academy of Dermatology, December 2016
Quote: “Grace is the face that love wears when it meets imperfection.” ~ Joseph R. Cooke

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