Mental Attitude: Being Lazy Shrinks Your Brain. Less active individuals appear to have smaller brains later in life. This study included 1,583 participants who took a treadmill test to rate their fitness at around age 40 and again at around age 60. After the second treadmill test, they also underwent an MRI. The results revealed those who were less physically fit during both tests had lower brain volume than those who maintained high physical fitness levels during the course of the study. Researcher Dr. Nicole Spartano writes, “From other studies, we know that exercise training programs that improve fitness may increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and improve neuroplasticity over the short term. Over the course of a lifetime, these mechanisms may have an impact on brain aging and prevent cognitive decline in older age.” Neurology, February 2016
Health Alert: Acetaminophen Use Before Birth Linked to Childhood Asthma. Women who experience pain, fever, or the flu during pregnancy commonly use acetaminophen. Now, a new study finds that exposure to acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, before birth and during infancy increases a baby’s risk of developing asthma during childhood. Lead study author Dr. Maria Magnus notes, “Uncovering potential adverse effects is of public health importance, as paracetamol is the most commonly used painkiller among pregnant women and infants.” International Journal of Epidemiology, February 2016
Diet: Eating Eggs Does Not Increase the Risk of Heart Disease. Researchers analyzed the dietary habits of 1,032 men and found a relatively high intake of dietary cholesterol (from eating eggs daily, for example) is not associated with an increased risk of incident coronary heart disease, not even in people genetically predisposed for higher blood cholesterol levels via the apolipoprotein E type 4 allele (APOE4 allele), which impacts cholesterol metabolism. The findings suggest that cholesterol consumption at high levels is not as dangerous to our health as is currently perceived. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2016
Exercise: Does Arial Yoga Offer Any Health Benefits? The latest trend in yoga involves the use of circus hammocks to lift people off the floor to achieve yoga poses and align the body in the air. Researchers recruited 16 female volunteers to participate in a six-week intervention with three 50-minute aerial yoga sessions per week. Their analysis found that a single 50-minute session of aerial yoga burned an average of 320 calories and yielded cardiovascular effects similar to low- to moderate-intensity exercise. The American Council on Exercise’s Dr. Cedric X. Bryant writes, “We are pleased to announce that even though aerial yoga does not include traditional cardio exercises, a single session… offered participants many of the benefits associated with low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like brisk walking or leisurely cycling.” American Council on Exercise, February 2016
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Problems Among Hospital Staff. Musculoskeletal pain is an extremely common complaint among hospital workers. A review of questionnaires completed by 416 hospital staff regarding musculoskeletal pain complaints found 74% experienced an episode of low back pain during the previous year while between 50-60% of participants also experienced neck, upper back, and/or shoulder pain during the same time frame. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, January 2016
Wellness/Prevention: National Smoking Bans Improve Health. A review of 77 studies indicates that in countries with national bans on smoking in public places, there has been a corresponding decrease in hospital admissions for nonsmokers related to cardiovascular disease. Review author Dr. Cecily Kelleher adds, “The current evidence provides more robust support for the previous conclusions that the introduction of national legislative smoking bans does lead to improved health outcomes through a reduction in secondhand smoke exposure for countries and their populations.” Cochrane Library, February 2016
Quote: “While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.” ~ Chinua Achebe

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

Mental Attitude: Do Horses Know What You Are Feeling? It appears that horses can distinguish between positive and negative human facial expressions. Psychologists analyzed the reactions of 28 horses when they looked at images of happy or angry male faces and noticed that the horses tended to use their left eye more when looking at photos of angry faces, which is an equine behavior typically associated with negative stimuli. Study co-author Dr. Karen McComb theorizes that “horses may have adapted an ancestral ability for reading emotional cues in other horses to respond appropriately to human facial expressions during their co-evolution. Alternatively, individual horses may have learned to interpret human expressions during their own lifetime.” Biology Letters, February 2016
Health Alert: New Lyme Disease Bacteria Discovered. Health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report they have identified a new Lyme disease-causing bacteria, and it may cause even worse symptoms than the current known Lyme disease-causing bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The newly discovered bacteria is called Borrelia mayonii and appears to be closely related to B. burgdorferi. The CDC says that besides the usual symptoms, the new bacteria seems to cause nausea, vomiting, diffuse rashes (rather than the single so-called “bull’s-eye” rash typically associated with Lyme disease), and a higher concentration of bacteria in the blood. CDC microbiologist Dr. Jeannine Petersen notes, “This discovery adds another important piece of information to the complex picture of tick-borne diseases in the United States.”
The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, February 2016
Diet: Iron-Rich Foods. Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells, and if you fail to get enough from your diet, your health can suffer. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating the following iron-rich foods: lean beef and pork, chicken, turkey, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, rice, and other iron-enriched breads and whole grains. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, February 2016
Exercise: Do Compression Stocking Work? A new study investigated the effects of wearing compression stockings on physical performance in men with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Using multiple measurements and techniques, investigators found no evidence of any beneficial effects caused by wearing compression stockings either at rest or while performing moderately intense exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine, February 2016
Chiropractic: Manipulation for Headaches. A study that included 130 individuals compared cervical and thoracic manipulation to mobilization and exercise for the treatment of cervicogenic headaches (headaches caused by cervical dysfunction). The results of the study revealed that six-to-eight sessions of cervical and thoracic manipulation provided greater reductions in headache intensity, frequency, and duration than a course of treatment involving only mobilization and exercise. The authors of the study add that the benefits of manipulation persisted when the patients were re-examined three months later.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, February 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Can Flashes of Light Prevent Jet Lag? A light-based therapy involving short flashes of light during sleep appears to be a faster and more efficient way to prevent jet lag by tricking the body’s internal clock into adjusting to a different wake/sleep routine. The researchers behind this discovery believe their technique may also help people with other kinds of sleep cycle disruptions. Journal of Clinical Investigation, February 2016
Quote: “You’re never given a dream without also being given the power to make it true.” ~ Richard Bach

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

Mental Attitude: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Increases Dementia Risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 8,000-15,000 people per year in the United States are examined or treated in hospitals for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, commonly the result of faulty or ill-maintained gas burning appliance in the home. A new study indicates that patients treated for CO poisoning are 1.6 times more likely to develop dementia later in life, with an even greater risk for cases of more severe CO poisoning. Medicine, January 2016
Health Alert: High Blood Sugar Can Increase Heart Attack Complications. A new study suggests that high blood sugar can cause stronger contractions of blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications in heart attack patients. Researcher Dr. Richard Rainbow explains, “This is the first study to show direct evidence of blood vessel contraction to glucose, and the potential mechanism behind this contractile response. In the experimental models we used in this study, including human blood vessels, increasing glucose to the levels that could be reached after a large meal altered vascular contraction.” British Journal of Pharmacology, January 2016
Diet: New US Dietary Guidelines. The United States (US) government’s latest version of its Dietary Guidelines recommends that Americans cut back on added sugars, saturated fats, and salt if they want to improve their health. The new guidelines ask that people limit saturated fats to less than 10% of their daily calories and consume less than one tablespoon of salt per day. The guidelines go on to recommend a healthy eating pattern that fits into an individual’s lifestyle, rather than recommending specific amounts of different foods, such as fruits, vegetables, or meats. Elisabetta Politi, a nutrition director at the Duke University Diet & Fitness Center adds, “The 2015 dietary guidelines focus on healthy eating habits and less on including or eliminating individual nutrients… Americans should be shifting their diets to more plant-based foods like veggies and fruits such as the popular Mediterranean diet, which includes a lot of healthy fats and whole grains.” 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, January 2016
Exercise: Increases Survival Odds for Men with Prostate Cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 38 American men will die from prostate cancer. A new study that followed 830 prostate cancer patients for over 15 years found that those men who were physically active both pre- and post-diagnosis had a greater chance of surviving the disease than those who lived mostly sedentary lifestyles. The researchers note that patients who increased their physical activity levels after being diagnosed with prostate cancer significantly increased their long-term survival odds. European Urology, January 2016
Chiropractic: Pre-Pregnancy BMI Linked to Degenerative Musculoskeletal Conditions. A Danish study involving nearly 80,000 mothers found that have a high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) increases a woman’s long-term risk for developing degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. Other risk factors identified during the study include low and high gestational weight gain, higher postpartum weight retention, and the number of children a woman has delivered. The authors conclude that maintaining a healthy body weight pre-, during, and post-pregnancy may reduce a mother’s risk for developing degenerative musculoskeletal conditions later in life. Arthritis and Rheumatology, December 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Regular Mammograms Worthwhile for Elderly Women. Previous research has shown that mammography screening reduces breast cancer death in women up to age 74. Now, a new study indicates that regular mammograms also benefit elderly women. An analysis of Medicare data from 1995 to 2009 on about 65,000 women aged 75-84 years found that those who had annual mammograms were less likely to die from breast cancer over a ten-year period than those who had irregular or no mammograms. American Journal of Medicine, January 2016
Quote: “Learning from experience is a faculty almost never practiced.” ~ Barbara Tuchman

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

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.