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

Mental Attitude: Rheumatic Diseases Increase Dementia Risk.

Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, researchers report that patients with either Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis have an elevated risk for developing dementia. The research team is unsure why patients with rheumatic diseases have a higher risk for dementia but suggest that increased inflammation may be a contributing factor.

International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, December 2017

Health Alert: Traffic Pollution Poses Health Risks to Unborn Babies.

Air pollution caused by road traffic is having a detrimental impact on the health of unborn babies in London. In a new study, researchers found a link between increases in fine particulate matter from road traffic and a 2-6% increased risk of low birth weight and a 1-3% increased risk of being small for gestational age. The researchers note their findings are most likely applicable to other cities with similar pollution and they call for environmental health policies to improve air quality in these areas.

BMJ, December 2017

Diet: Drinking Soda During Pregnancy May Boost Odds of Asthma in Kids.

Children are more likely to develop asthma if their moms consumed sugary drinks during their pregnancy. An analysis of data on 1,068 mother-child pairs from a long-term study revealed that expectant mothers who drink two or more sugary beverages per day are up to 63% more likely to have a son or daughter with asthma than women who refrain from such beverages.

Annals of the American Thoracic Society, December 2017

Exercise: Staying Fit Cuts Diabetes Risk.

Japanese researchers followed 7,804 adult males for over 20 years and found that those with higher fitness levels throughout the course of the study had up to a 53% lower risk for developing diabetes in comparison with participants who led mostly sedentary lives.

Journal of Epidemiology, December 2017

Chiropractic: Heel Posture Plays Role in Back Pain.

A recent study set out to investigate the influence of calcaneal (heel) position on the pelvic and trunk alignment of ten healthy subjects. Using 3-D motion analysis, the researchers found that calcaneal inversion (commonly seen among those with a high arch) can affect the alignment of the pelvic and trunk, increasing the risk for back pain. The findings reveal the importance evaluating the foot and ankle when assessing low back pain patients.

Journal of Physical Therapy and Science, November 2017

Wellness/Prevention: Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by decreased exposure to daylight, which makes it more common in winter months. Common symptoms include feeling down, having low energy, sleeping a lot, and craving sweet or starchy foods. To help manage SAD, the National Sleep Foundation suggests the following: expose yourself to more daylight by going for a walk outside during the day or buy an artificial light source that mimics sunlight; consume a healthy diet; stay active during the winter months; and seek professional counseling if you have difficulty managing the feelings of SAD.

National Sleep Foundation, November 2017

Quote: “Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.” ~ John Quincy Adams

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna