Mental Attitude: Don’t Blame Bad Behavior on the Full Moon. Many parents and teachers swear that children act differently when the moon is full, but new research suggests otherwise. The study tracked more than 5,800 kids across five continents over 28 lunar cycles. While the researchers found that nighttime sleep duration was about five minutes shorter around the time of a full moon compared with the new moon, they found no other significant changes in behavior among any of the children. Researcher Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput notes, “Overall, I think we should not be worried about the full moon. Our behaviors are largely influenced by many other factors like genes, education, income, and psychosocial aspects rather than by gravitational forces.” Frontiers in Pediatrics, May 2016
Health Alert: FDA to Ban E-Cigarette Sales to Minors. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it is banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. The new rules will also cover other alternative forms of tobacco such as cigars, hookah tobacco, and pipe tobacco. Additionally, regulations will require photo IDs to buy e-cigarettes and ban retailers from handing out free samples or selling them in vending machines. The FDA action has earned universal praise from medical associations, which have been concerned that e-cigarettes serve as a gateway to draw teens into a lifetime of smoking addiction. Food and Drug Administration, May 2016
Diet: Fruit Compounds Could Be Used to Treat Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and CVD. A supplement consisting of compounds derived from red grapes and oranges may offer a promising new treatment for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Researchers investigated the effects of a compound called trans-resveratrol (tRES), found in red grapes, and a compound found in oranges called hesperetin (HESP). The team found that participants with a BMI of more than 27.5 who took a supplement with these compounds experienced a reduction in insulin levels, improved insulin activity, better artery function, and reduced blood vessel inflammation. Study leader Dr. Paul Thornalley adds, “This is an incredibly exciting development and could have a massive impact on our ability to treat these diseases. As well as helping to treat diabetes and heart disease it could defuse the obesity time bomb.” Diabetes, May 2016
Exercise: Exercise Improves the Minds of Seniors. Older adults who participated in a 24-week aerobic exercise program experienced improvements in motor planning, thinking operations, attention, and concentration that were not observed in a control group of seniors who remained inactive. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, April 2016
Chiropractic: Physical Activity May Reduce Risk of Sciatica. According to a new meta analysis, leisure-time physical activity may reduce the risk of developing lumbar radicular pain, or sciatica. Researchers reviewed data from 18 published studies that included over 100,000 participants and found those who exercised at least one to three times per week were about 7% less likely to develop sciatica, while those who engaged in physical activity more than four times per week were up to 12% less likely to report radiating pain to one or both legs. The findings show that a common physical ailment can be reduced by simply staying active. European Journal of Pain, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Live Longer By Staying Lean. Two new studies indicate that staying trim throughout your life may increase your longevity, while being obese may do the opposite. The first study found that slim individuals had the lowest risk of dying over a 15-year period, while obese men and women had a greatest risk of early death. The second study found that gaining weight over time increases one’s risk of premature death. British Medical Journal, May 2016
Quote: “Have no fear of perfection—you’ll never reach it.” ~ Salvador Dalí

