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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Week of: Monday, August 29th, 2016
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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.

Mental Attitude: Lifestyle Changes May Help Kids with ADHD. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) are often treated with medications; however, new research suggests that parents can also help their kids by promoting
healthy habits. Researchers looked at 184 children with ADHD and 104 without the condition and found that those with ADHD
were less likely to follow healthy behaviors recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Sleep
Foundation, and the United States Department of Agriculture such as: limiting screen time to less than two hours a day,
engaging in physical activity for at least one hour per day, limiting sugary beverage intake, obtaining nine to eleven hours of
sleep a night, and drinking seven to ten cups of water daily. Study author Dr. Kathleen Holton adds, “Many parents of children
diagnosed with ADHD do not want their children on medication. Having their children follow healthy lifestyle behaviors may
be an effective intervention, either alongside or in the place of traditional ADHD medications.”
Journal of Attention Disorders, May 2016
Health Alert: Being Fit Cuts Stroke Risk! After controlling for known risk factors for stroke like hypertension, diabetes
mellitus, and atrial fibrillation, a team of researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center reports that
men and women with greater cardiorespiratory fitness levels during midlife are more than 40% less likely to experience a stroke
than their sedentary peers. Stroke, June 2016
Diet: Foods that May Protect Against Pancreatic Cancer. Czech researchers report that the following foods appear to reduce
the risk of pancreatic cancer when eaten three or more times per week: cabbage, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, and carrots.
Klinika Onkologie, June 2016
Exercise: Aquatic Resistance Training Good for Knee Cartilage. According to a new study, postmenopausal women with
mild knee osteoarthritis can safely promote cartilage health and improve their aerobic fitness with intensive aquatic resistance
training. Participants in the study completed one hour of intensive aquatic lower limb resistance exercises three times a week for
four months. At the end of the study, researchers used a special MRI to evaluate the knee and found that high intensity aquatic
resistance training was sufficient to improve collagen orientation in articular cartilage. The significance of this study is that high
repetitions of low-impact aquatic resistance exercises can improve cartilage health and quality while also increasing
cardiovascular fitness. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, May 2016
Chiropractic: Back Pain & Pregnancy. Brazilian researchers report that back pain affects about two-thirds (68%) of women
either during or following a pregnancy, with the greatest risk during the second trimester. Additionally, they found symptoms
often worsened at night for 71% of the women in their study, and one in four developed back pain from prolonged standing.
Revista Brasileira de Anestesiologia, May 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Women Should Not Neglect Their Health. Being a wife and/or mother can be demanding, but women
need to make sure to take care of their own health as well. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest
the following: seeing your doctor for regular check-ups, getting plenty of exercise, eating nutritious foods, staying mentally
healthy by findings ways to cope with stress, getting plenty of sleep, not smoking, using caution with prescription medications,
and protecting skin from harmful UV radiation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2016
Quote: “Life is a blank canvas, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can.” ~ Danny Kaye

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

Mental Attitude: Doctor Attire May Affect Patient Outcomes. In this study, participants were shown photos of dermatologists wearing different outfits, and 73% of participants preferred images of doctors wearing a white coat, followed by surgical scrubs at 19%, a suit at 6%, and casual clothing at 2%. The study authors note that patients quickly form opinions about a doctor during their initial encounter that can influence their confidence in the doctor’s treatment recommendations and that can affect their outcomes. JAMA Dermatology, June 2016
Health Alert: Air Pollution Can Make Blood Pressure Soar. A review of 17 studies from around the world has found a link between dangerous blood pressure and air pollutants, such as vehicle exhaust, coal burning, and airborne dirt or dust. The researchers explain that just a few days of increased air pollution can lead to more emergency hospital visits due to temporary spikes in blood pressure. Over the long term, those living with constant high levels of air pollution may end up with chronically high blood pressure. The findings are of great concern as high blood pressure is a key risk factor for stroke and heart disease, the number one cause of death worldwide. Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles comments, “These findings suggest that strategies to effectively reduce exposure to air pollution may have cardiovascular benefits.” Hypertension, May 2016
Diet: Healthy Fats Don’t Boost Weight. According to new report, consuming a diet that includes healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts isn’t likely to cause weight gain. The study included more than 7,400 women and men who ate one of three meal plans: an unrestricted-calorie Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil; an unrestricted-calorie Mediterranean diet rich in nuts; or a low-fat diet intended to avoid all dietary fat. After five years, the researchers found that a diet with little fat did not result in more weight loss, but it did result in a greater likelihood of increased waist circumference, which is a risk factor for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. In a commentary that accompanied the study Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian notes, “Dietary guidelines should be revised to lay to rest the outdated, arbitrary limits on total fat consumption. Calorie-obsessed caveats and warnings about healthier, higher-fat choices such as nuts, phenolic-rich vegetable oils, yogurt, and even perhaps cheese, should also be dropped.” The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, June 2016
Exercise: Find Time for Fitness. The American Council on Exercise offers the following advice about how to squeeze in a few minutes of exercise during the day: take a walk around the block when you get home from work, park your car a little further from your office building, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk for ten minutes without stopping when shopping, clean your home, work in the yard, exercise during your lunch or coffee break, and ask a co-worker to join you for a quick walk.
American Council on Exercise, May 2016
Chiropractic: Neck Trauma Linked to Jaw Pain! In this study, researchers followed up with individuals who had been seen in an emergency room for neck pain resulting from a car accident and found they were up to six times more likely to report jaw pain than their peers who had no history of neck trauma. This finding adds to previous research indicating a link between cervical trauma or injury and the development of orofacial pain. Journal of Dental Research, June 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Drink Fewer Sugary Soft Drinks. Consuming more than five sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages on a weekly basis may increase an individual’s risk for a heart attack. Researchers measured the coronary artery calcium levels of over 22,000 men and found those who consumed more than five sugary soft drinks per week were 70% more likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries, which is an early indicator for coronary heard disease. American Heart Journal, July 2016
Quote: “Sometimes you can see things happen right in front of your eyes and still jump to the wrong conclusions.”
~ Jodi Picoult

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

Mental Attitude: Large Waist Size Could Mean Higher Risk for Cognitive Disorders. New research indicates a relationship between a greater waist size and lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein that supports the survival of existing neurons in the brain and encourages the growth and development of new neurons and synapses—that may hasten the development of dementia and other cognitive disorders. While it’s unclear how central adiposity influences BDNF, researchers suspect engaging in BDNF-promoting behaviors like regular exercise and eating a healthier diet may protect the brain function of adults with a larger waist circumference.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, May 2016
Health Alert: Hepatics C May Triple Heart Attack Risk. Coronary atherosclerosis is a condition described by the hardening of the arteries in the heart, which can result in sudden blood clots or a heart attack. An analysis of ten published studies concludes that chronic hepatitis C infection can increase an individual’s risk for coronary atherosclerosis by nearly 300%. Public Health, May 2016
Diet: Many Report Better Mood After Dieting. According to a new study, going on a diet may improve your health, mood, and stress levels. The study involved 220 participants of whom nearly two-thirds were asked to restrict their daily calories by 25% for two years, while the other third ate whatever they wanted. Investigators found that participants restricting their calories experienced an improved mood, better quality of life, improved sleep, and better relationships than those who did not practice calorie restriction. JAMA Internal Medicine, May 2016
Exercise: Barefoot Running Good for the Brain. Brain function appears to be boosted by running without shoes. This study included 72 volunteers who were instructed to run either barefoot or while wearing shoes for about 16 minutes. The study found that after running barefoot, participants experienced about a 16% improvement in their working memory, or their ability to recall or process information. However, running in shoes did not result in the same immediate benefits to memory. The findings suggest that running barefoot requires greater mental intensity and use of working memory, which may explain this discrepancy. Study leader Dr. Ross Alloway writes, “If we take off our shoes and go for a run, we can finish smarter than when we started.” Perceptual and Motor Skills, May 2016
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Reduce Pain & Disability. A recent study investigated both the short- and long-term benefits of manual therapy in the treatment of neck and back pain. Participants age 18 to 65 received twelve weeks of treatment that included spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, stretching, and/or massage. At the conclusion of treatment, 64% reported improvement in pain intensity while 42% experienced improvements in pain-related disability. When investigators followed-up with these participants a year later, 58% continued to report improvements in pain intensity and 40% continued to note improvements in pain-related disability. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Too Much, Too Little Sleep Can Shorten Your Life. An analysis of 40 published studies that included over 2.2 million participants indicates that both too little and too much sleep per night may increase one’s risk for an early death. Compared with those who slept an average of seven hours per night, participants who slept six or fewer hours were 4-9% more likely to die prematurely while those who slept nine or more hours per night were more than 8% at risk of early death. According to the authors of the study, close to half of adults either sleep too much or too little each night. Sleep Medicine Reviews, March 2016
Quote: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

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