Health Alert: As a Nation’s Wealth Grows, So Do Men’s Waistlines. Using four decades of data
concerning nearly 150 countries, researchers report that for every 1% increase in a nation’s per capita
income, the obesity rate among men in the country rises 1.23%. PLOS ONE, May 2020
Diet: Can Too Much Coffee Be Bad for Your Health? Researchers examined connections between
genetics, habitual coffee consumption, and health conditions from a dataset that included over 300,000
adults in the UK Biobank and found that drinking six or more cups of coffee a day is associated with an
elevated risk of osteoarthritis, arthropathy, and obesity. Clinical Nutrition, March 2020
Exercise: Exercise Cleans Muscles. According to a new study, an intense ten-minute bout of exercise
increases the activity of the “death marker protein” called ubiquitin, which helps remove worn-out
proteins from muscle tissue. Researcher Dr. Jørgen Wojtaszewski writes, “Basically, it explains part of
the reason why physical activity is healthy. The beauty is that muscle use, in and of itself, is what
initiates the processes that keep muscles up to date, healthy, and functional.”
FASEB Journal, May 2020
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies for CTS. Among a group of 30 patients with carpal tunnel
syndrome (CTS), researchers observed that mechanical interface mobilization and nerve mobilization
techniques are both effective treatments for improving nerve function and reducing pain and disability.
Doctors of chiropractic often utilize these manual therapy techniques along with other conservative
treatment options for patients with CTS. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Creative Art, Storytelling, and Mild Cognitive Impairment. A review of findings
from 64 published studies found that participating in creative art or storytelling programs can improve
brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Ageing Research Reviews, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Surprising Contributors to Heart Disease. WebMD notes that in addition to
lack of exercise and a poor diet, the following are also associated with an elevated risk for heart
disease: belly fat, dental problems, loneliness, long work hours, a history of migraines, shift work, and
snoring. WebMD, June 2020
Quote: “We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.” ~ Calvin Coolidge

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

Health Alert: Singing and Snoring. A review of findings from six published studies noted that people
who frequently sing have a reduced risk for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, June 2020
Diet: Almonds Good for Vascular Health. During a six-week study, researchers observed that
participants who replaced unhealthy snack foods with almonds experienced improvements in both
endothelial function (the functionality of the thin membrane that lines the heart and blood vessels) and
their cholesterol readings. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2020
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise May Benefit Asthmatics. An analysis of data from eleven published
studies concluded that aerobic exercise training can lead to improvements in both asthma control and
lung function. European Respiratory Journal, April 2020
Chiropractic: Myofascial Therapy for Neck Pain. Among a group of 54 patients with mechanical
neck pain, researchers observed that five sessions of myofascial release therapy were more effective at
reducing pain and improving pain sensitivity than ten sessions of massage, ultrasound therapy, and
transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. Doctors of chiropractic commonly use myofascial techniques
in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Improves Mood of MS Patients. Mindfulness is described as the
ability to be fully present, aware of where you are, and calm about what’s going on around you. In a
recent study involving 61 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, researchers observed that those who
received mindfulness training experienced improvements in cognitive function and mood regulation.
Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, May 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Ways to Stay Healthy As You Age. WebMD offers five tips to remain healthy
when getting older: eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains while eating less butter, fatty
meats, sugar, and salt; exercise for at least thirty minutes a day; go to bed and wake up at the same time
every day; start a new hobby; and stay in contact with loved ones. WebMD, June 2020
Quote: “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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

Health Alert: Oil & Gas Wells Linked to Low Infant Birth Weight. An analysis of nearly 3 million
pregnancy outcomes from women living within six miles of an oil or gas well revealed that living within
less than a mile of these types of wells is associated with a 40% increased risk for low birth weight.
Environmental Health Perspectives, June 2020
Diet: Warning Labels Could Reduce Soda Consumption. A review of findings from 23 published
studies suggests that adding health warning labels to soft drink packaging could reduce sugary drink intake.
Study leader Dr. Anna Grummon writes, “Our findings suggest that sugary drink warnings help consumers
better understand products’ healthfulness and encourage consumers to make healthier choices about what
drinks to buy… These results highlight the potential usefulness of sugary drink warning policies in both
informing consumers and reducing consumption of unhealthy beverages like sodas, energy drinks and fruitflavored drinks.” American Society for Nutrition, May 2020
Exercise: Exercise Helps College Students Be More Resilient. University students who regularly
exercise are less likely to be affected by depression, anxiety, or stress than their less active peers.
Frontiers in Psychology, May 2020
Chiropractic: Car Accidents and Back Pain. A systematic research review discovered that individuals
involved in a motor vehicle collision may be more likely to develop back pain in the future than those who
have not been in a car accident. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate and effectively treat
musculoskeletal injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. Accident Analysis & Prevention, May 2020
Mental Attitude: Noise, Air Pollution, and Alzheimer’s. New research suggests that frequent exposure
to elevated noise and carbon monoxide levels may lead to increased oxidative stress in the body, which
may raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Medical Gas Research, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: How to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk. The American Cancer Society offers the
following tips to reduce colorectal cancer risk: eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; limit intake of
red and processed meats; get the recommended levels of calcium and vitamin D; avoid obesity and weight
gain around the midsection; don’t smoke; and limit alcohol consumption.
American Cancer Society, June 2020
Quote: “Life is about timing.” ~ Carl Lewis

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

Health Alert: Inherited High Cholesterol May Signal Heart Trouble Earlier in Adulthood.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder that causes high cholesterol. Researchers report
that individuals with this condition are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease before middle
age; however, less than 10% of adults with familial hypercholesterolemia know they have it.
American Heart Association, June 2020
Diet: Calories Listed on Menus Offer Health Benefits. Because posting calories on menus leads
consumers to make healthier food choices, researchers estimate that this practice may prevent nearly
15,000 cases of cardiovascular disease in the United States within five years. Circulation, June 2020
Exercise: Another Way Exercise Helps the Brain. According to a new study, engaging in a twelveweek aerobic exercise program can increase cortical excitability, which can improve one’s ability to
create mental imagery. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, June 2020
Chiropractic: Neck Problems May Contribute to Migraines/TMD in Teens. Among a group of 314
teenagers with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), researchers observed that those with comorbid
migraines were more likely to have abnormal cervical posture, trigger points in the trapezius muscles,
and neck pain. The findings suggest that treatment to address cervical dysfunction may benefit
adolescents with co-occurring migraines and TMD. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, June 2020
Mental Attitude: Gum Disease Linked to Dementia? Researchers reviewed data from twelve studies
and concluded that individuals with a history of periodontal disease have a 38% increased risk for
dementia. European Journal of Epidemiology, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Poor Vitamin D Status and Pre-Eclampsia. Approximately 2-8% of pregnant
women develop pre-eclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and other signs that a
woman’s organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are not functioning properly. In a study that looked at
vitamin D status of 370 new mothers, 201 of whom had pre-eclampsia, researchers observed that
vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy was associated with an elevated risk for both early- and latestage pre-eclampsia. Clinical Laboratory, June 2020
Quote: “There’s no one to stop you but yourself.” ~ Dave Thomas

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

Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke Linked to Hypertension in Kids. Examinations of 3,579 children and
teens revealed that those who lived in a household in which one or more person smoked were two times more
likely to have blood pressure in the hypertensive range than kids from nonsmoking homes.
Preventative Medicine, May 2020
Diet: Omega-3s May Protect Against Alcohol/Substance Abuse. Healthy omega-3 fatty acid serum levels are
associated with better cardiovascular health and cognitive function, as well as reduced inflammation. In a recent
article published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design, the authors speculate that improving omega-3
fatty acid levels during childhood and adolescence may reduce impulsivity and reward sensitivity, potentially
lowering the risk for developing substance and alcohol abuse disorders.
Current Pharmaceutical Design, April 2020
Exercise: Staying Active May Aid in Afib Management. Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) is a common heart rhythm
disorder that is known to significantly increase the risk of stroke. A study involving 3,333 Afib patients
revealed that participants who averaged fewer steps per day tended to experience more severe Afib-associated
symptoms than those with a more active lifestyle. Hearth Rhythm, May 2020
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Is a Common Work Injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reports that three million non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries took place in the United States in
2018, with low back pain listed as the most common complaint. While the prevalence of low back pain was
greatest among physically demanding jobs like construction work, poor ergonomics, bad working postures, and
excessive vibration exposure have also been demonstrated to increase the risk for the condition.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Adults Often Delay Seeking Help for Eating Disorders. A survey of 300 young adults
revealed that many with an eating disorder put off seeking treatment due to either denial, concerns of losing
control, or not understanding the severity of their condition.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Risk Factors for Sleeping Problems. The following factors are associated with an
increased risk for either insufficient or poor quality sleep: an inconsistent eating schedule, low vegetable intake,
alcohol before bed, electronic device use in bed, high caffeine intake, dinner within two hours of bed time, lack
of sunlight exposure in the morning, and weight gain. Sleep Health, April 2020
Quote: “Happiness consists in activity. It is running steam, not a stagnant pool.” ~ John Mason Good

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

Health Alert: Blood Infections Tied to Colon Cancer Risk. An analysis of health data concerning over two
million adults found evidence that blood infections from anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium septicum may
be associated with an increased risk for developing colon cancer in the near future. The findings suggest that
healthcare providers should screen patients for colon cancer if they have recently been diagnosed with a blood
infection caused by anaerobic bacteria.
European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, April 2020
Diet: Low-Fiber Diet May Benefit Asthmatics. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, researchers have identified an association between low fiber intake and an increased risk
for asthma-related symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and excess phlegm production.
Annals of the American Thoracic Society, May 2020
Exercise: Overtraining? To reduce the risk of overtraining, researchers recommend spending no more than 9%
of total exercise time each week at an intensity greater than 90% of maximum heart rate.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, February 2020
Chiropractic: Old and Young May Experience Different Whiplash Symptoms. Examinations of 27 seniors
and 32 young adults who had recently been diagnosed with a whiplash injury following a motor vehicle
collision revealed that dizziness is a more common symptom among older whiplash patients, and younger
individuals are more likely to report neck pain. American Journal of Otolaryngology, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Kids Intuitive About Parental Stress. New research indicates that attempting to suppress
emotions can lead a parent and their child to become cold and less engaged with one another. Researcher Dr.
Sara Waters writes, “That makes sense for a parent distracted by trying to keep their stress hidden, but the kids
very quickly changed their behavior to match the parent… So if you’re stressed and just say, ‘Oh, I’m fine’, that
only makes you less available to your child. We found that the kids picked up on that and reciprocated, which
becomes a self-fulfilling dynamic.” Journal of Family Psychology, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention Tips. The American Dietetic Association recommends the
following to reduce one’s cancer risk: become leaner; get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily; avoid sugary
drinks; limit consumption of high-calorie foods; eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes; limit
consumption of red meat and avoid processed meat; limit your daily intake of alcohol; and limit consumption of
salty and processed foods. American Dietetic Association, April 2020
Quote: “Life has its own hidden forces which you can only discover by living.” ~ Soren Kierkegaard
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Early Death from Heart Disease Greater in Women Living in Rural Areas. An analysis of
data regarding premature deaths from coronary artery disease over the last two decades showed that death rates
due to coronary artery disease increased about 11% among women living in rural areas. Senior author Dr.
Federico Moccetti explains, “Women living in rural areas of the United States have for the first time suffered an
increase in premature deaths from coronary artery disease. This is in stark contrast to their urban counterparts,
who have experienced a virtually uninterrupted reduction in premature coronary artery disease deaths.” The
findings reveal the need to increase public health campaigns focusing on heart health among rural women.
Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2020
Diet: Eat More Fiber! Using data from the NutriNet-Santé study, researchers report that higher dietary fiber
intake is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2020
Exercise: Get Active After a Heart Attack. Among a group of 4,570 heart attack patients, those who attended
cardiac rehabilitation classes reported higher quality of life scores than those who remained sedentary. Study
author Dr. Ben Hurdus adds, “Exercise improves fitness, which has both physical and mental health benefits…
If you’re more able to participate in activities that bring you happiness, then you’re more likely to have a better
quality of life.” European Society of Cardiology, April 2020
Chiropractic: Back Pain Common Among Future Physicians. Questionnaires completed by 640 medical
school students revealed that a third experienced an episode of low back pain during the previous year and
roughly half had to reduce their activities due to their pain.
International Journal of Preventative Medicine, March 2020
Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Dementia. A review of data from the Zaragoza Dementia and Depression
Project study found that high levels of anxiety are associated with a nearly three-fold increased risk for vascular
dementia in older men but not in older women. Brain Sciences, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Reasons to Maintain a Healthy Weight. The National Institutes of Health notes that
maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk for the following: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, pregnancy difficulties, and some types of
cancer. National Institutes of Health, April 2020
Quote: “On an exhausted field, only weeds grow.” ~ Henryk Sienkiewicz
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Complications During Pregnancy Increase Future Risk of Preterm Delivery. An analysis of
data on both the first and second pregnancies of over 300,000 Norwegian women revealed that the risk of
preterm birth in their second pregnancy was two times greater among women who experienced a complication
during their first pregnancy such as preeclampsia placental abruption, stillbirth, neonatal death, and low birth
weight for gestational age. Researchers hope the findings will help healthcare providers identify those at
increased risk of preterm delivery. BMJ, April 2020
Diet: Food Choices May Affect Liver Cancer Risk. A diet low in fruits, leafy vegetables, and fish may be
associated with an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. PLOS One, April 2020
Exercise: Walking Offers Many Health Benefits. Walking is a great weight-bearing exercise associated with
the following benefits: increased cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness; reduced risk of heart disease and stroke;
improved management of conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or
stiffness, and diabetes; stronger bones; improved balance; increased muscle strength and endurance, and
reduced body fat. Department of Health & Human Services (Australia), May 2020
Chiropractic: Conservative Care Can Reduce Need for CTS Surgery. Among a group of 150 patients on a
waiting list for carpal tunnel release surgery, researchers observed that participants who performed tendon
gliding exercises for six weeks were about 25% more likely to cancel their procedure within the following six
months. Doctors of chiropractic often incorporate tendon gliding exercises in their treatment recommendations
for carpal tunnel syndrome patients in addition to nutritional recommendations and manual therapies to relieve
pressure on the median nerve at the wrist and elsewhere along its course. Journal of Physiotherapy, April 2020
Mental Attitude: Early School Start Time Affects Attendance. New research suggests that high school
students who start school at 7:25 a.m. are more likely to miss school or arrive late for their first class than
students who begin the day at 8:50 a.m. Economics of Education Review, June 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Protect Yourself from the Sun to Prevent Skin Cancer. The American Academy of
Dermatology reports that many Americans don’t take proper precautions to protect themselves from the sun. To
reduce the risk for skin cancer, the academy recommends the following: seek shade when the sun’s rays are the
strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; wear sun-protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a widebrimmed hat and sunglasses; use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF)
of 30 or higher on all skin not covered by clothing. American Academy of Dermatology, April 2020
Quote: “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ~ Hal Borland
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Health Alert: Vaping and Chronic Lung Disease. Researchers analyzed records from 2013 to 2016 on new lung
disease diagnoses and found that both traditional smoking and e-cigarette use are associated with an elevated risk for
chronic lung disease compared with nonsmokers (50% and 33%, respectively). The findings are important because
debate continues over whether e-cigarettes should be promoted as a safe tool for smokers looking to quit the habit.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, December 2019
Diet: Bad Diets Are Costly to Society. New research suggests that if adults in the United States adopted healthier
eating habits, it could save the country roughly $50 billion in healthcare-associated expenses for the treatment of
heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. American Heart Association, March 2020
Exercise: Gardening is Good for Your Body Image. A review of survey data revealed that gardeners have higher
levels of body appreciation and body pride, as well as higher levels of appreciation for their body’s functionality
compared with non-gardeners. Ecophysiology, March 2020
Chiropractic: Knee Stiffness Linked to Spinal Issue? Examinations of patients following total knee replacement
revealed that those who continued to report knee stiffness were more likely to have sagittal spinal malalignment. The
researchers suspect that postural abnormalities in the spine may lead to compensatory changes in the biomechanics
of the knee and a resulting reduction in range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess the whole
patient to identify any factors that may contribute to a patient’s chief complaint and treat them with conservative
options including manipulation, mobilization, specific exercises, modalities, and nutritional recommendations.
Journal of Arthroplasty, February 2020
Mental Attitude: Pets Are Truly Lifesavers for Seniors. Questionnaires completed by 35 senior pet owners
revealed that a third had considered suicide but cited caring for their pet as a reason to live. The findings suggest that
pet ownership for seniors may possibly prevent some suicides. Dr. Gary Kennedy, the director of geriatric psychiatry
for the Montefiore Health System in New York City writes, “Animals provide a presence and companionship. They
respond to your vocalizations. You feed them, groom them, and with a dog, walk them. There’s reciprocity and
companionship in the relationship.” Anthrozoös, March 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention Tips. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that up to 75% of
cancer deaths in the United States can be prevented. The school offers these cancer prevention tips: avoid tobacco,
eat properly, exercise regularly, stay lean, limit alcohol intake, avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation, avoid
exposure to industrial and environmental toxins, avoid infections that contribute to cancer, make sleep a priority, and
get plenty of vitamin D. Harvard School of Public Health, March 2020
Quote: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” ~ e. e. cummings

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

Health Alert: Suicide Rates Up 35% in Last 20 Years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
reports that the suicide rate in the United States increased from 10.5 to 14 per 100,000 persons between 1999 and
2018, with a much sharper increase in the past decade. The CDC adds that suicide risk is higher among men and
those living in rural areas. Dr. Jonathan Singer, the president of the board of directors of the American Association
of Suicidology writes, “No one knows why suicide rates are climbing… What we do know is that research on suicide
is underfunded, that there are many different pathways people take to become suicidal and to make the decision to
die… There’s a need for more folks to be trained in addressing suicide risk, particularly in rural areas, and a need for
more research.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2020
Diet: A Healthy Diet May Reduce Risk for Poor Mental Health in Children. A review of findings from twelve
published studies found that kids who consume a healthy diet have a reduced risk for developing a mental health
condition during both childhood and adolescence.
Annals of the National Institute of Hygiene (Poland), January 2020
Exercise: Another Reason to Stay Fit! The corpus callosum is a band of nerve fibers that connects and helps
“integrate” functions between the left and right hemi-spheres of the brain. A review of findings from 20 published
studies identified an association between higher cardiorespiratory fitness and greater structural and functional
integrity in the corpus callosum. Physician and Sports Medicine, April 2020
Chiropractic: Trapezius Strengthening Benefits Neck Pain Patients. Among a group of 40 neck pain patients,
those who performed exercises to strengthen the lower trapezius muscles reported greater improvements in cervical
function and postural alignment. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of spinal manipulation,
mobilization, and exercises when treating patients with neck pain. Medical Science Monitor, March 2020
Mental Attitude: Bilingualism and the Brain. Past research suggests that speaking a second language may
preserve cognitive function later in life. In a new study, researchers looked at MRI brain images of bilingual and
monolingual seniors and observed that the brain scans of bilingual participants exhibited less shrinkage in the areas
of the brain associated with language processing and control. Brain Structure & Function, March 2020
Wellness/Prevention: New Biomarker May Help Detect Alzheimer’s Disease. The PHGDH gene is responsible
for the production of RNA and proteins that are critical for brain development and function, which typically declines
with age. In a recent study, researcher found that a sharp change in this RNA production later in life may precede
Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis by up to two years. The finding suggests that a blood test for these biomarkers may
help identify Alzheimer’s disease patients before they begin showing symptoms. Current Biology, March 2020
Quote: “Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

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