Courtesy of: Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Mental Attitude: Marriage Reduces Dementia Risk.

Compared with those who are married, lifelong singles and widowers have a 20-42% increased risk for developing dementia. The researchers behind this finding recommend, “Dementia prevention in unmarried people should focus on education and physical health and should consider the possible effect of social engagement as a modifiable risk factor.”

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, November 2017

Health Alert: Noisy Commutes Pose Dangers.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to noise at 114 decibels for more than four seconds can harm hearing. In a new study, researchers explored the impact of noise exposure among commuters who used subways, trams, buses, and other forms of public transportation. The research team was surprised to find that commuters were often exposed to short bursts of noise levels above 114 decibels. The findings are concerning, as chronic excessive noise exposure is known to not only contribute to hearing loss, but can also lead to other health issues, such as depression, anxiety, increased risk of chronic diseases, and increased accident risk.

Journal of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, November 2017

Diet: Poor Dietary Behaviors May Impact Well-Being.

Korean researchers surveyed 65,212 students and found that those with a greater intake of soft drinks, sugary drinks, and fast food were more likely to report lower scores in regards to sleep quality, happiness, and overall health.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, November 2017

Exercise: Do Females Have a Superior Aerobic System?

In a small study involving 18 men and women, researchers found that female bodies are more efficient at delivering oxygen to the muscles. Researcher Dr. Richard Hughson explains, “We found that women’s muscles extract oxygen from the blood faster, which, scientifically speaking, indicates a superior aerobic system.” Lead author Dr. Thomas Beltrame adds, “The findings are contrary to the popular assumption that men’s bodies are more naturally athletic.”

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, June 2017

Chiropractic: Does Spinal Manipulation Have an Anti-Inflammatory Effect?

In this study, participants with acute or chronic low back pain received a series of six high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulative thrusts on alternate days for two weeks. At the end of the study, the participants not only reported a decrease in pain and perceived disability, but blood tests also showed a significant decrease in chemotactic cytokines—proteins associated with inflammation. High-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation is commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic for the treatment of back pain and neck pain.

Clinical Journal of Pain, January 2018

Wellness/Prevention: A Little Weight Loss May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk.

A review of data on more than 61,000 postmenopausal women from a long-term study suggests that it’s never too late to lose weight to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The review revealed that a 5% or greater weight loss among post-menopausal women lowered their odds for developing breast cancer by about 12%, while losing 15% or more of their body weight cut their breast cancer risk by up to 37%. Lead study author Dr. Rowan Chlebowski adds, “A modest weight loss that seems to be sustainable could have important health consequence.”

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 2017

Quote: “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” ~ William Penn

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna