Mental Attitude: Is Early Menopause a Trigger for Depression Later in Life? A new review suggests that premature menopause may increase the risk of depression later in life. An analysis of 14 published studies that included nearly 68,000 older women revealed that women who began menopause when they were 40 and older had a lower risk of depression in their later years than those with a premature onset of menopause. JAMA Psychiatry, January 2016
Health Alert: Increased Body Mass Linked to Autonomic Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease Patients. Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are also overweight or obese may be at an elevated risk for autonomic dysfunction when compared with PD patients with a healthy bodyweight. The autonomic nervous system is the portion of the nervous system that controls basic bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, digestion, and body temperature, among others.
Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, January 2016
Diet: Soda Tax Linked to Reduced Consumption. In 2014, the Mexican government introduced a 10% sales tax on the sale of sugary drinks, and after one year, sales of such beverages decreased 12% while untaxed beverages such as water experienced a 4% increase in sales. The American Heart Association writes, “Scientific research shows that overconsumption of added sugars contribute to heart disease and other chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Mexico has paved the way for other nations to decrease sugary drink intake and has shown sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are an effective strategy to make healthy choices easier.”
British Medical Journal, January 2016
Exercise: Exercise DVDs May Be Psychologically Harmful. Home fitness DVDs seem like a good way to reach exercise goals, but experts say these DVDs may also include negative imagery and demotivating language. The fitness DVD industry generates an estimated $250 million dollars in annual revenue, but there is no scientific evidence about their safety or effectiveness and the industry is largely unregulated. Investigators evaluated ten popular commercial exercise DVDs and found the imagery in the fitness videos perpetuates and reinforces hyper-sexualized and unrealistic body images. They also found that 25% of the language used by instructors was motivational, but one of every seven motivational statements could be considered negative. Dr. Brad Cardinal, a kinesiology professor at Oregon State University explains, “These findings raise concerns about the value of exercise DVDs in helping people develop and commit to a workout program… Buyers should beware when making these purchases… Remember that we all have different body shapes and styles, and our bodies may respond differently to the exercises being shown. Don’t expect to get the same results as what you see on the screen or compare yourself to others.” Oregon State University, January 2016
Chiropractic: Excessive Video Game and Computer Use May Increase Musculoskeletal Pain in Teens. Using data collected from nearly 1,000 male and female adolescents, a team of Brazilian researchers notes the average teen in their sample spends over five hours per day using a computer or electronic device or playing video games. Additionally, 65.1% of the 963 participants in the study reported the presence of musculoskeletal pain, most notably back pain, and one in five reported upper extremity pain. The research team concludes the excessive use of electronics appears to be a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain among this population.
Journal of Pediatrics, December 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Death Rates Improving. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that the rate of cancer-related deaths has dropped 23% since 1991. Experts from the ACS add that the decline in cancer deaths is likely due to early detection and treatment advances, along with fewer people smoking. Dr. Steven Rosen, director of the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute in Duarte, California advises those wishing to reduce their risk of cancer-related death to “Eat a healthy diet, exercise, try to be as close as possible to your ideal body weight. Don’t smoke, drink in moderation, and minimize sun exposure.” CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, January 2016
Quote: “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” ~ David Bowie

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

Mental Attitude: Is Self-Esteem Driven By Universal Mechanisms? According to a new international study, self-esteem increases as people grow older, and men tend to have higher levels of self-esteem than women. The findings were based on data collected from more than 985,000 people from 48 countries between 1999 and 2009. Lead author Dr. Wiebke Bleidorn writes, “This remarkable degree of similarity implies that gender and age differences in self-esteem are partly driven by universal mechanisms; these can either be universal biological mechanisms such as hormonal influences or universal cultural mechanisms such as universal gender roles. However, universal influences do not tell the whole story.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, January 2016
Health Alert: Hyperactivity Increases Risk for Traumatic Dental Injury. Children with hyperactivity symptoms are more likely to sustain a traumatic dental injury (TDI). Researchers reviewed the medical records of 230 school children and found those whose parents reported signs of hyperactivity were 2.33 times more likely to experience a TDI than those without parental-reported hyperactivity symptoms. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, January 2016
Diet: Eating Fruit and Veggies Linked to Better Grades. Using data collected from 47,203 Canadian adolescents as part of the 2012-2013 Youth Smoking Survey, researchers from the University of Waterloo conclude that only about 10% currently meet the Canadian government’s national fruit and vegetable intake recommendations (7-8 servings per day). The researchers also found that those who did consume the recommended amounts of produce per day are also more likely to earn mostly A’s or B’s on their report cards. The Journal of School Health, February 2016
Exercise: Diet & Exercise Improves Ability to Exercise Among Those with a Common Type of Heart Issue. A new study claims that obese older patients with a common type of heart failure can improve their ability to exercise without shortness of breath by either restricting calories or doing aerobic exercise. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (a measure of how well the left ventricle of the heart pumps with each contraction) is the most rapidly increasing form of heart failure. Exercise intolerance is the primary symptom of this chronic heart failure condition, and over 80% of patients with this condition are overweight or obese. In this small study, the authors found that peak Vo2 (volume of oxygen that an individual can use in one minute) increased significantly with either increased exercise or a healthier diet, and the combination of a healthy diet with exercise produced an even greater increase in exercise capacity. Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2016
Chiropractic: Lower Vitamin D Linked to Older Women with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Past studies have suggested that vitamin D plays a role in protecting the nerves from injury or degeneration. In a new study, investigators found that the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome was higher among women who were vitamin D deficient than women who had healthy vitamin D levels, especially in those under the age of 50. The study suggests improving vitamin D status could help women under the age of 50 reduce their risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome and related conditions. The Journal of Hand Surgery, December 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Doctor-Patient Emails May Help Chronically Ill. For those with chronic health conditions, the ability to communicate with their doctor via email appears to improve their health. A survey of 1,000 patients with chronic conditions revealed that 56% had sent their doctor an email within the past year and 46% had used email as the primary way of contacting their medical doctors. Furthermore, 32% of patients who had exchanged emails with their doctor reported improvements in their health. Lead study author Dr. Mary Reed adds, “As more patients gain access to online portal tools associated with electronic health records, emails between patients and providers may shift the way that healthcare is delivered and also impact efficiency, quality, and health outcomes.” Kaiser Permanente, December 2015
Quote: “Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

Mental Attitude: Slight Signs of Lingering Brain Damage Seen in Young Athletes After Concussion. A single concussion may cause young children to suffer minor, but lingering, brain damage. In a recent study, researchers used MRI scans to compare the brains of 15 children with a previous concussion to 15 similar kids who hadn’t suffered a concussion. They found that the brains of the concussion sufferers showed signs of subtle disruptions while utilizing attention- and thinking-related skills. The authors recommend longer-term and larger studies to determine if concussion-related alterations in brain function are associated with problems during adulthood. International Journal of Psychophysiology, December 2015
Health Alert: Too Many Teens Exposed to Secondhand Smoke. Nearly half of American teens who have never used tobacco are exposed to harmful secondhand smoke despite widespread laws banning smoking in public places. An analysis of data from over 18,000 middle school and high school students reveals that 48% reported being exposed to secondhand smoke in 2013. Investigators also found that secondhand smoke exposure was nine times higher among never-smoking teens with no smoke-free rules in their home and car than teens with 100% smoke-free homes and vehicles. Pediatrics, February 2016
Diet: Omega-3 May Help Reduce Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) consume more omega-3 fatty acids, they may be able to decrease their chance of developing the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that usually affects the small joints in the hands and feet. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Investigators analyzed self-reported data about omega-3 consumption from 30 people who had autoantibodies for rheumatoid arthritis and 47 control patients who did not. They found only 6.7% of patients who had the autoantibodies for RA were taking omega-3 supplements, compared with 34.4% in the control group. Furthermore, they found blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids to be lower in those at risk for RA. Based on the findings, researchers recommend a healthy diet that includes fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as one to three grams of fish oil a day, for those who may be at risk for RA and perhaps other inflammatory diseases. Rheumatology, September 2015
Exercise: Some Yoga Poses Increase Risks for Glaucoma Patients. Yoga has become a very popular form of exercise in the United States due to its health benefits. However, a new study suggests that certain poses increase eye pressure and present risks for individuals with glaucoma. Glaucoma affects eyesight, usually due to a build-up of pressure in the eye (called intraocular pressure, or IOP), which can damage the optic nerve. The study found that participants experienced a rise in intraocular pressure in four yoga poses, which included downward dog, standing forward bend, plow, and legs up on the wall. Study author Dr. Jessica Jasien writes, “As we know that any elevated IOP is the most important known risk factor for development and progression of nerve damage to the eye, the rise in IOP after assuming the yoga poses is of concern for glaucoma patients and their treating physicians. In addition, glaucoma patients should share with their yoga instructors their disease to allow for modifications during the practice of yoga.”
PLOS ONE, December 2015
Chiropractic: Sleep Problems and Pain. A recent study investigated the relationship between sleep problems and chronic pain, as well as other conditions. The study involved data on 1,753 participants and found an association between sleep problems and an increased risk for chronic pain and headaches, as well as an increase in the severity of both abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pain. The results suggest patients with musculoskeletal complaints should also be screened for sleep problems. Pain, December 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Excess Mass in Mid-Life Increases Dementia Risk. After reviewing data from 21 published studies, a team of researchers from Imperial College in London reports that individuals who are obese during later adulthood are 1.41 times more likely to develop dementia than those who maintain a healthy weight. Future research will assess how weight loss prior to mid-life influences dementia risk. Age and Aging, January 2016
Quote: “If you dare nothing, then when the day is over, nothing is all you will have gained.” ~ Neil Gaiman

