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.

Mental Attitude: Email-Based Interventions Improve Wellbeing. In this study, researchers found that participants who engaged with an email-based program aimed at improving their wellbeing experienced long-term improvements in their ability to handle stress, in their confidence in the future, and in the amount of physical activity they engaged in per week. The authors conclude, “Internet-based interventions are feasible for mental health promotion and should be available for people interested in improving their psychological well-being and lifestyle.” BMC Psychology, May 2016
Health Alert: Pesticide Exposure Possible Risk Factor for ALS. Exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease)—a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for voluntary muscle control. This study included 156 patients with ALS and 128 controls without the disease. The researchers found an association with an increased risk of ALS and both the presence of pesticides in the blood and residential and occupational pesticide exposure. This link was particularly strong for exposure to organochlorine pesticides, such as dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), methoxychlor, and benzene hexachloride. The authors of the study write, “Our findings identify classes of pollutants that increase the likelihood of ALS and therefore are modifiable disease risk factors.” JAMA Neurology, May 2016
Diet: Cutting Calories. To lose a pound a week, experts say you’ll need to cut 3,500 calories during that time frame. To reach this weekly goal, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests avoiding sweetened drinks and foods with added sugar, limiting fatty food consumption, snacking on raw vegetables, enjoying sliced fruits, avoiding alcohol, and drinking more water.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, May 2016
Exercise: Walking Is Good for Your Health. Enjoying regular walks can help keep you healthy without extra strain on your body. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, walking can offer the following benefits: a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, greater oxygen intake, slower loss of bone mass with age, slower onset of arthritis, improved muscle tone, less stress, improved sleep, improved mood, and improved attitude. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, May 2016
Chiropractic: Behavior & Low Back Pain. Low back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that can significantly affect individuals, business, and society. Identifying behavior-related factors that contribute to low back pain may help in the prevention and reduction of this potentially disabling condition. Based on data from the 2009-2012 National Health Interview Survey, investigators found links between self-reported lower back pain and leisure-time physical inactivity, current or former smoking, current or former alcohol drinking, short sleep duration, and obesity. The authors recommend that public health policy makers and clinicians consider addressing these factors to reduce the burden of low back pain on a societal basis.
Spine, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Breath Test Could Help Diagnosis IBS. Currently, there is no specific diagnostic test for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but researchers now claim they have discovered a combination of 16 different substances in the breath that can accurately identify individuals with IBS when measured together. Senior author Dr. Frederik-Jan van Schooten notes, “Now we know which chemicals in breath have diagnostic information that we can use to develop noninvasive tools to follow the disease and to steer therapeutic interventions.” Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, May 2016
Quote: “The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise grows it under his feet.” ~ James Oppenheim

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

Mental Attitude: Depression Affects Many Caregivers of the Critically Ill. According to new research, caregivers of critically ill patients often suffer from depression that lasts long after their loved one’s hospital stay ends. Researchers collected information on 280 caregivers of patients who had been in the ICU for seven days or longer. They then evaluated the caregivers a week after the ICU discharge and then again three, six, and twelve months later. Initially, 67% of caregivers had scores that indicated either depressive symptoms or clinical depression. While some improved over time, the researchers observed that 43% of the caregivers in their study continued to report either depressive symptoms or full-blown depression up to one year later.
New England Journal of Medicine, May 2016
Health Alert: Swaddling May Raise Risk of SIDS. The custom of swaddling infants to promote sleep by making them feel secure and calm may be linked to an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers found that the risk of SIDS is greater among swaddled babies and the risk is increased for infants placed on their stomachs to sleep and for those old enough to roll over on their own. Lead author Dr. Anna Pease writes, “On a practical level what parents should take away from this is that if they choose to swaddle their babies for sleep, always place them on their back, and think about when to stop swaddling for sleep as their babies get older and more able to move.” Pediatrics, May 2016
Diet: Cleanse Naturally Through Diet. Are you looking for a way to “detox” your body safely and naturally? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers advice on “cleansing” your body safely: drink plenty of fresh water, eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, eat plenty of whole grains, consider a supplement to ensure proper nutrients, and consume fermented foods or take a quality probiotic to support gut health. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, May 2016
Exercise: Can Exercise Reduce the Risk of Cervical Cancer? A new study reports that just 30 minutes of exercise per week has the potential to reduce a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. In this study, researchers looked at the physical activity levels of 128 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer and 512 women without the disease and found that after adjusting for a history of smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of cervical cancer, and body mass index, the women who did not perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those who did. Senior author Dr. Kirsten Moysich adds, “We think that this study sends a powerful public health message: that a complete lack of exercise is associated with the greater likelihood of developing a serious disease. Our findings show that any amount of exercise can reduce cervical cancer risk.” Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, May 2016
Chiropractic: Trigger Points & Women with Migraines. A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in the tissue surrounding a muscle that many people commonly refer to as a “knot.” In this study, researchers examined the head, neck, and shoulder regions of 143 women with either episodic or chronic migraines and found they each had an average of three or four trigger points in those anatomical areas. The research team suspects that these trigger points may either trigger the onset of a migraine headache and/or contribute to head pain once a migraine attack has begun. The Clinical Journal of Pain, May 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Avoid Multitasking When Driving. The National Safety Council warns that talking on your phone or attempting to perform other tasks while driving can slow your response time and increase your risk for getting into a collision. They add that talking to someone in the car is different than talking to someone on the phone as passengers are much more aware of oncoming dangers than phone contacts—just make sure to keep both eyes on the road at all times.
National Safety Council, May 2016
Quote: “All great achievements require time.” ~ Maya Angelou

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

Mental Attitude: Don’t Blame Bad Behavior on the Full Moon. Many parents and teachers swear that children act differently when the moon is full, but new research suggests otherwise. The study tracked more than 5,800 kids across five continents over 28 lunar cycles. While the researchers found that nighttime sleep duration was about five minutes shorter around the time of a full moon compared with the new moon, they found no other significant changes in behavior among any of the children. Researcher Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput notes, “Overall, I think we should not be worried about the full moon. Our behaviors are largely influenced by many other factors like genes, education, income, and psychosocial aspects rather than by gravitational forces.” Frontiers in Pediatrics, May 2016
Health Alert: FDA to Ban E-Cigarette Sales to Minors. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it is banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. The new rules will also cover other alternative forms of tobacco such as cigars, hookah tobacco, and pipe tobacco. Additionally, regulations will require photo IDs to buy e-cigarettes and ban retailers from handing out free samples or selling them in vending machines. The FDA action has earned universal praise from medical associations, which have been concerned that e-cigarettes serve as a gateway to draw teens into a lifetime of smoking addiction. Food and Drug Administration, May 2016
Diet: Fruit Compounds Could Be Used to Treat Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and CVD. A supplement consisting of compounds derived from red grapes and oranges may offer a promising new treatment for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Researchers investigated the effects of a compound called trans-resveratrol (tRES), found in red grapes, and a compound found in oranges called hesperetin (HESP). The team found that participants with a BMI of more than 27.5 who took a supplement with these compounds experienced a reduction in insulin levels, improved insulin activity, better artery function, and reduced blood vessel inflammation. Study leader Dr. Paul Thornalley adds, “This is an incredibly exciting development and could have a massive impact on our ability to treat these diseases. As well as helping to treat diabetes and heart disease it could defuse the obesity time bomb.” Diabetes, May 2016
Exercise: Exercise Improves the Minds of Seniors. Older adults who participated in a 24-week aerobic exercise program experienced improvements in motor planning, thinking operations, attention, and concentration that were not observed in a control group of seniors who remained inactive. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, April 2016
Chiropractic: Physical Activity May Reduce Risk of Sciatica. According to a new meta analysis, leisure-time physical activity may reduce the risk of developing lumbar radicular pain, or sciatica. Researchers reviewed data from 18 published studies that included over 100,000 participants and found those who exercised at least one to three times per week were about 7% less likely to develop sciatica, while those who engaged in physical activity more than four times per week were up to 12% less likely to report radiating pain to one or both legs. The findings show that a common physical ailment can be reduced by simply staying active. European Journal of Pain, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Live Longer By Staying Lean. Two new studies indicate that staying trim throughout your life may increase your longevity, while being obese may do the opposite. The first study found that slim individuals had the lowest risk of dying over a 15-year period, while obese men and women had a greatest risk of early death. The second study found that gaining weight over time increases one’s risk of premature death. British Medical Journal, May 2016
Quote: “Have no fear of perfection—you’ll never reach it.” ~ Salvador Dalí

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

Mental Attitude: Depression Treatment May Reduce Heart Disease Risks. A study that involved 7,550 people has found that effectively treating depression can lower a patient’s risks for cardiovascular disease to the level of those who never had depression, reducing their chances of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and early death. Study author Dr. Heidi May notes, “Our study shows that prompt, effective treatment of depression appears to improve the risk of poor heart health.”
American College of Cardiology Meeting in Chicago, April 2016
Health Alert: Bedbugs Too Common in Low-Income Housing. Among a sample of nearly 2,400 individual low-income apartments in the state of New Jersey, researchers found about 12% of the households in their study had a bedbug infestation and half of those with bedbugs weren’t even aware of it. The researchers add that buildings with high tenant turnover are more likely to have issues with bedbugs. Study author Dr. Changlu Wang hopes the finding will be used to target education and bedbug prevention efforts in vulnerable communities. Journal of Medical Entomology, April 2016
Diet: The Good & Bad News About Higher Calcium Intake. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), men aged 51-70 should consume 1,000 mg of calcium daily, increasing to 1,200 mg at age 71. NIH experts also recommend that women take in 1,200 mg of calcium daily starting at age 51. In a new study, a research team analyzed the calcium intake as well as the heart disease, stroke, and fracture risk of 2,199 men and 2,704 women over 50 years of age. The team found that participants who had a higher calcium intake had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those with a lower calcium intake; however, the analysis found the risk of fracture or stroke did not significantly decrease among those with a higher calcium intake. The Endocrine Society, April 2016
Exercise: Just 75 Minutes of Exercise Per Week Has Benefits! The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for approximately 3.2 million deaths annually. Past evidence suggests that regular physical activity can lead to risk reductions of at least 20-30% for more than 25 chronic health conditions and premature mortality. However, the ideal amount and intensity of exercise to recommend to the general public is still a topic that’s hotly debated among the experts. Current physical activity guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise per week, but a new review of the published literature indicates that just half this level of activity may still lead to noticeable health benefits. The authors of the review write, “There is compelling evidence that health benefits can be accrued at a lower volume and/or intensity of physical activity. These health benefits are seen in both healthy and clinical populations.”
Canadian Journal of Cardiology, April 2016
Chiropractic: How Does Obesity Increase the Risk of Low Back Pain? Obesity is known to be an independent risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders; however, the mechanism behind the association between obesity and lower back pain is not yet fully understood. In an effort to add to the available research, Nigerian scientists investigated the spinal curvature of 300 individuals of varying body shapes/sizes and found those with both an above-normal body mass index and waist-hip ratio were more likely to have greater curvature in the lumbar spine. This suggests the spines of those who are overweight or obese have an increased curve (“sway back”) to accommodate a greater load which the researchers speculate may increase their risk for developing lower back pain.
Patient Preference and Adherence, March 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Drinking’s Effect on Smoking. Researchers followed 22 men for seven weeks in which they abstained from drinking alcohol but continued to smoke cigarettes. Though the total amount of cigarettes they smoked remained fairly constant during the study, the amount of nicotine their bodies metabolized dropped as time went on. This suggests those looking to quit smoking may have a greater chance of success if they also stopped drinking alcohol at the same time. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, April 2016
Quote: “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. ” ~ William James

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

Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Training May Reduce PTSD Symptoms. The mass implementation of mindfulness training may help war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) better manage their disturbing memories and thoughts. In this pilot study, 23 United States veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars practiced either mindfulness mediation or participated in another form of therapy over a four-month period. MRI scans revealed that those who engaged in mindfulness training developed stronger connections in the brain networks associated with both inner, sometimes wandering thoughts and in shifting and directing attention. Study co-leader Dr. Anthony King adds, “The brain findings suggest that mindfulness training may have helped the veterans develop more capacity to shift their attention and get themselves out of being ‘stuck’ in painful cycles of thoughts.”
Depression and Anxiety, April 2016
Health Alert: Waistline May Predict Heart Disease. A new study involving diabetic patients suggests that an increasing waist size is a stronger predictor of serious heart disease than either body weight or body mass index. Researchers evaluated the heart function of study participants and found that left ventricular function progressively worsened as a participant’s waist size expanded, with heart function decline eventually leveling off when the waist reached 45 inches (~114 cm). The left ventricle is the heart’s primary pumping chamber, and abnormal ventricular function is a common cause of heart disease. Dr. Sarah Samaan, a cardiologist at the Heart Hospital at Baylor in Plano, Texas adds, “Abdominal fat produces a wide range of inflammatory substances, and is more highly correlated with heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes than other types of fat. We know that heavier people are more likely to have stiffer hearts, which in turn can predispose to heart failure. This study shows us that fat in the abdominal area is especially harmful to heart function.” American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, Chicago, April 2016
Diet: A Healthy Diet Keeps the Brain Working! Dutch researchers reviewed the health records and available lifestyle data of 2,165 seniors and found those whose diet was richest in fruits, vegetables, and fish were 76% less likely to experience any cognitive impairments. Their finding suggests consuming a healthy diet may prevent or slow the development of mild cognitive impairment, as well as more serious forms of dementia. Journal of Nutrition, Health, & Aging, May 2016
Exercise: Effective Against Hot Flashes. Hot flashes are a common complaint among menopausal women. In this study, 95 menopausal women participated in a six-month exercise program while 64 refrained from regular exercise as part of a control group. During the course of the study, the researchers found the women who exercised experienced improvements in the frequency of their hot flashes, and these improvements continued to persist to some degree up to four years later. This adds to a growing body of research that an active lifestyle can help reduce the impact of hot flashes among women during menopause. Maturitas, June 2016
Chiropractic: Arthritis Increases Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition often treated by chiropractors. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand that houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed, generating the symptoms associated with CTS such as numbness, tingling, and loss of grip strength. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of inflammatory and degenerative arthritis on carpal tunnel syndrome has revealed that both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis nearly double an individual’s risk for developing CTS.
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, March 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Tracking Your Health. Experts say that keeping a health journal can help you better answer your healthcare provider’s questions. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends recording the following information: past illnesses or injuries, hospitalizations, past surgeries, allergies, family medical history, and supplement, vitamin, and medication use.
American Academy of Family Physicians, April 2016
Quote: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

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

Mental Attitude: A Happy Marriage & Smart Wife May Prompt Men to Get a Colonoscopy. According to new study, older men are more likely to have a colonoscopy if they’re happily married and have a highly educated wife. The study looked at more than 800 older married couples and found that married men were nearly 20% more likely to have undergone a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer in the past five years than single men. The rate increased to nearly 30% higher among men in happy marriages, and over 40% higher if their wife had a college degree. Study director Dr. William Dale adds, “Women are thought to control the health capital in most households. They act as health gatekeepers, overseeing their husband’s health choices and directing decisions at the margins. Her decisions influence both partners.” University of Chicago, March 2016
Health Alert: Females More Likely to Die from a Severe Heart Attack. Women are up to twice as likely as men to die from the most dangerous type of heart attack called ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Researchers analyzed data from more than 700,000 STEMI patients from around the world and found that appropriate treatment is often delayed for women and that the in-hospital death rate for women is double that of men. They also note women are 70% more likely to die at 30 days, six months, and one year post-heart attack. American College of Cardiology Meeting in Chicago, April 2016
Diet: Highly Processed Foods Impact Cancer Risk. Cutting out sugary drinks and processed foods can reduce an individual’s risk of cancer. Researchers examined health data on 3,100 volunteers and found that consuming sugary drinks and eating processed lunch foods more than doubled the chances of developing prostate cancer among men, while eating legumes, fruits, and vegetables reduced the risk of breast cancer in women by two-thirds. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), April 2016
Exercise: Exercise May Protect You Against Cancer. Exercise may decrease cancer incidence and slow the rate of tumor growth. A new animal-based study found that mice trained to use an exercise wheel had a lower risk of developing cancer, and those that did develop cancer had tumors that grew at a reduced rate compared with the tumors of sedentary mice. The authors of the study add that the anti-cancer benefits of running are most likely linked to the release of adrenaline that leads to the mobilization of specific immune cells that patrol the body and help fight cancer. Cell Metabolism, March 2016
Chiropractic: Specific Low Back Exercises Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain. Doctors of chiropractic often prescribe exercise to be performed in-office or at home as part of a treatment program for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, like back pain. A recent study examined the role of lumbar extensor muscle strengthening for individuals with chronic low back pain. In the study, individuals with persistent low back pain for a minimum of two years participated in an eleven-week lumbar extensor strength training program once per week. The findings revealed that specific lumbar strengthening resulted in clinically relevant improvements in pain (a 28% decrease) and functional disability (a 23% to 36% decrease) in patients with persistent chronic low back pain. The study shows the importance of the role that specific exercises play in the management of chronic low back pain.
The Journal of Sports Management and Physical Fitness, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Reduce Cancer Risk. Researchers suggest that increasing an individual’s serum level of vitamin D could be a key tool for preventing cancer. According to a recent study, women whose 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood levels were 40 ng/ml or higher had a 67% lower risk of developing cancer than women whose vitamin D levels were 20 ng/ml or lower. The researchers did not comment on what the optimum intake of vitamin D should be, nor did they say if it should be achieved by exposure to sunlight, dietary changes, or supplements. They conclude, “Primary prevention of cancer, rather than expanding early detection or improving treatment, will be essential to reversing the current upward trend of cancer incidence worldwide. This analysis suggests that improving vitamin D status is a key prevention tool.” PLOS One, April 2016
Quote: “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

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

Mental Attitude: Death and the Very Elderly. Older seniors are often willing to talk about death, but they’re rarely asked about it. British researchers interviewed several dozen people over 95 years of age about their attitudes on death and end-of-life care and noted that most of them felt prepared to die. Study leader Dr. Jane Fleming explains, “Death is clearly a part of life for people who have lived to such an old age, so the older people we interviewed were usually willing to discuss dying, a topic often avoided.” She adds that in order to better support men and women dying at increasingly older ages “we need to understand their priorities as they near the end of life.” PLOS ONE, April 2016
Health Alert: Hearing Loss May Indicate Higher Medical Bills for Some Adults. Hearing loss among late middle-aged adults appears to be associated with higher medical costs. Investigators examined the healthcare use of over 560,000 adults between the ages of 55 and 64 and found that those with hearing loss had 33% higher healthcare costs than those without hearing loss over an 18-month period. Study author Dr. Annie Simpson notes, “This finding indicates that negative health-related effects of hearing loss, a condition that many consider simply an unavoidable result of aging, may manifest earlier than is generally recognized and may affect use of healthcare across the continuum of care.” JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, April 2016
Diet: Oily Fish Consumed During Pregnancy May Reduce Asthma Risk in Kids as They Age. Children of mothers who regularly ate salmon while they were pregnant may be less likely to receive a medical diagnosis of asthma than children whose mother did not eat salmon during their pregnancy. In this study, one group of women ate salmon twice a week from week 19 of their pregnancy through delivery and one group of women refrained from eating salmon during the same time frame. Their children had allergy tests at six months of age and then again two to three years later. The results revealed no difference in the rate of asthma between the two groups of children at six months of age; however, as the children grew, those exposed to salmon while in utero were significantly less likely to be develop asthma when compared with the children of mothers who abstained from salmon during pregnancy.
University of Southampton, April 2016
Exercise: Exercise Improves Blood Vessel Health Among Stressed. Past studies have shown that constant stress is associated with signs of poor blood vessel health and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A new animal-based study has found that exercise protected blood vessel function in rats regularly subjected to stress. The researchers conclude that exercise training may therefore be an important therapy for promoting greater arterial compliance among chronically stressed individuals.
American Physiological Society (APS), April 2016
Chiropractic: More Chiropractors, Less Opioids. Based on data collected in 2011, a new study has found an association between both a higher per-capita supply of chiropractors and Medicare spending on chiropractic care and lower opioid prescription use among younger, disabled Medicare beneficiaries. Opioids are a type of narcotic pain medication that can have serious side effects and can lead to abuse and dependence. The finding suggests that chiropractic care may help reduce the need for this potentially dangerous class of medication. Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, March 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Earplugs Help Protect Hearing at Loud Concerts. Earplugs can protect concert-goers from the temporary hearing loss that can linger after a high-decibel music concert. In this study, researchers followed 51 participants who attended an outdoor music festival, half of whom used earplugs. The average noise level during the festival was 100 decibels, which is known to pose a threat to hearing. After the event, 42% of those who did not wear earplugs experienced temporary hearing loss, compared with only 8% of those who had used them. Additionally, 40% of those who did not use earplugs reported post-concert tinnitus (ringing in the ears), while only 12% of ear plug users did so. JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, April 2016
Quote: “There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.”
~ G.K. Chesterton

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