Mental Attitude: COPD and Depression… Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease
that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. Among a group of 556 COPD
patients, researchers found that more than half (57.2%) suffered from depression, which previous research has associated
with both reduced quality of life and increased mortality risk. Cureus, July 2018
Health Alert: Evidence Lacking for Statin Use in Healthy Seniors? In this study, researchers analyzed data concerning
nearly 47,000 elderly adults with no history of heart disease and found that statins were not associated with a reduced risk
of heart disease or death from any cause in healthy people in this age group. BMJ, September 2018
Diet: Should Expectant Mothers Take Fish Oil Supplements? According to a new study, taking fish oil supplements
during pregnancy can lead to healthier growth in the first six years of a child’s life. In the study, researchers monitored
736 women who took either fish oil or olive oil supplements in the third trimester of their pregnancy until one week after
giving birth. They observed that children whose mothers took fish oil had higher total mass, higher lean mass, and higher
bone mineral content at age six than the children whose moms consumed an olive oil supplement. BMJ, September 2018
Exercise: Walking Linked to Lower Heart Failure Among Women. Among a group of over 137,000 middle-aged and
older women, researchers identified an association between walking and a lower risk for developing heart failure.
Heart Failure, September 2018
Chiropractic: Strategies to Reduce Work-Related Back Pain. No matter if you work at a desk or operate heavy
machinery, back pain can make it difficult to perform your job. To help avoid back pain at work, experts at the Mayo
Clinic recommend the following: maintain good posture; when lifting heavy objects, lift with your legs, use your core
muscles, and avoid twisting; when available, use a lifting device; alternate physically demanding tasks with less
demanding ones; limit or avoid carrying heavy brief cases, purses, or bags; change positions often; and walk and stretch
periodically. Mayo Clinic, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Avoid Lawnmower Injuries. Lawnmower injuries can range from cuts and burns to broken bones
and amputations. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand recommends the following to help stay safe when
operating a mower: read the mower’s manual before use; make sure to keep the mower in good working order with sharp
blades, and make sure the mower has protection over hot and sharp parts; clear potential hazards, such as stones, toys, and
debris, before mowing; wear goggles, hearing protection, gloves, and long pants while mowing; wear sturdy, close-toed
shoes while mowing; don’t drink alcohol before or during mowing; don’t remove safety devices or guards from mowing
equipment; never insert hands or feet into the mower to remove grass or debris; never lift a mower by the bottom, as the
blades can cut fingers even if the mower is off; never cut grass while it is wet or damp; never allow children under age
twelve to operate a push mower or those under 16 to drive a riding mower; keep children off the lawn while mowing; and
never have a passenger on a riding mower. American Society for Surgery of the Hand, September 2018
Quote: “In youth we learn; in age we understand.” ~ Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200

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

Mental Attitude: Post-Concussion, Ease Back into Normal Activities… New United States government guidelines
recommend that after sustaining a concussion, children should refrain from physical and mental activities for the first
three days, including school and sports, and then gradually resume their normal routine. Researchers Dr. Matthew
Breiding notes, “Some children and teens think concussions aren’t serious or worry that if they report a concussion they
will lose their position on the team or look weak. Remind them that it’s better to miss one game than the whole season.”
JAMA Pediatrics, September 2018
Health Alert: Sleep Loss Increases Risk for Diabetes. In this study, researchers found that six hours of sleep
deprivation led to elevated blood glucose in the liver, an increase in triglyceride levels, and changes to levels of liver
enzymes related to metabolism in otherwise healthy rats. The research team believes that the changes induced by sleep
deprivation may be the root cause of insulin resistance and buildup of fat in the liver, increasing the risk for diabetes,
regardless of changes in activity and diet. American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism, July 2018
Diet: Nutrient-Rich Diet Beneficial to Heart Failure Patients. An examination of data regarding 246 heart failure
patients found that 44% of patients with deficiencies in seven or more micronutrients—the most common being calcium,
magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E—were hospitalized or died within the next year, compared with only 25% of
patients who had fewer or no nutrient deficiencies. Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise May Boost Brain Power in Alzheimer’s Patients. According to a study involving mice with a
condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, exercise may trigger the production of new neurons in brain regions
where memories are encoded, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. Science, September 2018
Chiropractic: Almost Half of Golfers Have Back Pain… Among a group of 271 recreational golfers, researchers found
that 45% suffered from mechanical lower back pain (MLBP) and 23% had sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD). Further
analysis showed that nearly 96% of the golfers with SIJD also had MLBP. The findings suggest that doctors should
evaluate the sacroiliac joint in golfers with low back pain and that improving sacroiliac joint function could reduce the
risk of low back pain recurrence. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Connecting with Your Child. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that children who
have a positive, healthy relationship with their parents are better able to handle challenges such as family instability,
parental stress, or depression. To improve parent-child bonding, the NIH recommends the following: reward and praise
your child for good behavior; give your child chores and offer praise for jobs well done; don’t be overly critical if a child
fails a task and allow time to develop new skills; use kind words, tones, and gestures when giving instructions or making
requests; spend time every day in warm, positive, loving interactions with your child; identify opportunities to increase
family time, such as taking walks or reading books together; brainstorm solutions to problems at home or school together;
set rules for screen time; show interest in your child’s feelings, concerns, worries, goals, and ideas; and participate in
activities that your child enjoys, such as the child’s games, activities, and performances.
National Institutes of Health, September 2018
Quote: “The worst times can be the best if you think with positive energy.” ~ Domenico Dolce

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

Mental Attitude: Air Pollution Linked to Dementia. Among a group of 130,978 United Kingdom residents, researchers
found that those living in areas with higher levels of air pollution had up to a 40% increased risk for developing dementia
over the following decade. BMJ Open, September 2018
Health Alert: Poor Healthcare Linked to Millions of Death Worldwide. A two-year project in which 30 academics,
policymakers, and health experts examined how to measure and improve healthcare quality worldwide concluded that
poor-quality healthcare leads to about 5 million deaths per year in developing countries. They found that poor-quality care
is a major cause of deaths from treatable conditions, such as cardiovascular deaths, neonatal conditions, road injury,
tuberculosis, HIV, and other infectious disease. Additionally, lack of access to care is a significant factor in deaths from
cancer, mental and neurological conditions, and chronic respiratory conditions.
The Lancet Public Health Journal, September 2018
Diet: Whole Grains Help Prevent Diabetes. After monitoring the health of 55,000 adults for 15 years, researchers report
that participants with the highest wholegrain intake had a lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes (34% for men and
22% for women) than those with the lowest wholegrain intake. Journal of Nutrition, September 2018
Exercise: Exercise Doesn’t Affect Onset of Menopause. Is there a link between how much a woman exercises and her
risk for early menopause? An analysis of twenty years of data concerning more than 107,000 women found no association
between physical activity levels at any point in life and the early onset of menopause. Study director Dr. Elizabeth
Bertone-Johnson writes, “Our results, in conjunction with other studies, provide substantial evidence that physical activity
is not importantly associated with early menopause… we would encourage premenopausal women to be physically active,
as exercise is associated with a range of health benefits.” Human Reproduction, September 2018
Chiropractic: Does Chiropractic Care Prevent Back Pain? If you suffer from non-specific low back pain (NSLBP),
the results of a new study support continued chiropractic care following your initial course of treatment. In the study,
which included 328 NSLBP patients who responded well to chiropractic treatment, those who continued to receive care at
least once every three months reported twelve fewer days with bothersome back pain over the following year than patients
who did not receive maintenance care. PLOS One, September 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Protecting Children After Pet Exposure. Classroom pets, such as Guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, or
frogs can be a great learning experience for kids, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that
exposure to animals does come with some risk. Because they are still developing their immune system, children are more
likely to get sick after handling an animal. The CDC recommends the following to reduce a child’s risk: always wash
hands with water and soap right after touching animals, their food, or their habitats; disinfect areas where animals have
been; supervise handwashing for younger children; use a hand sanitizer if running water and soap are not available; and
avoid cleaning tanks, feeders, water containers, and other equipment where food is prepared, served, or eaten.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 2018
Quote: “The measure of success is happiness and peace of mind.” ~ Bobby Davro

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

Mental Attitude: Depression and Anxiety Are Common in Adults with Autism. Using data from 35 studies published
between 2000 and 2017, researchers estimate that nearly one in four (23.7%) adults with autism spectrum disorder
currently have depression while 27% suffer from an anxiety disorder. Psychological Medicine, September 2018
Health Alert: Superbug Spreading in Hospitals. Three variants of the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis
bacteria have been discovered in samples from 78 hospitals in ten countries. It is suspected that the superbug is spreading
rapidly due to the high use of antibiotics in intensive care units, where patients are routinely prescribed strong drugs.
Researcher Dr. Ben Howden adds, “This highlights that the use of more and more antibiotics is driving more drugresistant
bacteria… With all bacteria in a hospital environment we are driving more resistant strains and there’s no doubt
that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest dangers to hospital care worldwide.” Nature Microbiology, September 2018
Diet: Amazonian Fruit May Help Prevent Obesity. In this study, researchers found that consuming camu camu—a fruit
native to the Amazon— improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and reduced blood endotoxins and metabolic
inflammation in mice that were fed a high-sugar, high-fat diet. The findings suggest that camu camu phytochemicals may
play a role in the fight against obesity and metabolic disease, but further studies are needed to determine if such benefits
would extend to humans. Gut, July 2018
Exercise: Nearly 1.5 Billion Adults Worldwide Face Disease Because of Inactivity. Living a sedentary lifestyle has
put more than one-quarter of adults worldwide at risk for serious disease. Current guidelines call for at least 150 minutes
of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Based on an
analysis of survey data, researchers report that nearly one-third of women and one-quarter of men worldwide failed to
meet these levels in 2016, placing them at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and certain types of cancer.
The Lancet Global Health, September 2018
Chiropractic: Does Spinal Manipulation Improve Pulmonary Function? Thoracic spinal manipulation may improve
pulmonary function in stroke patients. In this study, researchers tested the pulmonary function of 36 stroke patients before
and after they received either a thoracic spinal adjustment or a sham treatment. The participants in the thoracic
manipulation group experienced significant improvements in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at one
second. Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: What Causes Urinary Incontinence? Loss of bladder control is called urinary incontinence (UI).
It is a common condition that becomes more prominent with age. Common causes include weakened and stretched pelvic
muscles in women following childbirth; certain medications; being overweight or obese, which increases pressure on the
bladder and related muscles; urinary tract infection; vascular disease; and diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and
multiple sclerosis. In many instances, UI can be treated with simple exercises and bladder training, though serious cases
may require more invasive approaches. HealthDay, September 2018
Quote: “To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven.” ~ J. B.
Priestley
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Extra Fat Around the Middle Linked to Cognitive Impairment. Researchers have uncovered an
association between a greater hip-to-waist ratio and worse performance on cognitive assessments after age 60. Given the
high incidence of obesity in the aging population and the economic and social burden of cognitive dysfunction, the
findings suggest that reducing obesity could offer a cost-effective public health strategy for the prevention of cognitive
decline. British Journal of Nutrition, August 2018
Health Alert: Eat More Types of Vegetables. Among a sample of 1,429 Australian women over the age of 70,
researchers observed a relationship between the diversity of vegetables one eats and their risk for suffering a serious fall.
In particular, the research team found that for every serving of a different vegetable consumed per day, the risk for
experiencing a serious fall drops by 8%. Nutrients, August 2018
Diet: Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy Helps Children of Women with Epilepsy. Common medications
taken during pregnancy to prevent epileptic seizures can increase the risk of language delays in children, but a new study
that included data from over 100,000 participants suggests that taking a folic acid supplement can cut that risk by up to
66%. Researcher Dr. Elisabeth Synnove Nilsen Husebye writes, “These results are important for women with epilepsy all
over the world because many epilepsy drugs interact with the way folate is metabolized by the body, so we are still
learning how much folic acid is needed for women with epilepsy and how it benefits their children.”
Neurology, August 2018
Exercise: Benefits of Swimming. Here are fifteen reasons to consider taking up swimming a form of exercise: it’s a
whole-body workout, it builds cardiovascular strength, it’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, it’s a great
skill to have, it’s beneficial for people with injuries, it’s good for people with disabilities, it can help those with asthma, it
helps improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS); it’s safe to do during pregnancy; it helps burn calories; it adds variety
and fun to your exercise program; it helps improve sleep; it boosts mood; it can help manage stress; and it’s accessible and
affordable. WebMD, July 2018
Chiropractic: Office Workers with Neck Pain Have Poor Posture. Work-related neck disorders are common among
office workers. In a new study, researchers assessed the relationship between moderate work-related neck disorders and
head posture, stiffness, and pain thresholds of the neck muscles in 16 office workers with work-related neck pain and 16
asymptomatic office workers. They discovered that female office workers with work-related neck pain were more likely
to exhibit forward head posture and experience more stiffness in the upper trapezius muscles. The findings suggest that
employers could reduce work-related neck pain by improving ergonomics and promoting proper neck posture among their
staff. PM&R, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Diabetics who maintain healthy vitamin D
levels have a reduced risk for painful peripheral neuropathy. This suggests that strategies to improve vitamin D levels
(getting more sun exposure, eating more vitamin D-rich foods, taking a supplement) should be incorporated into the
diabetes management process. Diabetes Medicine, August 2018
Quote: “We all can be only who we are, no more, no less.” ~ Terry Goodkind

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

Health Alert: Can Being Overweight Change the Heart Structure of Young Adults? Being overweight may thicken
heart muscle tissue and increase blood pressure, elevating one’s risk for future heart disease. In this study, researchers
analyzed data on thousands of healthy young adults and found a link between a greater BMI and both higher blood
pressure and enlargement of left ventricle of the heart. Lead author Dr. Kaitlin H. Wade explains, “Thickening of vessel
walls is widely considered to be the first sign of atherosclerosis, a disease in which fatty plaques build up within the
arteries and lead to heart disease. However, our findings suggest that higher BMIs cause changes in the heart structure of
the young that may precede changes in blood vessels… Our results support efforts to reduce body mass index to within a
normal, healthy range from a young age to prevent later heart disease.” Circulation, July 2018
Diet: Caffeine Not Helpful to Dieters. Caffeine is often found in weight-loss aids, claiming to curb appetite and speed up
metabolism, but new research suggests otherwise. In a study involving 50 healthy adults, researchers observed that
participants ate 70 fewer calories in the morning after drinking a small amount of caffeine equivalent to 4 ounces of
coffee; however, the participants tended to eat more later in the day, suggesting that caffeine had no effect on total calorie
consumption. Study co-author Dr. Carol DeNysschen writes, “[This study] reinforces the importance of good eating habits
and not relying on unsupported weight-loss aids or unhealthy practices.”
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, July 2018
Exercise: Active Teenagers Are Healthier. Encouraging teens to be physically active can lead to a number of health
benefits. In a study that included 422 high school students, researchers found that teens who engaged in at least one hour
of physical activity at least five days a week had a greater overall sense of wellbeing and life satisfaction; a lower risk for
depression, including self-harm and suicide ideation; and a reduced risk for substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol,
and illicit drugs. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, August 2018
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Can Affect Your Shoulder Movement… In this study, researchers found that among a group
of 60 adults under the age of 45, those with chronic neck pain exhibited reduced function and range of motion in the
shoulder. Additionally, the research team observed a relationship between greater neck pain intensity and worse shoulder
joint performance. Physiotherapy Research International, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Benefits of Whole Grains. Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet, as they provide
a source of fiber, several B vitamins, and important minerals such as iron, magnesium, and selenium. The Department of
Agriculture notes that adding more whole grains to one’s diet can reduce constipation, improve heart health, aid in weight
loss, and prevent neural tube defects during fetal development. Department of Agriculture, August 2018
Quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” ~ Samuel Goldwyn

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

Mental Attitude: Amino Acid Deficiency Associated with Severe Depression. Individuals with severe depression may
have low blood levels of an amino acid involved in brain function called acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC). In this study,
researchers found that participants with depression have lower serum levels of LAC than those without a history of
depression and that patients with more severe depression had even lower LAC levels. The research team also observed a
link between lower LAC levels and both depression that starts earlier in life and depression that is treatment-resistant.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, July 2018
Health Alert: Reduce the Risk of Early Cardiovascular Death… In this study, researchers measured the fitness levels
of 2,014 apparently healthy men at age 50 and monitored their health status for the next three decades. The research team
found that participants in better shape at midlife had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease before age 60.
European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, August 2018
Diet: Eating More Fish During Pregnancy May Reduce Premature Births. Expectant mothers may want to consume
more fish to help avoid delivering too early. In a new study, researchers monitored over 700 pregnancies and found that
the women who had the lowest omega-3 fatty acid serum levels during their first and second trimester were ten times
more likely to have a preterm delivery than those with the highest omega-3 fatty acid readings.
EBioMedicine, August 2018
Exercise: How Much Exercise Do We Need? If you do not have any medical restrictions, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recommends engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, or 75
minutes of vigorous exercise, and at least two strength training sessions per week. Examples of moderate-intensity
exercises include brisk walking, water aerobics, cycling on mostly level ground, and doubles tennis. Vigorous-intensity
exercise examples include jogging or running, swimming laps, singles tennis, basketball, and cycling fast or on hills.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2018
Chiropractic: Risk Factors for Back Pain. According to an analysis of data from an eleven-year study involving over
3,000 Finnish adults, researchers observed the following with regards to low back pain (LBP) and radicular pain: the risk
of LBP declines slightly with age, while the risk of lumbar radicular pain increases over time; abdominal obesity increases
the risk of LBP, while general obesity raises the risk of both LBP and lumbar radicular pain; the use of vibratory tools
increases the risk of lumbar radicular pain; smoking and strenuous physical work both increase the risk for LBP and
lumbar radicular pain; and walking or cycling to work reduces the risk of LBP. Arthritis Care & Research, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Do You Have a Urinary Tract Infection? The urinary tract is a common site for an infection,
especially among women. The National Institutes of Health lists the following warning signs of a urinary tract infection
(UTI): pain or burning during urination; fever, tiredness, or shakiness; the urge to urinate often; pressure in the lower
belly; urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish; and pain in the back or side below the ribs.
National Institutes of Health, July 2018
Quote: “He who laughs most, learns best.” ~ John Cleese

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

Mental Attitude: “Heading” a Soccer Ball May Be More Dangerous for Women. Several studies have linked heading
soccer balls with an increased risk for brain injury and new research suggests that the danger is even greater for female
athletes. In the study, researchers compared brain scans of 49 female and 49 male amateur soccer players who reported a
similar number of headings over the previous year (about 470 to 490) and observed far more extensive damage in the
brains of the female participants. Study leader Dr. Michael Lipton explains, “Researchers and clinicians have long noticed
that women fare worse following head injury than men, but some have said that’s only because women are more willing to
report symptoms… Based on our study, which measured objective changes in brain tissue rather than self-reported
symptoms, women do seem more likely than men to suffer brain trauma from heading soccer balls.” Radiology, July 2018
Health Alert: Smoking and Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is described as a serious mental health condition that can
involve hallucinations or delusions and symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania and depression. A review of data
from twelve published studies indicates that smokers are twice as likely to develop the condition as nonsmokers.
Nicotine & Tobacco Research, August 2018
Diet: Healthy Diet Linked to Lower Cancer Risk. An analysis of dietary and health data concerning over 40,000 adults
suggests that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—which focuses on fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, fish, lean
meats, and nuts/seeds—is associated with up to a 12% lower overall cancer risk. Cancer Research, August 2018
Exercise: Muscle “Switch” May Determine Benefits of Exercise. Scientists have discovered a molecular “switch” that
may explain why some people benefit from aerobic exercise and strength training, while others do not. Using both animal
and human subjects, researchers discovered that a protein called C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) helps to determine our
response to exercise. If JNK is activated during exercise, it stimulates skeletal muscle growth. If it’s not activated,
muscles will improve their adaptation for endurance and aerobic capacity. Further research is needed to determine JNK’s
implications in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and its possible role in building muscle to fight muscle-wasting
diseases. Nature Communications, August 2018
Chiropractic: Most Women Have Back Pain During Pregnancy. Questionnaires completed by 287 expectant mothers
revealed that 76% experienced back pain during their pregnancy. Additionally, the researchers found that nearly a third of
the participants in the study reported both back pain and pelvic girdle pain, with the risk for each increasing over the
course of the pregnancy. The research team adds that women with a previous history of back pain or pelvic girdle pain
have an elevated risk for experiencing such pain while pregnant.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, August 2018
Wellness/Prevention: How to Prevent Foot Blisters. Friction against the skin can lead to blisters on the feet, especially
when wearing ill-fitting shoes. To prevent foot blisters, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the
following: wear socks that wick away moisture, make sure to wear shoes that fit properly, apply soft bandages to protect
problem areas, apply powder or petroleum jelly to reduce friction, and stop the current activity immediately if you have
foot pain or discomfort. American Academy of Dermatology, August 2018
Quote: “To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.” ~ Anatole France

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

Mental Attitude: Stressed Workers May Not Benefit from Vacations. A survey of more than 1,500 working
Americans found that many people are unable to relax and enjoy their time away from the office. More specifically, when
participants returned to work after time off, 68% said they were in a better mood; 66% were energized; and 27% reported
feeling motivated and less stressed. Unfortunately, 40% said these feelings were gone within days and 21% never seemed
to relax, saying they felt tense or stressed while on vacation. American Psychological Association, June 2018
Health Alert: Premature Birth Linked to ADHD? Among a group of 113,227 Norwegian children, researchers
observed that those born prior to 34 weeks gestation were over 23% more likely to experience symptoms associated with
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by age eight. JAMA Pediatrics, June 2018
Diet: Folic Acid Supplementation in Foods May Reduce Psychosis Among Kids. Beyond protecting against birth
defects such as spina bifida, fortifying grains with folic acid may also improve fetal brain development and reduce the risk
of developing psychosis. Researchers reviewed 1,400 MRI brain scans of children who were born either before or after
folic acid fortification became mandatory in the United States in the late 1990s and found that those born after
fortification went into effect had significantly thicker brain tissue than those born in previous years. This group also had
delayed thinning of the cerebral cortex in regions linked to schizophrenia risk. Corresponding author Dr. Joshua Roffman
comments, “What we and others are showing is that prenatal folic acid may also confer protection against severe mental
illness in youth, which was not anticipated.” JAMA Psychiatry, June 2018
Exercise: Improves Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients… A review of data from 36 published studies concluded
that regardless of mode (aerobic, resistance, or a combination of both), exercise is both a safe and effective method for
improving quality of life in breast cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, July 2018
Chiropractic: Conservative Treatment for CTS? Researchers reviewed data from ten published studies and concluded
that after one year, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) reported similar improvements in pain and function
regardless of whether or not they underwent surgery or pursued more conservative treatment options. Conservative
chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome often includes manual therapies (manipulation and mobilization) combined
with exercise, traditional wrist splinting, and nutritional recommendations. Hand, July 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Stay Safe While on Vacation. No one wants to take a trip to the hospital while they’re abroad.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends the following to keep you safe when traveling: avoid spending too much
time in the sun; check your medications before leaving on a trip to make sure you have enough; never pack medication in
your checked luggage; if you wear contacts, always use clean hands when putting them in and bring a spare pair; avoid
tattoo parlors in other countries that have different safety standards; and drink plenty of clean water and eat healthy foods.
Food and Drug Administration, June 2018
Quote: “Courage can’t see around corners but goes around them anyway.” ~ Mignon McLaughlin

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

Mental Attitude: Heart Failure Patients at Greater Risk for Dementia. After monitoring the health status of about
12,000 older adults for fifteen years, researchers found that those with a history of heart failure had up to a 60% increased
risk for developing dementia by the conclusion of the study. Journal of General Internal Medicine, July 2018
Health Alert: Diabetes Raises Cancer Risk. An analysis of data from 121 cohort studies involving over 19 million
participants indicates that diabetics have a 10% increased risk for a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Additionally, among
cancer cases, diabetics have a slightly elevated risk for cancer-related mortality. Diabetologia, July 2018
Diet: Savory Foods May Be Key to Healthy Eating. In this study, researchers measured the inhibitory control, eye
movement, and brain activity of female participants while they made food choices and found that after consuming a
savory flavor-rich broth, those at risk for obesity consumed less saturated fat in their subsequent meal. Senior author Dr.
Miguel Alonso-Alonso writes, “Many cultures around the world advocate drinking a broth before a meal. Our study
suggests the possibility that people at high risk of obesity could benefit from an umami-rich broth before a meal to
facilitate healthy eating and healthy food choice.” Neuropsychopharmacology, March 2018
Exercise: Get Off Your Seat and Start Moving. A review of data concerning nearly 128,000 men and women showed
that individuals who normally sit for six or more hours per day have a 19% higher risk of early death than those who sit
fewer than three hours per day. Excessive sitting may also increase one’s risk for the following: some cancers; heart
disease; stroke; diabetes; kidney disease; suicide; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); lung disease; liver
disease; peptic ulcer and other digestive disease; Parkinson’s disease; Alzheimer’s disease; nervous disorders; and
musculoskeletal disorders. American Journal of Epidemiology, June 2018
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy for Cervicobrachial Pain? Cervicobrachial pain (CP) is described as pain that extends
from the neck into the shoulder and upper arm. In a recent study, researchers found that patients treated with mobilization
therapy, a form of treatment performed by doctors of chiropractic, for six weeks experienced improvements in both pain
and function. The research team concludes, “Our findings challenge the role of pharmacologic versus manual therapy as
possible treatments that may improve pain intensity and upper limb functionality in subjects with CP.”
Archives of Medical Sciences, June 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Getting Outside Is Good for Your Health. Spending time in nature can provide an individual
with significant and wide-ranging health benefits. An analysis of data involving more than 290 million people revealed
that routine exposure to green spaces can reduce the risk for type II diabetes, heart disease, premature death, premature
births, stress, and hypertension. Lead author Dr. Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett notes, “We hope that this research will inspire
people to get outside more and feel the health benefits for themselves. Hopefully our results will encourage policymakers
and town planners to invest in the creation, regeneration, and maintenance of parks and greenspaces, particularly in urban
residential areas and deprived communities that could benefit the most.” Environmental Research, July 2018
Quote: “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

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