Mental Attitude: Heart Attack Raises Vascular Dementia Risk. Vascular dementia is characterized by a decline in thinking
skills due to reduced or impaired blood flow to the brain. Using 35 years of data concerning nearly 1.9 million adults,
researchers found that myocardial infarction survivors have an elevated risk for developing vascular dementia, and the risk rises
dramatically if they also sustain a stroke following their heart attack. Circulation, October 2017
Health Alert: Obesity Linked to Several Cancers. A report issued by the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention concludes that obesity plays a role in at least thirteen types of cancer, which accounts for about
40% of all cancer diagnoses in a given year. These cancers include brain cancer; multiple myeloma; esophageal cancer;
postmenopausal breast cancer; thyroid cancer; gallbladder cancer; stomach cancer; liver cancer; pancreatic cancer; renal cancer;
ovarian cancer; uterine cancer; and colon cancer. The specific mechanism for how being obese increases the risk of developing
these types of cancers is unknown, but it’s reasonable to suggest that weight management could be an important tool in reducing
one’s cancer risk. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, October 2017
Diet: Omega-6 Fatty Acids May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. An analysis of data from twenty published studies involving
39,740 adults found that individuals who had the highest blood levels of an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid—a fatty-acid
is found in bean and seed oils such as soybean and sunflower oils—were 35% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those
with the lowest linoleic acid levels. Lead author Dr. Jason Wu notes, “Our findings suggest that a simple change in diet might
protect people from developing type 2 diabetes which has reached alarming levels around the world.”
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, October 2017
Exercise: How to Be More Active. Reaching daily physical activities goals can be difficult when life gets in the way. To help
you become more active, the National Library of Medicine recommends the following: use the stairs instead of the elevator;
walk to a co-worker’s desk or office instead of sending an email; park farther away in the parking lot to increase the distance
you have to walk; join an exercise group; listen to music or watch TV while working out to reduce boredom; and find activities
that you can perform indoors when the weather is bad. National Library of Medicine, October 2017
Chiropractic: Leisure Time Activity May Reduce Risk of Low Back Pain. A recent literature review concludes that
individuals who are more active during their free time are about 11-16% less likely to develop chronic lower back pain.
Examples of leisure time physical activity include planned exercise, hiking, sports, walking, cycling, dancing, gardening, yard
work, and household chores. British Journal of Sports Medicine, October 2017
Wellness/Prevention: “Sleep Positioners” Pose Dangers for Baby. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a
statement that newborns should only be put to sleep on their backs on a firm, empty surface and should never be placed on a
“sleep positioner”. The FDA claims that these products can actually prevent babies from breathing, increasing the risk of
accidental suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Experts from the FDA further advise that that babies should
never sleep with a pillow, blanket, sheet, comforter, or quilt, as all present suffocation risks. If parents have questions about
putting babies to sleep safely, they should consult their child’s doctor. Food and Drug Administration, October 2017
Quote: “If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything.”
~ Ernest Hemingway

