Mental Attitude: Beauty Is in Eye of the Beholder. Some aspects of attractiveness are common and may even be programmed into
our genes. However, a new study finds that individuals can have wide-ranging definitions of attractiveness. The authors of the study
published in the journal Current Biology write, “We estimate that an individual’s aesthetic preferences for faces agree about 50
percent, and disagree about 50 percent, with others.” Current Biology, October 2015
Health Alert: Drunk Driving Is a Serious Problem in the US! Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
report nearly 121 million episodes of alcohol-impaired driving occur in the United States (US) each year. According to their data,
nearly all (85%) incidents of drunk driving involve individuals who had been binge drinking.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 2015
Diet: Don’t Replace Saturated Fats with Processed Carbs. Researchers found that when individuals replaced 5% of their saturated
fat calories with healthier polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, their risk for coronary heart disease decreased by 25%.
Replacing 5% of their saturated fat calories with monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, cut their risk by 15%, and substituting 5% of
saturated fats with whole-grain carbohydrates led to a 9% decrease in heart disease risk. However, when consumers replaced 5% of
their saturated fat calories with processed carbohydrates such as white bread or rice, the researchers found no benefits to heart health.
The message of the study is to reduce saturated fat and processed foods in your diet, while increasing your intake of healthier fats and
whole foods. Journal of American College of Cardiology, September 2015
Exercise: Short, Intense Exercise Bursts Improve Teen Cardiovascular Health. For teens, just eight-to-ten minutes of highintensity
interval exercise three times per week can significantly improve both blood vessel function and resting heart rate. University
of Exeter’s Dr. Alan Barker adds, “We know that activity levels drop significantly as children reach adolescence, and so far attempts to
increase this to an hour a day have proved fruitless. This study indicates that, providing the intensity is high, health benefits are
achievable with just 8-10 minutes of exercise.” American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology, September 2015
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Recurrence Low One Year After Chiropractic Care. Previous research indicates between 60-80% of
individuals with neck pain will experience a recurrent episode a year later. In a new study, Swiss researchers followed 642 neck pain
patients who received chiropractic treatment and found only 11% experienced another episode of neck pain during the following year.
They note patients with a history of neck pain and older individuals were the most at risk for future episodes.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Bike Helmets Prevent Severe Brain Injury. A new study shows that wearing a bicycle helmet significantly
reduces the risk of serious brain injury and death in the event of a collision. A medical record analysis of more than 6,200 people who
suffered a brain injury in a cycling crash revealed that those who wore a bike helmet were 58% less likely to have their injury
categorized as severe. The study also found that helmet users were 59% less likely to die, 61% less likely to require surgery to
alleviate brain swelling, and 26% less likely to have facial fractures. The findings show the importance of bicycle helmet use,
developing and enforcing stricter helmet use laws, and the creation of better helmets. American College of Surgeons, October 2015
Quote: “My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.” ~ Adlai E. Stevenson II

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

Mental Attitude: “Phubbing” Bad for Relationships. A report published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior suggests that smartphones can damage romantic relationships and lead to greater levels of depression. The research focused on “phubbing,” or “partner phone snubbing,” a term given to those who use or are distracted by their cellphones while in the presence of a partner. Researcher Dr. James A. Roberts writes, “What we discovered was that when someone perceived that their partner phubbed them, this created conflict and led to lower levels of reported relationship satisfaction. These lower levels of relationship satisfaction, in turn, led to lower levels of life satisfaction and, ultimately, higher levels of depression… Something as common as cellphone use can undermine the bedrock of our happiness – our relationships with our romantic partners.” Computers in Human Behavior, August 2015
Health Alert: Taller People at Greater Risk of Cancer. The taller you are, the greater the risk you have of developing cancer. Investigators followed 5.5 million Swedish men and women for over 50 years and found that for every additional 10 cm (~3.4 inches) of height, the risk of developing cancer increased by 18% in women and 11% in men. Lead researcher Dr. Emelie Benyi comments, “It should be emphasized that our results reflect cancer incidence on a population level. As the cause of cancer is multifactorial, it is difficult to predict what impact our results have on cancer risk at the individual level.” The team hopes to investigate how mortality from cancer and other causes of death are associated with height.
Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology, October 2015
Diet: Higher-Protein Diet Could Help Some with Type 2 Diabetes. A high-protein diet might benefit people with type 2 diabetes, but it may depend on whether or not they possess a particular gene related to vitamin D metabolism. In a new study, individuals with a particular gene variant that boosts blood levels of vitamin D experienced greater reductions in insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity when they ate a higher-protein diet. The researchers note this information is not practically useful at present time since people do not know the genetics behind their personal vitamin D metabolism but it may be helpful in the future as genetic profiling becomes a more common aspect of healthcare. Diabetologia, September 2015
Exercise: Find 30-Minutes to Workout. Finding the time and motivation to exercise 30 minutes a day can be difficult. However, if you can devise ways to make your routine interesting and enjoyable, you may wind up looking forward to exercising. The Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics recommends: planning three 10-minute mini-workouts per day, exercising as a family, using household chores to burn extra calories, and taking a walk with a co-worker during lunch or breaks. Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics, October 2015
Chiropractic: Migraine Sufferers Have Altered Muscle Performance. A new study has found that individuals with chronic migraines exhibit altered neck muscle performance, take longer reach to maximum strength with some neck movements, and have higher co-activation of neck flexor muscles when bending forward at the neck. These findings add to the growing body of research that dysfunction in the neck may play some role in the presence, frequency, and intensity of migraine headaches.
Headache, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Staying Up Late Associated with Weight Gain in Teens and Young Adults. The later a teenager or young adult goes to bed during weekdays, the more likely they are to gain weight over time. Researchers analyzed data of 3,342 teens and young adults and found that the later an individual’s bedtime, the more weight they were likely to gain over a five-year period. Lead author Dr. Lauren Asarnow comments, “These results highlight adolescent bedtimes, not just total sleep time, as a potential target for weight management during the transition to adulthood.” Sleep, October 2015
Quote: “It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

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

Mental Attitude: Is Work Stress as Dangerous as Secondhand Smoke Exposure? Having a high-demand job that regularly places a lot of stress on an individual can result in a similar number of poor health outcomes as can regular exposure to secondhand smoke. Study author Dr. Joel Goh writes, “Unless and until companies and governments more rigorously measure and intervene to reduce harmful workplace stressors, efforts to improve people’s health – and their lives – and reduce healthcare costs will be limited in their effectiveness.” Behavioral Science & Policy Association, September 2015
Health Alert: Some High School Students Using E-Cigarettes to “Vape” Cannabis. A new report finds that some teens are using electronic cigarettes to vaporize cannabis instead of nicotine. These adolescents are replacing nicotine solution in their e-cigarettes with cannabis products such as hash oil, dried cannabis, and wax infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the active ingredient in cannabis. The researchers conclude, “These findings raise concerns about the lack of e-cigarette regulations and the potential use of e-cigarettes for purposes other than vaping nicotine.” American Academy of Pediatrics, September 2015
Diet: Reducing Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Improves HDL in Children. Researchers have found that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake among schoolchildren by a minimum of one serving per week can improve their HDL (good) cholesterol. They also note that high consumption of these beverages was linked to a lower intake of fruits and vegetables among the same age group. Senior author Jennifer Sacheck comments, “Importantly, not only are most sugar-sweetened beverages high in sugar and devoid of nutritional value, but they are displacing other foods and beverages that offer high nutritional quality, which are critical for children’s growth and development, further exacerbating the potential harmful health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages.” The Journal of Nutrition, September 2015
Exercise: Resistance Training Can Help Fibromyalgia Patients. Even though it seems counterintuitive to place physical stress on the muscles of patients with muscle pain, resistance training appears to have a positive effect on reducing the severity of symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Research and Therapy, September 2015
Chiropractic: Back Pain and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Among a sample of 365 nurses, researchers found 59.7% had experienced back pain during the previous year. Those who had at least one episode of back pain during the preceding twelve months were significantly more likely to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, a disease characterized by fatigue that is not improved by bed rest. The research team notes this is the first study to demonstrate a relationship between back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome in hospital employees. Agri, July 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Signs of Hypothyroidism. When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone, it can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include feeling tired, being sensitive to cold, developing a hoarse voice and slowed speech, a decrease in pulse rate, developing coarse scaly skin and thicker hair, numbness in the hands and fingers, constipation, weight gain, headaches, confusion, depression, and signs of dementia.
University of Maryland Medical Center, September 2015
Quote: “Remember that failure is an event, not a person.” ~ Zig Ziglar

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

Mental Attitude: Sleep Apnea May Hurt Kids’ School Performance. Investigators have found that children with sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea, perform worse on language arts, math, and science tests than kids without such conditions. The findings come from a review of sixteen studies dealing with sleep apnea or related disorders in children and academic achievement. Lead author Dr. Barbara Galland writes, “Given the potential adverse consequences of sleep-disordered breathing on health, behavioral, and learning outcomes in children, it is important for parents and clinicians to recognize symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing.” Pediatrics, September 2015
Health Alert: Almost 50% of Adults in US Have Diabetes or Are at High Risk of Getting It. Nearly half of all American adults have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, claims a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers say that up to 14% of adults had either diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in 2011-2012, and approximately 38% had diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes. Journal of the American Medical Association, September 2015
Diet: Eat More Nutrient-Rich Foods. Taste is an important part of what makes food appealing, but opting for nutrient-rich foods is essential to give your body the fuel it needs to perform its best. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests these nutrient-rich food choices: whole grains, a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein such as fish, skinless poultry, beans, and low-fat dairy. American Academy of Family Physicians, September 2015
Exercise: Male Teens Who Exercise Think Better When They Grow Up. Using over thirty years of data from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study, researchers found a significant association between greater teenage physical fitness levels among males and better cognitive function two decades later. According to the research team, “The results suggest a stimulating effect of adolescent physical activity in males on executive functions in adulthood, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle amongst adolescent males.” Journal of Physical Activity & Health, September 2015
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Rated High for Treatment of Dizziness and Balance Issues. Past research shows that about 30% of older adults experience dizziness and balance problems. A new study examining the types of treatment sought by patients with balance and dizziness complaints and the success of those treatments revealed that only 4.7% utilized chiropractic care. However, those patients who did see a chiropractor reported the highest treatment success rate for their dizziness and balance issues. The authors speculate that most dizziness and balance problems in older individuals may be caused by dysfunction in the neck that can be successfully addressed by chiropractic care. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Prevent Macular Degeneration in Some Women. Women who are deficient in vitamin D may be up to 6.7 times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than women without who have healthy vitamin D levels. AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness, and it affects more than ten million Americans. The study’s lead author, Dr. Amy Millen writes, “Most people have heard that you should eat carrots to help your vision. However, there appear to be many other ways that adequate nutrition can support eye health. Having adequate vitamin D status may be one of them.”
JAMA Ophthalmology, August 2015
Quote: “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” ~ J.K. Rowling

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

Mental Attitude: Mental Health Care Is Vital But Often Tough to Get. A survey shows that most Americans believe mental health care is important, but they often think it is expensive and hard to obtain. Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention writes, “Progress is being made in how Americans view mental health and the important role it plays in our everyday lives. People see the connection between mental health and overall well-being, our ability to function at work and at home, and how we view the world around us. Respondents want to help a loved one by connecting them to the right mental health treatment and support.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, September 2015
Health Alert: Cold Weather May Increase Stroke Risk for Some. The onset of cold weather may actually pose health risks for some individuals with a heart condition. A new study found colder weather can increase the risk of stroke for people with atrial fibrillation by as much as 20% when compared with their risk during the warmer months. Atrial fibrillation is a common condition in which the heart beats irregularly that affects about 9% of elderly individuals in the United States.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2015
Diet: Kids Eat Too Much Salt! Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say 90% of school children eat too much salt on a daily basis and one in six kids has hypertension. The CDC recommends the following strategies to help reduce your child’s salt intake: try different herbs and spices in place of salt, use “low sodium” or “no salt added” ingredients, eat more fruits and vegetables, and eat fewer processed foods. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 2015
Exercise: Bike-Related Injuries Are Up Among Older Americans. Between 1998 and 2013, bicycle injuries among those over 45 years of age jumped 81% and hospital admissions increased 66%. Lead researcher Dr. Benjamin Breyer writes, “As cyclists in the [United States] shift to an older demographic, greater attention is needed in injury prevention measures through improved infrastructure, such as bike lanes, use of personal protective equipment, such as helmets, as well as improved rider and motorist education.” Journal of the American Medical Association, September 2015
Chiropractic: Neck Pain and Episodic Migraines. Nearly 500 migraine headache sufferers were asked to track the presence of neck pain in relation to a headache episode to determine if it preceded the migraine or occurred at its onset. The researchers found 69.4% of participants reported neck pain either before or during a migraine episode. Of those, almost half had neck pain in the hours before their headache manifested. This suggests cervical dysfunction may play some role in the development of migraine headaches.
Journal of Headache and Pain, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Interventions to Help Reduce Sitting Time. Previous studies have shown a link between time spent sitting and cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and early death, even among those who regularly exercise. An analysis of 26 published studies found the most effective interventions for reducing sitting time were promoting sit-stand desks, encouraging people to keep a record of how much time they spend sitting each day, setting individual goals for limiting sitting time, using alarms to encourage people to get up and move around, and educating people on the health consequences of sitting too much.
Health Psychology Review, September 2015
Quote: “What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within the span of his little life by him who interests his heart in everything.” ~ Laurence Sterne
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.

Mental Attitude: Poor Mental Skills Associated with Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk. People with poor thinking skills related to planning, problem-solving, and reasoning may be at a greater risk for either a heart attack or stroke. Researchers analyzed data concerning 3,926 individuals with an average age of 75 who had no history of heart attack, stroke, or dementia. They found that individuals with low scores on tests measuring executive function were 85% more likely to have a heart attack and 51% more likely to suffer a stroke than their peers with high executive function scores during the following three years. Lead researcher Dr. Benham Sabayan adds, “These results show that heart and brain function are more closely related than appearances would suggest… While these results might not have immediate clinical translation, they emphasize that assessment of cognitive function should be part of the evaluation of future cardiovascular risk.” Neurology, August 2015
Health Alert: Traffic Air Pollution Increases Lung Cancer Risk. Regular exposure to automobile air pollution can increase an individual’s risk for lung cancer. Researchers examined data collected from 36 studies regarding professional drivers and found that occupational exposure to air pollution can increase lung cancer risk by 27% and the risk of dying from the disease by 14%.
Thoracic Cancer, May 2015
Diet: Spicy Foods May Extend Lifespan. Consuming spicy foods on a regular basis may lower an individual’s risk for premature death from cancer, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory disease. Researchers found that participants who ate spicy foods three to seven days a week were 14% less likely to have died during the seven-year study than participants who ate spicy foods less than once a week. British Medical Journal, August 2015
Exercise: Exercise Helps Patients with Vascular Dementia. University of British Columbia researchers report that patients with vascular dementia can improve their memory by simply going for walks on a regular basis. In the study, patients with vascular dementia who walked three times a week at a moderately brisk pace performed better on memory and attention tests than those who did not exercise. Furthermore, those who walked also lost weight and lowered their blood pressure.
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, July 2015
Chiropractic: Teen Athletes Get Fewer Musculoskeletal Injuries! Compared with non-athletic adolescents, teen athletes are less likely to experience neck and back pain. Researchers polled 1,865 participants at the 2012 Quebec summer games and 707 non-athletes from local schools. Not only are teen athletes significantly less likely to report neck pain, upper back pain, and lower back pain but when they do, they are also less likely to miss school because of it. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, August 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Online Program Can Improve Hand Washing. An online program that encourages people to wash their hands has been found to reduce the spread of cold and flu viruses within families. The free program, called PRIMIT, offers four weekly sessions that provide simple steps to help participants avoid catching and passing on viruses, monitor users’ hand washing habits, and provide feedback. The study included more than 20,000 people who were randomly assigned to use PRIMIT or to a control group that did not visit the website. During the sixteen-week program, 51% of people in the PRIMIT group had at least one respiratory infection, compared with 59% in the control group. Study author Dr. Paul Little notes, “A simple, cheap internet program to encourage hand washing can reduce the risk of infection by around 14 percent.” The Lancet, August 2015
Quote: “Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.” ~ Alan Moore

