Courtesy of: Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna
Mental Attitude: Gut Bacteria May Be Linked to Dementia Risk. Bacteroides are a group of bacteria that are
beneficial to the gut because they crowd out “bad” infection-causing bugs. According to a new study that analyzed stool
samples of 128 older adults with and without dementia, researchers found that patients with dementia had fewer
bacteroides in their digestive system. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Dr. Keith Fargo writes, “At this point, we don’t know that this association is causal… We don’t know which came first—the dementia or the differences in the gut microbiome.”
American Stroke Association, February 2019
Health Alert: Dirty Air Linked to Increased Risk of Strokes and Shorter Lives. New research that looked at data
from 1,600 counties across the United States between 2005 and 2010 revealed that individuals living in counties with
more air pollution not only had a higher risk for stroke but also short life expectancy—particularly if their area had a
higher poverty rate and fewer healthcare providers. American Stroke Association, February 2019
Diet: Could Vitamin D Lower the Risk of Developing Diabetes? Among a group of nearly 700 Brazilian women,
researchers observed that the women who took a vitamin D supplement not only had higher vitamin D serum levels but
they also had lower blood glucose readings. North American Menopause Society executive director Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton
explains, “Although a causal relationship has not been proven, low levels of vitamin D may play a significant role in type
2 diabetes mellitus… Vitamin D supplementation may help improve blood sugar control, but intervention studies are still
needed.” Menopause, January 2019
Exercise: Chronic Disease Patients Are Less Active… Using data from the 2006-2010 UK Biobank Prospective Cohort
Study, researchers note that individuals with one or more chronic disease average about 60 fewer minutes of moderate
physical activity each week in comparison with healthy adults, which may place them at greater risk for other health risks
related to inactivity. International Journal of Epidemiology, February 2019
Chiropractic: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction? In a study involving 51 patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD)
and referred pain to the buttocks or lower back, researchers found that mobilization, stretching, stabilization exercises, and
manipulative therapy are all effective treatments for reducing pain and improving function in SIJD patients. Doctors of
chiropractic commonly use a combination of such treatments when managing patients with musculoskeletal complaints,
including SIJD. Pain Physician, January 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Why Do I Have Dry Eye? Dry eye occurs when your tear production fails to keep the eye surface
adequately lubricated, leading to scratchy or stinging feelings, dryness, discharge, and pain and redness of the eyes. The
National Eye Institute lists these common causes of dry eye: medications including antihistamines, decongestants,
antidepressants, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and medications for anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and
high blood pressure; advancing age; rosacea and blepharitis; windy, smoky, or dry environments; seasonal allergies; and
prolonged periods of screen time. National Eye Institute, January 2019
Quote: “You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” ~ Babe Ruth
Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna