Mental Attitude: Using Smartphones to Improve Mood. An international study has found that smartphone-based psychotherapeutic exercises can improve one’s mood. In the study, participants were able to choose from different psychotherapeutic exercises lasting five minutes each. For example, some subjects recalled emotional experiences, while others repeated short sentences or number sequences in a contemplative manner, or played with their facial gestures. The researcher observed participants felt more alert, calmer, and uplifted after each session. Lead researcher Dr. Marion Tegethoff adds, “These findings demonstrate the viability of smartphone-based micro-interventions for improving mood in concrete, everyday situations.” Frontiers in Psychology, July 2016
Health Alert: Breastfeeding on the Rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 81.1% of new mothers are now breastfeeding their children, up from 79% in 2011. However, almost half abandon the practice by the time their child is six months old. Additionally, less than a third continue to breastfeed through their offspring’s first birthday. Studies show that not only does longer duration breastfeeding benefit the baby (a lower risk of ear infections, for example), but it also confers long-term benefits to the mother (such as a lower risk of heart disease and circulatory diseases).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2016
Diet: Get More Essential Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve heart health and help ward off heart disease. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests these sources to ensure you’re getting these essential fatty acids: oils from soybeans, flaxseed, and canola; walnuts or walnut oil; fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna; and eggs labeled as containing omega-3 fatty acids. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, August 2016
Exercise: Don’t Let Kids Be Lazy When School Is Out. Physical education experts recommend parents keep their kids active when they’re not in school. Martin Wurmlinger, a physical education teacher at a Los Angeles middle school recommends structured activities, such as creating a circuit program that covers all five areas of fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, body composition, and flexibility. Examples include pushups, abdominal crunches, jumping jacks, squats, and stretching. He adds, “I encourage students to do physical fitness activities with friends or family. That’s usually more fun and a great motivator.” University of California, Los Angeles, July 2016
Chiropractic: Dizziness May Be Caused By Dysfunction in the Neck… Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense where its various parts are in relation to one another for purposes of movement and balance. Cervicogenic dizziness is a musculoskeletal disorder in which neck pain is associated with disequilibrium; however, according to researchers, “The pathophysiology is unclear and the neurophysiological basis remains to be ascertained.” In this study, researchers examined 20 cervicogenic dizziness patients and 22 healthy controls and found the dizziness patients exhibited impaired proprioception. Previous research has demonstrated chiropractic care can improve proprioception, which may offer a viable treatment option for the cervicogenic dizziness patient.
Neurologia, July 2016
Wellness/Prevention: First Comprehensive Cancer Blood Test Within Reach. A research review of thousands of studies has allowed researchers to identify 788 biomarkers in blood that could be used to develop an early stage cancer screening test. The scientists hope that once clinical studies are completed, they will have a suite of about 50 biomarkers that can go into a clinical trial. Lead researcher, Dr. Lesley Uttley comments, “Our vision is that the screen will pick up even the small amounts of these biomarkers that might be in the blood at an early stage of the cancer, without necessarily identifying which cancer they relate to. Patients would then be referred for more specific tests that could narrow down the tumor type.” The researchers add that validation and trials will take six to eight years, but tests could be ready within three years for use in high risk groups. EBioMedicine, July 2016
Quote: “Remake the world, a little at a time, each in your own corner of the world.” ~ Rick Riordan