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

Mental Attitude: Childhood Trauma Can Worsen Bipolar Disorder Symptoms. Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City report the presence of childhood trauma – including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect – has been associated with a more severe clinical presentation among patients with bipolar disease. Psychiatry Research, August 2015
Health Alert: Septic Tanks May Allow Human Waste into Nearby Waterways. A new study suggests that septic tanks don’t prevent fecal bacteria from seeping into nearby rivers and lakes. Researchers analyzed 64 river systems and found bacterial concentrations were highest where there were higher numbers of septic systems in the watershed area. Previously, experts thought soil worked as a natural treatment system that could filter human sewage. Dr. Joan Rose, an international expert in water microbiology, water quality, and public health safety adds that the study “has important implications on the understanding of relationships between land use, water quality, and human health as we go forward.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, August 2015
Diet: Spinach Extract May Help Curb Hunger. Men with above-average blood pressure may want to consider eating more spinach. A study involving thirty men revealed that consuming a spinach extract containing thylakoids reduced cravings for saltier foods over the following two hours. Co-author Dr. Frank L. Greenway summarizes, “The reduction in hunger and the desire for salty food that we saw in this study might make thylakoids particularly useful for [males] with high blood pressure and associated weight problems.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, June 2015
Exercise: Could a New Molecule Mimic Exercise? Scientists have developed a molecule called “compound 14” that may one day help type 2 diabetics and obese patients reduce blood glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance. In a study on mice, researchers observed that compound 14 mimics the effect of exercise by causing cells to “think” they have run out of energy, thereby causing them to increase glucose uptake and metabolism. Obese mice that consumed the molecule for seven days lost weight and had more normal blood sugar readings than obese mice that just ate their normal diet. Chemistry & Biology, July 2015
Chiropractic: Specific Chiropractic Technique Helps Stenosis Pain and Disability. A study involving thirty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis found that flexion-distraction is an effective intervention for reducing both the pain and disability associated with this condition. In the study, half of the patients underwent a course of physical therapy while the other half received flexion-distraction treatments three times a week for six weeks. While both groups reported improvements in pain and disability, the results were more significant in the flexion-distraction group. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Urine Test Could Catch Pancreatic Cancer Sooner. Researchers have uncovered a biomarker for pancreatic cancer that can be detected in urine samples. The discovery may pave the way for a low-cost, noninvasive test that could detect the disease in its earlier stages. Currently, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is uncommon, with approximately 80% of patients being diagnosed at later stages. Lead researcher Dr. Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic explains, “We’ve always been keen to develop a diagnostic test in urine as it has several advantages over using blood. It’s an inert and far less complex fluid than blood and can be repeatedly and noninvasively tested… This is a biomarker panel with good specificity and sensitivity and we’re hopeful that a simple, inexpensive test can be developed and be in clinical use within the next few years.” Clinical Cancer Research, August 2015
Quote: “In the end you should always do the right thing even if it’s hard.” ~ Nicholas Sparks

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

Mental Attitude: Peers and Parents Influence Teen Alcohol and Tobacco Use. Among a sample of 2,490 German students, researchers found that peer smoking, peer drinking, and parental drinking were all associated with a 200% greater risk that a teen would experiment with and or regularly use cigarettes and alcohol. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, July 2015
Health Alert: Nicotine in E-Cigarettes Poses Danger to Kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes has led to an increase in cases of nicotine poisoning by young children. Experts say that a nicotine overdose can cause anxiety, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or even death. To keep all sources of nicotine out of children’s reach, the Food and Drug Administration proposes adding warning labels and child-resistant packaging to liquid nicotine products. Dr. Jonathan Foulds, a professor of public health sciences at Penn State College of Medicine adds, “Simply put, nicotine is a poison and consumers need to take responsibility for keeping it away from children, whether it is in a childproof container or not.” Penn State University, July 2015
Diet: Binge Eating Can Cause a Number of Health Problems. Eating large amounts of food very quickly and having no control over this behavior is known as binge eating. Potential risks of binge eating include depression, increased stress, increased suicidal thoughts, difficulty sleeping, headaches, joint problems, digestive problems, muscle pain, weight gain, and issues with menstruation. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney, August 2015
Exercise: Many Free Fitness Apps Don’t Meet Recommended Guidelines. If you are looking for a smartphone app to help improve your exercise regimen, it may be harder than you think. Researchers found that only one of thirty popular free fitness apps meets the majority of physical activity guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine. The top-rated app in the study was the Sworkit Lite Personal Workout Trainer App. The rating was based on evaluating adherence to specific medical guidelines regarding safety, warm-ups, cool–downs, stretching, intensity, frequency, and progression. Lead author Dr. François Modave writes, “While apps have great potential to give more people access to workouts that could help them achieve a healthy weight and fitness level, we found that the vast majority of apps are not as safe as they could be and do not give users the type of well-rounded workouts known to be most effective.” Journal of Medical Internet Research, July 2015
Chiropractic: Eye Surgeons Get Neck Pain Too! Musculoskeletal injuries can affect workers in many industries, even skilled surgeons. A new study published in the journal Current Opinion in Ophthalmology notes that ophthalmic plastic surgeons are at a high risk for cervical musculoskeletal disorders due to the amount of time they spend working in awkward, prolonged, static, and asymmetric postures. Additionally, wearing equipment on the head such as head lamps and magnifying devices can increase the weight of the head up to 40%, placing extra strain on the neck. Because 10% of cervical injuries in the profession will end a career, the authors of the study recommend that ophthalmic plastic surgeons take neck pain seriously and seek professional help when needed. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, July 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Self-Monitoring of Blood Sugar Good for Diabetics. A small study reveals that personalized blood sugar self-monitoring benefits individuals with type 2 diabetes, even if they’re not taking insulin. The study included eleven type 2 diabetics who were taught to react to their blood sugar level reading in a number of ways, such as eating a healthy snack or going for a walk. By testing their blood sugar levels twice a day and adapting their behavior accordingly, the participants were able to maintain healthier blood sugar levels. American Association of Diabetes Educators, August 2015
Quote: “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

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

Mental Attitude: Deep-Voiced Politicians May Have an Advantage at the Polls. If they want to get more votes, both male and female politicians may want to practice speaking with a deeper voice. Researchers surveyed 800 adults regarding hypothetical candidates and found that deeper-voiced candidates garnered 60% to 76% of the votes. Study co-author Dr. Casey Klofstad writes, “We think of ourselves as rational beings, but our research shows that we also make thin impressionistic judgments based on very subtle signals that we may or may not be aware of.” PLOS ONE, August 2015
Health Alert: Bigger Families Mean More Sickness. Being part of a big family boosts the risk of passing on viral infections that cause colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. In a recent study, researchers found viral infections were present in childless households an average of three to four weeks a year. In homes with one child, viral infections were present for 18 weeks a year and the number jumped to 45 weeks a year in homes with six children. Study co-author Dr. Carrie Byington writes, “A lot families go through wave after wave of illness. In fact, some of the kids we monitored had symptoms for 20 to 25 weeks in a row… This study helps us to understand what is normal in young children, and can help us determine when illness should be a cause for concern.” Clinical Infectious Diseases, August 2015
Diet: Meat Intake May Influence a Man’s Fertility. A new study concerning couples undergoing vitro fertilization treatment has found that males who consume a lot of processed meats have lower fertilization rates than men whose diet contains few, if any, processed meats. Researcher Dr. Natan Bar-Chama writes, “Decreasing processed-meat consumption can now be added to the list of recommendations — such as to stop smoking, decrease alcohol consumption and lose weight — that we can offer to men prior to fertility treatments to optimize outcomes.” Fertility & Sterility, August 2015
Exercise: Even a Little Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Benefits Those Over 60. An analysis of published research suggests that just a little moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every week can curb the risk of early death among those over the age of 60. Though current recommendations call for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, the data suggests that performing as little as half of the recommended amount can provide health benefits for older adults. The authors conclude, “Based on these results, we believe that the target for physical activity in the current recommendations might be too high for older adults and may discourage some of them… The fact that any effort will be worthwhile may help convince those 60% of participants over 60 years of age, who do not practice any regular physical activity, to become active.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. August 2015
Chiropractic: Should You See a Chiropractor First? Swiss researchers contacted 719 patients who initially visited either a doctor of chiropractic (DC) or medical doctor (MD) for either spinal, hip, or shoulder pain. The patients who sought care from a DC first reported higher scores for both satisfaction with the care they received as well as the outcome of care. The researchers add that the total costs associated with patients who sought chiropractic care were four-times lower than those who sought medical care first. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, August 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Signs of Heat Stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system fails to work properly due to high temperature. Potential heat stroke symptoms include having a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher, confusion, irritability, becoming red or flushed, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, headache, rapid heart rate, seizures, and becoming comatose. Mayo Clinic, August 2015
Quote: “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”
~ Lucille Ball

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

Mental Attitude: Hormones May Lead Financial Traders to Take Bigger Risks. The stressful and competitive environment of the financial world may boost levels of the hormones cortisol and testosterone in financial traders, leading them to invest in riskier assets. In a simulation, male participants who were given doses of cortisol shifted investments towards riskier assets and those given testosterone experienced increased levels of optimism about the future prospects of their choice. The researchers conclude, “Our results suggest that changes in both cortisol and testosterone could play a destabilizing role in financial markets through increased risk taking behavior, acting via different behavioral pathways.” Scientific Reports, July 2015
Health Alert: Children May Be Affected By Early Antibiotic Use. According to the findings of a new animal study, multiple courses of antibiotics during early childhood can lead to weight gain, increased bone growth, and altered gut flora. The researchers write that their findings highlight the potential negative impact repeated antibiotic exposure in early life may have on development. Nature Communications, June 2015
Diet: Eating Uncommon Foods May Promote a Healthier Lifestyle. A new report finds that adventurous eaters weigh less and appear healthier than more conservative diners. The findings are the result of a survey the showed that women who ate the widest variety of uncommon foods – including seitan, beef tongue, kimchi, rabbit, and polenta – also rated themselves as healthier eaters, more physically active, and more concerned with the healthfulness of their food when compared with less adventurous eaters. Study co-author Dr. Brian Wansink adds, “These findings are important to dieters because they show that promoting adventurous eating may provide a way for people – especially women – to lose or maintain weight without feeling restricted by a strict diet.” Obesity, July 2015
Exercise: Physical Exercise May Reduce Binge Eating. While it makes sense that dietary interventions should reduce binge eating behavior, a new study published in the journal Appetite points to physical exercise as a better strategy. Researchers tracked 180 women for six months and found that those who participated in a physical activity intervention experienced greater reductions in binge eating symptoms than those who received training on making better dietary choices. If these results are confirmed with a larger-scale study, it could lead to new treatment options for people with binge eating behavior. Appetite, July 2015
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Help TMD Patients. For patients with a temporomandibular joint disorder, manual therapies may be the most effective conservative treatment option. A systemic review of eight published studies indicates that manual therapies had the greatest effect on improving both function and pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders. This adds to the growing body of research supporting the efficacy of manual therapies, treatments commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic, for the care of TMD patients. Manual Therapy, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Kid Safe While Outdoors. Keeping children safe while they exercise and play outside is very important. The eXtension Foundation recommends the following guidelines: never allow kids to play unsupervised; explain to children not to play near a street or driveway; tell children to ask an adult for help when any object rolls into the street; and remove sharp objects, lawn equipment, animal waste, branches, and garbage from outdoor play areas. eXtension Foundation, July 2015
Quote: “Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

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