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

Mental Attitude: Depression Treatment May Reduce Heart Disease Risks. A study that involved 7,550 people has found that effectively treating depression can lower a patient’s risks for cardiovascular disease to the level of those who never had depression, reducing their chances of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and early death. Study author Dr. Heidi May notes, “Our study shows that prompt, effective treatment of depression appears to improve the risk of poor heart health.”
American College of Cardiology Meeting in Chicago, April 2016
Health Alert: Bedbugs Too Common in Low-Income Housing. Among a sample of nearly 2,400 individual low-income apartments in the state of New Jersey, researchers found about 12% of the households in their study had a bedbug infestation and half of those with bedbugs weren’t even aware of it. The researchers add that buildings with high tenant turnover are more likely to have issues with bedbugs. Study author Dr. Changlu Wang hopes the finding will be used to target education and bedbug prevention efforts in vulnerable communities. Journal of Medical Entomology, April 2016
Diet: The Good & Bad News About Higher Calcium Intake. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), men aged 51-70 should consume 1,000 mg of calcium daily, increasing to 1,200 mg at age 71. NIH experts also recommend that women take in 1,200 mg of calcium daily starting at age 51. In a new study, a research team analyzed the calcium intake as well as the heart disease, stroke, and fracture risk of 2,199 men and 2,704 women over 50 years of age. The team found that participants who had a higher calcium intake had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those with a lower calcium intake; however, the analysis found the risk of fracture or stroke did not significantly decrease among those with a higher calcium intake. The Endocrine Society, April 2016
Exercise: Just 75 Minutes of Exercise Per Week Has Benefits! The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for approximately 3.2 million deaths annually. Past evidence suggests that regular physical activity can lead to risk reductions of at least 20-30% for more than 25 chronic health conditions and premature mortality. However, the ideal amount and intensity of exercise to recommend to the general public is still a topic that’s hotly debated among the experts. Current physical activity guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise per week, but a new review of the published literature indicates that just half this level of activity may still lead to noticeable health benefits. The authors of the review write, “There is compelling evidence that health benefits can be accrued at a lower volume and/or intensity of physical activity. These health benefits are seen in both healthy and clinical populations.”
Canadian Journal of Cardiology, April 2016
Chiropractic: How Does Obesity Increase the Risk of Low Back Pain? Obesity is known to be an independent risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders; however, the mechanism behind the association between obesity and lower back pain is not yet fully understood. In an effort to add to the available research, Nigerian scientists investigated the spinal curvature of 300 individuals of varying body shapes/sizes and found those with both an above-normal body mass index and waist-hip ratio were more likely to have greater curvature in the lumbar spine. This suggests the spines of those who are overweight or obese have an increased curve (“sway back”) to accommodate a greater load which the researchers speculate may increase their risk for developing lower back pain.
Patient Preference and Adherence, March 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Drinking’s Effect on Smoking. Researchers followed 22 men for seven weeks in which they abstained from drinking alcohol but continued to smoke cigarettes. Though the total amount of cigarettes they smoked remained fairly constant during the study, the amount of nicotine their bodies metabolized dropped as time went on. This suggests those looking to quit smoking may have a greater chance of success if they also stopped drinking alcohol at the same time. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, April 2016
Quote: “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. ” ~ William James

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

Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Training May Reduce PTSD Symptoms. The mass implementation of mindfulness training may help war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) better manage their disturbing memories and thoughts. In this pilot study, 23 United States veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars practiced either mindfulness mediation or participated in another form of therapy over a four-month period. MRI scans revealed that those who engaged in mindfulness training developed stronger connections in the brain networks associated with both inner, sometimes wandering thoughts and in shifting and directing attention. Study co-leader Dr. Anthony King adds, “The brain findings suggest that mindfulness training may have helped the veterans develop more capacity to shift their attention and get themselves out of being ‘stuck’ in painful cycles of thoughts.”
Depression and Anxiety, April 2016
Health Alert: Waistline May Predict Heart Disease. A new study involving diabetic patients suggests that an increasing waist size is a stronger predictor of serious heart disease than either body weight or body mass index. Researchers evaluated the heart function of study participants and found that left ventricular function progressively worsened as a participant’s waist size expanded, with heart function decline eventually leveling off when the waist reached 45 inches (~114 cm). The left ventricle is the heart’s primary pumping chamber, and abnormal ventricular function is a common cause of heart disease. Dr. Sarah Samaan, a cardiologist at the Heart Hospital at Baylor in Plano, Texas adds, “Abdominal fat produces a wide range of inflammatory substances, and is more highly correlated with heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes than other types of fat. We know that heavier people are more likely to have stiffer hearts, which in turn can predispose to heart failure. This study shows us that fat in the abdominal area is especially harmful to heart function.” American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, Chicago, April 2016
Diet: A Healthy Diet Keeps the Brain Working! Dutch researchers reviewed the health records and available lifestyle data of 2,165 seniors and found those whose diet was richest in fruits, vegetables, and fish were 76% less likely to experience any cognitive impairments. Their finding suggests consuming a healthy diet may prevent or slow the development of mild cognitive impairment, as well as more serious forms of dementia. Journal of Nutrition, Health, & Aging, May 2016
Exercise: Effective Against Hot Flashes. Hot flashes are a common complaint among menopausal women. In this study, 95 menopausal women participated in a six-month exercise program while 64 refrained from regular exercise as part of a control group. During the course of the study, the researchers found the women who exercised experienced improvements in the frequency of their hot flashes, and these improvements continued to persist to some degree up to four years later. This adds to a growing body of research that an active lifestyle can help reduce the impact of hot flashes among women during menopause. Maturitas, June 2016
Chiropractic: Arthritis Increases Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition often treated by chiropractors. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand that houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed, generating the symptoms associated with CTS such as numbness, tingling, and loss of grip strength. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of inflammatory and degenerative arthritis on carpal tunnel syndrome has revealed that both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis nearly double an individual’s risk for developing CTS.
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, March 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Tracking Your Health. Experts say that keeping a health journal can help you better answer your healthcare provider’s questions. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends recording the following information: past illnesses or injuries, hospitalizations, past surgeries, allergies, family medical history, and supplement, vitamin, and medication use.
American Academy of Family Physicians, April 2016
Quote: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

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

Mental Attitude: A Happy Marriage & Smart Wife May Prompt Men to Get a Colonoscopy. According to new study, older men are more likely to have a colonoscopy if they’re happily married and have a highly educated wife. The study looked at more than 800 older married couples and found that married men were nearly 20% more likely to have undergone a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer in the past five years than single men. The rate increased to nearly 30% higher among men in happy marriages, and over 40% higher if their wife had a college degree. Study director Dr. William Dale adds, “Women are thought to control the health capital in most households. They act as health gatekeepers, overseeing their husband’s health choices and directing decisions at the margins. Her decisions influence both partners.” University of Chicago, March 2016
Health Alert: Females More Likely to Die from a Severe Heart Attack. Women are up to twice as likely as men to die from the most dangerous type of heart attack called ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Researchers analyzed data from more than 700,000 STEMI patients from around the world and found that appropriate treatment is often delayed for women and that the in-hospital death rate for women is double that of men. They also note women are 70% more likely to die at 30 days, six months, and one year post-heart attack. American College of Cardiology Meeting in Chicago, April 2016
Diet: Highly Processed Foods Impact Cancer Risk. Cutting out sugary drinks and processed foods can reduce an individual’s risk of cancer. Researchers examined health data on 3,100 volunteers and found that consuming sugary drinks and eating processed lunch foods more than doubled the chances of developing prostate cancer among men, while eating legumes, fruits, and vegetables reduced the risk of breast cancer in women by two-thirds. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), April 2016
Exercise: Exercise May Protect You Against Cancer. Exercise may decrease cancer incidence and slow the rate of tumor growth. A new animal-based study found that mice trained to use an exercise wheel had a lower risk of developing cancer, and those that did develop cancer had tumors that grew at a reduced rate compared with the tumors of sedentary mice. The authors of the study add that the anti-cancer benefits of running are most likely linked to the release of adrenaline that leads to the mobilization of specific immune cells that patrol the body and help fight cancer. Cell Metabolism, March 2016
Chiropractic: Specific Low Back Exercises Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain. Doctors of chiropractic often prescribe exercise to be performed in-office or at home as part of a treatment program for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, like back pain. A recent study examined the role of lumbar extensor muscle strengthening for individuals with chronic low back pain. In the study, individuals with persistent low back pain for a minimum of two years participated in an eleven-week lumbar extensor strength training program once per week. The findings revealed that specific lumbar strengthening resulted in clinically relevant improvements in pain (a 28% decrease) and functional disability (a 23% to 36% decrease) in patients with persistent chronic low back pain. The study shows the importance of the role that specific exercises play in the management of chronic low back pain.
The Journal of Sports Management and Physical Fitness, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Reduce Cancer Risk. Researchers suggest that increasing an individual’s serum level of vitamin D could be a key tool for preventing cancer. According to a recent study, women whose 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood levels were 40 ng/ml or higher had a 67% lower risk of developing cancer than women whose vitamin D levels were 20 ng/ml or lower. The researchers did not comment on what the optimum intake of vitamin D should be, nor did they say if it should be achieved by exposure to sunlight, dietary changes, or supplements. They conclude, “Primary prevention of cancer, rather than expanding early detection or improving treatment, will be essential to reversing the current upward trend of cancer incidence worldwide. This analysis suggests that improving vitamin D status is a key prevention tool.” PLOS One, April 2016
Quote: “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

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

Mental Attitude: Death and the Very Elderly. Older seniors are often willing to talk about death, but they’re rarely asked about it. British researchers interviewed several dozen people over 95 years of age about their attitudes on death and end-of-life care and noted that most of them felt prepared to die. Study leader Dr. Jane Fleming explains, “Death is clearly a part of life for people who have lived to such an old age, so the older people we interviewed were usually willing to discuss dying, a topic often avoided.” She adds that in order to better support men and women dying at increasingly older ages “we need to understand their priorities as they near the end of life.” PLOS ONE, April 2016
Health Alert: Hearing Loss May Indicate Higher Medical Bills for Some Adults. Hearing loss among late middle-aged adults appears to be associated with higher medical costs. Investigators examined the healthcare use of over 560,000 adults between the ages of 55 and 64 and found that those with hearing loss had 33% higher healthcare costs than those without hearing loss over an 18-month period. Study author Dr. Annie Simpson notes, “This finding indicates that negative health-related effects of hearing loss, a condition that many consider simply an unavoidable result of aging, may manifest earlier than is generally recognized and may affect use of healthcare across the continuum of care.” JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, April 2016
Diet: Oily Fish Consumed During Pregnancy May Reduce Asthma Risk in Kids as They Age. Children of mothers who regularly ate salmon while they were pregnant may be less likely to receive a medical diagnosis of asthma than children whose mother did not eat salmon during their pregnancy. In this study, one group of women ate salmon twice a week from week 19 of their pregnancy through delivery and one group of women refrained from eating salmon during the same time frame. Their children had allergy tests at six months of age and then again two to three years later. The results revealed no difference in the rate of asthma between the two groups of children at six months of age; however, as the children grew, those exposed to salmon while in utero were significantly less likely to be develop asthma when compared with the children of mothers who abstained from salmon during pregnancy.
University of Southampton, April 2016
Exercise: Exercise Improves Blood Vessel Health Among Stressed. Past studies have shown that constant stress is associated with signs of poor blood vessel health and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A new animal-based study has found that exercise protected blood vessel function in rats regularly subjected to stress. The researchers conclude that exercise training may therefore be an important therapy for promoting greater arterial compliance among chronically stressed individuals.
American Physiological Society (APS), April 2016
Chiropractic: More Chiropractors, Less Opioids. Based on data collected in 2011, a new study has found an association between both a higher per-capita supply of chiropractors and Medicare spending on chiropractic care and lower opioid prescription use among younger, disabled Medicare beneficiaries. Opioids are a type of narcotic pain medication that can have serious side effects and can lead to abuse and dependence. The finding suggests that chiropractic care may help reduce the need for this potentially dangerous class of medication. Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, March 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Earplugs Help Protect Hearing at Loud Concerts. Earplugs can protect concert-goers from the temporary hearing loss that can linger after a high-decibel music concert. In this study, researchers followed 51 participants who attended an outdoor music festival, half of whom used earplugs. The average noise level during the festival was 100 decibels, which is known to pose a threat to hearing. After the event, 42% of those who did not wear earplugs experienced temporary hearing loss, compared with only 8% of those who had used them. Additionally, 40% of those who did not use earplugs reported post-concert tinnitus (ringing in the ears), while only 12% of ear plug users did so. JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, April 2016
Quote: “There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.”
~ G.K. Chesterton

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

Mental Attitude: Sleepless Nights Linked to Changes in the Brain. Chinese researchers report that insomnia may lead to abnormalities in the white matter of the brain, the tissue which carries information between the various parts of the organ. For the study, the researchers recruited 23 patients with primary insomnia and 30 healthy volunteers. The participants completed surveys that allowed investigators to evaluate their mental status and sleep patterns. Using an advanced MRI technique, the research team also looked at the pattern of water movement in white matter to identify any irregularities. They found that participants with insomnia had significantly reduced white matter integrity in several regions of the brain including the thalamus, which regulates consciousness, sleep, and alertness, as well as the corpus callosum, the area that connects the two halves of the brain. Researcher Dr. Shumei Li notes, “Our results can potentially provide the evidence about how the lack of sleep may lead to the impairment of white matter related to emotional or cognitive disorders.” Radiology, April 2016
Health Alert: Diabetes Has Quadrupled Worldwide Since 1980. According to a new report, the number of men and women diagnosed with diabetes around the globe increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, with the most severe increases noted in low- and middle-income countries. Experts say these findings should sound an alarm for large-scale, effective action that focuses on reducing the health and economic impact of diabetes. The Lancet, April 2016
Diet: Daily Fruit Consumption Helps the Heart. Consuming fresh fruit, such as apples and oranges, each day appears to reduce the risk of dying from either a heart attack or stroke by about one-third. Investigators collected data on more than 500,000 adults between 2004 and 2009 and found that fewer than one-in-five ate fruit on a daily basis. However, the researchers found that those who ate about a half cup of fruit a day had a significantly lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Lead researcher Dr. Liming Li reports that participants who ate fruit the most often had lower blood pressure and blood sugar compared to those who ate less fruit, which could explain the reduced risk for heart attacks and stroke. New England Journal of Medicine, April 2016
Exercise: Too Few Children Get 60 Minutes of Exercise Daily. In this study, investigators observed 453 schoolchildren during a one-week period and found that only 15% achieved the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each day. Furthermore, compared with normal or underweight children, the researchers report that the overweight and obese children in the study were be less active overall and achieved fewer minutes of MVPA during school, out-of-school, and on weekends. Senior author Dr. Jennifer Sacheck comments, “Clearly, schools need to be aware of this disparity and should focus on increasing all intensities of physical activity equally for all children across the school-day.”
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, March 2016
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Common in Veterans. A recent study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among United States veterans. The study included 5,237,763 former soldiers and found that non-traumatic joint pain (27%), back pain (25%), and osteoarthritis (21%) are the most commonly reported and treated musculoskeletal disorders among those who received Veterans Health Administration care. The findings show that musculoskeletal complaints are highly prevalent, painful, and costly disorders among veterans. Pain, March 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Levels Linked to Cardiovascular Disease Risk. New research suggests that the risk of cardiovascular disease could be predicted by measuring levels of total and bioavailable vitamin D in both men and women. The study analyzed the vitamin D levels of 4,200 individuals aged 52-76 and assessed whether vitamin D levels had any effect on future cardiac events. The findings revealed that individuals with low levels of both total vitamin D and bioavailable vitamin D were at the greatest risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and even cardiovascular death. American College of Cardiology, April 2016
Quote: “Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.” ~ Robert Frost

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

Mental Attitude: Chronic Stress Can Affect Memory. Individuals subjected to chronic stress due to bullying or a tough job may experience problems with their memory. Researchers found that mice who were repeatedly stressed by larger, more aggressive mice when they tried to find an escape hole in a maze became more forgetful than mice not exposed to the aggressive mice. The researchers say that the mice’s inability to remember coincided with stress-induced inflammation in the brain. They hope that a better understanding of stress, cognition, and mood problems may help create strategies for those suffering from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Journal of Neuroscience, March 2016
Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke Exacerbates COPD Symptoms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. A recent study found 20% of COPD patients live with an active smoker and 27% were exposed to secondhand smoke during the previous week. For the COPD patient, secondhand smoke exposure is linked to a greater risk for severe exacerbations (51%), nocturnal symptoms (58%), wheezing (34%), and chronic cough (77%). Thorax, March 2016
Diet: High-Fat Diet May Raise Cancer Risk. New research suggests that a high-fat diet could increase the risk of colon cancer. In this study, researchers fed healthy mice a high-fat diet (60% of total calories from fat) for nine months and found the mice gained 30-50% more body mass and developed more intestinal tumors than mice on a control diet. Nature, March 2016
Exercise: Brain Chemicals Affected By Exercise. Researchers have found that people who exercise not only have better physical fitness than inactive persons, but they also have better mental fitness. Using MRI scans, researchers found that intense exercise increased the levels of two common neurotransmitters called glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid in study participants. The finding offers insights into brain metabolism and how exercise could become an essential part of treating depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders associated with deficiencies in neurotransmitters. Lead researcher Dr. Richard Maddock adds, “We are offering another view on why regular physical activity may be important to prevent or treat depression… Not every depressed person who exercises will improve, but many will. It’s possible that we can help identify the patients who would most benefit from an exercise prescription.” Journal of Neuroscience, February 2016
Chiropractic: Is it CTS or Double Crush Syndrome? Many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may also have median nerve entrapments further up the course of the nerve (in the neck, shoulder, elbow, etc). When the median nerve is encumbered at two anatomical locations, it’s described as a double crush syndrome (DCS). In this study, researchers compared the results of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests on patients with CTS and patients with CTS and cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (an example of DCS). The results showed worse nerve function in the patients with DCS, supporting the possibility of more severe CTS symptoms with a lower likelihood of resolution if treatment only focused on the wrist.
Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Experts Unsure If Seniors Should Have Routine Vision Checks. A panel of experts concludes there is not enough data to say whether or not seniors should be routinely screened for vision trouble by their primary care physicians. According to the panel, primary care doctors typically check vision with an eye chart test and while this test can detect refractive errors, it does not identify early stage age-related macular degeneration or cataracts. Task force member Dr. Michael Pignone notes, “Older adults who are having vision problems should talk to their primary care doctor or eye specialist… in the absence of clear evidence, primary care doctors should use their clinical judgment when deciding whether to screen for vision problems in patients without vision symptoms.” U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, March 2016
Quote: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Seneca

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

Mental Attitude: Can Computer Use Help with Seniors’ Memory? A new study suggests that seniors who use computers as little as once per week may help ward off commonly observed age-related declines in memory and thinking. According to the study, researchers found that seniors who used a computer during the previous week had a 42% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, a condition that places an individual at greater risk for more severe forms of dementia. While it isn’t clear to investigators how computer use may help protect one’s memory, the researchers believe that being engaged, challenged, active, and mentally stimulated can lead to a healthier brain. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, April 2016
Health Alert: Daylight Savings Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke. Finnish researchers have found that changing the clock forward or back leads raises an individual’s stroke risk. The team analyzed data from 3,033 men and women hospitalized during the week after a daylight saving time transition and found that the overall rate of ischemic stroke was 8% higher during the first two days after the time change than in subsequent days. Author Dr. Jori Ruuskanen explains, “We know from previous studies that stroke risk is highest in the morning hours and daylight saving time slightly shifts the timing pattern of stroke onset. Previous studies have also shown that the disruption of the circadian clock due to other reasons (e.g. due to rotating shift work) and sleep fragmentation are associated with an increased risk of stroke.” Further research is needed to confirm the findings, but the team believes the results are convincing. American Academy of Neurology’s 68th Annual Meeting, April 2016
Diet: Choose a Healthier Lunch. Lunch is important for keeping you full and focused during the day. To eat a healthier lunch, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests the following: choose a salad dressing with an oil base instead of a cream base, include as many veggies as possible, and choose a small, healthier appetizer or split an entrée with someone else if eating at a restaurant. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, March 2016
Exercise: Dance Class Benefits Older Latinos. A small study involving 57 older adults has found that classes in traditional Latin dance may help older Hispanic adults become interested in exercise and improve their mobility. After four months of dance classes, researchers found that participants were fitting more activity into their daily lives and were more nimble on their feet. A larger trial is now underway to assess the longer-term effects of Latin dance classes on older adults, including any mental benefits. The researchers say that the “bigger picture message” is for older adults to find activities they actually enjoy so they’ll stick with them.
American Heart Association Meeting, March 2016
Chiropractic: How to Reduce Standing-Related Back Pain… For those whose jobs require them to stand on their feet, a simple stretch can cut the risk for back pain by as much as a third. In this study, participants stood for two hours in two sessions one week apart. During one of the two sessions, they bent all the way forwards for five seconds every 15 minutes. During the other session, they refrained from any stretching. The participants were 36% less likely to report back pain following the session that included the forward-bending stretches than when they stood still for two hours. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, April 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D Associated with More Aggressive Prostate Cancer. New research suggests that prostate cancer may be more aggressive in men who are vitamin D deficient. Researchers studied nearly 200 men with prostate cancer and found that those who had blood vitamin D levels below 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) were more likely to have rapidly growing tumors than those with normal vitamin D levels. Dr. Anthony D’Amico, the chief of radiation oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston believes the results are important enough to spur further study into the possible connection between vitamin D and prostate cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, February 2016
Quote: “The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.”
~ Robert M. Pirsig

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

Mental Attitude: Increasing Depression May Indicate Greater Dementia Risk. Depression is a known risk factor for dementia, but most studies have only focused on depression at a single point in time and not over a multi-year time frame. In this study, researchers looked at the depressive symptoms of 2,488 seniors over a five-year time period and then followed up with them over a decade later. They found that those with high and increasing depressive symptoms during the data collection period were nearly twice as likely to develop dementia than even those with moderate depressive symptoms. JAMA Psychiatry, March 2016
Health Alert: Lawn Mowers Pose Dangers to Kids. Children in the United States continue to suffer severe injuries from both regular power lawn mowers and ride-on mowers. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no child under the age of 16 operate a ride-on mower and no child under twelve operate a push mower. Additionally, they urge parents to keep all children under the age of six indoors when any mower is in operation and not to allow kids to ride as passengers on mowers operated by adults. A recent study found that over 50% of kid-related mower accidents resulted in an amputation. Senior study author Dr. Douglas Armstrong explains, “People don’t realize how dangerous lawn mowers are… The vast majority of the injuries could have been prevented if safety guidelines had been followed.” American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Meeting, March 2016
Diet: Omega-3s May Lower Breast Cancer Risk Among Obese Women. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that women with dense breast tissue have a four to six times increased risk of developing breast cancer. Now, a randomized clinical trial involving 266 postmenopausal women has found an association between increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and reduced breast density, but only among obese participants. The researchers singled out DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) as the fatty acid associated with breast density reduction and they hope to examine the effects of DHA in a trial involving obese participants known to have dense breast tissue. Researcher Dr. Andrea Manni adds, “The finding supports the idea that omega-3s, and specifically DHA, are preferentially protective in obese postmenopausal women.” Cancer Prevention Research, December 2015
Exercise: Being Physically Fit Reduces Depression Risk After Heart Attack. People who are physically fit may be less likely to become depressed after a heart attack. Researchers looked at 189 middle-aged and older Norwegians and found that those who exercised regularly in the years preceding their heart attack were less than half as likely to become depressed after a myocardial infarction than those who rarely or never exercised. The findings are important as heart attack survivors are three time more likely to have depression. Though the study did not prove cause and effect, it certainly appears that exercise protects against depression after a heart attack. The American Journal of Medicine, February 2016
Chiropractic: Tennis Not Dangerous to Teen Spines. Many health experts believe that tennis and other asymmetrical sports pose risk factors for scoliosis development in adolescents even though scientific data is lacking. A new study that involved 102 adolescent tennis players failed to find a correlation between tennis and either an increased risk for low back pain or spinal deformities among adolescents. European Spine Journal, February 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Probiotics May Prevent Dental Cavities. In the future, preventing cavities may be as simple as taking a supplement to keep unwanted bacteria in check. Researchers have found a strain of bacteria that could keep bad bacteria under control and pave the way to using probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to prevent cavities. The newly identified bacteria is a strain of Streptococcus called A12, which was found to help neutralize acids in the mouth and also kill Streptococcus mutans, an especially harmful kind of bacteria. The findings are important as too much acid can cause dental cavities or other disorders. While the development of an effective oral probiotic is still a long way off, this previously unknown bacteria looks like a promising candidate in the future of dental health. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, January 2016
Quote: “Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end.” ~ Robin S. Sharma

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

Mental Attitude: Fidgeting May Be Important for Learning in Students with ADHD. Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often get into trouble for fidgeting in class, but a new study suggests that fidgeting may help them learn. The research team based their findings on observing the amount of fidgeting 25 children with ADHD did while solving memory problems. They suspect that fidgeting may increase physiological arousal similar to what stimulant medication does for a child with the disorder. The findings suggest that teachers and parents should focus less on whether a child is sitting still and more on whether their work gets done. Journal of Attention Disorders, February 2016
Health Alert: Radiation for Prostate Cancer May Carry Other Risks. An analysis of 21 studies has found that radiation treatment for prostate cancer may place men at a slight increased risk for other cancers such as bladder, colon, and rectal cancers. Oncologist Dr. Anthony Zietman writes, “[The study] confirms our belief that second malignancy should be added to the already long list of avoidable hazards associated with treatment for those men with low-risk prostate cancer who simply need no treatment at all.” He adds that concerns about secondary cancers “should not, however, stand in the way of an effective and well-studied treatment being given to men with higher grade, lethal prostate cancer for whom the potential benefit simply dwarfs the risk.”
British Medical Journal, March 2016
Diet: Can Fruits and Veggies Lower Blood Pressure? A review of 25 published studies concerning 334,468 patients revealed a link between greater consumption of fruits and vegetables and a lower risk of hypertension. The authors add that those of Asian descent appear to benefit the most, as studies conducted with Asian populations showed those who consumed the most servings of fruits and veggies per day were 30% less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who ate the fewest servings of produce each day. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, January 2016
Exercise: Exercise Helps Some Smokers Quit. According to a new study, between 20% and 33% of smokers are considered to have high-anxiety sensitivity and smoke to cope with stress, making it more difficult for them to quit. In this study, investigators found that 26% of high-anxiety sensitivity smokers who were involved in a 15-week exercise program successfully abstained from smoking compared with only 12% in a control group who attended wellness sessions. After six months, 23% of the exercise group continued to abstain from smoking while just 10% of the wellness education group managed the same. The findings suggest that exercise can reduce anxiety sensitivity symptoms, doubling the chances of smoking cessation among adults with higher anxiety levels. Psychosomatic Medicine, April 2016
Chiropractic: Cervical Dysfunction and TMD? A team of Brazilian researchers found evidence that patients with a diagnosed temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may also have cervical dysfunction that may possibly contribute to their TMD symptoms. In this study, twenty TMD patients and 20 healthy controls underwent a series of tests that measured pain, disability, and sensitivity to hot and cold at several body sites. They found the TMD patients were significantly more likely to report neck pain and disability and also more likely to have abnormal sensitivity to pain and cold sensations in their cervical region than those in the control group. The authors of the study believe their findings point to a relationship between TMD and the neck.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, February 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Breathalyzer-Locked Car Ignitions Save Lives. In the 18 states that require in-car breathalyzers with ignition interlocks for anyone convicted of drunken driving, researchers have observed a 15% decrease in alcohol-related deaths. Researcher Dr. Elinore Kaufman adds, “Other states have proven [a mandatory interlock law] is feasible, and we’re contributing proof that it is effective. There should be no remaining barrier for the remaining half of states to adopt it.”
American Journal of Public Health, March 2016
Quote: “If you start by promising what you don’t even have yet, you’ll lose your desire to work towards getting it.” ~ Paulo Coelho

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