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

Health Alert: New Advice Regarding Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Individuals with a genetic
predisposition for elevated low-density lipoprotein (the “bad” cholesterol) levels have traditionally been instructed to reduce their consumption of saturated fats to lower their risk for heart disease. However, a team of heart disease and diet experts reviewed dietary guidelines for those with familial
hypercholesterolemia and failed to find any evidence supporting a low saturated fat diet. They concluded that following a low-carbohydrate diet is a more effective dietary strategy for this group of patients.
BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, July 2020

Diet: High-Fiber Diet May Benefit Kidney Function. An analysis of blood samples and dietary information regarding 468 adults suggests that high fiber intake is associated with better renal function.
BMC Nephrology, July 2020

Exercise: Weightlifting Strengthens the Nervous System. The reticulospinal tract descends from the
spinal cord from the brain and is mainly involved in locomotion and postural control. In a recent study, researchers observed that strength training can increase the response of the reticulospinal tract, which may be one way lifting weights improves athletic performance.                                              Journal of Neuroscience, June 2020

Chiropractic: Seat Incline and Spinal Alignment. Photographic analysis of twenty healthy volunteers using a variety of seat orientations revealed that a forward sloped seat is superior to both a flat and backward sloped seat for maintaining neutral spinal alignment and reducing forward head posture. The findings suggest a forward inclined seat pan may reduce an individual’s risk for developing spinal pain.
Medicine, July 2020

Mental Attitude: Diabetes, Sleep Disorders, and Dementia. Using data from the Korean Health Screening Cohort, researchers report that type 2 diabetics with a sleep disorder have a 46% higher risk for dementia than those without a sleep disorder.                                                                          Journal of Diabetes, July 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Exercise Benefits Sleep. Questionnaires completed by 114 healthy middle-aged
women revealed that those who regularly partake in aerobic exercise are more likely to both sleep at least seven hours a night and to awaken in the morning feeling rested.
Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness, July 2020

Quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: As a Nation’s Wealth Grows, So Do Men’s Waistlines. Using four decades of data concerning nearly 150 countries, researchers report that for every 1% increase in a nation’s per capita income, the obesity rate among men in the country rises 1.23%.                                                                       PLOS ONE, May 2020

Diet: Can Too Much Coffee Be Bad for Your Health? Researchers examined connections between genetics, habitual coffee consumption, and health conditions from a dataset that included over 300,000 adults in the UK Biobank and found that drinking six or more cups of coffee a day is associated with an
elevated risk of osteoarthritis, arthropathy, and obesity.      Clinical Nutrition, March 2020

Exercise: Exercise Cleans Muscles. According to a new study, an intense ten-minute bout of exercise increases the activity of the “death marker protein” called ubiquitin, which helps remove worn-out proteins from muscle tissue. Researcher Dr. Jørgen Wojtaszewski writes, “Basically, it explains part of
the reason why physical activity is healthy. The beauty is that muscle use, in and of itself, is what initiates the processes that keep muscles up to date, healthy, and functional.”
FASEB Journal, May 2020

Chiropractic: Manual Therapies for CTS. Among a group of 30 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), researchers observed that mechanical interface mobilization and nerve mobilization techniques are both effective treatments for improving nerve function and reducing pain and disability.
Doctors of chiropractic often utilize these manual therapy techniques along with other conservative treatment options for patients with CTS.                                                                      Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine, April 2020

Mental Attitude: Creative Art, Storytelling, and Mild Cognitive Impairment. A review of findings from 64 published studies found that participating in creative art or storytelling programs can improve brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.                                              Ageing Research Reviews, June 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Surprising Contributors to Heart Disease. WebMD notes that in addition to lack of exercise and a poor diet, the following are also associated with an elevated risk for heart disease: belly fat, dental problems, loneliness, long work hours, a history of migraines, shift work, and snoring.                                                                                    WebMD, June 2020

Quote: “We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.” ~ Calvin Coolidge

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Singing and Snoring. A review of findings from six published studies noted that people who frequently sing have a reduced risk for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, June 2020

Diet: Almonds Good for Vascular Health. During a six-week study, researchers observed that participants who replaced unhealthy snack foods with almonds experienced improvements in both endothelial function (the functionality of the thin membrane that lines the heart and blood vessels) and
their cholesterol readings.                                                     American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2020

Exercise: Aerobic Exerc20ise May Benefit Asthmatics. An analysis of data from eleven published
studies concluded that aerobic exercise training can lead to improvements in both asthma control and
lung function.                                                                            European Respiratory Journal, April 2020

Chiropractic: Myofascial Therapy for Neck Pain. Among a group of 54 patients with mechanical neck pain, researchers observed that five sessions of myofascial release therapy were more effective at reducing pain and improving pain sensitivity than ten sessions of massage, ultrasound therapy, and
transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. Doctors of chiropractic commonly use myofascial techniques in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, April 2020

Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Improves Mood of MS Patients. Mindfulness is described as the ability to be fully present, aware of where you are, and calm about what’s going on around you. In a recent study involving 61 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, researchers observed that those who
received mindfulness training experienced improvements in cognitive function and mood regulation.
Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, May 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Ways to Stay Healthy As You Age. WebMD offers five tips to remain healthy when getting older: eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains while eating less butter, fatty meats, sugar, and salt; exercise for at least thirty minutes a day; go to bed and wake up at the same time every day; start a new hobby; and stay in contact with loved ones.                                                                                        WebMD, June 2020

Quote: “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Oil & Gas Wells Linked to Low Infant Birth Weight. An analysis of nearly 3 million pregnancy outcomes from women living within six miles of an oil or gas well revealed that living within less than a mile of these types of wells is associated with a 40% increased risk for low birth weight.
Environmental Health Perspectives, June 2020

Diet: Warning Labels Could Reduce Soda Consumption. A review of findings from 23 published
studies suggests that adding health warning labels to soft drink packaging could reduce sugary drink intake. Study leader Dr. Anna Grummon writes, “Our findings suggest that sugary drink warnings help consumers better understand products’ healthfulness and encourage consumers to make healthier choices about what drinks to buy… These results highlight the potential usefulness of sugary drink warning policies in both
informing consumers and reducing consumption of unhealthy beverages like sodas, energy drinks and fruit flavored drinks.” American Society for Nutrition, May 2020

Exercise: Exercise Helps College Students Be More Resilient. University students who regularly exercise are less likely to be affected by depression, anxiety, or stress than their less active peers.
Frontiers in Psychology, May 2020

Chiropractic: Car Accidents and Back Pain. A systematic research review discovered that individuals involved in a motor vehicle collision may be more likely to develop back pain in the future than those who have not been in a car accident. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate and effectively treat
musculoskeletal injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. Accident Analysis & Prevention, May 2020

Mental Attitude: Noise, Air Pollution, and Alzheimer’s. New research suggests that frequent exposure to elevated noise and carbon monoxide levels may lead to increased oxidative stress in the body, which may raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.                                                                                         Medical Gas Research, June 2020

Wellness/Prevention: How to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk. The American Cancer Society offers the
following tips to reduce colorectal cancer risk: eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; limit intake of red and processed meats; get the recommended levels of calcium and vitamin D; avoid obesity and weight gain around the midsection; don’t smoke; and limit alcohol consumption.
American Cancer Society, June 2020

Quote: “Life is about timing.” ~ Carl Lewis

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Inherited High Cholesterol May Signal Heart Trouble Earlier in Adulthood. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder that causes high cholesterol. Researchers report that individuals with this condition are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease before middle age; however, less than 10% of adults with familial hypercholesterolemia know they have it.
American Heart Association, June 2020

Diet: Calories Listed on Menus Offer Health Benefits. Because posting calories on menus leads consumers to make healthier food choices, researchers estimate that this practice may prevent nearly 15,000 cases of cardiovascular disease in the United States within five years.                                        Circulation, June 2020

Exercise: Another Way Exercise Helps the Brain. According to a new study, engaging in a twelveweek aerobic exercise program can increase cortical excitability, which can improve one’s ability to create mental imagery.                  Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, June 2020

Chiropractic: Neck Problems May Contribute to Migraines/TMD in Teens. Among a group of 314 teenagers with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), researchers observed that those with comorbid migraines were more likely to have abnormal cervical posture, trigger points in the trapezius muscles, and neck pain. The findings suggest that treatment to address cervical dysfunction may benefit
adolescents with co-occurring migraines and TMD.                 Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, June 2020

Mental Attitude: Gum Disease Linked to Dementia? Researchers reviewed data from twelve studies and concluded that individuals with a history of periodontal disease have a 38% increased risk for dementia.                                                    European Journal of Epidemiology, June 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Poor Vitamin D Status and Pre-Eclampsia. Approximately 2-8% of pregnant women develop pre-eclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and other signs that a woman’s organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are not functioning properly. In a study that looked at
vitamin D status of 370 new mothers, 201 of whom had pre-eclampsia, researchers observed that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy was associated with an elevated risk for both early- and latestage pre-eclampsia.                                              Clinical Laboratory, June 2020

Quote: “There’s no one to stop you but yourself.” ~ Dave Thomas

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Playing a Wind Instrument May Protect Against Sleep Apnea. Though further research is advised, the current literature suggests that playing a wind instrument can increase blood oxygenation and
reduce the risk for obstructive sleep apnea.                                                    Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, May 2020

Diet: Veggies Are Good for Blood Pressure. A review of health and dietary data concerning 10,660 middleaged men found that a greater intake of vegetables (especially raw vegetables) is associated with a lower risk for
hypertension.                                                                                                          British Journal of Nutrition, May 2020

Exercise: Even Light Exercise Can Benefit Those with Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, problematic cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and
excessive waist circumference—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A review of data from a twenty-year study revealed that even light exercise is effective for reducing some of the risk associated with metabolic syndrome.                                                              European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, April 2020

Chiropractic: Combination Therapies for Trigger Point Pain. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent study involving 60 individuals with neck pain and trigger points in the upper trapezius muscles, researchers observed that the combination of muscle energy technique and ischemic compression was more effective at improving both neck pain and muscle tenderness than conventional treatment. Doctors of chiropractic often use these and other manual therapies to treat patients with myofascial trigger points.                                                                                                                      Biomed Research International, March 2020

Mental Attitude: Ask Grandma to Dance. In a study involving 16 grandma-granddaughter pairs who danced for 10-15 minutes once a week, researchers observed that the grandmothers experienced an increase in positive feelings and a better mood, while the granddaughters noted they gained an improved perspective on aging. Additionally, the participants reported the dance sessions strengthened their relationship with one another.
Frontiers in Psychology, April 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Would You Use a “Smart Toilet”? Researchers are developing a “smart toilet” that contains a slew of technologies to detect disease markers in stool and urine, possibly before other symptoms manifest. The Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Brian Rubin explains, “We currently don’t have access to continuous genetic data that’s pouring out of feces and urine… But we do know that a variety of nucleic acids and proteins are secreted in urine and fecal material, and they do provide insight into what’s going on in the human body. It’s the kind of thing that could really take medicine to the next level.”                                                                                                                       Nature Biomedical Engineering, April 2020

Quote: “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” ~ John F. Kennedy

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke Linked to Hypertension in Kids. Examinations of 3,579 children and teens revealed that those who lived in a household in which one or more person smoked were two times more
likely to have blood pressure in the hypertensive range than kids from nonsmoking homes.
Preventative Medicine, May 2020

