Mental Attitude: Poor Mental Skills Associated with Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk. People with poor thinking skills related to planning, problem-solving, and reasoning may be at a greater risk for either a heart attack or stroke. Researchers analyzed data concerning 3,926 individuals with an average age of 75 who had no history of heart attack, stroke, or dementia. They found that individuals with low scores on tests measuring executive function were 85% more likely to have a heart attack and 51% more likely to suffer a stroke than their peers with high executive function scores during the following three years. Lead researcher Dr. Benham Sabayan adds, “These results show that heart and brain function are more closely related than appearances would suggest… While these results might not have immediate clinical translation, they emphasize that assessment of cognitive function should be part of the evaluation of future cardiovascular risk.” Neurology, August 2015
Health Alert: Traffic Air Pollution Increases Lung Cancer Risk. Regular exposure to automobile air pollution can increase an individual’s risk for lung cancer. Researchers examined data collected from 36 studies regarding professional drivers and found that occupational exposure to air pollution can increase lung cancer risk by 27% and the risk of dying from the disease by 14%.
Thoracic Cancer, May 2015
Diet: Spicy Foods May Extend Lifespan. Consuming spicy foods on a regular basis may lower an individual’s risk for premature death from cancer, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory disease. Researchers found that participants who ate spicy foods three to seven days a week were 14% less likely to have died during the seven-year study than participants who ate spicy foods less than once a week. British Medical Journal, August 2015
Exercise: Exercise Helps Patients with Vascular Dementia. University of British Columbia researchers report that patients with vascular dementia can improve their memory by simply going for walks on a regular basis. In the study, patients with vascular dementia who walked three times a week at a moderately brisk pace performed better on memory and attention tests than those who did not exercise. Furthermore, those who walked also lost weight and lowered their blood pressure.
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, July 2015
Chiropractic: Teen Athletes Get Fewer Musculoskeletal Injuries! Compared with non-athletic adolescents, teen athletes are less likely to experience neck and back pain. Researchers polled 1,865 participants at the 2012 Quebec summer games and 707 non-athletes from local schools. Not only are teen athletes significantly less likely to report neck pain, upper back pain, and lower back pain but when they do, they are also less likely to miss school because of it. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, August 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Online Program Can Improve Hand Washing. An online program that encourages people to wash their hands has been found to reduce the spread of cold and flu viruses within families. The free program, called PRIMIT, offers four weekly sessions that provide simple steps to help participants avoid catching and passing on viruses, monitor users’ hand washing habits, and provide feedback. The study included more than 20,000 people who were randomly assigned to use PRIMIT or to a control group that did not visit the website. During the sixteen-week program, 51% of people in the PRIMIT group had at least one respiratory infection, compared with 59% in the control group. Study author Dr. Paul Little notes, “A simple, cheap internet program to encourage hand washing can reduce the risk of infection by around 14 percent.” The Lancet, August 2015
Quote: “Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.” ~ Alan Moore

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

Mental Attitude: Childhood Trauma Can Worsen Bipolar Disorder Symptoms. Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City report the presence of childhood trauma – including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect – has been associated with a more severe clinical presentation among patients with bipolar disease. Psychiatry Research, August 2015
Health Alert: Septic Tanks May Allow Human Waste into Nearby Waterways. A new study suggests that septic tanks don’t prevent fecal bacteria from seeping into nearby rivers and lakes. Researchers analyzed 64 river systems and found bacterial concentrations were highest where there were higher numbers of septic systems in the watershed area. Previously, experts thought soil worked as a natural treatment system that could filter human sewage. Dr. Joan Rose, an international expert in water microbiology, water quality, and public health safety adds that the study “has important implications on the understanding of relationships between land use, water quality, and human health as we go forward.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, August 2015
Diet: Spinach Extract May Help Curb Hunger. Men with above-average blood pressure may want to consider eating more spinach. A study involving thirty men revealed that consuming a spinach extract containing thylakoids reduced cravings for saltier foods over the following two hours. Co-author Dr. Frank L. Greenway summarizes, “The reduction in hunger and the desire for salty food that we saw in this study might make thylakoids particularly useful for [males] with high blood pressure and associated weight problems.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, June 2015
Exercise: Could a New Molecule Mimic Exercise? Scientists have developed a molecule called “compound 14” that may one day help type 2 diabetics and obese patients reduce blood glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance. In a study on mice, researchers observed that compound 14 mimics the effect of exercise by causing cells to “think” they have run out of energy, thereby causing them to increase glucose uptake and metabolism. Obese mice that consumed the molecule for seven days lost weight and had more normal blood sugar readings than obese mice that just ate their normal diet. Chemistry & Biology, July 2015
Chiropractic: Specific Chiropractic Technique Helps Stenosis Pain and Disability. A study involving thirty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis found that flexion-distraction is an effective intervention for reducing both the pain and disability associated with this condition. In the study, half of the patients underwent a course of physical therapy while the other half received flexion-distraction treatments three times a week for six weeks. While both groups reported improvements in pain and disability, the results were more significant in the flexion-distraction group. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Urine Test Could Catch Pancreatic Cancer Sooner. Researchers have uncovered a biomarker for pancreatic cancer that can be detected in urine samples. The discovery may pave the way for a low-cost, noninvasive test that could detect the disease in its earlier stages. Currently, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is uncommon, with approximately 80% of patients being diagnosed at later stages. Lead researcher Dr. Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic explains, “We’ve always been keen to develop a diagnostic test in urine as it has several advantages over using blood. It’s an inert and far less complex fluid than blood and can be repeatedly and noninvasively tested… This is a biomarker panel with good specificity and sensitivity and we’re hopeful that a simple, inexpensive test can be developed and be in clinical use within the next few years.” Clinical Cancer Research, August 2015
Quote: “In the end you should always do the right thing even if it’s hard.” ~ Nicholas Sparks

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

Mental Attitude: Peers and Parents Influence Teen Alcohol and Tobacco Use. Among a sample of 2,490 German students, researchers found that peer smoking, peer drinking, and parental drinking were all associated with a 200% greater risk that a teen would experiment with and or regularly use cigarettes and alcohol. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, July 2015
Health Alert: Nicotine in E-Cigarettes Poses Danger to Kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes has led to an increase in cases of nicotine poisoning by young children. Experts say that a nicotine overdose can cause anxiety, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or even death. To keep all sources of nicotine out of children’s reach, the Food and Drug Administration proposes adding warning labels and child-resistant packaging to liquid nicotine products. Dr. Jonathan Foulds, a professor of public health sciences at Penn State College of Medicine adds, “Simply put, nicotine is a poison and consumers need to take responsibility for keeping it away from children, whether it is in a childproof container or not.” Penn State University, July 2015
Diet: Binge Eating Can Cause a Number of Health Problems. Eating large amounts of food very quickly and having no control over this behavior is known as binge eating. Potential risks of binge eating include depression, increased stress, increased suicidal thoughts, difficulty sleeping, headaches, joint problems, digestive problems, muscle pain, weight gain, and issues with menstruation. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney, August 2015
Exercise: Many Free Fitness Apps Don’t Meet Recommended Guidelines. If you are looking for a smartphone app to help improve your exercise regimen, it may be harder than you think. Researchers found that only one of thirty popular free fitness apps meets the majority of physical activity guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine. The top-rated app in the study was the Sworkit Lite Personal Workout Trainer App. The rating was based on evaluating adherence to specific medical guidelines regarding safety, warm-ups, cool–downs, stretching, intensity, frequency, and progression. Lead author Dr. François Modave writes, “While apps have great potential to give more people access to workouts that could help them achieve a healthy weight and fitness level, we found that the vast majority of apps are not as safe as they could be and do not give users the type of well-rounded workouts known to be most effective.” Journal of Medical Internet Research, July 2015
Chiropractic: Eye Surgeons Get Neck Pain Too! Musculoskeletal injuries can affect workers in many industries, even skilled surgeons. A new study published in the journal Current Opinion in Ophthalmology notes that ophthalmic plastic surgeons are at a high risk for cervical musculoskeletal disorders due to the amount of time they spend working in awkward, prolonged, static, and asymmetric postures. Additionally, wearing equipment on the head such as head lamps and magnifying devices can increase the weight of the head up to 40%, placing extra strain on the neck. Because 10% of cervical injuries in the profession will end a career, the authors of the study recommend that ophthalmic plastic surgeons take neck pain seriously and seek professional help when needed. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, July 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Self-Monitoring of Blood Sugar Good for Diabetics. A small study reveals that personalized blood sugar self-monitoring benefits individuals with type 2 diabetes, even if they’re not taking insulin. The study included eleven type 2 diabetics who were taught to react to their blood sugar level reading in a number of ways, such as eating a healthy snack or going for a walk. By testing their blood sugar levels twice a day and adapting their behavior accordingly, the participants were able to maintain healthier blood sugar levels. American Association of Diabetes Educators, August 2015
Quote: “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

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

Mental Attitude: Deep-Voiced Politicians May Have an Advantage at the Polls. If they want to get more votes, both male and female politicians may want to practice speaking with a deeper voice. Researchers surveyed 800 adults regarding hypothetical candidates and found that deeper-voiced candidates garnered 60% to 76% of the votes. Study co-author Dr. Casey Klofstad writes, “We think of ourselves as rational beings, but our research shows that we also make thin impressionistic judgments based on very subtle signals that we may or may not be aware of.” PLOS ONE, August 2015
Health Alert: Bigger Families Mean More Sickness. Being part of a big family boosts the risk of passing on viral infections that cause colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. In a recent study, researchers found viral infections were present in childless households an average of three to four weeks a year. In homes with one child, viral infections were present for 18 weeks a year and the number jumped to 45 weeks a year in homes with six children. Study co-author Dr. Carrie Byington writes, “A lot families go through wave after wave of illness. In fact, some of the kids we monitored had symptoms for 20 to 25 weeks in a row… This study helps us to understand what is normal in young children, and can help us determine when illness should be a cause for concern.” Clinical Infectious Diseases, August 2015
Diet: Meat Intake May Influence a Man’s Fertility. A new study concerning couples undergoing vitro fertilization treatment has found that males who consume a lot of processed meats have lower fertilization rates than men whose diet contains few, if any, processed meats. Researcher Dr. Natan Bar-Chama writes, “Decreasing processed-meat consumption can now be added to the list of recommendations — such as to stop smoking, decrease alcohol consumption and lose weight — that we can offer to men prior to fertility treatments to optimize outcomes.” Fertility & Sterility, August 2015
Exercise: Even a Little Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Benefits Those Over 60. An analysis of published research suggests that just a little moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every week can curb the risk of early death among those over the age of 60. Though current recommendations call for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, the data suggests that performing as little as half of the recommended amount can provide health benefits for older adults. The authors conclude, “Based on these results, we believe that the target for physical activity in the current recommendations might be too high for older adults and may discourage some of them… The fact that any effort will be worthwhile may help convince those 60% of participants over 60 years of age, who do not practice any regular physical activity, to become active.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. August 2015
Chiropractic: Should You See a Chiropractor First? Swiss researchers contacted 719 patients who initially visited either a doctor of chiropractic (DC) or medical doctor (MD) for either spinal, hip, or shoulder pain. The patients who sought care from a DC first reported higher scores for both satisfaction with the care they received as well as the outcome of care. The researchers add that the total costs associated with patients who sought chiropractic care were four-times lower than those who sought medical care first. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, August 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Signs of Heat Stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system fails to work properly due to high temperature. Potential heat stroke symptoms include having a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher, confusion, irritability, becoming red or flushed, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, headache, rapid heart rate, seizures, and becoming comatose. Mayo Clinic, August 2015
Quote: “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”
~ Lucille Ball

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

Mental Attitude: Hormones May Lead Financial Traders to Take Bigger Risks. The stressful and competitive environment of the financial world may boost levels of the hormones cortisol and testosterone in financial traders, leading them to invest in riskier assets. In a simulation, male participants who were given doses of cortisol shifted investments towards riskier assets and those given testosterone experienced increased levels of optimism about the future prospects of their choice. The researchers conclude, “Our results suggest that changes in both cortisol and testosterone could play a destabilizing role in financial markets through increased risk taking behavior, acting via different behavioral pathways.” Scientific Reports, July 2015
Health Alert: Children May Be Affected By Early Antibiotic Use. According to the findings of a new animal study, multiple courses of antibiotics during early childhood can lead to weight gain, increased bone growth, and altered gut flora. The researchers write that their findings highlight the potential negative impact repeated antibiotic exposure in early life may have on development. Nature Communications, June 2015
Diet: Eating Uncommon Foods May Promote a Healthier Lifestyle. A new report finds that adventurous eaters weigh less and appear healthier than more conservative diners. The findings are the result of a survey the showed that women who ate the widest variety of uncommon foods – including seitan, beef tongue, kimchi, rabbit, and polenta – also rated themselves as healthier eaters, more physically active, and more concerned with the healthfulness of their food when compared with less adventurous eaters. Study co-author Dr. Brian Wansink adds, “These findings are important to dieters because they show that promoting adventurous eating may provide a way for people – especially women – to lose or maintain weight without feeling restricted by a strict diet.” Obesity, July 2015
Exercise: Physical Exercise May Reduce Binge Eating. While it makes sense that dietary interventions should reduce binge eating behavior, a new study published in the journal Appetite points to physical exercise as a better strategy. Researchers tracked 180 women for six months and found that those who participated in a physical activity intervention experienced greater reductions in binge eating symptoms than those who received training on making better dietary choices. If these results are confirmed with a larger-scale study, it could lead to new treatment options for people with binge eating behavior. Appetite, July 2015
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Help TMD Patients. For patients with a temporomandibular joint disorder, manual therapies may be the most effective conservative treatment option. A systemic review of eight published studies indicates that manual therapies had the greatest effect on improving both function and pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders. This adds to the growing body of research supporting the efficacy of manual therapies, treatments commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic, for the care of TMD patients. Manual Therapy, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Kid Safe While Outdoors. Keeping children safe while they exercise and play outside is very important. The eXtension Foundation recommends the following guidelines: never allow kids to play unsupervised; explain to children not to play near a street or driveway; tell children to ask an adult for help when any object rolls into the street; and remove sharp objects, lawn equipment, animal waste, branches, and garbage from outdoor play areas. eXtension Foundation, July 2015
Quote: “Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

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

Mental Attitude: Atrial Fibrillation May Increase Dementia Risk. After analyzing data regarding 332,665 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, researchers report that a diagnosis of AF may increase an individual’s risk for dementia by up to 42%, even after adjusting for age, gender, and medication use.
International Journal of Cardiology, July 2015
Health Alert: National Program to Address Sepsis Is Needed! Sepsis is a condition that occurs when an infection enters the bloodstream, resulting in an inflammatory response throughout the body. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center report that during a two-year period in California, 240,198 patients were readmitted to hospitals for sepsis (almost as many as heart attack and heart failure combined) leading to $500 million dollars in additional healthcare costs. Experts suggest a national program aimed at improving discharge practices, follow-up care, and instructions for patients on how to properly take their medications will go a long way to reduce sepsis-related complications. Critical Care Medicine, June 2015
Diet: Food Supply Driving Global Obesity Epidemic. Is the global obesity epidemic simply due to the oversupply of processed foods? Researcher Dr. Stefanie Vandevijvere writes “Much of the increase in available calories over the decades has come from ultra-processed food products, which are highly palatable, relatively inexpensive, and widely advertised, making overconsumption of calories very easy.” World Health Organization, June 2015
Exercise: Extracurricular Sports Improves Kids’ Academics. Participating in extracurricular sports may help children develop the discipline they need to excel in school. Researchers note that both a child’s attention span and level of self-control can be positively associated with their participation in organized, after-school sports. Study leader Dr. Linda Pagani adds, “There is something specific to the sporting environment – perhaps the unique sense of belonging to a team, to a special group with a common goal – that appears to help kids understand the importance of respecting the rules and honoring responsibilities.” She hopes these findings will lead to improved access to parks and playgrounds where children can engage in sporting activities.
American Journal of Health Promotion, July 2015
Chiropractic: What Factors May Increase a Patient’s Risk for Another Back Pain Episode? Researchers conducted MRI scans on 76 patients who had an episode of back pain within the previous three months and followed them for a year in an effort to identify any factors that may indicate whether or not a patient may experience future back pain episodes. After comparing the MRI findings and case history of each patient who had a recurrent back pain episode with those who did not, the researchers found that patients with disk degeneration were 89% more likely to have another episode of back pain within the next twelve months when compared with patients without MRI-confirmed disk generation. For patients with a bulging disk, the risk for a recurrent episode was 84% greater than those without a disk bulge. They also found that each previous episode of back pain increases a patient’s risk for a future episode by 4%. Spine Journal, July 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Maintain a Healthy Weight to Lower Breast Cancer Risk. Using thirteen years of data concerning 67,142 postmenopausal women, researchers note that obese women (body mass index > 35) have an 86% greater risk of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. This news is especially troubling as two-thirds of women in the United States are either overweight or obese. JAMA Oncology, July 2015
Quote: “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”
~ John Quincy Adams

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

Mental Attitude: Major Depression Associated with a Smaller Hippocampus. A large international study has found that individuals with major depression have a significantly smaller hippocampus (an area of the brain associated with regulating emotions) than those without depression. Dr. Jim Lagopoulos, an associate professor at Brain and Mind Research Institute, says these findings reveal new information about our brain structures and the mechanisms that might underlie depression.
Molecular Psychiatry, June 2015
Health Alert: Smoking’s Cost on Society Is Falling! After adjusting for inflation, the total cost of smoking (healthcare, lost productivity from illness, and lost productivity from premature mortality) in the State of California has fallen 13% since 1999. Experts suggest the state’s early adoption of tobacco control strategies has contributed to both the lower number of present day smokers in the state and the reduced intensity of cigarette use among current smokers. Researcher Dr. Wendy Max notes, “The California tobacco control program has been very effective but there remains work to be done, especially in light of the changing landscape of tobacco products.” Nicotine and Tobacco Research, July 2015
Diet: BBQ Grill Brush Wires Can Cause Big Health Woes. Summer is a great time to cook on the grill; however, using a rusty old grill brush to clean the barbecue can potentially be dangerous. Health experts from the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University warn that wire bristles from grill brushes can snap off, land on the grate, and can eventually find their way into grilled meats. If swallowed, these bristles can damage a person’s throat and digestive tract. Experts recommend that people who grill toss out their wire brush in favor of a safer options such as bristle-free brushes made of metal coil or brushes with nylon bristles.
Brown University, July 2015
Exercise: You Probably Still Need to Exercise, Even if You Have a Busy Job. According to a new study, having a busy job may not provide enough exercise to meet the current physical activity recommendations to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). The small study followed 83 employees working in six occupation groups during a typical work week. Employees wore a pedometer to record steps and energy expenditure. The researchers found that only 6% of the participants reached the recommended amount of 10,000 steps per day during working hours, while 30% were described as “sedentary” (achieving less than 5,000 steps per day). EuroPrevent Congress, July 2015
Chiropractic: Can Migraines Be Caused By a Neck Problem? For some patients with migraine headaches, treatments aimed at alleviating nerve compression in the neck may lead to reduced headache severity and frequency, or even lasting relief. This adds to a growing body of research that some patients with migraine headaches may benefit from treatments intended to improve cervical function, such as chiropractic care. Eplasty, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: CPR & AED Training Mandatory For High School Graduation? Experts recommend that both a working knowledge of CPR and the use of an automated electronic defibrillator (AED) should become a graduation requirement for middle and high school students. According to physicians from the Institute of Medicine, less than 6% of the 395,000 Americans who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital each year will survive. Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City notes, “By teaching laypersons in public settings the proper use of such devices, we may be able to effectively increase survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.” National Academy of Sciences, June 2015
Quote: “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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

Mental Attitude: Sepsis May Increase Dementia Risk. Using data on nearly 12,000 patients from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000, researchers found that a previous diagnosis of sepsis increases dementia risk 2.27 times among females and 3.17 times among males. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, July 2015
Health Alert: Many Americans Wait Too Long to Get Healthcare. A new report notes that some people must wait several months before receiving the healthcare services they need, potentially endangering their health. Experts from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) add that poor management of human resources in healthcare institutions is one of the main reasons patients are unable to get faster care. Three strategies offered by experts at the IOM include: better monitoring of staff resources to meet demand, focusing on patient preferences when scheduling appointments, and providing alternatives to office visits with a doctor, such as telephone consultations with non-physician clinicians. Institute of Medicine, June 2015
Diet: Sugary Drink Consumption Contributing to Over 180,000 Worldwide Deaths Annually. Sugary drink consumption in the United States (US) has increased dramatically over the last three decades. Currently, around 50% of the population drinks these types of beverages on a daily basis. Researchers report that in 2010, sugary drink consumption was responsible for around 184,450 deaths worldwide, with 133,000 deaths from diabetes, 45,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease, and 6,450 deaths from cancer. Senior author Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian adds, “Many countries in the world have a significant number of deaths occurring from a single dietary factor: sugar-sweetened beverages. It should be a global priority to substantially reduce or eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages from the diet. There are no health benefits from sugar-sweetened beverages, and the potential impact of reducing consumption is saving tens of thousands of deaths each year.” Circulation, June 2015
Exercise: Drink Water Responsibly When Exercising to Avoid Health Risks. Experts say that keeping hydrated during exercise is important, but drinking too much water can be hazardous and in some case, can even result in death. Newly published guidelines recommend that drinking when thirsty is the healthiest way for athletes to keep hydrated, reducing the risk of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH). Excess water intake can lead to EAH, whereby the kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water in the body completely. As a result, the sodium in the body becomes diluted, causing dangerous swelling in cells.
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, July 2015
Chiropractic: Overuse Injuries Common Among High School Girls. Compared with young male athletes, young females appear to face a far greater risk for repetitive motion injuries. Researchers observed that the highest overuse injury rate was among girls who ran track, followed by girls who played field hockey and lacrosse. Overall, investigators found that the most overuse injuries involved the lower leg followed by knee and shoulder injuries. The researchers advised that all high school athletes play more than just a single sport, and parents should encourage their children to get the rest and foods they need to stay healthy.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? Vitamin D is important for strong and healthy bones, making sure your muscles, heart, lungs, and brain work well and that your body can fight infection. To ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin D, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises the following: get some sun, but avoid sunburn; eat vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk, cereals, and some forms of orange juice and cheese; eat naturally vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, mushrooms, cheese, beef liver, and egg yolks; and take a vitamin D supplement. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, July 2015
Quote: “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” ~ Bob Ross

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

Mental Attitude: Does Smoking Affect Voting Behavior? Individuals who smoke cigarettes appear to be less likely to vote than nonsmokers. The authors of a new study surveyed 11,626 people and found that 17% of those polled were smokers, and daily smokers were 60% less likely to vote than nonsmokers. Lead author Dr. Karen Albright writes, “On one hand, the result is intuitive. We know from previous research that smokers are an increasingly marginalized population, involved in fewer organizations and activities and with less interpersonal trust than nonsmokers. But what our research suggests is that this marginalization may also extend beyond the interpersonal level to attitudes toward political systems and institutions.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research, May 2015
Health Alert: Dementia May Increase Health Risks Among Hospitalized COPD Patients. Taiwanese researchers examined data on one million individuals collected between 2000 and 2010 and found that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dementia have an elevated risk for acute respiratory dysfunction, severe sepsis, and hospital mortality. More specifically, they found that patients with both conditions were 1.38 times more at risk for severe sepsis, 1.39 times more at risk for acute respiratory dysfunction, and 1.69 times more at risk of dying during their hospital stay. Medicine, June 2015
Diet: High-Fiber Diet May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Eating a fiber-rich diet may lower one’s risk for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. The authors of a new study found that those whose diets contain more than 26 grams of fiber each day are 18% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who consume less than 19 grams of fiber per day. When researchers focused on types of fiber, they discovered that people who consume higher amounts of cereal and vegetable fiber are 16-19% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with fiber-poor diets. Interestingly, the researchers found that fruit fiber consumption was not associated with reduced diabetes risk. Study author Dr. Dagfinn Aune concludes, “Taken together, our results indicate that individuals with diets rich in fiber, in particular cereal fiber, may be at lower risk of type 2 diabetes.” Diabetologia, May 2015
Exercise: Avoid Overuse Injuries. Performing the same exercises day after day can lead to an overuse injury. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to avoid such injuries: engage in a variety of exercises, don’t do too many exercises in one day, warm up before and cool down after a workout, wear appropriate shoes, and use good form and technique. Mayo Clinic, June 2015
Chiropractic: Resolution of Daily Cervicogenic Headaches. A 13-year-old patient with a complaint of daily headaches presented for a trial of chiropractic care. His doctor of chiropractic utilized spinal manipulation to treat cervical and thoracic spinal joint fixations, which a thorough examination had revealed to be the possible underlying cause of the adolescent’s chief complaint. The patient reported his headaches resolved during the course of treatment, which consisted of eight visits over two months. This case documents the potential benefits of chiropractic care in the management of headaches in adolescents.
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, April 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Limited Evidence for Mammograms for Women in Their 40s. The International Agency for Research on Cancer says that there is limited evidence to support preventative breast cancer screening for women in their 40s. However, they add that for women aged 50 to 75, the research shows that routine mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. The revised guidelines recommend routine screening start at age 50 and be done every two years. The expert panel advises that women in their 40s should discuss the pros and cons of mammography screening with their doctor and then make an informed decision.
New England Journal of Medicine, June 2015
Quote: “Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.” ~ Napoléon Bonaparte

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

Mental Attitude: Bullied Teens at Risk for Depression Later in Life. Teens who are bullied appear to be at a higher risk for depression when they reach early adulthood when compared with their peers who were not bullied during adolescence. The study involved 4,000 teens and found that teenagers who were frequently bullied at age 13 were twice as likely to be depressed at age 18. Of the 4,000 teens involved in the study, 700 reported being bullied more than once a week. BMJ, June 2015
Health Alert: Poorly Controlled Diabetes Results in Longer Hospital Stays. Two new studies presented at the 75th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association state that diabetics who fail to control their blood sugar levels tend to have longer and more costly hospital stays. According to researchers, hospital stays for diabetics with poor blood sugar control can last an average of three days longer at a total cost nearly $2,500 greater than diabetics who do a better job at managing their blood sugar levels.
Scripps Health, June 2015
Diet: BPA in Canned Foods Less Common. A new report claims that up to 30% of canned foods contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in their linings. According to previously published research, BPA exposure may be associated with abnormal fetal development, obesity, and reproductive health issues, among other health problems. The good news is that fewer food manufacturers are using BPA to line the inside of their cans when compared with the available historical data. Renee Sharp, a Director of Research at the Environmental Working Group adds, “Definitely the trend is moving away from BPA, but there is a long way to go.” Environmental Working Group, June 2015
Exercise: Certain Physical Activities Associated with Better Sleep. Participating in activities such as walking, aerobics, calisthenics, running, weight training, yoga, and Pilates may improve your sleeping habits. Researcher leader Dr. Michael Grandner adds, “Although previous research has shown that lack of exercise is associated with poor sleep, the results of this study were surprising. Not only does this study show that those who get exercise simply by walking are more likely to have better sleep habits, but these effects are even stronger for more purposeful activities, such as running and yoga, and even gardening and golf.”
Associated Professional Sleep Societies, June 2015
Chiropractic: Back Pain Associated with Knee Pain. According to researchers at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, patients with knee complaints are significantly more likely to also have a history of lower back pain. Though the researchers were unable to conclude whether or not the relationship between back pain and knee pain is causative in either direction or if both may be secondary to another issue, they do recommend that doctors consider a patient’s back pain history when assessing and managing knee pain complaints. The Journal of the Pakistani Medical Association, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Bug Bites & Bee Stings. While most insect bites aren’t serious, experts advise going to the emergency room if you or your child develop the following ailments after a bite or sting: difficulty breathing, a feeling that your throat is closing, swelling lips, swelling tongue or face, chest pain, racing heartbeat, dizziness, headache, or vomiting. Also, beware of a red rash that looks like a bullseye target or a fever with a spreading red or black spotty rash. Dr. Margaret Parsons, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California writes, “Although most bug bites and stings do not turn into a severe or even fatal illness like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms.”
American Academy of Dermatology, May 2015
Quote: “True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one’s companion.”
~ Gordon B. Hinckley

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