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.

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.