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

Mental Attitude: Sleep Plays Vital Role in Emotions. Feeling cranky after a long night? It’s probably because your brain’s ability to regulate emotions has been compromised by lack of sleep. Researchers studied 18 participants and found that after a wakeful night, participants performed badly on tests designed to gauge their reactions to either neutral or emotional images, indicating a lower degree of regulatory processing. The findings suggest that lack of sleep appears to compromise the brain’s ability to decide what is important, and it highlights sleep’s vital role in maintaining good emotional balance and mental health. Journal of Neuroscience, December 2015
Health Alert: At Risk for Metabolic Syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increases an individual’s risk for heart disease. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, metabolic risk factors include the following: excess abdominal fat, increased circumference of the waist, high levels of fatty triglycerides, low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood sugar. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, January 2016
Diet: Magnesium Intake May Prevent Deadly Cancer. Investigators have found that increased magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer. An analysis of data on more than 66,000 adults aged 50 to 76 revealed that every 100 mg per day decrease in magnesium intake was associated with a 24% increase in the occurrence of pancreatic cancer. Researcher Dr. Daniel Dibaba writes, “For those at a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, adding a magnesium supplement to their diet may prove beneficial in preventing this disease… While more study is needed, the general population should strive to get the daily recommendations of magnesium through diet, such as dark, leafy greens or nuts, to prevent any risk of pancreatic cancer.”
British Journal of Cancer, December 2015
Exercise: Exercise Improves Children’s Working Memory. School children who participated in a ten-week aerobic exercise program (45 minutes per session, three times per week) experienced improvements in working memory when compared with children in a control group who were provided with homework assistance sessions during the same time frame. The results suggest children would not only benefit physically from regular physical activity but academically as well.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, January 2016
Chiropractic: Link Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. An analysis of data from two large prospective studies has revealed a strong relationship between cardiovascular risk and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The researchers found the patients at the greatest risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) were over four times more likely to develop CTS than those with the lowest CVD risk. The findings suggest managing modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease—such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, high blood sugar, physical inactivity, poor diet, poor cholesterol levels, high BMI— may not only benefit patients with CTS but may also reduce their risk for developing the condition in the first place.
Journal of Occupational and Environment Medicine, January 2016
Wellness/Prevention: How to Make Resolutions Stick. Clinical psychologist Dr. Josh Klapow says that resolutions to improve your health are more easily made than kept, but there are ways to turn them into lifelong habits. He advises following the “S.M.A.R.T.” system, which includes the following five steps: Set specific goals, Monitor actions by keeping track of progress, Arrange for success by eliminating barriers, Recruit a support team to help keep motivated, and Treat yourself for keeping your resolutions.
University of Alabama at Birmingham, December 2015
Quote: “The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” ~ Thornton Wilder

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

Mental Attitude: Sense of Purpose in Life May Boost Longevity and Heart Health. New research suggests that having a sense of purpose might protect your heart and add years to your life. Scientists analyzed studies involving 136,000 individuals and found that those who felt strongly that their lives had meaning or that they were “useful” to others had a lower risk for heart disease and premature death than those whose lives felt less meaningful. Co-author Dr. Alan Rozanski writes, “The current findings are important because they may open up new potential interventions for helping people to promote their health and sense of well-being.” Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, December 2015
Health Alert: The World Appears to Be a Safer Place. Since 1990, there has been a significant declining trend in the rates of death and disability due to injury. The reduction in injuries can be taken as good news, but 4.8 million deaths globally in 2013 is still a large number, and efforts to reduce death and disability from injury worldwide must continue. Injury Prevention, December 2015
Diet: Diets Are Becoming Sweeter. Investigators analyzed global nutrition and discovered that sales of sugar-sweetened drinks are rising around the world in terms of calories sold per person per day, as well as volume sold per person per day. This finding is concerning for researchers as it is well known that greater added sugar intake can increase an individual’s risk for obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, December 2015
Exercise: Does Physical Activity Reduce Cardiovascular Risks in Seniors? Though guidelines suggest the cardiovascular systems of those over 75 years old would benefit from regular physical activity, few studies have actually evaluated this relationship. Using ten years of data collected from 4,207 men and women, researchers found the more physically active the participant, the lower their risk for a heart attack or stroke. In one example cited by the authors of the study, the risks for heart attack and stroke were essentially cut in half among those who habitually walked at a 3 mph (~4.82 kmh) pace when compared with those who normally walked at a 2 mph (~3.21 kmh) pace. Circulation, November 2015
Chiropractic: Diabetics More Likely to Have Musculoskeletal Pain. Taiwanese researchers reviewed records concerning nearly 40,000 patients and found that young adults with type 2 diabetes were nearly 40% more likely than non-diabetics to experience musculoskeletal (MSK) pain during a ten-year time period. The most common causes for MSK-related doctor visits among diabetic patients were associated with lower back pain, pelvic pain, and pain in the limbs. Previous research had shown poor blood sugar control can lead to damage to the bones and nerves, which can increase a diabetic’s risk for musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the limbs. Additionally, other studies have found an association between the development of lower back pain (LBP) and reduced physical activity, high body-mass index, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which are common among type 2 diabetics.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, November 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Smoking and Poor Nutrition Affect Fertility. For couples having difficulty getting pregnant, eating more fruits and vegetables along with not smoking may be good advice. Researchers followed the weekly activities of couples undergoing fertility treatment and found male smoking increased the risk of pregnancy loss, female smoking caused an adverse effect on ovarian reserve, and eating more servings of fruits and vegetables was associated with a greater likelihood of fertilization.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, December 2015
Quote: “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~ André Gide

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

Mental Attitude: The Companionship of a Dog May Ease a Child’s Fears. Dog ownership may lower a child’s anxiety levels. In a study involving nearly 640 children, researchers found that only 12% of children with dogs tested positive for anxiety, compared with 21% of those without dogs. The researchers speculate that having a dog may reduce a child’s anxiety, particularly social and separation anxieties, by triggering conversations and helping break the ice with new people. Preventing Chronic Disease, November 2015
Health Alert: Fewer Teens Using Cigarettes and Alcohol! The 2015 Monitoring the Future survey finds cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption continues to decline among teens. Among 10th graders, researchers observed a 54.9% reduction in cigarette use in just the past five years. The rate of binge drinking (described as having five or more drinks in a row within the past two weeks) among high school seniors fell from 31.5% in 1998 to 17.4% this past year and just over a third of seniors have been drunk in the past year compared with more than half in 2001. National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli writes, “This year’s Monitoring the Future data continue the promising trends from last year with declining rates of adolescent substance use, and support the value of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery… I encourage parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors to have a conversation with the young people in their lives about making the healthy decisions that will keep them on a path toward a successful future.”
National Institutes of Health, December 2015
Diet: Fruits and Veggies Can Lower Hypertension Risk! Using multi-decade data concerning over 200,000 men and women, researchers have found an association between fruit and vegetable consumption and blood pressure. They observed that those who consumed four or more servings per day of fruits and vegetables had a 5-8% lower risk for developing hypertension. The researchers also observed a reduction in hypertension risk among participants who consumed four or more servings per week of broccoli, carrots, tofu, soybeans, raisins, or apples. Hypertension, December 2015
Exercise: How Strong Is Your Handgrip? The strength of your handgrip may indicate your risk for future cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data regarding 4,221 adults collected during the 2011-2012 cycle of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found those with above-average grip strength for their age were more likely to have a healthy cardiovascular profile than their peers with weaker grips. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, December 2015
Chiropractic: Working Postures That Increase Musculoskeletal Pain Risk. Among a sample of 789 workers across a variety of industries, researchers found prolonged exposure to awkward postures could increase an individual’s risk of developing a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition. These postures include: kneeling/crouching (low-back pain), neck flexion and rotation (neck pain), trunk flexion (low-back pain), and arm elevation (neck and shoulder pain). Future studies aim to identify exposure limits for each posture in an effort to curb work-related MSK disorder risk. Ergonomics, December 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Weight Loss Can Benefit Knee Cartilage. Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis of the knee. A new study shows that losing a large amount of weight can slow the loss of knee cartilage in obese individuals. The study included over 500 overweight and obese participants and found that cartilage degenerated much slower in those who lost more than 10% of their body weight during the four-year study. Researcher Dr. Alexandra Gersing adds, “Significant weight loss not only slows the loss of knee joint cartilage, it also reduces the risk of osteoarthritis. Along with moderate exercise, weight loss is one of the best ways to prevent the disease.” Radiological Society of North America, November 2015
Quote: “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” ~ Stephen King

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

Mental Attitude: No Biological Differences Between Male and Female Brains. The evaluation of more than 1,400 MRI scans suggests that biologically unmistakable sex differences don’t extend to the structure of the brain. Though the brain is home to a mix of masculine and feminine characteristics, researchers found the brains of males and females tend not to stand apart in terms of gray matter, white matter, or connections inside the brain. Lead author Dr. Daphna Joel writes, “Our results undermine the entire concept of boy/girl brains.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, November 2015
Health Alert: Coal Burning Pollution Very Damaging to Health. Using data gathered from 450,000 people in the United States, investigators found that particles from burning coal contribute five times more to the risk of death from heart disease than other air pollution particles of the same size. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution kills approximately three million people worldwide each year. The authors of the analysis write that coal emissions are a major factor in this public health crisis, and these emissions must be reduced to lower the number of deaths caused by air pollution.
Environmental Health Perspectives, December 2015
Diet: Caffeinated Energy Drinks May Raise Teens’ Diabetes Risk. Highly caffeinated “energy shots” appear to trigger short-term insulin resistance in teens. In a recent study, researchers observed that teens who drank a highly caffeinated energy shot experienced a 25% increase in both blood sugar and insulin levels that was not observed when they consumed a decaffeinated version. Researchers speculate that the high dose of caffeine might directly interfere with insulin’s ability to control sugar levels, or it might hamper the function of insulin by promoting the release of hormones, like adrenaline, that work counter to insulin. World Diabetes Congress, December 2015
Exercise: Reduces Age-Related Arterial Stiffening! The hardening or stiffening of the arteries can increase an individual’s risk for cardiac events like a heart attack or stroke. Among a sample of 470 healthy adults, those with the highest cardiorespiratory fitness levels over a period of two years experienced less arterial stiffening than those who exercised the least. This finding adds to the large body of research that associates physical fitness with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, December 2015
Chiropractic: Head Posture and Muscle Endurance Associated with Neck Pain in Teens. Portuguese researchers analyzed the posture and neck muscle function of 35 teens with neck pain and 35 of their asymptomatic peers. They found a distinct difference in cervical posture between the two groups and also detected less neck flexor and extensor endurance among the teens with neck pain. Manual Therapy, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Safe While on the Road. When traveling in your car, whether it’s for your daily commute or a long trip, it’s important to protect yourself. The American Red Cross recommends: never drive when impaired, use your seatbelt, make sure to stay alert and are well-rested, never use cell phone while driving, pay attention when driving in a work zone, follow the speed limit and road rules, respect other drivers, make sure all your lights work, keep your windows/windshield clean, and turn on head lights at dusk and any time you need to use your windshield wipers.
American Red Cross, December 2015
Quote: “Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.” ~ Pearl S. Buck

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

Mental Attitude: Slow Walking Speed May Be a Sign of Approaching Alzheimer’s Disease. In a recent study, researchers found an association between slow walking speed and the presence of amyloid in key regions of the brain involved in motor function. The development of amyloid plaques in the brain is thought to trigger the disruption and destruction of nerve cells that causes Alzheimer’s disease. Research leader Dr. Natalia del Campo explains, “It’s possible that having subtle walking disturbances in addition to memory concerns may signal Alzheimer’s disease, even before people show any clinical symptoms.” Neurology, December 2015
Health Alert: Obesity Linked to More Severe Bone and Joint Injuries. An analysis of data regarding 300 patients treated for multiple orthopedic injuries found that obesity complicates the treatment of broken bones and other major joint injuries. The authors of the analysis found that the more obese a patient was, the more likely they’d require surgery to address their injury. They also found an association between obesity and longer hospital stays, and severely obese patients were more likely to be discharged to a continuing-care facility. Lead author Dr. Heather Licht adds, “Even when patients have the same severity of injuries, resource utilization is higher among patients with obesity, compared to non-obese patients.”
Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, November 2015
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Benefit Bipolar Disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder tend to have lower plasma levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids. Because omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in brain cell communication and are a major player in immune and inflammatory systems, researchers speculate that consuming more omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods may benefit bipolar individuals. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, grass fed meats, nuts, flax seed, and leafy vegetables.
Bipolar Disorders, November 2015
Exercise: What Is the Best Type of Exercise? Any exercise you can do on a regular basis is the best kind of physical activity. Walking is considered one of the optimal choices because it’s easy, safe, and inexpensive. It also doesn’t require training or special equipment, except for a pair of good walking shoes. Brisk walking can burn as many calories as running and is less likely to cause injuries than running or jogging. Additionally, walking is an aerobic and weight-bearing exercise, so it is great for your heart and helps prevent the weakening of the bones known as osteoporosis. American Academy of Family Physicians, December 2015
Chiropractic: Hip Mobilization with Movement Benefits Hip Osteoarthritis. Mobilization with movement (MWM) is often used in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. However, there are very few studies evaluating the effectiveness of such manual therapies in the treatment of this common hip condition. A new study involving forty elderly patients with hip osteoarthritis found that pain, hip range of motion, and physical performance all improved immediately after receiving MWM. Manual Therapies, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Night / Shift Work May Increase Breast Cancer Risk. Women who work non-traditional hours over the course of a career may have a slightly greater risk for a breast cancer diagnosis than those who work “9-5.” Researchers combed through 25 studies regarding “breast cancer risk” and “night work” or “shift work” published during the last twenty years and found long-term night/shift work may be associated with a 9% greater risk for breast cancer.
Gynecology, Obstetrics, & Fertility, December 2015
Quote: “Life has no remote… get up and change it yourself!” ~ Mark A. Cooper

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

Mental Attitude: Anxiety Increases Dementia Risk! After adjusting for depressive symptoms, individuals with high anxiety appear
to have a greater risk for dementia later in life. Researchers used data from the Swedish Adoption Twin Study of Aging, a multidecade
study that has followed twins who were separated early in life. They found when only one twin (either identical or fraternal)
had a history of high levels of anxiety, they were 6-11% more likely than their sibling to be diagnosed with dementia three decades
later. Alzheimer’s and Dementia, November 2015
Health Alert: Dehydration is Common Among Frail Older Adults. Serum tests of 188 seniors living in a community setting
showed 20% were dehydrated at the time their blood was drawn. Dehydration can be a serious problem among the frail elderly, as it
can impair cognition and renal function. The researchers note thirst was not associated with hydration status in this group, suggesting
caregivers need to pay closer attention to their residents’ fluid intake. The Journals of Gerontology, November 2015
Diet: Menus with Calorie Counts May Prompt Healthier Offerings. Restaurants that list calorie counts on their menus offer more
lower-calorie choices than those that don’t provide such information. An analysis of menus from one hundred of the largest chain
restaurants in the United States found those with voluntary calorie labeling averaged 140 fewer calories per selection. Co-author Dr.
Julia Wolfson writes, “The biggest impact from mandatory menu labeling may come from restaurants decreasing the calories in their
menu items rather than expecting consumers to notice the calorie information and, subsequently, order different menu items… Given
how often Americans eat in restaurants, if more chain restaurants decrease calories on their menus to a level that we are seeing in
restaurants that already label, this has the potential to reduce population-level obesity.” Health Affairs, November 2015
Exercise: Keeping Physically Active Reduces Depression Risk After a Heart Attack. The odds of being depressed after a heart
attack appear to be significantly lower for those who had been physically active during the years before their heart attack. Researchers
found that those who engaged in regular physical activity in the ten years prior to their first heart attack had nearly a 20% lower risk
for depression when compared with those who were inactive during the same time period. First author Dr. Linda Ernstsen notes, “Our
results add strength to the evidence of a causal link between physical activity and mental health.”
American Journal of Medicine, October 2015
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Returns Pilot to Air. Low back pain can be a significant safety risk for a pilot, as it can become a
distraction during flight. In a recent case study, a pilot sought a non-pharmacological and noninvasive therapy option for his chronic
low back pain. After just three sessions of manual treatment to address sacral, pelvic, and lumbar dysfunction, the pilot reported an
80%+ improvement in pain and was able to return to flight. The case reveals the benefits of manual therapy in the management of
chronic back pain among aviators. Military Medicine, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Can Vitamin D Lower Heart Disease Risk? Vitamin D supplements may improve exercise performance and
lower the risk of heart disease. Researchers say that vitamin D can block the action of an enzyme called 11-βHSD1, which assists in
making the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of this hormone can increase blood pressure by restricting the arteries, narrowing
blood vessels, and encouraging the kidneys to retain water. Thus, researchers theorize vitamin D could improve exercise performance
and lower risk factors for cardiovascular issues by reducing cortisol levels.
Society for Endocrinology Annual Conference, November 2015
Quote: “The ability to listen to smart people who disagree with you is a rare talent.” ~ Ken Follet

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

Mental Attitude: Memory Complaints May Indicate Increased Dementia Risk Decades Later. Women who complain of poor memory may be at an increased risk for dementia later in life. In a recent study, researchers found that older women who had memory complaints at the start of the data collection period had a 70% greater risk of being diagnosed with a memory and thinking disorder nearly twenty years later. Furthermore, women who reported memory problems at the mid-point of the study were 90% more likely to be diagnosed with a cognitive impairment over the following decade. The findings provide further evidence that memory complaints should receive closer attention, as they may be an early sign of more severe memory and thinking problems later in life.
Neurology, October 2015
Health Alert: Too Much TV Linked to Increased Risk of Death. Currently, 80% of adults in the United States watch at least 3.5 hours of television per day. This is alarming as a new study links the hours spent watching TV to increased risks for eight of the major causes of death. The study found older adults who watched TV for three to four hours per day were 15% more likely to die from any cause during the 15-year study than those who spent less time in front of the television. The researchers add that individuals who watched seven or more hours of TV per day were 47% more likely to die during the course of the study than those who seldom watch TV. Lead researcher Dr. Sarah K. Keadle writes, “Our results fit within a growing body of research indicating that too much sitting can have many different adverse health effects.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, July 2015
Diet: What Are the Benefits of Potassium? This essential mineral offer benefits to your heart, muscles, kidneys, and nervous system. The University of Maryland Medical Center says the potential benefits of potassium include improved bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced stroke and heart attack risk. Potassium can be found in food such as potatoes, bananas, nuts, citrus, and avocados. University of Maryland Medical Center, October 2015
Exercise: Exercise Could Help Women Delay Preventive Mastectomy. A new study finds that regular physical activity may delay drastic preventative measures, such as a mastectomy, among women at high risk for breast cancer. The study involved 139 premenopausal women who were at high-risk for breast cancer due to either genetic mutations or family history. They were divided into three exercises groups: a “low-dose” group that performed 150 minutes of treadmill exercise per week, a “high-dose” group that exercised 300 minutes a week, and a control group that exercised for less than 75 minutes per week. After five months, the control group showed a 20% increase in estrogen-sensitive breast tissue, while the low- and high-dose groups saw reductions of estrogen-sensitive breast tissue of about 8% and 12%, respectively. The authors suggest that women who have an elevated breast cancer risk should consider performing 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity per day, five days per week.
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, October 2015
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Common Among Dental Hygienists! Surveys completed by 500 dental hygienists in the state of California found 96% suffer from some form of musculoskeletal pain. Those who reported their pain levels as moderate or severe were more likely to work on more than eight patients a day and use proper posture less than 50% of the time when compared with those only reporting mild pain levels or none at all. Journal of Dental Hygiene, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Eliminate These Bad Habits to Sleep Better! Just a few bad habits can affect sleep quality. The National Sleep Foundation lists the following sleep-stealing practices you should avoid: consuming caffeine within six hours before bedtime; drinking alcohol or eating a large meal or snack before bed; insufficient exercise; having a TV or other technology in the bedroom; and sleeping late during weekends. National Sleep Foundation, October 2015
Quote: “Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.” ~ Daphne du Maurier

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