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

Mental Attitude: The Brains of Preterm Babies Benefit from Breast Milk. Premature infants who are fed breast milk within their first 28 days of life have better brain development than those without access to breast milk. Investigators followed 180 preterm infants from birth to seven years old and found a link between increased breast milk consumption during NICU hospitalization and larger deep nuclear gray matter volume at full term and better IQs, academic achievements, memory, and motor function by age seven. Lead author Dr. Mandy Brown Belfort adds, “Our data support current recommendations for using mother’s milk to feed preterm babies during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization.” Brigham and Women’s Hospital, July 2016
Health Alert: Many Women Weigh Too Much Before Pregnancy. United States health officials say that more women are starting their pregnancies heavier than ever before. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 50% of women who became pregnant in 2014 were either overweight or obese when they conceived. The findings are concerning as two complications of being overweight or obese before and during pregnancy are high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. Dr. Siobhan Dolan, a medical adviser to the March of Dimes advises all women to see a doctor before becoming pregnant to help “become as healthy as you can prior to pregnancy. A lot of being healthy before pregnancy is prevention, and a healthy weight is part of prevention.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2016
Diet: Looking for More Energy? Making nutritious and healthy food choices can help you power through the busiest days. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests the following to improve your diet: eat every three to four hours to boost metabolism and to keep from becoming too hungry; watch portion sizes and avoid overeating; eat a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, fruit, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and healthy fats; avoid foods such as sodas, energy drinks, and coffee loaded with sugar that can make energy levels sag; and drink plenty of fluids, such water or tea without sugar.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, August 2016
Exercise: Exercise Therapy for Hip Arthritis. A recent study investigated the effectiveness and safety of Tübingen exercise therapy for improving hip muscle strength among 120 hip osteoarthritis sufferers. This type of exercise focuses on movements to strengthen muscles and improve body awareness, balance, and flexibility. After a twelve-week program that included both group sessions and home exercise, participants experienced a significant positive effect on hip muscle strength. Overall, the researchers report they found the program to be feasible and safe with no reports of therapy-related adverse events. Modern Rheumatology, August 2016
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Help Seniors with Cervicogenic Headaches. In this study, researchers compared the effects of manual therapies, such as those delivered in a chiropractic setting, with usual care in the treatment of older adults whose headaches are the result of cervical dysfunction. Participants in the manual therapy group reported significant reductions in headache frequency following their eleven session treatment plan, which did not occur in patients in the usual care group. Additionally, these benefits persisted up to nine months later when the study’s final follow-up occurred. Those in the manual therapy group also experienced reductions in headache intensity and duration, as well as improved cervical range of motion and quality of life scores.
Spine Journal, August 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Use Your Neti Pot Safely. A Neti pot can be extremely helpful for clearing clogged sinuses as well as offering relief from uncomfortable nasal congestion. The Food and Drug Administration offers these guidelines for proper use: wash and dry your hands before use, thoroughly clean the Neti pot and dry before each use, use clean water (distilled, filtered, or boiled) to create the saline rinse solution, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Food and Drug Administration, August 2016
Quote: “No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.” ~ Mary Shelley

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

Mental Attitude: Stressed Dads May Affect Their Kids’ Development. When fathers are stressed out about parenting, it may take a toll on their children’s development. In a study that included 730 families, researchers found that sons were more likely to have poorer language skills at age three when their fathers had high levels of stress associated with parenting. Furthermore, both boys and girls of stressed fathers usually scored lower on tests of cognition. Dr. Michael Yogman, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health adds, “This new study supports a wealth of research showing that fathers play an important role in their children’s cognitive and behavioral development.”
Infant and Child Development and Early Childhood Research Quarterly, July 2016
Health Alert: Americans Are Heavier Than 20 Years Ago. According to a new report, the average American has put on about fifteen pounds (~6.8 kg) since the late 1980s and early 1990s. The authors of the report speculate the reasons behind the increase in weight are most likely related to tendencies toward less exercise and more access to high calorie foods. Dr. Anthony Comuzzie, an obesity researcher and scientist with the department of genetics at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, says that the study reveals that Americans are still gaining weight at “a fairly rapid rate, and such an increase does not bode well for the overall health of the nation. The findings suggest there will likely be an associated increase in chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the coming years.” National Center for Health Statistics Report, August 2016
Diet: Omega-3s Helpful After a Heart Attack. A heart attack can result in damage to the heart, which raises the risk of further heart-related problems. A new study suggests that this risk may be reduced with a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. In the study, 360 heart attack patients either took four grams of omega-3 fatty acids or a placebo for six months following their heart attack. The researchers found that participants who took omega-3 fatty acids experienced a 5.6% reduction in scarring of non-damaged heart muscle, as well as a 5.8% reduction in the left ventricular end-systolic volume index, which is an indicator of a patient’s outcome following a heart attack. Senior author Dr. Raymond Y. Kwong explains, “Our findings show that omega-3 fatty acids are a safe and effective treatment in improving cardiac remodeling, so it may be promising in reducing the incidence of heart failure or death, which are still major healthcare burdens to patients who suffer a heart attack.” Circulation, July 2016
Exercise: Improves the Working Memory of Stroke Patients. In this study, researchers found that post-stroke patients who engaged in moderate exercise for just 15 minutes experienced enhanced activity in their brain’s prefrontal cortex, resulting in improved working memory performance. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, August 2016
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Reduced By An Activity-Based Work Environment. A recent study investigated the effect of an activity-based work (ABW) office environment on physical activity and sedentary behavior, work ability, and musculoskeletal discomfort. ABW is based on the premise that employees do not have an assigned workstation; instead, they are provided with a variety of predetermined activity areas that allow them to learn, focus, collaborate, and socialize. In the study, 88 office workers trialed ABW for four weeks, and at the end of the study, the researchers reported the workers spent less time sitting and more time standing and walking. The participants also reported less back pain following the four-week trial than they had in their more traditional work environment. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Check Those Moles. If you have a lot of moles on your body, you need to check your skin often for changes and warning signs associated with skin cancer. To accomplish this, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following: regularly inspect your skin, evaluate all of your moles; look for changes or unusual looking moles; see a dermatologist if any moles bleed, itch, or change; avoid sunbathing or use of a tanning bed; apply sunscreen when outdoors to help prevent sunburn; and see a dermatologist if you have 100 or more moles. American Academy of Dermatology, August 2016
Quote: “Fortune crowns the bold before the worthy.” ~ Agona Apell

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

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Mental Attitude: Going to Church Lowers Suicide Risk Among Women. According to a new study, after reviewing 15 years of data concerning 89,708 women, those who attended a religious service one or more times per week had a five times lower risk of suicide than women who never attended service. The authors of the study conclude, “Our results do not imply that healthcare providers should prescribe attendance at religious services. However, for patients who are already religious, service attendance might be encouraged as a form of meaningful social participation. Religion and spirituality may be an underappreciated resource that psychiatrists and clinicians could explore with their patients, as appropriate.”
JAMA Psychiatry, June 2016
Health Alert: Men Have a Greater Risk of Cardiac Arrest. Researchers examined data on more than 5,200 men and women, aged 28 to 62, who took part in the long-running Framingham Heart Study and found that about one in nine men will suffer a cardiac arrest before the age of 70, compared with about one in thirty women. Lead researcher Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones comments, “We need to get more serious about screening men for risk factors for cardiac arrest.”
Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2016
Diet: Only a Third of Men Eat Five or More Servings of Fruits and Veggies Each Day! Even though produce consumption has slightly improved over the past 20 years, a team of Swedish researchers reports that two-thirds of men still consume fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. British Journal of Nutrition, July 2016
Exercise: Benefits of Running. Jogging or running is a popular form of physical activity worldwide. It is an appealing exercise because it doesn’t cost a lot to do and you can run at any time that suits you. Regular running or jogging can also make you happier, help you get fit, strengthen your knees and joints, keep you sharper as you age, reduce your risk of cancer, and add years to your life. Runner’s World, June 2016
Chiropractic: Lumbar Mobility Affected By Chronic Pain Among Seniors. In a recent study, researchers compared the mobility of 108 older adults, of whom 54 suffered from chronic low back pain. The investigators found that the older adults with chronic low back pain had more lumbar mobility impairments. This is of concern as loss of mobility can increase a senior’s risk for experiencing a serious fall, which can greatly impact both their quality of life and independence.
Pain Medicine, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Higher Drinking Age Could Lower Illness Rates. Raising the minimum drinking age may have more benefits than just lowering drunk driving rates. Researchers analyzed data on American adults who turned 18 years old between 1967 and 1990. The team examined if young people who were legally able to drink before their 21st birthday had a higher risk of death from an alcohol-related disease than people who couldn’t legally drink until they turned 21. They found that, among individuals who did not attend college, those who entered adulthood in areas with minimum legal drinking age of 21 had a lower risk of death from chronic alcohol-related health issues, such as liver disease and certain cancers, over the course of their lifetime. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, June 2016
Quote: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” ~ Helen Keller

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

Mental Attitude: Depression Strikes Nearly 3 Million Teens Yearly. According to a new government report, almost three million American teens experienced a major bout of depression in 2014. Dr. Paolo del Vecchio, the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services at the United State (US) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration adds, “Adolescence is a critical time in a person’s development, and battling with depression can be devastating for teens unless they receive effective treatment… Effective treatment is available, but parents, teachers and all concerned members of the community must work to assure that adolescents in need get help.”
US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, July 2016
Health Alert: Do Migraines Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease? An analysis of data collected from 115,541 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II indicates that migraines may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that women with a history of migraines had a greater risk for major cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and angina/coronary revascularization procedures compared to women who did not have migraines. The research team adds, “These results further add to the evidence that migraine should be considered an important risk marker for cardiovascular disease, at least in women… Given the high prevalence of migraine in the general population, an urgent need exists to understand the biological processes involved and to provide preventive solutions for patients.”
British Journal of Medicine, May 2016
Diet: American Teens Report Drinking Fewer Soft Drinks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that teens in the United States (US) have reduced their soda consumption by almost a third in just two years. Experts from the CDC speculate that much of this reduction may be the result of a recent ban on the sale of sugary drinks in school vending machines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2016
Exercise: Improves Blood Flow to the Brain! Using MRI, researchers observed that more aerobically fit children have greater blood flow to the hippocampus—a part of the brain that’s important for learning and memory. This adds to an ever growing body of research linking improved physical fitness to better cognitive function.
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, July 2016
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulations Reduce Myofascial Pain Sensitivity. A study that included 26 participants recently assessed effects of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) on myofascial pain sensitivity. Investigators found that participants who received two consecutive SMT interventions 30 minutes apart experienced significant decreases in the pressure sensitivity of the associated myofascial tissues. The finding suggest the effects of SMT may have a dose-response relationship on the tissues that support and protect muscles and bones. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Removing Mold & Mildew. Mold and mildew build-up in the home can lead to a number of poor health outcomes. Experts from the Federal Emergency Management Administration offer the following suggestions for eliminating mold and mildew from your home: wear a mask, eye protection, and gloves while cleaning; make sure to have adequate ventilation; thoroughly clean an affected area before using disinfectant; and if you develop a reaction while cleaning, hire a professional. Federal Emergency Management Administration, June 2016
Quote: “Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

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

Mental Attitude: Declining Brain Health Linked to Increased Risk of Critical Illness. Mayo Clinic researchers report that
seniors with mild cognitive impairment are 50% more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) to treat a serious
illness than their peers with no apparent signs of cognitive decline. Critical Care Medicine, July 2016
Health Alert: Is Modern Lifestyle to Blame for the Obesity Epidemic? When it comes to the obesity epidemic, is nature to
blame… or nurture? An analysis of data from nearly 8,800 adults participating in a nationwide health and retirement study
revealed that participants were more likely to pack on more pounds if they were born later in the 20th century, regardless of
whether they had a high genetic risk for obesity. The researchers suggest that modern conveniences may be to blame as they
have allowed people to become more and more sedentary. The Obesity Society’s Dr. Anthony Comuzzie explains, “When was
the last time you got out of the car and opened your own garage, or got off the couch to change the TV channel?… People have
more money to spend on easily available fast food, and they are less likely to engage in physical activity. It’s a double-edged
sword.” Journal of the American Medical Association, July 2016
Diet: Is Pasta Good for Your Diet? Many people have shunned pasta in recent years because of concerns that it’s fattening.
However, new research suggests that pasta, specifically noodles, may actually aid in weight loss. Italian researchers found that
moderate pasta consumption appears to be linked to a lower incidence of both general and abdominal obesity. Lead researcher
Dr. George Pounis writes, “We have seen that consumption of pasta, contrary to what many think, is not associated with an
increase in body weight, rather the opposite.” Nutrition and Diabetes, July 2016
Exercise: Exercise During Pregnancy Offers Benefits. According to new research, women who exercise during pregnancy
are less likely to require a caesarian section than women who refrain from exercise. Furthermore, exercise does not appear to
increase the risk of preterm birth. The researchers also found exercise results in a lower incidence of gestational diabetes and
lower rates of high blood pressure during pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 2016
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulative Therapy & Home Exercise Beneficial to Those with Chronic Neck Pain. Chronic neck
pain is a common and disabling condition among older adults, but little is known regarding the cost-effectiveness of commonly
used treatments. A recent study investigated the cost-effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy, supervised exercise, and
home exercise among a group of 241 older adults with chronic mechanical neck pain. The investigators found that spinal
manipulation combined with home exercise resulted in better clinical outcomes and lower costs than either supervised exercise
combined with home exercise or home exercise alone. The study demonstrates the benefit of utilizing spinal manipulative
therapy in the management of chronic neck pain. The Spine Journal, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Your Child’s Sandbox Safe. For decades, children have played in sandboxes. But while these
play areas allow kids to express their creativity and enjoy the outdoors, sandboxes can also harbor germs. To help keep your
child’s sandbox safer, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests: use only natural river or beach sand, cover the sandbox
when not in use to keep animals and insects out, let wet sand dry completely before covering, rake sand regularly to get rid of
clumps and debris, and keep pets out of the sandbox. American Academy of Pediatrics, June 2016
Quote: “We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it’s our life or our possessions and property. But this fear evaporates
when we understand that our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand.” ~ Paulo Coelho

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

Mental Attitude: Use Meditation to Relax. Regular meditation can help relax both the mind and the body. The Mayo Clinic offers these suggestions: concentrate on breathing deeply and slowly, focus on relaxing every area of your body, repeat a mantra or prayer, meditate as you walk, read something that’s personally meaningful, listen to soothing music, and focus your thoughts and gratitude on a particular person, pet, or object. Mayo Clinic, June 2016
Health Alert: Donated Blood Won’t Transmit Neurodegenerative Disorders. A new study finds no credible evidence that degenerative brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, can be transmitted via donated blood. Researchers tracked data on more than 40,000 patients who received blood transfusions between 1968 and 2012 from people who were later diagnosed with any form of dementia or Parkinson’s disease and found they had exactly the same chance of developing a neurodegenerative disorder as those who received blood from people who did not go on to develop a neurodegenerative disorder. Annals of Internal Medicine, June 2016
Diet: Eat Healthy to Stay Mobile as You Age. Healthy eating may help reduce the risk of physical disability among women as they grow older. An analysis of data from almost 55,000 women who had their physical function assessed every four years from 1992 to 2008 revealed that those who ate healthier diets were less likely to develop mobility problems than those with less healthy diets. Furthermore, researchers linked the high consumption of fruits and vegetables and the low consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, trans fats, and salt with a decreased risk of physical impairment. Journal of Nutrition, July 2016
Exercise: Just Walk. Walking is an inexpensive and simple exercise that has been shown to offer numerous health benefits for bones, muscles, and joints. Dr. Carolyn Hettrich, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports, “Sometimes the hardest part of working out is getting started… Walking requires minimal preparation, but yields significant benefits. Establish a routine by incorporating at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week.”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, June 2016
Chiropractic: Take Breaks from Smartphone Use Every 20 Minutes. Smartphones have become ubiquitous, and people seem to be interacting with their electronic devices at every opportunity. In this study, researchers asked participants to sit and use their smartphones for varying lengths of time while they measured the muscle activity in their neck and shoulders, as well as whether or not they felt any pain. They found that participants experienced significant fatigue in the muscles the neck and upper back when they used their phones for more than twenty minutes. Additionally, the longer participants used their phone, the greater their risk for developing neck and/or shoulder pain. The researchers conclude it would be appropriate to recommend taking a break every twenty minutes to allow the muscles in the neck and shoulders to relax before resuming smartphone use.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Minimize Jet Lag. It is often difficult to adjust to a new time zone while traveling, but the transition can be easier with a little prep work. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the following: make sure you are well rested before leaving, avoid consuming alcohol, eat healthy well-balanced meals, avoid overeating, get regular exercise, and go to sleep and wake up based on the new time zone as quickly as possible.
American Academy of Family Physicians, June 2016
Quote: “Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

Mental Attitude: A Stable Family Life Helps Teens Avoid Obesity. Researchers reviewed information on about 3,700 females and 2,600 males aged 14 to 24 and found that those with stable families and strong relationships with their parents were more likely to follow a healthy diet. These children were also more likely to be both physically active and get sufficient sleep each night. The researchers also note that daughters in these families ate less fast food and were less likely to be overweight or obese and sons who had a close relationship with their father were less likely to be overweight or obese.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, June 2016
Health Alert: Top Causes of Death in the United States. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics reveals that the death rate in the United States has hit an all-time low, but heart disease and cancer continue to be the leading causes of death. According to experts, the top ten cause of death are: heart disease (23.4% of all deaths), cancer (22.5%), chronic lung diseases (5.6%), accidents/unintentional injuries (5.2%), stroke (5.1%), Alzheimer’s disease (3.6%), diabetes (2.9%), influenza and pneumonia (2.1%), kidney disease (1.8%), and suicide (1.6%). National Vital Statistics Reports, June 2016
Diet: Why Blood Glucose Rises. It is important for the health of the body that the concentration of glucose in the blood be maintained at a constant level. This is usually accomplished by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that controls blood sugar levels in the body. But for various reasons, the process doesn’t work correctly for people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports the following as possible reasons an individual’s blood glucose levels may spike: eating something that contains more carbohydrates than you normally eat, insufficient exercise, hormonal changes, being sick, and emotional stress. American Diabetes Association, June 2016
Exercise: Moderate & Vigorous Exercise Helpful for Those with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver cells (from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption). The condition tends to occur more often in individuals who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides. A new study has found that a brisk walk is just as good as a jog when it comes to reducing the levels of fat in the liver cells of patients with NAFLD, which suggests those who have difficulty with vigorous exercise can still prevent and treat NAFLD with moderate activity. JAMA Internal Medicine, July 2016
Chiropractic: Pelvic Girdle Pain Can Persist Up to a Decade After Giving Birth! A ten-year follow up with 370 women who experienced pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy revealed that 10% still suffered from the condition. Further analysis revealed that women with a history of low back pain prior to pregnancy had a 2.28 times greater risk for developing chronic PGP over the following decade when compared with women without a history of back pain.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, July 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Pain and Grip Strength Can Affect Independence. Researchers questioned 264 Japanese women (age > 40 years) and found that those with back pain, knee pain, or reduced grip strength were more likely to experienced difficulties with their normal activities of daily living (ADL). This finding underscores the importance of both staying fit as one ages, as well as taking steps to reduce the risk of developing chronic pain. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, July 2016
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: Depression Common Among Those with COPD. Two new studies have revealed that patients struggling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) may have an increased risk for developing depression. The first study followed COPD patients over a three-year period and found one in four participants reported persistent depressive symptoms. The second study found that 22% of Medicare patients with COPD had one or more psychological disorders. An expert not involved in the study, Dr. David Mannino, explains that depression makes it difficult for those with COPD to adhere to needed therapies, especially since they tend to blame themselves for developing the disease by smoking. CHEST, April 2016
Health Alert: High BMI & Waist Circumference Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer. A high body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference appears to increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Researchers followed 141,896 men from eight European countries and found a 10% increased risk of high grade (aggressive) prostate cancer for every five point increase in BMI and a 13% increase for every ten cm (3.9 inch) increase in waist circumference. Additionally, they found a 14% higher risk for fatal prostate cancer with every five point increase in BMI, and 18% increased risk in every ten cm increase in waist circumference. They conclude, “The findings from this large prospective study show that the association between body size and prostate cancer is complex and varies by disease aggressiveness; men who have greater adiposity have an elevated risk of high grade prostate cancer and prostate cancer death.” European Association for the Study of Obesity, June 2016
Diet: Dietary Fiber May Be Key to Successful Aging. Consuming a diet rich in fiber may be the key to aging successfully. In this study, researchers defined successful aging as reaching old age both disease-free and fully functional. They analyzed data on 1,609 adults aged 49 years and older and found that participants who had the highest intake of fiber were nearly 80% more likely to age successfully over a ten-year period than those with the lowest fiber intake. The Journal of Gerontology, June 2016
Exercise: Majority of Weight Management Apps Not Certified or Proven to Be Effective. Many overweight and obese people turn to a multitude of smartphone apps to help them lose weight; however, new research claims that less than one half percent of the 3,013 apps identified by the researchers that focused on body weight, exercise, and calorie intake recording and monitoring have been developed by a certified health organization or university.
European Association for the Study of Obesity, June 2016
Chiropractic: Short Leg Associated with Lumbar Disk Herniation. A new study investigated the role of leg length discrepancy and the occurrence of lumbar disk herniation. It has long been theorized that inequality in leg length may lead to abnormal transmission of load across the vertebral endplates and degeneration lumbar spine and the disk space. The study included 39 subjects with leg length discrepancy and low back pain as well as 43 people with just low back pain. Investigators found a statistically significant association between leg length inequality and the occurrences of lumbar disk herniation. Further research is needed, but the findings suggest that addressing leg length inequality may reduce an individual’s risk of lumbar disk herniation. Journal of Cranioverterbral Junction & Spine, May 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Possible Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Breast Cancer. German researchers compared the vitamin D levels and mammographic findings of 1,103 women and found that women with malignant results were more likely to have deficient vitamin D levels than those with negative results. Though more research is necessary, this finding suggests vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the development of some types of breast cancer. Obstetrics and Gynecology, May 2016
Quote: “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” ~ Vincent van Gogh

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

Mental Attitude: Heart Failure Boosts Depression Risk! Heart failure appears to be a substantial risk factor for the
development of depression among adults over the age of 40. In this study, German researchers followed 66,497 heart failure
(HF) patients and a similar number of people without heart failure for five years and found participants in the HF group were
60% more likely to be diagnosed with depression during the course of the study. International Psychogeriatrics, June 2016
Health Alert: Changes in Sleep Affect the Heart. Lack of sleep and an abnormal sleep cycle may increase the risk of heart
disease. This study involved 26 healthy people who were restricted to five hours of sleep per night for eight days with either
fixed bedtimes or bedtimes delayed by 8.5 hours on half the nights. The researchers found the changes in sleep resulted in
higher daytime heart rates, with the greatest effect when sleep was both shortened and delayed. Additionally, they observed that
abnormal sleep patterns increased the levels of a stress hormone called norepinephrine that is known to narrow blood vessels,
raise blood pressure, and expand the windpipe. Hypertension, June 2016
Diet: Soon Processed Foods May Contain Less Salt. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a
draft of voluntary guidelines that aims to reduce salt content in processed and prepared foods. The FDA hopes the guidelines
will help reduce Americans’ daily salt intake to 3,000 mg in two years and 2,300 mg over the next decade. Currently,
Americans’ average salt intake is about 3,400 milligrams per day. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell writes,
“Many Americans want to reduce sodium in their diets, but that’s hard to do when much of it is in everyday products we buy in
stores and restaurants… Today’s announcement is about putting power back in the hands of consumers, so that they can better
control how much salt is in the food they eat and improve their health.” Food and Drug Administration, June 2016
Exercise: Is There a Better Way to Improve Muscle Strength? The results of a new study reveal that explosive contractions
less than one second in duration are an easier and less tiring way of increasing the strength and functional capacity of muscles.
The investigators say this method increases strength by assisting the nervous system in “switching on” and activating the trained
muscles. In comparison, traditional sustained contractions with heavier weights for longer than three seconds are actually a
more effective way of increasing muscle mass. Lead researcher Dr. Jonathan Folland explains, “Whereas traditional strength
training is made up of slow, grinding contractions using heavy weights which is quite hard work, this study shows that short,
sharp contractions are relatively easy to perform and a very beneficial way of building up strength. These short, explosive
contractions may also be beneficial to older individuals and patient groups such as those with osteoarthritis, who would benefit
from getting stronger, but are reluctant to undergo tiring sustained contractions.” Journal of Applied Physiology, June 2016
Chiropractic: Manipulation Better Than Injection for Disk-Related Neck Pain. Investigators compared the outcomes
(overall improvement, pain reduction, and treatment costs) of over one hundred patients with a symptomatic cervical disk
herniation who were either treated with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) or imaging-guided cervical nerve root injection
blocks (CNRI). The results show improvement in 86% of the patients who received SMT versus improvement in only 49% of
the patients who received injections. The findings support the use SMT over injections blocks to treat a symptomatic cervical
disk herniation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have Summer Allergies? You may think you have a summer cold, but summer allergies may
actually be to blame. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists the following warning signs of allergies:
dark circles below the eyes, swollen adenoids that cause the face to look tired and droopy, a nasal crease that forms on the
bridge of the nose, and breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, May 2016
Quote: “It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

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