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

Mental Attitude: Antioxidants May Reduce Parkinson’s Risk. A fifteen-year study that followed over 80,000 adults found
that those with a diet high in the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E had a 9-13% reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s
disease during that time. Movement Disorders, September 2017
Health Alert: Are Young Adults Ignoring Their High Blood Pressure? A survey of more than 41,000 Americans suggests
that only half of the 6.7 million young adults with high blood pressure received treatment for it in 2013 and 2014. Senior study
author Dr. Andrew Moran writes, “While hypertension awareness, treatment, and control have improved overall since the early
2000s, all three remain worse in young adults—those aged 18-39.” Hypertension, August 2017
Diet: Breakfast Tips for Parents. Studies show that children who eat breakfast tend to be healthier and perform better in
school than those who skip what’s considered to be the most important meal of the day. The United States Food and Drug
Administration offers these suggestions for choosing a good breakfast for your child: offer healthy foods that your child enjoys;
include peanut butter or almond butter for an excellent source of protein; if your child prefers sugary cereals, mix the sugary
offering with a more nutritious option; if your child is especially active or is going through a growth spurt, they may require
more calories, notably at breakfast; offer healthy choices, even when everyone’s on the run, such as fresh fruit or a bag of trail
mix; always read nutritional labels; and opt for unprocessed foods as much as possible.
Food and Drug Administration, September 2017
Exercise: Impact Sports Improve Bone Health. Teenagers who engage in impact sports—basketball, baseball, football, and
soccer, for example—appear to have greater bone density than adolescents who participate in non-impact sports, like
swimming, or who refrain from athletics. Additionally, impact sport athletes also have a reduced risk for sustaining a stress
fracture compared with non-athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, December 2017
Chiropractic: Are Diabetes and High Cholesterol Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Pain? Using data from the Stockholm
Public Health Cohort, researchers reviewed the health data of 10,044 men and women who were pain free in 2006 to see if
diabetes and/or high cholesterol were linked with an elevated risk for back, neck, and/or shoulder pain (BNSP) in 2010. After
adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, high blood pressure, and socioeconomic status, the research team found
that diabetic men had a 64% increased risk for BNSP while high cholesterol levels led to a 19-23% elevated risk for BNSP in
both men and women. The findings suggest that metabolic diseases may have an impact on the pathophysiology of
musculoskeletal pain. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, August 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Calcium in Arteries May Predict Risk of Heart Attack. Individuals without calcium buildup in their
arteries appear to have a significantly lower risk for heart attack and stroke. Researchers looked at CT scans of nearly 6,200
people and found that those whose arteries were free of calcium deposits had a less than a 3% chance for a heart attack or stroke
over the next ten years. The findings held true even among those who had other cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, or high levels of bad cholesterol. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, August 2017
Quote: “My only regrets are the moments when I doubted myself and took the safe route. Life is too short to waste time being
unhappy.” ~ Dan Howell

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

Mental Attitude: Dementia Linked to Osteoporosis? French researchers reviewed the health records of 2,041 older women
who had been treated for a peripheral fragility fracture and found these patients were three to four time more likely to have a
diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia than women of similar age in the general population.
Joint, Bone, Spine, October 2017
Health Alert: Smoking Bans Help Protect Children’s Lungs. A research review of 41 studies that included data concerning
more than 57 million births and 2.7 million hospital admissions found that anti-smoking measures are associated with a more
than 18% decrease in childhood lung infections requiring hospital care, a nearly 10% decline in severe asthma attacks, and
about a 4% decrease in preterm births. Researcher Dr. Jasper Been writes, “Our study demonstrates that children’s health
benefits substantially from smoke-free laws and raising tobacco prices.” The Lancet Public Health, September 2017
Diet: Cocoa Compound May Delay or Even Prevent Diabetes. A new animal study suggests that cocoa powder antioxidants
may help slow diabetes progression. In the study, researchers found that when rats ate a high-fat diet that included a cocoa
flavanol called catechin, their bodies were better able to control their blood sugar levels. It’s believed that the beta cells which
produce insulin are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress and the consumption of catechin helps to protect such cells. Study
co-author Dr. Andrew Neilson writes, “These results will help us get closer to using these compounds more effectively in foods
or supplements to maintain normal blood glucose control and potentially even delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.”
Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, August 2017
Exercise: Exercise Can Improve Children’s Brain Power. In this study, children aged 7-13 years engaged in short bursts of
high-intensity training (HIT) for just ten minutes a day for six weeks. Compared with students in a control group who
maintained their usual routine, those in the HIT group demonstrated greater improvements in tasks involving memory,
information processing, and behavior, including the ability to focus on task completion without getting distracted.
eLife, August 2017
Chiropractic: Vitamin D levels May Be Associated with Low Back Pain. Blood samples taken from 600 participants with
either chronic low back pain, sub-acute low back pain, or no history of back pain showed no significant difference in the
prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the three groups. However, the researchers did observe that the men and women in
both of the back pain groups were more likely to have greater levels of vitamin D deficiency, which suggests that severe vitamin
D deficiency may play a role in the development of low back pain. As a result, future guidelines for the management of back
pain may include vitamin D testing and treatment. Clinical Rheumatology, August 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Check Your Car for Recalls. The National Safety Council reports that drivers of cars manufactured
before 2012 are about half as likely to bring their automobile in for service in the event of a recall (44% compliance rate vs.
83% for newer cars). Experts from the council add that there are about 53 million vehicles on the road with unresolved recall
issues. You can visit checktoprotect.org or recalls.gov to find out if any components on your car have been recalled.
National Safety Council, September 2017
Quote: “One lives in the hope of becoming a memory.” ~ Antonio Porchia

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

Mental Attitude: You’re Only as Full as You Think. In this experiment, participants consumed what they believed to be
either a two-egg or four-egg omelet on separate mornings; however, they were actually fed a three-egg omelet on both days.
Interestingly, when participants ate what they believed to be the smaller omelet, they felt hungrier and consumed more calories
throughout the day than on the day when they thought they had eaten the bigger omelet. The results confirm that an individual’s
expectations can have an impact on their subsequent feelings of hunger and fullness, as well as their later calorie consumption.
British Psychological Society, September 2017
Health Alert: Taller People Appear More Susceptible to Blood Clots. A large-scale study involving more than two-million
siblings suggests that taller people have a greater risk for developing blood clots. Specifically, men shorter than 5 foot 3 inches
(1.62 m) appear to have a 65% lower risk of blood clot than men 6 foot 2 inches (1.89 m) or taller. Among women, those
shorter than 5 foot 1 inch (1.55 m) may have up to a 69% lower risk of developing blood clots than women who are 6 feet (1.83
m) or taller. Lead researcher Dr. Bengt Zöller writes, “It could just be that because taller individuals have longer leg veins there
is more surface area where problems can occur. There is also more gravitational pressure in [the] leg veins of taller persons that
can increase the risk of blood flow slowing or temporarily stopping.” The findings suggest that assessments for the risk of blood
clots should include a patient’s height. Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, September 2017
Diet: Whole Grains May Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer. Investigators looked at 99 studies that included data on 29 million
adults from all over the world and found that eating three servings of whole grains daily can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
by 17%. American Institute for Cancer Research, September 2017
Exercise: Fitness May Lower Risk for Breast Cancer. Aerobic fitness appears to substantially lower the risk of breast cancer.
In a new animal study, researchers observed that rats with low natural fitness were about four times more likely to develop
breast cancer than rats with high fitness levels. Furthermore, less-fit rats developed the disease earlier than the highly fit rats,
and once the disease began, it also progressed more rapidly. Carcinogenesis, July 2017
Chiropractic: Back Pain Patients May Also Benefit from Hip Treatments. In a recent study, researchers split 84 patients
with mechanical back pain into two treatment groups: usual back pain care and usual back pain care plus exercises and
mobilization treatment focused on improving hip function. Following two weeks of care, the patients in the back plus hip
treatment group reported greater improvements in pain, disability, and overall satisfaction with care. Chiropractic evaluations
typically include whole body assessments and therapies to address issues that may have played a role in the development of a
patient’s chief complaint. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, August 2017
Wellness/Prevention: New Value in Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing. For many years, experts have debated the value of
prostate cancer screening. A recent analysis of data from two major trials involving prostate-specific antigen testing revealed
that early tumor detection lowers a man’s risk of prostate cancer death by 25% to 32%. The American Cancer Society’s Dr. Otis
Brawley reports that the review provides some much-needed “clarity in an area where there was at one time a great deal of
confusion.” Annals of Internal Medicine, September 2017
Quote: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston S. Churchill

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

Mental Attitude: Are You a Daydream Driver? According to a new study, you may not be as conscientious on the road as
you think. In the study, researchers asked nine adults to participate in a driving simulation task for twenty minutes twice a day
for five consecutive days intended to replicate a commute to and from work. They found that the brains of the participants
frequently wandered away from the task at hand, as evidenced by brain activity patterns indicating reduced receptiveness to
external stimuli. Study co-author Dr. Carryl Baldwin explains, “Mind wandering may be an essential part of human existence
and unavoidable. It may be a way to restore the mind after a long day at the office. What we are not sure about yet, is how
dangerous it is during driving. We need additional research to figure this out.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, August 2017
Health Alert: Bacteria in Throat May Help Identify Bone and Joint Infection. In a new study, researchers examined 77
kids, six months to four years of age, who had confirmed a bone or joint infection and found that throat swabs from the majority
of the children (70%) indicated the presence of a bacteria called Kingella kingae. This bacteria was uncommon in throat swabs
collected from 300 healthy children who served as a control group. The researchers hope their finding will help accelerate the
diagnosis process for bone and joint infections, which may improve treatment outcomes. CMAJ, September 2017
Diet: Fiber Intake Reduces COPD Risk. A review of data concerning 45,058 Swedish men suggests that current and former
smokers who consume more than 36 grams of fiber per day have a 38-46% reduced risk for developing chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) when compared with current/former smokers who consume less than 23 grams of fiber each day.
Epidemiology, September 2017
Exercise: Exercise During Pregnancy Good for Mom and Baby. A recent report confirms there is strong scientific evidence
for moderate exercise during pregnancy and that it is safe and beneficial for both mother and child. In the report, investigators
observed the following benefits associated with moderate exercise during pregnancy: the prevention of excessive weight gain; a
lower risk of fetal macrosomia; and a lower risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, caesarean section, lower back pain,
pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence. Furthermore, they found no risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or fetal distress,
provided that the mother had no medical or obstetric contraindication for physical exercise.
Journal of American Medicine Association, March 2017
Chiropractic: Back Pain and Falls Among Older Men. Surveys completed by 5,568 elderly men indicate that 67%
experienced back pain during the past year, 25% fell at least once, and 11% had recurrent falls. Further analysis showed that
participants with back pain had at least a 20% increased risk for falling, with an even higher risk for those with greater back
pain severity and frequency. The data suggests that reducing back pain among the elderly population could reduce their risk for
falls. The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, September 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Food Safety Tips. The United States Department of Health & Human Services offers these suggestions
in hopes of thwarting food-borne illness: wash hands and surfaces often; use a meat thermometer to ensure that foods are
cooked at the correct temperature; and don’t leave food at room temperature for more than two hours.
Health & Human Services, September 2017
Quote: “Not only is the Universe stranger than we think, it is stranger than we can think.” ~ Werner Heisenberg

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

Mental Attitude: Dementia on the Decline Among Older Americans. An analysis of data from the Einstein Aging Study
indicates that today’s older adults are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia than those from the
previous generation. Experts suspect this decrease may be due to efforts aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease, which studies
show may play a role in the development of some neurodegenerative diseases. JAMA Neurology, September 2017
Health Alert: Obesity Rates Holding, But Still High. While obesity rates appear to be leveling off in the United States,
experts say that rates are still far too high. The data show adult obesity rates exceeded 30% over the last year in 25 states, and
rates topped 35% in five states. Overall, forty-six states had an obesity rate above 25%—a sharp contrast to the rates in 2000
when no state topped 25%. American Heart Association, August 2017
Diet: Removing Sugar from Diet Leads to Less Fatty Liver in Kids. Fatty liver disease among adolescents has more than
doubled over the past twenty years and is strongly linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
In a new study, researchers found that a nine-day diet that cut out fructose—a common form of sugar found in soft drinks, fruits
juices, and most processed foods—significantly reversed the buildup of liver fat in children and teens. Lead author Dr. Jean-
Marc Schwarz explains, “Our study clearly shows that sugar is turned into fat, which may explain the epidemic of fatty liver in
children consuming soda and food with added sugar. And we find that fatty liver is reversed by removing added fructose from
our diet.” Gastroenterology, August 2017
Exercise: Being Fit May Protect the Brain if a Stroke Occurs. Among a group of 84 stroke patients, those with higher
cardiorespiratory fitness scores performed better on cognitive assessments and had brain scans showing both greater grey matter
brain volume and greater white brain matter integrity. This suggests that physical fitness may protect the brain in the event of a
stroke. International Journal of Stroke, October 2017
Chiropractic: Office Chairs and Spinal Posture. Does your office chair include any features designed to improve your spinal
posture while sitting? Researchers X-rayed 28 volunteers while they stood up straight, bent forward, and sat in four chair
conditions: regular chair, a chair with lumbar support, a chair with seat pan tilt, and a chair with a backrest for scapular relief.
While the investigators didn’t find any one feature to be statistically superior with respect to minimizing spinal flexion (which
places stress on the back, potentially contributing to an injury during periods of prolonged sitting), they did report that the seat
pan tilt feature resulted in significantly improved pelvic posture, which may benefit the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractic
evaluation may include an assessment of a patient’s workstation, including a review of chair type and quality, as poor
ergonomics may contribute to his or her condition. Ergonomics, October 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Diet and Exercise Can Reduce Your Cancer Risk. Multiple studies have shown a link between diet
and physical activity on the risk of developing cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends the following lifestyle
changes to reduce your cancer risk: maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, eat a lot of plant-based foods, limit
processed and red meats, limit daily alcohol to no more than one drink for women and two drinks for men per day, and stop
smoking if you’re a smoker. American Cancer Society, September 2017
Quote: “The life given us, by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

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

Mental Attitude: Vitamin E and Alzheimer’s Disease. An evaluation of data from 17 published studies indicates an
association between low serum levels of vitamin E and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, possibly due to the
vitamin’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, August 2017
Health Alert: Opioid-Linked Fatal Car Crashes on the Rise. The number of drivers killed in car crashes under the
influence of prescription painkillers has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In this study, researchers
focused on male drivers who died within one hour of a motor vehicle crash and found that the prevalence of prescription
narcotics increased from around 1% between 1995 and 1999 to about 6% between 2010 and 2015.
American Journal of Public Health, July 2017
Diet: Low-Calorie Diet May Slow Aging. A study involving mice suggests that a low-calorie diet can slow the natural
aging process. In the study, investigators discovered that as mice age, the biological clock in their stem cells shift its focus
onto other cell processes. Basically, the stem cells become less concerned with maintaining tissue and more focused on
dealing with activities like repairing damaged DNA. When the researchers placed the mice on a low-calorie diet, they
noticed a delay in this shift, resulting in delayed tissue aging. Cell, August 2017
Exercise: Resistance Training Benefits Those with MS. New research suggests that resistance training can slow the
progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In a new study, researchers followed 35 individuals with MS for six months. Half
of the participants engaged in resistance training twice a week, while the others continued to live their normal routine.
Using MR scans, researchers observed that participants who performed resistance training had less brain shrinkage during
the course of the study. Researcher Dr. Ulrik Dalgas writes, “Over the past six years, we have been pursuing the idea that
physical training has effects on more than just the symptoms, and this study provides the first indications that physical
exercise may protect the nervous system against the disease.” Multiple Sclerosis Journal, July 2017
Chiropractic: Does Osteoporosis Affect Spinal Alignment? Women with osteoporosis are more likely to have greater
curvature in their thoracic and lumbar spine than other females their age, suggesting they may have a greater risk for neck
and back pain. This study also found that individuals with osteoporosis tend to score lower on quality of life assessments
for physical activity, bodily pain, general health, and emotional wellbeing. Osteoporosis International, August 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Avoiding Animal Bites. The majority of animal bites are caused by a pet, either yours or someone
else’s. While wild animal bites are rare, they can happen if the animal feels threatened or sick. To prevent animal bites,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following: never pet or feed an animal that you don’t
know; watch your child closely if they are near an animal; spay or neuter your dog to make them less aggressive;
vaccinate your pets against rabies; and wear long pants and boots if walking in areas with poisonous snakes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2017
Quote: “One must always be prepared for riotous and endless waves of transformation.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

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

Mental Attitude: Are Coma Patients Conscious? Sophisticated brain scans may allow doctors to detect consciousness
in brain-injured patients who appear unconscious. According to a new study that included 16 severe brain injury patients,
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) can help reveal a level of
consciousness that can’t be detected by a typical neurological examination. Study author Dr. Brian Edlow adds, “Early
detection of consciousness and brain function in the intensive care unit could allow families to make more informed
decisions about the care of loved ones… Also, since early recovery of consciousness is associated with better long-term
outcomes, these tests could help patients gain access to rehabilitative care once they are discharged from an ICU.”
Brain, July 2017
Health Alert: Opioid Overdoses and Deaths Rising in US Hospitals. A review of data concerning nearly 23 million
adult hospital admissions that occurred between 2009 and 2015 revealed a 34% increase in opioid overdose-related ICU
admissions during this time. Furthermore, the average cost of care per ICU overdose admission increased from just under
$59,000 in 2009 to more than $92,000 in 2015. Lead author Dr. Jennifer Stevens comments, “Those of us who work in
hospital intensive care units need to make sure we have the tools we need to help patients with opioid use disorders when
they are at their sickest, because there doesn’t appear to be any end to this epidemic in sight.”
Annals of the American Thoracic Society, August 2017
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Colon Cancer Risk. Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancerrelated
death worldwide. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the regulation of the genes associated
with the development of colon cancer. This suggests that a diet rich with healthy fats may play a role in reducing one’s
risk for the disease. Clinical Nutrition Research, July 2017
Exercise: Fit Kids Have Better Attendance. Not only do children who are more active and physically fit perform better
in school but a new study indicates that kids with greater cardiovascular fitness are also less likely to miss class due to
illness. Journal of School Health, September 2017
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Is a Common Cause of Sick Leave During Pregnancy. An electronic survey of
6,686 new mothers from twelve European countries revealed that about 50% took sick leave during their pregnancy. Of
those who missed work, one in six did so because of pain in their neck, back, or pelvic girdle. The findings reveal the need
for musculoskeletal care during pregnancy to help reduce pain and sick leave. BMJ Open, August 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Cool That Heat Rash. During hot and humid weather, people can develop the bumpy, itchy skin
referred to as a heat rash. To combat this problem, the American Academy of Family Physicians advises the following:
stay indoors when it is hot and humid, run air conditioning or use fan to stay cool; apply a cold compress to the rash; keep
the affected skin dry; and wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid further irritation.
American Academy of Family Physicians, August 2017
Quote: “What helps you persevere is your resilience and commitment.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

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

Mental Attitude: Does Internet Use Reduce Dementia Risk? Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of
Ageing, researchers observed that middle-aged adults who regularly used the Internet were 40% less likely to develop
dementia during a ten-year follow-up period. The authors of the analysis note that “additional studies are needed to better
understand the potential causal mechanisms underlying this association.” Aging & Mental Health, August 2017
Health Alert: Drug Prescriptions Have Doubled in the Last 20 Years. According to the research firm Quintile IMS,
about 55% of Americans regularly take a prescription medication. Additionally, the number of prescriptions filled by
Americans rose 85% between 1997 and 2016, from 2.4 billion to 4.5 billion a year. By contrast, the population of the
country only rose 21% during this time. Experts fear that many of these medications may be unnecessary and might do
more harm than good. Consumer Reports, August 2017
Diet: Artificial Sweeteners May Be Counterproductive for Dieters. Using artificial sweeteners to help lose weight may
backfire. In a new study, researchers offered fruit flies diets with different amounts of carbs and sweeteners and then
tracked their food intake. The research team found that artificial sweeteners combined with a low carbohydrate diet
significantly increased the quantity of calories consumed by the flies. This increase varied according to the dose of
sweeteners provided and was not observed among flies that consumed unsweetened foods.
Cell Metabolism, August 2017
Exercise: Yoga Eases Depression. The American Psychological Association reports that engaging in an eight-week yoga
program can significantly ease depressive symptoms while also improving quality of life, optimism, and mental and
physical function. American Psychological Association, August 2017
Chiropractic: Manipulative Therapy Helps Patients with Jaw Pain. A literature review on the effective management
of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) notes that, “[For] the reduction of pain and disability, non-thrust mobilization
and high-velocity, low amplitude thrust manipulation techniques to the TMJ [temporomandibular joints] and/or upper
cervical articulations that directly and indirectly target the TMJ joint capsule [are] generally supported in the literature.”
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Protecting Kids from Lead. Exposure to lead during childhood can cause lifelong learning
disabilities and behavioral problems. To protect your family, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the
following: if your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead; if you’re doing repairs, make sure the work is done
properly to prevent the release of lead dust; prevent children from playing near old, peeling, or chipping paint; cover dirt
near an older home with grass or mulch; have children wash their hands regularly, especially before eating; dust and mop
frequently; remove shoes before you come inside; use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or mixing baby formula; and
feed kids a nutritious, balanced diet, which can help them absorb less lead. American Academy of Pediatrics, August 2017
Quote: “If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.”
~ Michael Crichton

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

Mental Attitude: Air Pollution and Parkinson’s Disease. Taiwanese researchers reviewed data concerning over a
million patients and found a link between regular exposure to particulate matter pollution and an increased risk for
Parkinson’s disease. PLOS ONE, August 2017
Health Alert: Alcohol Use and Abuse Increasing in the US. Rates of drinking and alcohol abuse are on the rise in
the United States (US). An analysis of data has found that the rate of alcohol use in the US increased from 65% in
2001-2002 to nearly 73% by 2012-2013. Furthermore, the prevalence of alcoholism rose from 8.5% to 13% in the
same time frame. The findings highlight the urgency to educate the public, policymakers, and healthcare
professionals about high-risk drinking and alcohol use disorders so that prevention and treatment strategies can be
implemented. JAMA Psychiatry, August 2017
Diet: Protein at All Meals Preserves Seniors’ Strength. Consuming protein at all three daily meals may help
seniors preserve their physical strength. Researchers tracked more than 1,700 seniors for three years and found that
those who included protein in every meal experienced fewer declines in hand, arm, and leg strength than participants
who ate protein less often. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2017
Exercise: High-Intensity Interval Training May Reverse Frailty Among Seniors. Investigators studied the effect
of a ten-minute exercise program that included several high-intensity intervals on older, frail mice over the course of
sixteen weeks and found that these mice experienced dramatic improvements in grip strength, treadmill endurance,
gait speed, and muscle mass compared with mice in a control group. If these findings apply to human subjects, then
introducing seniors to this form of exercise may help them remain active and independent for longer.
Journal of Gerontology A, June 2017
Chiropractic: Can Reducing Pelvic Tilt Angle Reduce Back Pain? In this case study, a 56-year-old woman with
severe lower back pain and excessive lumbar lordosis performed an exercise three times a day aimed at reducing the
angle of her pelvis in relation to her spine. After two weeks, her anterior pelvic tilt angle had decreased, resulting in
a 50% reduction in her lower back pain. When examining a patient, doctors of chiropractic look at the whole patient,
as many times factors outside the immediate area of complaint—like their pelvic tilt angle—may contribute to the
patient’s pain and disability. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, July 2017
Wellness/Prevention: Kids Need Supervision While They Are Near Cars. Unsupervised children playing on or
near a road or driveway is a recipe for injury. To prevent a tragedy, Safe Kids Worldwide suggests the following:
walk around your car before you leave to make sure there are no children nearby; check for toys, bikes, or pets near
your car, which could attract children; and hold the hands of small children when you’re in a driveway, crossing the
road, or in a parking lot. Safe Kids Worldwide, August 2017
Quote: “We remember the past, live in the present, and write the future.” ~ Shaun David Hutchinson

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