Mental Attitude: Certain Chemicals Tied to Language Delays in Children. A new study suggests that children may suffer a
delay in language development if their mothers come into frequent contact with chemicals called phthalates early in their
pregnancy. In a study that involved 1,370 pregnant women in Sweden and the United States, researchers found that children
with higher exposure to two phthalates (dibutyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate) while in utero had up to a 30% increased
risk for language delay than kids with less phthalate exposure. JAMA Pediatrics, October 2018
Health Alert: FDA Bans Lead in Hair Dyes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that lead acetate will
no longer be approved as a hair color additive. Tom Neltner, the chemicals policy director at the Environmental Defense Fund,
explains, “In the last several decades, we’ve seen tremendous progress in reducing exposure to lead from major sources. Given
this progress and wide recognition that there is no safe level of exposure, it may seem unbelievable that common hair dyes
contain the neurotoxin—putting those who use the product and their children at risk… We now know that the approved use of
lead acetate in adult hair dyes no longer meets our safety standard.” The FDA notes that companies have twelve months to
reformulate hair dye products that contain lead acetate, which will put an end to the only remaining legal use of this neurotoxin
in cosmetic products in the United States. Food and Drug Administration, October 2018
Diet: Vitamin D Supplement May Help with Bedwetting. Nocturnal enuresis is a common urinary bladder problem in
younger children. In this study, researchers found that giving a daily vitamin D supplement to children with a history of wetting
the bed appeared to significantly reduce the number of wet nights experienced by 44.4% of the participants within two months.
Journal of Pediatric Urology, June 2018
Exercise: Exercise May Reduce Risk of Falls Among Alzheimer’s Patients. Among a group of 210 seniors with Alzheimer’s
disease, researchers observed that those who participated in a year-long exercise program had a lower risk of falling than
Alzheimer’s patients who did not exercise. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2018
Chiropractic: Diabetes-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. According to a new paper published in the European Journal of
Rheumatology, patients with diabetes mellitus have an elevated risk for a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
limited joint mobility syndrome, frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis, Dupuytren’s contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, stiff
hand syndrome, flexor tenosynovitis, Charcot osteoarthropathy, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic
amyotrophy, diabetic muscle infarction, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and osteoporosis. Doctors of chiropractic
commonly treat many of these conditions, often in conjunction with a patient’s medical provider, when appropriate.
European Journal of Rheumatology, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Child Fever Guidelines. Fever is generally not a concern, but some cases do require medical attention.
The Nemours Foundation recommends that you seek immediate care if your child shows the following behaviors or symptoms:
won’t stop crying; exhibits extreme irritability or fussiness; has trouble waking up; develops a rash or purple spots that look like
bruises; has blue lips, tongue, or nails; has a stiff neck; has a severe headache; is limp or refuses to move; has trouble breathing
that doesn’t improve when the nose is cleared; is leaning forward and drooling; has a seizure; and complains of moderate-tosevere
belly pain. Nemours Foundation, November 2018
Quote: “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” ~ Tom Peters
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Stigma of Autism Can Affect Psyche. Social stigma may play a significant role in depression, anxiety, and other
mental health issues experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In a study involving 111 autistic adults, researchers
found that 72% of psychological distress reported by participants was due to social stigma such as discrimination and rejection. Study
author Dr. Monique Botha writes, “We already suspected there would be a significant impact of discrimination on the mental health of
the autistic population, it’s just that no one’s really studied the impact of that before… The only thing we were surprised by was how
potentially strong a relationship there was… To put it colloquially, it blew our minds.” Society and Mental Health, October 2018
Health Alert: A Dangerous Synthetic Opioid Now Showing Up in Crack Cocaine. Fentanyl-laced crack cocaine is causing lifethreatening
overdoses. According to researchers, within a four-day period, 18 patients in a Philadelphia hospital were treated for an
apparent opioid overdose after using crack cocaine. Lead study author Dr. Utsha Khatri explains, “None of them had intended to use
opioids or fentanyl, but their drug testing as well as their clinical presentation argued they had been exposed to pretty high doses of
fentanyl.” Fentanyl has been increasingly found in drugs including heroin and cocaine, as well as methamphetamine, ketamine, and
counterfeit prescription pills. Emily Feinstein, the executive vice president of the Center on Addiction concludes, “We’re really in a
fentanyl epidemic right now… Overdose death rates are really driven by fentanyl.” New England Journal of Medicine, October 2018
Diet: Plant-Based Diets Are a Great Option for Type 2 Diabetics. A review of data from eleven clinical trials involving diabetics
has identified an association between adopting a plant-based diet and improved physical and emotional quality of life.
BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, October 2018
Exercise: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Linked to Vitamin D Levels. Among a group of 1,995 adults, researchers found that those
with higher vitamin D serum levels also tended to have better cardiorespiratory fitness than participants with sub-optimal vitamin D
readings. Researcher Dr. Amr Marawan adds, “Our study shows that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better exercise
capacity… We also know from previous research that vitamin D has positive effects on the heart and bones. Make sure your vitamin
D levels are normal to high. You can do this with diet, supplements, and a sensible amount of sun exposure.”
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, October 2018
Chiropractic: A Frozen Shoulder Causes More Than Pain. Adhesive capsulitis (AC), also known as frozen shoulder, is described
as a painful restriction of the shoulder’s range of motion and about 3% of adults will develop the condition in their lifetime. In this
study, researchers examined 148 adults, half of whom had AC, and identified a strong association between pain, anxiety, and sleep
disturbance among those with frozen shoulder. The findings suggest that anxiety and disturbed sleep are common among patients with
frozen shoulder and that conservative treatment, such as chiropractic care, aimed at reducing pain and improving range of motion may
also improve sleep quality and anxiety levels in patients with the condition.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Swollen Gums. Unhealthy gums are often swollen, red, and painful. Triggers for swollen gums
usually include poor dental care, malnutrition, poorly fitted dentures, or side effects of a medication. To prevent swollen gums, the
National Library of Medicine recommends the following: consume a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and
vegetables; skip foods that can lodge under the gums, such as popcorn or chips; avoid mouthwash that irritates your gums; brush and
floss your teeth regularly; and visit your dentist or periodontist a minimum of every six months.
National Library of Medicine, November 2018
Quote: “Fortune does favor the bold and you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Sleep Vital for Concussion Recovery in Kids. Among a group of 356 youth athletes who had suffered a
sport-related concussion, researchers observed that those who experienced trouble sleeping were not only less likely to recover
during the following 2-4 weeks but they also reported more severe symptoms. First author Dr. Jane Chung writes, “The
importance of good sleep quality is often underestimated in young athletes… Sleep is not only important for physical, mental,
and cognitive well-being, but also seems to play a pivotal role in the recovery of the brain following a sport-related
concussion.” American Academy of Pediatrics, November 2018
Health Alert: Instant-Soup Burns Sends Thousands of Kids to ER Yearly. Instant soups can provide a quick meal for kids,
but these food products can also lead to scalding burns. Researchers analyzed data from 2006 to 2016 and found that burns
associated with instant soups and noodles affect more than 9,500 children each year with about 40% of these burns occurring on
the torso. The investigators note these burns are most likely due to kids spilling hot soup or water on themselves when picking
up a hot container. American Academy of Pediatrics, November 2018
Diet: Cottonseed Oil May Help Lower Cholesterol. University of Georgia researchers have found that a high-fat diet enriched
with cottonseed oil significantly improved cholesterol profiles in 15 healthy, normal weight men who ate high-fat meals for five
days in two separate trials. Specifically, the participants experienced an average decrease of 8% in total cholesterol while on the
cottonseed oil diet, along with a 15% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), a 30% decrease in triglycerides, and
an 8% increase in high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol). Researcher Dr. Jamie Cooper adds, “One of the reasons these
results were so surprising is because of the magnitude of change observed with the cottonseed oil diet… To see this amount of
change in such a short period of time is exciting.” Nutrition Research, November 2018
Exercise: Exercise Can Reduce Effect of Some Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions During Pregnancy. Researchers analyzed
data from 32 studies that included over 52,000 pregnant women and found that while exercise did not reduce their risk for low
back pain, pelvic girdle pain, or lumbopelvic pain either during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, being physically active
did lessen the severity of these musculoskeletal conditions when they occurred. BMJ Sports Medicine, October 2018
Chiropractic: Manipulation & Exercise Helps Seniors with Neck and Back Pain. Back pain and neck pain are common
causes of disability among older adults. In this study, researchers observed that among a group of 182 seniors with back pain or
neck pain, those who participated in a twelve-week treatment program that involved a combination of spinal manipulative
therapy and rehabilitative exercise experienced significant improvements in disability.
Arthritic Care & Research, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Importance of Ear Wax. Ear wax is naturally produced in the ear canal. Over time, it gradually travels
to the opening of the ear, where it falls out or is removed when bathing. For some individuals, ear wax can build up in the ear,
impairing hearing and requiring removal by a healthcare provider. According to the Nemours Foundation, here are some of the
functions of ear wax: it protects and moisturizes the skin to help prevent dry and itchy ears; it contains special chemicals that
help prevent infection; and it acts as a shield for the eardrum, protecting it against dust, dirt, or other objects that enter the ear.
Nemours Foundation, October 2018
Quote: “Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.” ~ Marie Curie
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Adversity Early in Life Affects Development. Examinations of 274 children and adolescents have uncovered a
link between physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and faster biological aging, including pubertal development and cellular aging.
Additionally, the researchers found that children exposed to other forms of early life adversity, such as neglect and food insecurity,
showed signs of delayed pubertal development. Senior author Dr. Katie McLaughlin adds, “[The findings] demonstrate that different
types of early-life adversity can have different consequences for children’s development.” Biological Psychiatry, November 2018
Health Alert: Gut Bacteria May Be Linked to Body Movement… Researchers from the California Institute of Technology have
discovered that when they changed the composition of gut bacteria in fruit flies, it had a corresponding effect on the locomotive
capabilities of the test subjects. While further research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms involved and if such
findings may carry over to humans, the findings suggest dietary modifications could one day aid in the treatment of movement
disorders, like Parkinson’s disease. National Institutes of Health, October 2018
Diet: Low-Fat Diet May Improve Cancer Survival? According to a new study involving mice, a simple dietary change could
potentially help increase the survival rate of obese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Researchers discovered that when
obese mice with leukemia were switched to a low-fat diet, they were five times more likely to survive than subjects that continued to
consume a high-fat diet. Lead researcher Dr. Steven Mittelman adds, “The most exciting thing to me about this study is the fact that
this shows that a dietary intervention could potentially help us kill leukemia cells in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia…
The current treatments for leukemia are very toxic, so finding a way to use a healthy diet, without increasing the toxicity of therapy to
treat people with cancer, would be incredible.” Cancer & Metabolism, October 2018
Exercise: Only Three Percent of Children Reach Recommended Daily Activity Levels. In a study that included 807 children, aged
nine or ten, researchers found that although a third of the boys and girls in the study exercised an average of 60 minutes per day, only
3% did so every day. Researcher Dr. Lisa Price notes, “We don’t know whether averaging 60 minutes a day will be different in terms
of health outcomes compared to 60 minutes daily—more research is needed to look into this… We do know that most children aren’t
doing enough physical activity, and that this has consequences not just in childhood but in adulthood too.”
Journal of Physical Activity and Health, November 2018
Chiropractic: Sleep Troubles May Predict Chronic Widespread Pain. Over the course of an 18-year study, researchers observed
that participants who developed problems with initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, early awakening, and non-restorative sleep had
about double the risk for developing chronic widespread pain. Past research has uncovered a two-way relationship between poor sleep
and musculoskeletal pain, underscoring the importance of seeking care to manage conditions like neck pain and back pain as soon as
possible—rather than delaying treatment—in order to reduce the risk of disturbed sleep and subsequent chronic widespread pain in the
future. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, November 2018
Wellness/Prevention: When to Wash Your Hands. Frequent hand washing is an excellent way to prevent illness. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention notes that you should always wash your hands in the following instances: before, during, and after
preparing food; before eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or
cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom; after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing; after touching an animal, their cage,
or their food or handling animal waste; after handling garbage; and if you have dirty hands.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2018
Quote: “You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” ~ Albert Camus
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Week of: Monday, December 3rd, 2018
Courtesy of:
Mental Attitude: Happy Memories As a Child Might Benefit Your Health Later. A multi-year study that monitored the
wellbeing of over 22,000 adults in their mid-40s found that participants who recalled receiving higher levels of affection from
their mother during childhood were more likely to have better physical health and fewer depressive symptoms in the present
day. Lead author Dr. William Chopik adds, “One might expect childhood memories to matter less and less over time, but these
memories still predicted better physical and mental health when people were in middle age and older adulthood.”
Health Psychology, November 2018
Health Alert: A Noisy Neighborhood May Raise Heart Disease Risk. Living in a noisy neighborhood may be more than just
annoying, it may raise the risk for serious heart issues. Among a group of 500 healthy adults, researchers found that those who
lived in areas with higher levels of ambient noise have up to a three-times greater risk for heart attack, stroke, or another major
cardiovascular event than participants from quieter areas. Further analysis showed that participants from noisier neighborhoods
tended to have greater activity in their amygdale (a region of the brain involved in stress regulation) and more inflammation in
their arteries, which has been associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular problems. Lead researcher Dr. Azar Radfar
notes, “We are not the first group talking about noise and cardiovascular disease… What we really show here is the mechanism
linking noise to major adverse cardiovascular events.” American Heart Association, November 2018
Diet: Just One Energy Drink… Caffeine-loaded energy drinks are very popular, but a new study suggests that they may make
your blood vessels less efficient in the short term. Researchers examined the blood vessels of 44 healthy, non-smoking medical
students both before and after they consumed a 24-ounce energy and found that after finishing the energy drink, the internal
diameter of the participants’ blood vessels became dramatically smaller. Lead researcher Dr. John Higgins explains, “It’s more
work for the heart and less oxygen supply for the heart. This could explain why there have been cases where kids have had a
cardiac arrest after an energy drink.” American Heart Association, November 2018
Exercise: Physical Activity Protects the Heart. According to a new study that monitored the health status of over 65,000
middle-aged adults for a decade, regular exercisers have a reduced mortality risk for several cardiovascular outcomes, including
acute myocardial infarction, chronic ischaemic heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure,
cerebrovascular events, and aneurysm and peripheral vascular diseases. European Journal of Epidemiology, November 2018
Chiropractic: Cervical Spine Mobilization Results in Immediate Results. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal
complaint that can be both costly and disabling. In this study, 40 neck pain patients received either cervical mobilization or a
motionless manual contact. Those in the mobilization group experienced improvements related to movement-associated pain, as
well as increased range of motion and velocity when turning the head. Mobilization is frequently used by doctors of chiropractic
to treat patients with neck pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Getting Adequate Vitamin D. Vitamin D is vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system. The
Arthritis Foundation offers the following suggestions for boosting one’s vitamin D levels: get direct sunlight without sunscreen
for just 10 to 15 minutes every other day; eat 3 ounces of a fish rich in vitamin D, such as salmon or Atlantic mackerel, two to
four times a week; take a cod liver oil supplement; and eat vitamin D-fortified foods. Arthritis Foundation, October 2018
Quote: “A friend is a gift you give yourself.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Subjective Cognitive Decline May Predict Mortality Risk. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD)
describes a state in which a person feels their thinking abilities have worsened, but this decline cannot be verified by
standardized tests. In a study involving 1,741 seniors, those who reported SCD had an elevated risk for death during
the following five years. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, September 2018
Health Alert: Gum Disease and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Compared to seniors with normal cognitive
function, patients with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or subjective cognitive decline are more
likely to have periodontitis. The results suggest that poor oral health may indicate an individual has an elevated risk
for future cognitive difficulties. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, October 2018
Diet: Vitamin D Supplements May Aid Weight Loss in Obese Kids. Childhood and adolescence obesity represent
a major health problem worldwide, as it can lead to the development of expensive, serious, and debilitating health
complications later in life. A study that involved 232 obese children and adolescents revealed that those given
vitamin D supplements had significantly lower body mass index and body fat and improved cholesterol levels after
one year. These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation could be part of an effective strategy to address
childhood obesity and reduce the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, later in life.
European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise Helps Eliminate Toxic Proteins from Muscles. A new animal-based study has found that daily
exercise helps facilitate the elimination of proteins and organelles in the muscles that are no longer functional.
Investigators say the removal of these components is vital, because when they accumulate, they become toxic and
contribute to muscle cell impairment and death. Principle investigator Dr. Julio Cesar Batista Ferreira explains,
“Imagine the muscles working in a similar manner to a refrigerator, which needs electricity to run. If this signal
ceases because you pull the plug on the fridge or block the neurons that innervate the muscles, before long, you find
that the food in the fridge and the proteins in the muscles will start to spoil at different speeds according to their
composition.” Scientific Reports, September 2018
Chiropractic: Manipulation Plus Exercise Can Help Patients with Shoulder Pain. Americans make over seven
million doctor visits each year for shoulder and upper arm pain. A review of past research has found quality evidence
that a treatment plan that combines thrust manipulation with specific exercises can reduce pain and improve function
in patients with rotator cuff dysfunction. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Don’t Smoke! As if there were not already enough reasons to stop smoking or never start in
the first place, new research indicates that smokers with diabetes have an elevated risk for foot ulcers and more
severe foot ulcers should they occur. Journal of Diabetes Investigation, October 2018
Quote: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” ~ Desmond Tutu
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Kids with Musculoskeletal Pain Have Increased Risk for Psychological Issues… According to
a new study that looked at data from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children’s Health, boys and girls with a
musculoskeletal condition have an elevated risk for anxiety, depression, and behavioral/conduct problems.
Rehabilitation Psychology, October 2018
Health Alert: Path to Obesity Starts in Preschool. Preschoolers who quickly gain weight are at a particularly
higher risk for becoming obese teens. In this study, researchers looked at the weight-gain patterns of more than
51,000 German children and found that more than 50% of obese teens had already become overweight or obese by
the time they reached age five. New England Journal of Medicine, October 2018
Diet: A Third of Americans Eat Fast Food Daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports
that 37% of adults have eaten fast food at least once in the last 24 hours.
National Center for Health Statistics, October 2018
Exercise: Family Caregivers Benefit From Exercise. Exercise can reduce stress and improve cellular health
among family caregivers. Researchers recruited 68 sedentary individuals who cared for family members suffering
from either Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The participants were divided into either a group that
undertook 40 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five times per week or a group that was asked not to alter their
current level of activity. At the end of the six-month study, the exercise group not only experienced improved
cardiorespiratory fitness, but they also reduced their body mass index, trimmed their waistlines, and reported lower
levels of stress. Lastly, the researchers observed an increase in telomere length among participants in the exercise
group, a trait that previous studies have associated with slowed cellular aging.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, October 2018
Chiropractic: Leg Pain Commonly Precedes Spinal Pain in Children. In a study involving 1,008 Danish school
children, parents reported each week whether their child had spinal pain, lower extremity pain, or upper extremity
pain. The results revealed that children were more likely to experience an episode of spinal pain after experiencing
lower extremity pain. Additionally, the likelihood of spinal pain increased in children who had more frequent or
longer lasting lower extremity pain. The researchers conclude, “This paper confirms that attention to the entire
musculoskeletal system is required to understand the course and development of spinal pain.”
European Journal of Pediatrics, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Should Pregnant Women Take a Calcium Supplement? Following a review of data from
27 published studies, researchers conclude that women who take a calcium supplement during their pregnancy may
have a reduced risk for pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, particularly if they also consume a low-calcium diet.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, October 2018
Quote: “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” ~ William Penn
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Sleep Duration May Affect Stroke Risk in Men. After reviewing data concerning
approximately 17,000 American adults, researchers report that men who sleep nine or more hours per night have a
70% greater risk for stroke than average sleepers. Neurology, October 2018
Health Alert: Dementia and Diabetes Are a Deadly Combo. An analysis of data regarding nearly 20,000 seniors
with either type 1 or 2 diabetes revealed that older adults with both diabetes and dementia had a 67% elevated risk
for death following dangerously low blood sugar than those with only diabetes. Dr. James Pickett, the head of
research at the Alzheimer’s Society notes, “Very low blood sugar levels are clearly dangerous to anyone with
diabetes, and this suggests the effects might be even more extreme in people with dementia.”
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, October 2018
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Help Your Vision. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as the
Mediterranean-style diet, may significantly reduce your risk for developing age-related macular degeneration
(AMD). In this study, researchers analyzed data on over 5,000 people, aged 55 and older, and found that those who
closely followed a Mediterranean style diet had a 41% lower risk for developing late-stage AMD than participants
who did not follow such a diet. American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson Dr. Emily Chew adds,
“Chronic diseases, such as AMD, dementia, obesity and diabetes, all have roots in poor dietary habits. It’s time to
take quitting a poor diet as seriously as quitting smoking.” Ophthalmology, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise Helps Kids with ADHD. A review of data from 18 published studies found moderate-to-highquality
evidence that engaging in an exercise program improved attention and social behavior in children with
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, September 2018
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care Improves Health-Related Quality of Life. Assessments completed by 2,024
neck pain and back pain patients at 125 chiropractic clinics throughout the United States revealed that overall,
chiropractic treatment results in significant quality of life improvements with respect to physical functioning, pain,
fatigue, sleep disturbance, and social health. Spine, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Dealing with Poison Ivy. If you touch or even get near poison ivy, you can develop an itchy,
blistering rash within 72 hours. Though the rash usually goes away after a short time, some people can have serious
reactions that require a trip to the doctor. To help manage a poison ivy rash, the American Academy of Dermatology
offers these suggestions: wash anything that may have come in contact with the oil; avoid scratching, which can
trigger an infection; take lukewarm soapy baths to ease itching; apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the
rash; and take an antihistamine if recommended by your physician.
American Academy of Dermatology, September 2018
Quote: “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” ~ John Wooden
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Asthma May Increase Postpartum Depression Risk. A review of data concerning over 200,000
new mothers found that those with asthma were 58% more likely to develop postpartum depression within one year
of the birth of their child. The researchers conclude, “A close monitoring of signs of depression for pregnant women
with asthma is indicated, allowing prompt and efficient interventions if needed.”
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, October 2018
Health Alert: Diabetes Linked to Arthritis and Osteoporosis. Data from a Danish National Health Survey
involving 109,218 adults over the age of 40 showed that those with diabetes were 33% more likely to have
osteoarthritis, 70% more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis, and 29% more likely to have osteoporosis. Low back
pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain were also more common among diabetics. Researchers suspect that the
relationship between these conditions and diabetes may be due to the presence of chronic inflammation.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, October 2018
Diet: Diet May Affect Breast Cancer Risk. A new animal study suggests that the breast glands have a
“microbiome” that’s influenced by diet—just like the gut! In the study, researchers found that monkeys fed a
Mediterranean-style diet had a different mix of bacteria in their breast tissue than those fed a Western-style diet.
Specifically, the researchers observed a ten-fold increase in lactobacillus in the mammary glands of the monkeys in
the Mediterranean-style diet group, which past studies have demonstrated can inhibit breast cancer tumor growth.
Cell Reports, October 2018
Exercise: Fitness May Improve Cancer Survivability! In this study, researchers found that men with greater
cardiorespiratory fitness at the time of their cancer diagnosis were 23% less likely to die during the following five
years than those with poor fitness scores. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, October 2018
Chiropractic: Back Pain is a Major Problem for Med School Students. Brazilian researchers interviewed 629
medical school students and found that 77% of female students and 51% of male students experienced periods of
recurrent back pain. One in five said their back pain interfered with social activities, while about 30% noted back
pain interfered with either physical activities or school activities. The research team also noted a strong association
between the risk of recurrent back pain and poor posture habits among the participants in the study.
Clinical Rheumatology, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Coping with Cancer. The American Cancer Society offers the following advice for
individuals who have received a cancer diagnosis: become informed about your cancer and how you can improve
your health; face your fears, but don’t dwell on them; express your feelings to a loved one or counselor; enjoy the
present, rather than dwelling on the future or past; make time to do what you want; maintain a positive attitude;
identify things you feel grateful about; eating well and exercise; rest often; and explore different ways to relax.
American Cancer Society, October 2018
Quote: “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Doctor Burnout Leads to Poor Care. Investigators analyzed data concerning nearly 42,500 doctors
from around the world and found that physicians who were overworked or overstressed were 1.9 times more likely to
have a patient safety incident, such as a medication error or a miscommunication about treatment that placed the patient at
risk. Furthermore, these doctors were 2.3 times more likely to act unprofessionally or receive poor satisfaction marks from
their patients. Dr. Cynthia Smith, the vice president for clinical programs with the American College of Physicians,
explains that paperwork is a leading cause of burnout for doctors of all ages, and the advent of electronic health records
has made things worse rather than better. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce paperwork and ease doctors’
administrative burden could help reduce burnout. JAMA Internal Medicine, September 2018
Health Alert: Serious Birth Complications on the Rise in the US. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality, the rate of serious birth complications in the United States rose from 101 per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations
to 147 per 10,000 between 2006 and 2015, and the rates of acute kidney failure, shock, mechanical ventilation use, and
sepsis at delivery more than doubled during the same period. Agency director Dr. Gopal Khanna writes, “With these data
in hand, state and federal agencies, patient safety experts, and health systems can evaluate maternal morbidity trends in
greater depth, a vital step before addressing the challenge.” Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2018
Diet: Children without Access to Good Food Face Hypertension Risk. An analysis of national health survey data from
2007 to 2014 showed that more than one-fifth of kids between the age of 8 and 17 lacked access to nutritious foods.
Furthermore, among boys and girls with poor nutrition, over 14% had high blood pressure, compared to only 11.6%
among those with better access to nutritious food. American Heart Association, August 2018
Exercise: Better Student Fitness and Higher Test Scores? Using data collected over the course of four years from
1,138 elementary schools across the state of Georgia, researchers identified a school-wide association between higher
cardiorespiratory fitness and better performance on standardized tests. Journal of School Health, October 2018
Chiropractic: Poor Posture Linked to Headaches? In this case study, a man with a history of constant pain and
headaches following a work injury presented for chiropractic care. A thorough examination revealed that the patient had
exaggerated forward head posture and thoracic hyperkyphosis. Following a thirteen-week treatment plan that involved
exercises, traction, and manipulation, the patient experienced improvements in regards to his posture, pain, and headaches.
This case report adds to a growing body of research linking headaches with dysfunction in the cervical and thoracic spine.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D and Scarring. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of negative health
outcomes, and new research shows it may even affect scarring. In the study, researchers examined 50 patients who had
sustained a cut longer than one inch the previous year and found that those with healthy vitamin D levels were less likely
to have developed a raised or hypertrophic scar. Dermatologic Surgery, September 2018
Quote: “The greatest truths are the simplest, and so are the greatest men.” ~ Julius Charles Hare

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