Mental Attitude: Money Worries Have Americans Anxious. A nationwide poll of more than 1,000 adults
revealed that 39% of respondents are more anxious than they were a year ago, with finances, safety, and health
topping the list as sources of anxiety. American Psychiatric Association, May 2018
Health Alert: Illnesses Tied to Ticks and Mosquitoes Soaring in US. Diseases transmitted by ticks and
mosquitoes in the United States (US) have more than tripled over the past decade from about 27,000 cases in 2004 to
over 96,000 cases in 2016. Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) adds, “Zika, West Nile, Lyme, and chikungunya—a growing list of diseases caused by the bite of an infected
mosquito, tick or flea— have confronted the US in recent years, making a lot of people sick. And we don’t know
what will threaten Americans next.” The report reveals the need for an increased effort to both combat the spread of
these pests and better educate the public how to prevent bites. CDC Vital Signs Report, May 2018
Diet: Eating More Produce Lowers Depression Risk. An analysis of data from 18 published studies found that
each 100-gram increase in daily fruit and vegetable intake reduces an individual’s risk for depression by 3%.
British Journal of Nutrition, May 2018
Exercise: Can Exercise Make Your Heart Younger? In this study, researchers found that mice that ran the
equivalent of 3.1 miles (5 km) per day generated about 4.5 times more new heart muscle cells than mice that
abstained from exercise. The investigators report that these findings demonstrate how exercise can increases the
heart’s capacity to regenerate. Researcher Dr. Anthony Rosenzweig notes, “Maintaining a healthy heart requires
balancing the loss of heart muscle cells due to injury or aging with the regeneration or birth of new heart muscle
cells. Our study suggests exercise can help tip the balance in favor of regeneration.”
Nature Communications, April 2018
Chiropractic: Shoulder Strength Affected By Posture. A recent study assessed the effect of various sitting
postures on the external rotator muscle strength of the shoulder. Among a group of 100 participants, researchers
observed that shoulder external rotator strength declined 8% following five minutes of sitting in a forward head
rounded shoulder posture. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Early Breast Screening May Reduce Need for Aggressive Treatments. Early breast
cancer screening may translate into smaller tumors and less aggressive breast cancer treatments. In this study,
researchers found that women whose last mammogram was 25 months or more before their breast cancer diagnosis
were 50% more likely to need chemotherapy, 32% more likely to have a mastectomy, 66% more likely to need
lymph nodes removed, and had larger tumors than those who more recently underwent a breast cancer screening.
Study author Dr. Elisa Port notes, “There are multiple benefits of mammography in terms of early detection. Not
only do we save lives, but we reduce the likelihood of needing more aggressive treatment.”
American Society of Breast Surgeons, May 2018
Quote: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” ~ Alan Kay

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

Mental Attitude: Too Many Drivers Using Their Phones, Despite Knowing Dangers. Past studies have shown that
drivers who talk on cellphones are up to four times more likely to crash, and those who text are up to eight times more
likely to be involved in a collision than individuals who don’t use phones while driving. A survey of more than 2,600
drivers revealed that nearly 58% agreed that talking on a cell phone is a serious threat to their safety, while 78% admitted
the texting is a significant danger. Yet, nearly 50% of those surveyed said they had recently talked on their cellphone
while driving and more than one-third had sent a text or email while behind the wheel. AAA, April 2018
Health Alert: Nearly 10% of Adults Now Have Type 2 Diabetes in the US. According to a new report, 21 million
adults in the United States (US) now have type 2 diabetes, a condition linked to being overweight or obese that increases
the risk for heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, vision loss, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 2018
Diet: Ensure Your Fruits and Vegetables Are Safe to Eat. Though rich in vital nutrients and vitamins, raw fruits and
veggies can harbor potentially harmful germs, such as Salmonella and E. coli. When selecting fresh produce, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the following: choose produce that doesn’t look bruised or damaged; keep
precut fruit and vegetables cold; keep fruit and vegetables separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood in your grocery
bags and in the refrigerator; wash hands, knives, cutting boards, and countertops before and after preparing fruit and
vegetables; and wash all produce before eating, cutting, or cooking.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2018
Exercise: Physically Active Kids May Sleep Better. Among a group of 1,100 Brazilian teenagers, researchers found that
those with low aerobic fitness were 80% more likely to experience poor sleep quality.
World Journal of Pediatrics, March 2018
Chiropractic: Manipulation Plus Exercise Helps Teens with Back Pain. Back pain is common in the adolescent
population, but little research exists on treatment options for this group of patients. In a new study, researchers randomly
assigned teenagers with back pain into one of two treatment groups for a three-month period: spinal manipulation
combined with exercise therapy or exercise therapy alone. The investigators monitored low back pain severity, disability,
quality of life, medication use, and patient and caregiver-rated improvement and satisfaction at 12, 26, and 52 weeks. The
findings revealed that for adolescents with back pain, spinal manipulation combined with exercise is more effective than
exercise alone over a one-year period. Pain, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Turn Down the Volume! Experts estimate that up to 20% of Americans aged 12 to 19 have some
degree of hearing loss. Technology is most likely to blame, especially with the use of earbuds. To help protect your
child’s hearing, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends: instruct them turn down the volume to about 60%, ask
them to take breaks after an hour of listening, and make sure your child can talk to others and hear what’s going on around
them when listening to music. American Academy of Pediatrics, April 2018
Quote: “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” ~ Nelson Mandela

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

Mental Attitude: Depression Raises Dementia Risk in Type 1 Diabetics. Among a sample of 3,742 type 1 diabetics,
those with depression at middle-age had a 72% increased risk for developing dementia over the next two decades. This
finding is especially worrisome to researchers as 20% of participants had diagnosed depression at the onset of the study.
Aging & Mental Health, April 2018
Health Alert: Childhood Friendships May Be Key to Health Later On. Your childhood best friend may have a
surprising protective effect on your health in adulthood. In this study, researchers monitored the social lives of 267
individuals between age six and age sixteen and found that boys who spent more time with friends had a lower risk for
high blood pressure and obesity in their early thirties. Researcher Dr. Jenny M. Cundiff notes, “These findings suggest
that our early social lives may have a small protective influence on our physical health in adulthood, and it’s not just our
caregivers or financial circumstances, but also our friends who may be health protective.”
Psychological Science, March 2018
Diet: Veggies Are Heart Healthy for Women. Consuming vegetables can help older women keep their blood vessels
healthy. In this study, researchers found that the carotid artery walls of women who ate the most vegetables were about
0.05 millimeter thinner than those who ate the fewest servings of veggies, suggesting a lower risk for heart disease. Lead
researcher Dr. Lauren Blekkenhorst adds, “These findings reinforce the importance of adequate vegetable intake to reduce
your risk of atherosclerosis [“hardening of the arteries”], heart attacks, and strokes.”
Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2018
Exercise: Tai Chi Improve Respiratory Function for Those with COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) patients who engaged in a twelve-week tai chi intervention experienced similar improvements on the Saint
Georges Respiratory Questionnaire—a standard measure of health status for patients with airway obstruction—as patients
in a traditional pulmonary rehabilitation program. Chest, March 2018
Chiropractic: On-Call Work May Raise Risk for Back Pain and Other Problems. On-call work requires being ready
to work at any time, which can be very stressful for many individuals. A recent study investigated the association between
on-call work and health issues among a sample of over 29,000 men and women from a variety of industries and found that
being on-call increases the risk for the following conditions: hearing problems, skin problems, back pain, muscular pain in
arms and legs, headache, abdominal pain, depression and anxiety, and sleep problems.
Annals of Occupational Environmental Medicine, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Be Aware of Gluten in Medication. Individuals who suffer from gluten intolerance or sensitivity
must pay close attention to ingredients, as even a small amount of gluten can cause a reaction. Even over-the-counter and
prescription meds can contain gluten. To avoid gluten in medications, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests:
carefully read the ingredients on all your meds, talk to you physician about your gluten issues, and ask your pharmacist to
double check ingredients on the medications you are picking up. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, March 2018
Quote: “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” ~ Dale Carnegie

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

Mental Attitude: High Blood Pressure Linked to Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative
disorder that affects over one million Americans. After reviewing data from seven studies involving over 340,000
patients, researchers report that hypertensive adults have more than a 30% increased risk for developing Parkinson’s
disease later in life. Frontiers in Neurology, March 2018
Health Alert: Obesity May Cause Liver Damage By Age Eight. A long-term study involving 635 children found that
obese eight-year-olds are almost twice as likely to have elevated levels of an enzyme called ALT in their blood, which
signals their liver function may be impaired. Lead author Dr. Jennifer Woo Baidal writes, “With the rise in childhood
obesity, we are seeing more kids with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in our pediatric weight management practice…
Many parents know that obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions, but there is far less awareness
that obesity, even in young children, can lead to serious liver disease.” Journal of Pediatrics, April 2018
Diet: Red Meat Linked to Colon Cancer Risk in Women. In this study, researchers reviewed data concerning more
than 32,000 women in the United Kingdom and found that those who regularly ate red meat were more likely to develop
distal colon cancer than the females in the study who did not eat red meat. Dr. Elena Ivanina, a gastroenterologist at
Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City notes, “Multiple studies have already highlighted that long-term consumption of
red meat or processed meats are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, particularly for left-sided or distal
tumors, and this study does uphold this.” International Journal of Cancer, April 2018
Exercise: Yoga and Exercise Help Atrial Fibrillation Patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition that causes a rapid
and irregular heartbeat, which can lead to cardiovascular events like stroke and heart failure. A systemic review of studies
published in over 1,800 journals concluded that both yoga and moderate physical exercise can help patients manage the
symptoms associated with AF and improve their overall quality of life. American Journal of Cardiology, February 2018
Chiropractic: Manipulative Therapy Provides Benefits to Those with COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and
wheezing. A recent study found that manipulative therapies can help improve functional exercise capacity in patients with
COPD, potentially helping to improve the quality of life of patients with the condition.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Rear-Facing Car Seats Protect in Rear-End Crashes. Little research exists on child safety in
rear-facing car seats in the event of a rear-end crash. In this study, Ohio State University researchers tested several rearfacing
car seats in rear-end crashes and found that all of the seats were effective at supporting a child’s head, neck, and
spine. Study lead author Dr. Julie Mansfield adds, “Even though the child is facing the direction of the impact, it doesn’t
mean that a rear-facing car seat isn’t going to do its job…It still has lots of different features and mechanisms to absorb
that crash energy and protect the child.” SAE International, April 2018
Quote: “Our entire life consists ultimately in accepting ourselves as we are.” ~ Jean Anouilh

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

Mental Attitude: Nutritional Deficiencies in Early Life May Affect Dementia Risk. Past research has identified a
relationship between short adult leg length and the quality of nutrition in early life. In a study that included over 13,000
seniors from East Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, researchers found an association between short leg length and
dementia risk. This finding suggests that poor nutrition in childhood may be predictive of dementia risk later in life.
PLOS ONE, April 2018
Health Alert: Stressful Life Events Increase Diabetes Risk. According to a new study that involved almost 8,000
middle-aged adults, there is a relationship between an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the total number of
major stressful events an individual encounters in his or her lifetime. Examples of stressful life events include the death of
a spouse or child, divorce, marital separation, imprisonment, the death of a close family member, personal injury or
illness, and job loss. The researchers conclude, “Reducing the direct effect of stress with management interventions may
reduce the indirect effect of developing T2DM and warrants further investigation.” Journals of Gerontology, April 2018
Diet: High-Carb Diet May Be Bad for Cancer Survivors… In this study, researchers tracked the pre- and posttreatment
diet of more than 400 cancer patients and found that those who consumed the most carbohydrates and sugars in
the year before cancer treatment had an elevated risk of mortality from any cause during the following two years.
International Journal of Cancer, March 2018
Exercise: Encourage Teens to Play Organized Sports. Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with poor
fitness levels as they enter adulthood have an increased risk for a number of negative health outcomes. In this study,
researchers found that teens who participated in organized sports during late adolescence had higher fitness levels at age
19 than their peers who did not. The authors conclude, “From a health perspective, in terms of [cardiorespiratory fitness],
the findings highlight the importance of encouraging adolescents to participate in organized sport and to refrain from
dropping out of organized sport programs.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, April 2018
Chiropractic: Canadian Guidelines Support Manipulation for Back Pain. An eight-member multidisciplinary panel
recently set out to determine clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute and chronic low back pain in adults.
Their review of the current available evidence led them to conclude that a multimodal approach including spinal
manipulative therapy, other commonly used active interventions, self-management advice, and exercise are an effective
treatment strategy for the management of both acute and chronic back pain, with or without leg pain.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Help Reduce Water Pollution. The Office of Women’s Health notes that drinking polluted water
can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, and reproductive and developmental problems. To help reduce the risk of
consuming polluted water, the agency recommends the following: recycle batteries and other harmful electronic waste;
test your drinking water for harmful pollutants; filter or boil water to remove bacteria, lead, or chlorine; take used motor
oil to a recycling center; and use cold water for drinking and cooking, as it is less likely to contain lead.
Office of Women’s Health, April 2018
Quote: “Only a mediocre person is always at his best.” ~ W. Somerset Maugham

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

Mental Attitude: ADHD and Smoking… Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who become
smokers tend to try their first cigarette at a younger age than their peers without ADHD. Additionally, the data show that
smokers with ADHD smoke more cigarettes per day and have a more difficult time quitting.
Nicotine & Tobacco Research, March 2018
Health Alert: Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this study, researchers compared the health history of
8,760 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 26,280 children without ASD. They found the following risk
factors associated with ASD: maternal mental illness, epilepsy, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, polycystic ovary
syndrome, infection, or asthma; assisted fertility; hyperemesis, younger maternal age; labor complications; low birth
weight; infant infection; epilepsy; birth asphyxia; and newborn complications. Pediatric Research, March 2018
Diet: Even If You Eat Healthy Foods, Salt Can Increase Your Blood Pressure. An analysis of the dietary intake and
urine samples of more than 4,000 adults revealed that a diet rich fruits and vegetables fails to counter the hypertensive
effects of consuming too much salt. Study author Dr. Queenie Chan writes, “We currently have a global epidemic of high
salt intake—and high blood pressure. This research shows there are no cheats when it comes to reducing blood pressure.
Having a low-salt diet is key—even if your diet is otherwise healthy and balanced.” Hypertension, March 2018
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Recurrent Fall Risk. New research suggests that engaging in regular physical activity can
protect seniors from falls. In this study, investigators found that older adults who exercise are 39% less likely to
experience recurrent falls than their more sedentary peers. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, March 2018
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Disease Among Children Is an Economic Burden in the US. According to a new
report, more than 19 million children and adolescents in the United States (US) received treatment in medical centers,
private medical practices, and hospitals for musculoskeletal-related conditions or injuries in 2012 at a total cost of about
$7.6 billion. The report also found that musculoskeletal conditions account for 5.4% of hospital charges in the pediatric
population, but only 1.4% of pediatric research funding is dedicated to musculoskeletal research. The authors of the report
note the costs are most likely underestimated and that further research is needed to determine better ways of tracking
direct and indirect costs of musculoskeletal conditions among children. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: What to Ask If You Have Breast Cancer… When receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, it is
important to prepare a list of questions for your doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends inquiring about the
following: the type and size of the breast cancer; if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere; what stage is
the cancer; how curable is the cancer; what tests, if any, are needed before deciding on treatment; the need to see any other
doctor; what is the hormone receptor status of the cancer; what is the HER2 status of the cancer; what are the survival
rate; and what are the costs and insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment? American Cancer Society, March 2018
Quote: “If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas.” ~ Steve Maraboli

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

Mental Attitude: Dementia and Veterans. A review of data from six published studies involving military veterans has
found that those with a previous diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder have a
significantly higher risk for developing dementia. Psychological Medicine, March 2018
Health Alert: Child Obesity Levels Not Improving As Once Thought. Data from an ongoing health and nutrition study
indicates that almost 14% of preschool children were mildly obese in 2015-2016, up 5% from 2013-2014. Additionally,
researchers found no evidence of any sustained improvements in childhood obesity rates at any age. Instead, their longrange
view suggests a continued upward trend. The findings confirm the need for continued education and funding for
programs that teach healthy diet and lifestyle habits for children and parents. Pediatrics, February 2018
Diet: Carotenoid-Rich Foods Can Reduce Inflammation. New research shows that increasing the amount of
carotenoid-rich foods in the diet can help reduce inflammation in the body within six weeks. Foods rich in carotenoids
include carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and tomatoes. Nutrition Research, February 2018
Exercise: Fitness Trackers May Help Patient Keep Fit After Cardiac Rehab. Heart patients typically do well when
enrolled in a cardiac rehab program, but they usually revert to unhealthy lifestyles once they are discharged from care. A
new study suggests that virtual coaches and fitness trackers could keep these patients active, even after cardiac rehab ends.
In the study, investigators found that a twelve-week mobile health program that consisted of a wearable activity tracker, a
personalized prescription to walk a certain number of steps per day, and personalized virtual sessions with a health coach
over the phone or computer not only kept cardiac rehab patients from losing ground, but it actually helped them maintain
and even gain fitness compared with those who received usual care after cardiac rehab. Researcher Dr. Brian Duscha
adds, “This has important public health implications, because maintenance of physical activity and physical fitness are
inversely associated with cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.” American Heart Journal, March 2018
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Common with Migraines. According to a new study that monitored the status of 391 migraine
patients for 18 months, 42.5% of participants experienced neck pain in conjunction with migraine episodes. In a third of
these patients, neck pain triggered their migraine and the rest reported that neck pain manifested once their headache was
underway. The authors of the study caution, “Careful history taking is required to diagnose neck pain as a feature of
migraine and to differentiate it from secondary headache due to a cervical pathology for avoiding unnecessary imaging or
other investigations.” Neurology India, March 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Cholesterol in Check. Because blood sugar and blood pressure can influence cholesterol
levels, the American Diabetes Association recommends the following: if you smoke, quit; lose excess weight; exercise
daily; and eat a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
American Diabetes Association, March 2018
Quote: “Only two things can reveal life’s great secrets: suffering and love.” ~ Paulo Coelho

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

Mental Attitude: Lung Function May Affect Dementia Risk. Compared to their peers with strong lungs, young and
middle-aged adults with poor pulmonary function (PPF) have up to a 30% increased risk for developing dementia later in
life, even after controlling for smoking status and vascular comorbidities.
Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, March 2018
Health Alert: Can a Sunny Childhood Reduce MS Risk Later in Life? Growing up in sunnier regions may shield
individuals from developing multiple sclerosis (MS) decades later. In this study, researchers reviewed the history of 400
women with an average age of 40 and found that those who lived in regions with the highest levels of UV-B exposure
between the ages of 5 and 15 were 51% less likely to develop MS than those who spent their childhood in areas with less
UV-B exposure. The findings are not surprising because UV-B rays play a role in vitamin D production and past research
has linked low levels of vitamin D with an elevated risk of MS. Neurology, March 2018
Diet: Eating More Produce Linked with Weight Loss. In this study, researchers reviewed the dietary habits of 4,357
adults five years apart and found that participants who increased their fruit and vegetable intake during this time were
more likely to lose weight than those whose produce intake remained the same or declined. Public Health, March 2018
Exercise: Is Exercise an Antidote for Aging? Exercise may be the best option to counter the physical effects of aging. In
this study, investigators assessed both female and male cyclists, aged 55 to 79, and found that compared with nonexercisers,
the cyclists did not exhibit age-related muscle mass or strength loss, they did not experience age-related
increases in body fat or cholesterol levels, and their immune system was as robust as that of a younger person. Researcher
Dr. Janet Lord writes, “Our research means we now have strong evidence that encouraging people to commit to regular
exercise throughout their lives is a viable solution to the problem that we are living longer but not healthier.”
Aging Cell, March 2018
Chiropractic: Neck and Back Pain Are a Global Burden. A review of data from two studies found that in 2015, neck
and low back pain ranked as the fourth leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide just after ischemic heart
disease, cerebrovascular disease, and lower respiratory infection. The review also notes that in 2015, over 500 million
people worldwide suffered from low back pain and over a 333 million individuals suffered from neck pain longer than
three months duration. The findings reveal the need to prioritize spinal pain research funding to address the huge and
growing global burden caused by neck pain and back pain. European Spine Journal, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Colonoscopy Saves Lives. An analysis of the health histories of over 25,000 veterans revealed that
colonoscopy screening cuts the risk of colorectal cancer mortality by as much as 61%. Harvard Medical School’s Dr.
Andrew Chan writes, “I am not surprised… The results confirm an already substantial body of data supporting that
colonoscopy is associated with a substantial reduction in risk of colorectal cancer.”
Annals of Internal Medicine, March 2018
Quote: “Create your own miracles; do what you think you cannot do.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

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

Mental Attitude: Behavior in High School Predicts Success Later in Life. Beginning in 1960, researchers followed the
progress of 1,952 students and found that those who demonstrated being a responsible student, showed an interest in
school, and had good reading and writing skills were more likely to continue their education and attain more prestigious
jobs over the following five decades. Lead author Dr. Marion Spengler writes, “This study highlights the possibility that
certain behaviors at crucial periods could have long-term consequences for a person’s life.”
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, February 2018
Health Alert: Does Diabetes Increase Osteoarthritis Risk? Diabetes and osteoarthritis (OA) commonly occur together,
but it’s unknown if diabetes increases the risk for OA or if they just happen to share common risk factors. In this study,
researchers reviewed data from 40 published studies and found little evidence to suggest that impaired glucose
metabolism is an independent risk factor for OA. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, February 2018
Diet: Two Healthy Diets Equally Benefit the Heart. In a new study, researchers followed 107 overweight participants
who ate either a low-calorie vegetarian diet that included dairy and eggs or a low-calorie Mediterranean diet for three
months. At the end of the study, the research team observed that participants on either diet each lost about three pounds
(1.36 kg) of body fat and about four pound (1.81 kg) of weight overall. Study lead author Dr. Francesco Sofi notes, “[The]
take-home message of our study is that a low-calorie lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet can help patients reduce cardiovascular
risk about the same as a low-calorie Mediterranean diet.” Circulation, February 2018
Exercise: Gut Benefits from Exercise. In a recent study, 36 college students completed an eight-week exercise program
that involved cycling, jogging, step aerobics classes, and circuit training. Samples of the participants’ gut microbiome
taken during the program revealed greater microbial diversity, which can benefit the body in a number of ways. The
findings suggest that exercise could be used as a means for improving gut health in persons with health challenges, such
as diabetes, and autoimmune diseases like lupus and allergies. Northern Arizona University, February 2018
Chiropractic: Altered Trunk Muscles May Cause Back Pain. Using electromyography (EMG), researchers measured
trunk muscle activity during lifting among 25 patients with recurrent low back pain (but without current back pain) and 20
asymptomatic individuals. The data show differences in the activity of several trunk muscles (transversus
abdominis/internal abdominal oblique and multifidus) during lifting between the two groups. This suggests that patients
with a history of back pain may benefit from specific rehabilitation exercises to address these issues.
Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Bystander Use of an AED Significantly Increases Odds of Surviving Cardiac Arrest.
Automated external defibrillator (AED) can be found in most public spaces, and a new study suggests that individuals in
cardiac arrest are almost twice more likely to survive if a bystander administered the AED before first responders arrived.
Circulation, February 2018
Quote: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” ~ Henry Ford

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

Mental Attitude: Is Empathy in Your DNA? Researchers claim that our ability to “feel” the emotions of others stems
partly from our genetic makeup. A study of nearly 47,000 adults found that genes seem to explain 10% of the variance in
empathy from one individual to another and that these genes are also associated with the risk of autism, schizophrenia,
and anorexia. Researcher Dr. Varun Warrier writes, “We’ve known for a few decades now that differences in empathy
have been observed in various psychiatric conditions… Understanding how genes contribute to differences in empathy
may provide us with insights into the genetic basis for some of these psychiatric conditions.”
Translational Psychiatry, March 2018
Health Alert: ER Visits for Opioid Overdoses Continue to Increase. According to a new government report,
emergency room visits for opioid overdoses in the United States increased about 30% between July 2016 and September
2017. Acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Anne Schuchat writes, “This fast-moving
epidemic does not distinguish age, sex, or state or county lines, and it’s still increasing in every region of the United
States.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 2018
Diet: Duration of Obesity Linked to Heart Disease Risk. An analysis of health data regarding over 9,000 adults found
that the longer an individual was overweight or obese, the more likely they were to test positive for a protein called
troponin that is released when heart muscle has been damaged, such as occurs with a heart attack. Study lead author Dr.
Chiadi Ndumele adds, “What our findings suggest is that even in the absence of such heart disease risk factors as high
blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, the number of years spent obese or overweight contributes to the higher
likelihood of heart damage.” Clinical Chemistry, January 2018
Exercise: Ball Exercises May Benefit Women During Childbirth. New research suggests that taking warm showers,
performing perineal exercises with a gymball, or both while in labor can reduce stress, pain, and anxiety.
International Journal of Nursing Practice, March 2018
Chiropractic: Coordination Problems More Common Among Those with Back Pain. In a new study, researchers
examined the differences in synchronous movement between the trunk and lower limbs and found that when lifting, highdisability
chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients demonstrated decreased lumbar-hip movement coordination and stiffer
hip-knee movement than both low-disability CLBP patients and healthy controls. The findings may help clinicians
develop improved treatment approaches for patients with CLBP. Journal of Biomechanics, February 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Those Pesky Plantar Warts. Warm moist environments, such a bathrooms or locker
rooms, are the most likely places for contracting the virus that causes plantar warts. To help reduce your risk, the
American Podiatric Medical Association suggests the following: avoid walking barefoot, especially high-risk places;
change shoes and socks daily; keep your feet clean and dry; avoid contact with warts on other people; and don’t ignore
skin growth or changes. American Podiatric Medical Association, March 2018
Quote: “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” ~ Stephen Hawking

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