Diet: Omega-3s May Protect Against Alcohol/Substance Abuse. Healthy omega-3 fatty acid serum levels are associated with better cardiovascular health and cognitive function, as well as reduced inflammation. In a recent article published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design, the authors speculate that improving omega-3
fatty acid levels during childhood and adolescence may reduce impulsivity and reward sensitivity, potentially lowering the risk for developing substance and alcohol abuse disorders.
Current Pharmaceutical Design, April 2020

Exercise: Staying Active May Aid in Afib Management. Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that is known to significantly increase the risk of stroke. A study involving 3,333 Afib patients
revealed that participants who averaged fewer steps per day tended to experience more severe Afib-associated symptoms than those with a more active lifestyle.                                                                                                       Hearth Rhythm, May 2020

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Is a Common Work Injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that three million non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries took place in the United States in 2018, with low back pain listed as the most common complaint. While the prevalence of low back pain was greatest among physically demanding jobs like construction work, poor ergonomics, bad working postures, and
excessive vibration exposure have also been demonstrated to increase the risk for the condition.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 2020

Mental Attitude: Adults Often Delay Seeking Help for Eating Disorders. A survey of 300 young adults revealed that many with an eating disorder put off seeking treatment due to either denial, concerns of losing
control, or not understanding the severity of their condition.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, April 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Risk Factors for Sleeping Problems. The following factors are associated with an increased risk for either insufficient or poor quality sleep: an inconsistent eating schedule, low vegetable intake,
alcohol before bed, electronic device use in bed, high caffeine intake, dinner within two hours of bed time, lack of sunlight exposure in the morning, and weight gain.                                                                                                                Sleep Health, April 2020

Quote: “Happiness consists in activity. It is running steam, not a stagnant pool.” ~ John Mason Good

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Blood Infections Tied to Colon Cancer Risk. An analysis of health data concerning over two million adults found evidence that blood infections from anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium septicum may
be associated with an increased risk for developing colon cancer in the near future. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should screen patients for colon cancer if they have recently been diagnosed with a blood infection caused by anaerobic bacteria.
European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, April 2020

Diet: Low-Fiber Diet May Benefit Asthmatics. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers have identified an association between low fiber intake and an increased risk
for asthma-related symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and excess phlegm production.
Annals of the American Thoracic Society, May 2020

Exercise: Overtraining? To reduce the risk of overtraining, researchers recommend spending no more than 9% of total exercise time each week at an intensity greater than 90% of maximum heart rate.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, February 2020

Chiropractic: Old and Young May Experience Different Whiplash Symptoms. Examinations of 27 seniors and 32 young adults who had recently been diagnosed with a whiplash injury following a motor vehicle
collision revealed that dizziness is a more common symptom among older whiplash patients, and younger individuals are more likely to report neck pain.                                                                                                                       American Journal of Otolaryngology, April 2020

Mental Attitude: Kids Intuitive About Parental Stress. New research indicates that attempting to suppress emotions can lead a parent and their child to become cold and less engaged with one another. Researcher Dr.
Sara Waters writes, “That makes sense for a parent distracted by trying to keep their stress hidden, but the kids very quickly changed their behavior to match the parent… So if you’re stressed and just say, ‘Oh, I’m fine’, that
only makes you less available to your child. We found that the kids picked up on that and reciprocated, which becomes a self-fulfilling dynamic.”          Journal of Family Psychology, April 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention Tips. The American Dietetic Association recommends the following to reduce one’s cancer risk: become leaner; get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily; avoid sugary
drinks; limit consumption of high-calorie foods; eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes; limit consumption of red meat and avoid processed meat; limit your daily intake of alcohol; and limit consumption of
salty and processed foods.                                                                              American Dietetic Association, April 2020

Quote: “Life has its own hidden forces which you can only discover by living.” ~ Soren Kierkegaard

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Early Death from Heart Disease Greater in Women Living in Rural Areas. An analysis of data regarding premature deaths from coronary artery disease over the last two decades showed that death rates due to coronary artery disease increased about 11% among women living in rural areas. Senior author Dr. Federico Moccetti explains, “Women living in rural areas of the United States have for the first time suffered an increase in premature deaths from coronary artery disease. This is in stark contrast to their urban counterparts, who have experienced a virtually uninterrupted reduction in premature coronary artery disease deaths.” The findings reveal the need to increase public health campaigns focusing on heart health among rural women.
Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2020

Diet: Eat More Fiber! Using data from the NutriNet-Santé study, researchers report that higher dietary fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2020

Exercise: Get Active After a Heart Attack. Among a group of 4,570 heart attack patients, those who attended cardiac rehabilitation classes reported higher quality of life scores than those who remained sedentary. Study
author Dr. Ben Hurdus adds, “Exercise improves fitness, which has both physical and mental health benefits… If you’re more able to participate in activities that bring you happiness, then you’re more likely to have a better
quality of life.”                                                                                                     European Society of Cardiology, April 2020

Chiropractic: Back Pain Common Among Future Physicians. Questionnaires completed by 640 medical school students revealed that a third experienced an episode of low back pain during the previous year and
roughly half had to reduce their activities due to their pain.
International Journal of Preventative Medicine, March 2020

Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Dementia. A review of data from the Zaragoza Dementia and Depression Project study found that high levels of anxiety are associated with a nearly three-fold increased risk for vascular
dementia in older men but not in older women.                                               Brain Sciences, April 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Reasons to Maintain a Healthy Weight. The National Institutes of Health notes that maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk for the following: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, pregnancy difficulties, and some types of cancer.                                                           National Institutes of Health, April 2020

Quote: “On an exhausted field, only weeds grow.” ~ Henryk Sienkiewicz

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Complications During Pregnancy Increase Future Risk of Preterm Delivery. An analysis of data on both the first and second pregnancies of over 300,000 Norwegian women revealed that the risk of
preterm birth in their second pregnancy was two times greater among women who experienced a complication during their first pregnancy such as preeclampsia placental abruption, stillbirth, neonatal death, and low birth
weight for gestational age. Researchers hope the findings will help healthcare providers identify those at increased risk of preterm delivery.                      BMJ, April 2020

Diet: Food Choices May Affect Liver Cancer Risk. A diet low in fruits, leafy vegetables, and fish may be associated with an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma.                                                                                      PLOS One, April 2020

Exercise: Walking Offers Many Health Benefits. Walking is a great weight-bearing exercise associated with the following benefits: increased cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness; reduced risk of heart disease and stroke; improved management of conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or  stiffness, and diabetes; stronger bones; improved balance; increased muscle strength and endurance, and
reduced body fat.                                                                                         Department of Health & Human Services (Australia), May 2020

Chiropractic: Conservative Care Can Reduce Need for CTS Surgery. Among a group of 150 patients on a waiting list for carpal tunnel release surgery, researchers observed that participants who performed tendon
gliding exercises for six weeks were about 25% more likely to cancel their procedure within the following six months. Doctors of chiropractic often incorporate tendon gliding exercises in their treatment recommendations
for carpal tunnel syndrome patients in addition to nutritional recommendations and manual therapies to relieve pressure on the median nerve at the wrist and elsewhere along its course.                                        Journal of Physiotherapy, April 2020

Mental Attitude: Early School Start Time Affects Attendance. New research suggests that high school students who start school at 7:25 a.m. are more likely to miss school or arrive late for their first class than students who begin the day at 8:50 a.m.                                                                                 Economics of Education Review, June 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Protect Yourself from the Sun to Prevent Skin Cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that many Americans don’t take proper precautions to protect themselves from the sun. To reduce the risk for skin cancer, the academy recommends the following: seek shade when the sun’s rays are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; wear sun-protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a widebrimmed hat and sunglasses; use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on all skin not covered by clothing.                                                                                         American Academy of Dermatology, April 2020

Quote: “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ~ Hal Borland

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna