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.

Mental Attitude: Mood Can Be Affected By Interrupted Sleep. If you wake up several times per night, then you are more likely to be in a bad mood the following day. Researchers assessed the mood of 62 men and women over three consecutive days. Each night participants had either a normal bedtime with forced awakenings or a later bedtime with uninterrupted sleep. By the second day, those in the forced awakenings group had a 31% reduction in positive mood, compared with a 12% reduction for those in the later-bedtime group. Lead author Dr. Patrick Finan explains, “When your sleep is disrupted throughout the night, you don’t have the opportunity to progress through the sleep stages to get the amount of slow-wave sleep that is key to the feeling of restoration.” Sleep, October 2015
Health Alert: Many Patients with Acne Take Antibiotics Too Long. Patients with severe acne often remain on antibiotics for several months before they are transitioned to a potentially more effective treatment. A review of medical records of 137 patients found that on average, patients were kept on antibiotics for eleven months before their healthcare provider decided the medicine was not effective. Dr. Katy Burris, a dermatologist at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Manhasset, New York adds, “We need to recognize those patients who are not responding to oral antibiotics sooner rather than later, to minimize overexposure to antibiotics as well as potential scarring, and initiate successful therapy.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, October 2015
Diet: Soluble Fiber May Prevent Weight Gain. Researchers from Georgia State University suggest that a diet low in soluble fiber may be a key contributor in weight gain. The study found that mice fed a diet lacking soluble fiber experienced poor gut health and gained weight. Soluble fiber absorbs water in the gut, forming a gel-like substance that can help lower cholesterol, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar. The researchers add, “If our observations were to prove applicable to humans, it would suggest that encouraging consumption of foods with high soluble fiber content may be a means to combat the epidemic of metabolic disease. Moreover, [the] addition of… soluble fibers to processed foods, including calorically rich obesogenic foods, may be a means to ameliorate their detrimental effects.” American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, October 2015
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Improves Sleep in Elderly. While many seniors accept reduced sleep quality and quantity as part of the aging process, a new study finds it doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Elderly adults who participated in three one-hour aerobic exercise classes per week for twelve weeks experienced a 44% improvement in sleep quality and a 16% improvement in the amount of time they stayed asleep. Current Aging Science, October 2015
Chiropractic: Improving Spinal Shape with Manipulation & Exercise. Low back pain is a common complaint among golfers. In a recent study, professional golfers with a history of chronic low back pain received a one-month regimen of spinal manipulation and corrective core exercises to improve their spinal shape/curvature. After the four-week program concluded, the researchers observed a significant change in pelvic tilt among the participants, indicating the benefits of a combination of spinal manipulation and corrective core exercises in establishing correct spinal curvature. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Breast-Feeding May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer. A new study has found a link between breast-feeding and a reduced risk for an aggressive form of breast cancer called hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer. The international study found that women who breast-fed were up to 20% less likely to develop hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer when compared to those who did not breast-feed. The researchers write, “The findings show the need for more public health programs that directly inform women about the benefits of breast-feeding, and for removal of obstacles to breast-feeding in the home, community, and workplace.” Annals of Oncology, October 2015
Quote: “Talent is cheap; dedication is expensive. It will cost you your life.” ~ Irving Stone

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

Mental Attitude: Better Air Quality Improves Employee Performance. Employees in offices with enhanced ventilation systems
and low levels of chemical air pollutants appear to outperform workers from offices with inferior air quality. The researchers also
found the average performance scores of these employees fell as carbon dioxide levels increased to levels that commonly occur in
indoor settings. Lead author Dr. Joseph Allen comments, “These results suggest that even modest improvements to indoor
environmental quality may have a profound impact on the decision-making performance of workers.”
Environmental Health Perspectives, October 2015
Health Alert: Severe Obesity Leads to Billions in Additional Healthcare Costs! New research suggests that severe obesity is
placing a huge financial strain on both the United States’ Medicaid system as well as on the severely obese themselves. According to
the study, $69 billion dollars is spent in the United States each year on obesity-related health services. Currently, Medicaid pays about
10% of the annual cost of treating severely obese individuals, and that total is likely to rise as Medicaid expands under the Affordable
Care Act. Overall, people who are severely obese pay $1,980 more for healthcare than non-obese individuals. Co-author Dr. Michael
Long adds, “Medicaid patients, who have low resources and a high burden of disease and obesity, are not covered completely. So
severe obesity is a big burden on both Medicaid and patients.” Dr. Long and his colleagues add that diet and exercise initiatives are
needed to curb severe obesity and its associated health costs. Health Affairs, November 2015
Diet: Fast-Food Ads Strongly Influence Kids. Fast-food restaurants that offer free toys in their television ads strongly influence
children and families when it comes to meal choices. The study, which included 100 children and their parents, revealed the more kids
watched TV channels that advertised children’s fast-food meals, the more likely their families visited those restaurants. Study author
Dr. Jennifer Emond writes, “For now, our best advice to parents is to switch their child to commercial-free TV programming to help
avoid pestering for foods seen in commercials.” The Journal of Pediatrics, October 2015
Exercise: Exercise Can Affect a Child’s Cognitive Skills. A child’s thinking and learning skills may be affected by their physical
activity levels. Researchers found that active children who are not overweight or obese performed better on tests of mental skills, such
as planning and paying attention, than their inactive counterparts. In the study, active children were defined as those who took part in
organized activities, such as swimming, gymnastics, soccer, or dance for more than an hour a week. Study author Dr. Catherine Davis
adds, “Activity made a difference even among normal-weight kids. That verifies that physical activity makes a difference in brain
function.” Pediatric Exercise Science, October 2015
Chiropractic: How to Avoid Back Pain While Feeding a Baby. The frequent carrying, lifting, and breast feeding of babies can
often result in back pain for new moms. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends avoiding bending over during
nursing, placing a pillow on your lap to help raise baby to your level while nursing, using an upright firm chair instead of a soft couch,
and remembering to remove the tray first before lifting a baby out of a high chair.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: A Family Dog May Lower a Child’s Asthma Risk. Early exposure to dogs may reduce the risk of asthma in
children. A new study found children in homes with a family dog during their first year of life had a 13% lower risk of asthma by the
time they were old enough for school. The researchers speculate early exposure to a wider variety of microorganisms (via the family
dog, in this case) helps build a more robust immune system that is less susceptible to some of the environmental causes of asthma
attacks. JAMA Pediatrics, November 2015
Quote: “The secret to life is meaningless unless you discover it yourself.” ~ W. Somerset Maugham

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

Mental Attitude: Psoriasis Patients Often Suffer from Depression. A new report finds that individuals with psoriasis may be at a greater risk for depression. Psoriasis is a systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects 3-4% of Americans. It causes patches of thick, red skin, and silvery scales, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet. Investigators found that 16.5% of the psoriasis patients in their analysis suffered from major depression. They speculate the psychiatric burden of psoriasis may be related to how patients perceive the social response to their appearance, rather than objective disease severity. The authors conclude, “Our study supports that all patients with psoriasis, regardless of severity, are at risk for depressive symptoms and may benefit from depression screening.” JAMA Dermatology, September 2015
Health Alert: Calcium May Not Help the Bones of Seniors. Taking extra calcium may not help aging bones after all. An analysis of more than 100 previous investigations suggests that guidelines advising seniors to consume 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium a day are misplaced. Researcher Dr. Mark Bolland adds, “We’ve gathered all the clinical studies of calcium supplements and dietary calcium intake for both bone density and fractures… Taken together, we think this is the strongest possible evidence that taking calcium supplements will not be beneficial unless there are clear medical reasons that a calcium supplement is needed.”
British Medical Journal, September 2015
Diet: Mediterranean Diet Good for Gut Health. According to a new study, those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids in their gut. The Mediterranean diet is known to be high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes, compared with the standard Western diet that includes higher consumption of meat and dairy. The fermentation of fiber from dietary plant matter in the colon produces short-chain fatty acids, which the authors conclude are the connection to health benefits that includes reducing the risk of inflammatory disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Gut, September 2015
Exercise: Tips to Stay Fit During & After Pregnancy. The Weight-Control Information Network suggest the following to help women stay healthy both while they are pregnant and after their child is born: speak to your healthcare provider about what exercises are safe to perform during pregnancy, return to normal exercise after the baby is born (as soon as your doctor approves such activities), drink plenty of fluids when exercising, use caution when exercising in warm weather, eat a balanced diet both during and after the pregnancy, and if possible, breast feed to aid in burning calories. National Institutes of Health, October 2015
Chiropractic: Manipulation Beneficial for Neck Pain Patients. A research review of 51 trials has found evidence that multiple sessions of manipulation performed by a doctor of chiropractic may provide greater pain relief and functional improvement over both the short-term and long-term for patients with neck pain when compared with other treatment options including massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and some medications. Cochrane Database Systematic Review, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Supplementation May Reduce COPD Symptoms. Using data collected from 18 published studies, researchers note there appears to be an association between vitamin D status and the intensity of symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They suggest increasing serum levels of vitamin D through supplementation may reduce the severity of the disease. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, September 2015
Quote: “Getting something and having the wits to use it… those are two different things.” ~ Rick Riordan

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