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Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Can Affect the Autonomic Nervous System. A review of data from 71 studies suggests that obstructive sleep apnea can affect autonomic nervous system functions related to relaxation, digestion, stress response, and heart rate. The authors of the review speculate this may be the mechanism by which sleep apnea increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.                                                    Sleep Medicine Reviews, March 2021

Diet: Poor Diet is Bad for Brain and Gums. New research suggests that consuming a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat, high-fat dairy products, and refined grains—is associated with an elevated risk for both periodontitis and cognitive dysfunction.
Nutrients, March 2021

Exercise: Avoid Uninterrupted Sedentary Time. Past research has shown that prolonged periods of sedentary
behavior can lead to the accumulation of biomarkers in the blood that are associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. In this study, researchers found that breaking up sessions of sedentary activity every 15 minutes with just a small amount of physical activity of any intensity can counteract much of the negative effects of prolonged inactivity. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, April 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Effective and Safe for Cervicogenic Cephalic Syndrome. Cervicogenic cephalic syndrome is a condition characterized by headaches and dizziness caused by dysfunction in the neck. A recent literature review found that manual therapies, such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with cervicogenic cephalic syndrome.          Medicine, February 2021

Mental Attitude: Suicide Risk Elevated Among Nurses. Using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System, researchers report that individuals in the nursing profession have an 18% increased risk for suicide compared with the general population. The authors of the study note that further research is necessary to gain a greater understanding of why nurses are at elevated risk for suicide and to identify interventions to address the issue.                                            JAMA Psychiatry, April 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Take Microbreaks to Stay Sharp at Work. Microbreaks are short timeouts from work functions that usually involve activities like getting a snack, chatting with co-workers, stretching, or doing a crossword puzzle that can help workers maintain their energy levels and stay productive throughout the day.
Journal of Applied Psychology, March 2021

Quote: “We come. We go. And in between we try to understand.” ~ Rod Steiger

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Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke Puts Kids at Risk for Hospitalization. New research suggests that children from smoking households are more likely to visit an urgent care center or be admitted to a hospital than kids from smoke-free homes. Lead author Dr. Ashley Merianos notes, “Despite major progress in tobacco control, about four in ten children remain exposed to tobacco smoke… This exposure places developing
children at higher risk for many health problems, including respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchiolitis
and pneumonia.”                                                                            PLOS ONE, March 2021

Diet: Slow Down at Mealtime. Using data from two ongoing studies, researchers report that individuals identified as fast eaters tend to consume more calories per meal and are more likely to gain weight over time than slower eaters.              Clinical Obesity, January 2021

Exercise: Exercise May Slow Cognitive Decline in Parkinson’s Patients. Among a group of 173 patients with early Parkinson’s disease, researchers observed that those with a sedentary lifestyle experienced a greater decline in cognitive function over the following two years than participants who regularly exercise.
Neurology, March 2021

Chiropractic: Manipulation for Treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniation. A study that included 67 lumbar disk herniation patients revealed that six spinal manipulative therapy treatments spread over two weeks not only resulted in improvements in pain and function, but also in the curvature of the lumbar spine. Spinal manipulation is the primary form of treatment utilized by doctors of chiropractic for musculoskeletal conditions of the spine.                                                                 China Journal of Orthopeadics and Traumatology, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Teens Who Are Online a Lot Are More Likely to Become Cyberbullies. A survey of 428 adolescents revealed that teenagers spend an average of seven hours a day online. Additionally, the more time a teen is on the Internet each day, the greater the chance they will engage in cyberbullying behaviors.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, March 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Deficiency Too Common in Hip Fracture Patients. Blood tests collected
from 268 brittle hip fracture patients revealed that almost 90% were vitamin D deficient, and half of these individuals were severely deficient. Because vitamin D is important for healthy bones, the findings suggest that improving vitamin D status in the elderly could reduce their risk for serious hip fracture.
Orthopedic Surgery, March 2021

Quote: “May you live every day of your life.” ~ Jonathan Swift

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Health Alert: Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Low Vitamin D? Painful peripheral neuropathy is a common long-term complication in patients with type 2 diabetes. An analysis of blood samples from 483 type 2 diabetics revealed that those with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy were three times more likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency, leading researchers to suggest that low vitamin D status may be a risk factor for the condition.                      Frontiers in Nutrition, March 2021

Diet: Cocoa Flavanols Boost Memory? In a recent clinical trial involving 211 healthy middle-aged and older adults, researchers observed that participants provided with a cocoa flavanol supplement for twelve weeks performed better on a list-learning task than members of a placebo group.              Scientific Reports, February 2021

Exercise: Exercise Provides Mental Health Benefits for Those with Prostate Cancer. New research suggests that both resistance training and aerobic exercise are effective for reducing anxiety and depression in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, February 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Aids in Management of Neck Pain. Among a group of 60 patients with neck pain, researchers observed that those treated with the combination of manual therapies and physiotherapy modalities experienced greater improvements in pain and disability than patients treated with physiotherapy alone. Doctors of chiropractic often address neck pain with a multimodal approach that may include manual therapies, modalities, exercises, and nutritional recommendations.
Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Academic Performance and ADHD. Researchers monitored the academic progress of 400 university students and found that those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had about a half
grade lower GPA than students without the condition. Additionally, students with ADHD were less likely to
graduate. The finding suggests that students with ADHD may need greater academic support to help them succeed in school. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, February 2021

Wellness/Prevention: How to Prevent Falls in the Winter Months. American Bone Health offers the following tips to help you stay on your feet when presented with snowy, icy, or wet surfaces: wear shoes with good traction, dress warm, be careful getting out of your car, don’t rush, pay attention to surfaces, stay alert for black ice, and keep your driveway and walkways clear.                                                                        American Bone Health, March 2021

Quote: “Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few.” ~ George Berkeley

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Health Alert: Lack of Sleep Raises Dementia Risk. Using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, researchers estimate that older adults who sleep five or fewer hours a night are two times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia or die in the following five years than participants who sleep an average of seven to eight hours a night.                        Aging, February 2021

Diet: Mediterranean Diet Linked to Reduced Obesity Risk. A review of data from 143 studies concluded that the Mediterranean diet—an eating pattern focused on eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars—is associated with a reduced risk for obesity in adults. Public Health Nutrition, February 2021

Exercise: Home Gym Essentials. Fitness experts from Self magazine recommend the following essential items for building an affordable home gym: an exercise mat, resistance bands, kettlebells, dumbbells, a full-length mirror, a jump rope, and a gym ball.                                                                                              Self, March 2021

Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation for Tension-Type Headaches. Tension-type headache patients treated with the combination of spinal manipulation and exercise experienced greater improvements with respect to headache frequency and severity than those treated with either myofascial release of the suboccipital muscles or exercise alone. Doctors of chiropractic commonly use a combination of spinal manipulation and specific exercises when managing patients with tension-type and other forms of headache.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Early Life Mental Health Issues Can Affect Physical Health in Adulthood. An analysis
of long-term health data concerning over 1,000 individuals whom researchers monitored for several decades revealed that participants with a history of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues as children experienced sharper declines in sensory, motor, and mental function as they aged. The findings suggest that improving the mental health of kids and teens may provide life-long benefits.                                                            JAMA Psychiatry, February 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Health & Wellness Tips for All. The Guadalupe Regional Medical Center offers several small tips for improving one’s health and wellness: schedule a wellness check and stick to it, get yearly eye exams, eat at least one fruit and vegetable at every meal, spend one entire day on you, schedule regular dental exams and cleanings, drink at least two glasses of water per day, give up soft drinks, and get physically active.                                                                   Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, March 2021

Quote: “Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.” ~ Wyatt Earp

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Health Alert: Chronic Heartburn Increased Risk for Some Cancers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD) occurs when the stomach contents, especially acid, leak into the esophagus. In a review of data concerning a half-million middle aged and older adults, those with GERD had nearly a two-times increased risk for cancers of the larynx and esophagus.                                                                                    Cancer, February 2021

Diet: Dietary Pattern that Benefits the Heart and Mind. The current research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly berries and leafy greens, with a limited intake of saturated fat and animal products is associated with a reduced risk of neurocognitive decline and healthy function of the left ventricle of the heart.                                                      British Journal of Nutrition, February 2021

Exercise: Getting Physically Active and Sitting Less Reduces Diabetes Risk. An analysis of accelerometer
data and blood samples collected from 660 seniors revealed that the combination of regular moderate-to vigorous physical activity and less sedentary time is associated with improved glucose metabolism, which may lower the risk for type 2 diabetes.                                                                            Translational Sports Medicine, February 2021

Chiropractic: Exercise to Address Increased Thoracic Kyphosis Benefits Neck Region. Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a term used to describe an exaggerated curvature of the upper back, which can affect the muscles and soft tissues in the neck, leading to cervical pain and disability. A study that included 24 thoracic hyperkyphosis patients revealed that corrective exercises were more effective for improving sagittal posture,
cervical muscle strength and endurance, and cross-sectional area of the deep cervical muscles than traditional resistance training and physical therapy. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize a combination of manual therapies and corrective exercises to address abnormal spinal curvature.               Scientific Reports, February 2021

Mental Attitude: Work Performance Poor for “Night Owls.” Following a review of long-term lifestyle and health data concerning over 12,000 adults, researchers report that about 1 in 10 individuals habitually stay up too late and they tend to underperform at work in comparison with their peers who get sufficient sleep each night.                                Occupational & Environmental Medicine, February 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Risk Factors for Poor Quality Sleep. Questionnaires completed by 1,300 middle-age adults revealed that one-in-ten regularly experience poor quality sleep. Risk factors for poor sleep quality include poor diet, excessive stress, chronic back pain, chronic respiratory disease, and depression.
Preventative Medicine Reports, December 2020

Quote: “Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.” ~ John Updike

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Health Alert: Vaping Marijuana May Pose More Serious Risk to Teen Lungs. A survey of nearly 15,000
teenagers revealed that those who vaped marijuana products were more likely to experience symptoms of lung
injury, such as wheezing, than their peers who vaped nicotine products or smoked either cigarettes or marijuana.
Journal of Adolescent Health, March 2021

Diet: Fish May Cut Frailty Risk. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowness, physical
inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss. An analysis of data from the Kyoto University Rheumatoid Arthritis Management. Alliance (KURAMA) cohort suggests that eating fish twice a week is associated with a reduced risk for frailty in older adults.                                                              Scientific Reports, March 2021

Exercise: Golfing Offers Benefits for Those with Parkinson’s. Past research has shown that exercise can
improve balance and mobility in patients with moderate Parkinson’s disease. A new study found that Parkinson’s patients who golfed for one hour twice a week experienced similar benefits as patients in a Tai Chi group. However, those in the golfing group were nearly three times more likely to continue exercise in that manner at the conclusion of the study. American Academy of Neurology, April 2021

Chiropractic: Restoring Cervical Lordosis Reduces Neck Pain and More. Treatment to restore cervical lordosis and correct anterior head translation in 110 athletes with chronic nonspecific neck pain resulted in
improvements in pain, disability, autonomic nervous system function, and cervical sensorimotor control. Doctors of chiropractic often use a multimodal approach to improve cervical posture in patients with chronic neck pain.                Journal of Athletic Training, February 2021

Mental Attitude: Social Media Time Tied to Suicide Risk Among Teen Girls. Researchers tracked social
media habits of nearly 500 teenage girls and found that those who spent two or more hours per day on social media at age 13 and increased their use over time had an elevated risk for suicide over the following decade.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence, February 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Don’t Skip a Mammogram. A study that looked at health data concerning more than
549,000 women found that those who showed up for their two routine screening exams before their breast cancer diagnosis were 50% less likely to die from the disease during the next decade than women who missed their mammograms. Radiology, March 2021

Quote: “Your world is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind.” ~ Earl Nightingale

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Health Alert: Mono May Raise Depression Risk. Following a review of data concerning 1.4 million adults born
between 1977 and 2005, researchers report that individuals with a history of infectious mononucleosis as children or teenagers have up to a 40% elevated risk for depression in young adulthood.
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, February 2021

Diet: Just One Salad a Week Benefits Oral Cancer Patients. Among 150 patients with oral cancer, researchers
observed that those who consumed at least one salad a week experienced slower cancer progression and had a higher
likelihood of surviving the disease.                                    Nutrients, January 2021

Exercise: Take a Rest Day? Active individuals who suffer from persistent muscle pain or soreness, an inability to finish a workout routine, or continued sluggishness following a workout are likely in need of a day off from the gym. Rest days can offer the following benefits: reduces muscle pain and soreness, helps repair and build muscles, replenishes the body’s energy stores, prevents injury, and allows the mind to rest.
Medical News Today, January 2021

Chiropractic: Nursing Students Suffer Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Questionnaires completed by
125 nursing students revealed that 104 (~83%) had musculoskeletal pain or discomfort in at least one body region,
most often in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. The findings reveal that undergraduate nursing students are at greater risk of musculoskeletal disorders and there is a need for greater prevention and treatment options for this group of students. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to diagnose and treat these disorders, often with a combination of manual therapies, specific exercises, and ergonomic guidance.                          Health SA, December 2020

Mental Attitude: How Divorce Can Harm Kids. Interviews conducted with over 550 kids, ages 9 to 18, revealed
that exposure to conflict predicted a child’s fear that one or both parents would abandon them. Furthermore, children who reported higher fear of being abandoned were more likely to report more mental health issues nearly a year later. Based on the findings, the lead author says that parents need to make sure that their children know that even though they are separated or divorced, they will continue to care for them to help reduce any fears of abandonment.
Child Development, January 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Should I Get a Calcium-Score Test? A non-contrast coronary calcium CT scan is used to
help detect calcium deposits in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. The greater the buildup of calcium, the
higher one’s risk for future cardiovascular events. Doctors recommend this test for patients with the following traits:
family or personal history of coronary artery disease; males over age 45 and females over the age of 55; history of smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure; excess weight; and inactivity.
Cleveland Clinic, February 2021

Quote: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

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Health Alert: Air Pollution Can Affect Cognitive Function. Cognitive assessments completed by over 500
individuals at various stages of life revealed that those who grew up in areas with greater exposure to air pollution experienced more severe cognitive decline than participants from less polluted neighborhoods. Lead author Dr. Tom Russ writes, “For the first time we have shown the effect that exposure to air pollution very early in life could have on the brain many decades later. This is the first step towards understanding the harmful effects of air pollution on the brain and could help reduce the risk of dementia for future generations.”
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, February 2021

Diet: Bleeding Gums and Vitamin C. An analysis of 15 clinical trials found that low vitamin C status is associated with bleeding of the gums, gingival bleeding, bleeding in the eye, or retinal hemorrhaging. Investigators also found that increasing daily vitamin C intake helped people with low vitamin C plasma levels reverse these bleeding issues.
Nutrition Reviews, February 2021

Exercise: How to Make Exercise a Daily Habit. Harvard University offers the following tips to help make exercise
a daily habit: piece your workout together, such as getting 10 minutes in the morning, noon, and night; exercise with
a friend; take a walk during lunch; use a pedometer to keep track of steps and record daily totals; turn off the TV, computer, and smartphone to reduce sitting time; break up sedentary time with stretching breaks; sign up for a fitness class; and plan exercise into your daily schedule.                                         Harvard University, February 2021

Chiropractic: Age and Low Back Pain Can Impair Balance. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense where
its various parts are in relation to one another for purposes of movement and balance. Examinations of 151 adults of varying ages with or without chronic low back pain revealed that chronic low back pain and advancing age are both risk factors for reduced proprioception. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to diagnose and manage low back conditions and provide exercise training to improve their joint position sense.
Frontiers in Neurology, December 2020

Mental Attitude: Social Media Addiction Can Reduce Quality of Life. A survey of 390 university students revealed that about 1 in 5 (21.5%) met the criteria for social media addiction. Further analysis showed that these individuals also had an elevated risk for poor sleep, poor academic performance, low levels of life satisfaction, and depression.                   Frontiers in Public Health, January 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Working Outdoors May Lower Risk of Breast Cancer. New research suggests that women
who spend more of their working hours outdoors in the sun have a 17% lower risk for breast cancer after age 50.
Occupational & Environmental Medicine, February 2021

Quote: “I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him.” ~ Galileo Galilei

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Air Pollution May Affect Fertility. Particulate matter is a mixture of dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and
liquid droplets in the air and has been linked to an elevated risk for several poor health outcomes. According to a new study that included over 2,200 women, living in areas with higher levels of particulate matter air pollution may be associated with reduced ovarian reserve.                                                             Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine, February 2021

Diet: Green Mediterranean Diet for NAFLD Patients? Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition
that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption. An 18-month study involving 294 NAFLD patients revealed that those who adopted the green Mediterranean diet—a version of the Mediterranean diet in which meat is replaced with plant proteins—experienced a greater reduction of fat in the liver than participants on the standard Mediterranean diet.                                                         Gut, January 2021

Exercise: Young Boys and Girls Become Less Active During Summer. While we often associate summer break
as a time for kids to go outside and play, a recent study found that six- to nine-year-old children spend about 50% fewer minutes each day engaged in either moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity during this time.
Frontiers in Public Health, January 2021

Chiropractic: Does Smartphone Use Contribute to Musculoskeletal Pain? Questionnaires completed by 294
university students revealed that heavy smartphone users were more likely to experience pain in the neck, upper back, and hands/wrists, especially those who met the criteria for smartphone addiction. The findings underscore the importance of good posture when using electronic devices and seeking help if smartphone use interferes with one’s ability to carry out their daily responsibilities.                                                                  Korean Journal of Pain, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Touchscreens May Contribute to Distraction in Toddlers. Assessments of 40 children
conducted at 1.5 years and 3.5 years of age revealed that those who spent the most time using touchscreens each day were less likely to resist distraction than kids who used electronic devices less often.                                                                                        JAMA Pediatrics, January 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Simple, Affordable Test May Curb Colorectal Cancer Deaths. Scientists have developed
a test called fecal immunochemical test (FIT) that may help identify individuals at risk for developing colorectal cancer by finding traces of blood in stool. An examination of data on 3,890 patients who received the FIT showed that of the 618 who tested positive for blood in their feces, 43 went on to be diagnosed with colon cancer within twelve months. Meanwhile, only eight of those who tested negative received such a diagnosis over the next year. Research leader Dr. Sarah Bailey writes, “[This] simple and inexpensive test performs exceptionally well in this
group of patients with low-risk symptoms, to quickly and accurately tell us who is likely to not have colorectal
cancer, and who should be referred for investigation.”        British Journal of Cancer, January 2021

Quote: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ~ Frederick Douglass

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Endometriosis May Increase Some Pregnancy Risks. Endometriosis is a potentially painful
condition that occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. A review of findings from 39 studies revealed an association between endometriosis and an increased risk for several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, cesarean section, and stillbirth.              Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2021

Diet: Food Choices Can Affect Breast Cancer Survival. For breast cancer patients, the current data suggests that a
diet pattern featuring a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes and avoids added sugars, sugary drinks, and calorie-dense foods is associated with increased survivability from the disease.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention, February 2021

Exercise: Grip Strength May Identify Individuals at Risk for Heart Disease. Handgrip strength is a tool used by
researchers to estimate an individual’s overall fitness level. A study that reviewed health records of over 3,000 middle aged and older adults identified an association between reduced grip strength and greater calcium build-up in the aortic artery, a risk factor for heart disease.
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, November 2020

Chiropractic: Sit-to-Stand Rotation and Low Back Pain. An experiment that included 24 individuals revealed that standing with seated breaks at a 3:1 ratio may be an effective strategy for mitigating one’s risk for experiencing back pain associated with prolonged standing.                              Ergonomics, December 2020

Mental Attitude: Regular Cannabis Use Linked to Declining IQ. A review of long-term data concerning over
6,000 individuals revealed that frequent cannabis use from adolescence onward is associated with a drop in IQ of
approximately two points by around age 40. Senior author Dr. Mary Cannon adds, “Previous research tells us that young people who use cannabis frequently have worse outcomes in life than their peers and are at increased risk for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Loss of IQ points early in life could have significant effects on performance in school and college and later employment prospects.”                                Psychological Medicine, January 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Winter Wellness Tips. The following tips may help one stay healthy during the colder
months: shift your sleep cycle earlier by one hour; take magnesium, which is a common deficiency; practice simple
breathing techniques to keep calm, focused, and energized; avoid drinking alcohol more than three days per week;
improve vitamin D status with sun exposure, diet, or supplementation; exercise; increase intake of omega-3 fatty
acids; take pre-biotics and probiotics; eliminate refined sugar and carbohydrates; and connect with others.
Forbes, January 2021

Quote: “What we spend our time on is probably the most important decision we make.” ~ Ray Kurzweil

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna