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

Health Alert: Smartphone Use Landing Users in the ER. Between 1999 and 2017, researchers estimate that more than 76,000 people visited emergency rooms in the United States for head, face, and neck injuries in relation to smartphone usage. Lead researcher Dr. Boris Paskhover explains, “People are not paying attention and getting head and neck injuries because they’re walking with a cellphone, and fall and break their nose or jaw.”
JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, December 2019

Diet: Most Expectant Mothers Don’t Get Enough Iron and Calcium. The results of a recent literature review suggest that 91% of pregnant women have inadequate daily iron intake while 55% fail to consume enough calcium.
Maternal & Child Nutrition, December 2019

Exercise: How Exercise Boosts Oxygen to the Brain. Scientists have long assumed that blood is always saturated with oxygen, but according to a recent study, this isn’t the case and may explain why exercise is linked to better brain function. In the study, researchers monitored respiration, neural activity, blood flow, and brain oxygenation of mice using a treadmill and found that increased respiration led to greater amounts of oxygen in the blood, thus providing more oxygen to the brain. Based on the results, researchers conclude that respiration provides a dynamic pathway for modulating cerebral oxygenation.                                                                     Nature Communications, December 2019

Chiropractic: Chronic Neck Pain Affects Shoulder Muscle Activation. Using surface electromyography to assess multiple muscles in the neck and shoulder region, researchers observed increased onset delays in the anterior and middle deltoid and a peak delay in the upper trapezius muscle among participants with chronic neck pain that were not observed
in those without a history of neck pain. The findings suggest that neck pain may be associated with dysfunction in the shoulder and may need to be addressed to achieve an optimal outcome for patients with neck pain, shoulder pain, or both.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2019

Mental Attitude: Vaping Linked to Depression. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey concerning more than 890,000 adults, researchers estimate that current e-cigarette users are two-times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those who have never used e-cigarettes, and the risk for depression increases in proportion with use. The results suggest that patients suffering from depression and other mental health conditions should be screened for tobacco dependence.                   JAMA Network Open, December 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Know the Warning Signs for Stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of death and a significant cause of disability in the United States. The American Stroke Association list the following warning signs of stroke: face drooping on one side, arm weakness and/or numbness, and slurred speech. Other symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion,
trouble seeing, difficulty walking, and severe headache. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, summon emergency services immediately.                                                                                                        American Stroke Association, December 2019

Quote: “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Cleaner Teeth May Lead to a Healthier Heart. A review of data concerning more than 161,000 South Korean adults revealed that those who brushed their teeth three or more times a day had a 10% lower risk for atrial fibrillation and a 12% reduced risk for heart failure over the following decade. The researchers suspect that frequent tooth brushing may reduce the presence of potentially harmful germs between the teeth and gums, preventing the bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing an inflammatory response that is associated with an elevated risk for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, December 2019

Diet: Eat More Peas and Beans for Heart Health? New research suggests that consuming several servings of legumes per day is associated with a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. Study co-author Dr. Hana Kahleova writes, “Americans eat less than one serving of legumes per day, on average. Simply adding more beans to our plates could be a powerful tool in fighting heart disease and bringing down blood pressure.” Advances in Nutrition, November 2019

Exercise: Fitness Consultation Key to Motivating Child Cancer Survivors. Questionnaires completed by child cancer survivors revealed that just one exercise physiology consultation was enough to improve exercise levels among nearly three quarters of these patients. The findings suggest that tailored guidance from an exercise professional should be a standard in the
treatment of child cancer survivors due to the potential lifelong benefits. Heart and Mind, November 2019

Chiropractic: Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain. Forward head posture is a common postural fault that’s associated with excessive screen use. A systematic research review has determined that adults with neck pain are more likely to exhibit forward head posture than individuals without neck pain. It’s hypothesized that forward head posture places added stress on the upper trapezius, erector spinae, and the neck extensor muscles, potentially raising the risk for musculoskeletal pain in the cervical and thoracic spine. Doctors of chiropractic often address postural faults—such as forward head posture—with spinal manipulation and neck-specific exercises.              Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, November 2019

Mental Attitude: Vitamin D Levels and Dementia. Poor vitamin D status has been linked to several adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia. In an effort to understand whether maintaining healthy vitamin D levels throughout life offered neuroprotective benefits, researchers compared the rate for dementia among individuals with genetically high vitamin D levels and the general population. The results showed that the genetically high vitamin D group had a significantly reduced risk for dementia, which suggests maintaining healthy vitamin D levels throughout life my slow cognitive decline or even stave off the development of dementia.                                                                                 Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, December 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Retainer Care Tips. Keeping your retainer clean can be difficult, but it’s important for preventing cavities and infection. The California Association of Orthodontists suggests these retainer care tips: wash your hands before and after handling your retainer; soak your retainer often in a vinegar-and-water solution; never boil your retainer, as you can ruin
the custom mold; clean with a baking soda scrub or a non-harsh toothpaste; and use a denture cleaner twice per week.
California Association of Orthodontists, December 2019

Quote: “You must learn to take a step back and visualize the whole piece. If you focus only on the thread given to you, you lose
sight of what it can become.” ~ Colleen Houck

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Are Migraines and Asthma Linked? Using a decade of data from a national database, South Korean researchers report that there appears to be a bidirectional relationship between migraines and asthma with migraineurs having a 37% increased risk for asthma and asthmatics having a 47% elevated risk for migraines. Further research is needed to understand the link/s between migraines and asthma.                                                         Scientific Reports, December 2019

Diet: Eating During a Ten-Hour Window Improves Health of 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. In a new study involving
19 individuals with metabolic syndrome, researchers observed that when participants restricted their eating to a ten-hour window every day for twelve weeks, they reduced their calorie intake by nearly 9%, lost an average of 3% of their body weight, and reported more restful sleep. Their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels also improved.
Cell Metabolism, December 2019

Exercise: Which Exercise Is Best for Bone Health in Obese Older Adults? Weight loss among obese seniors can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. In a new study that included 160 obese older adults, researchers found that resistance training or combined resistance and aerobic training were both effective in reducing weight loss-induced decreases in bone
density, while aerobic training alone was deemed ineffective in this regard.
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, December 2019

Chiropractic: Chronic Neck Pain Linked to Lower Neck Strength. A review of findings from fifteen published studies concluded that patients with chronic neck pain have reduced strength in the muscles used for flexion, extension, and lateral flexion of the neck in comparison to individuals without a history of neck pain. Doctors of chiropractic often incorporate
specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, shoulder, and upper back of patients with chronic neck pain to decrease pain, improve function, and reduce the risk for recurrence.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, November 2019

Mental Attitude: Domestic Abuse Can Lead to a Lifetime of Poor Health. An examination of the medical records of over 92,000 women revealed that survivors of domestic abuse are two-times more likely to have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than females with no history of domestic abuse. Study author Dr. Joht Singh Chandan writes, “Domestic abuse is a global public health issue, with as many as 1 in 3 women affected worldwide… We hope these first of their kind research findings will change healthcare practice and will be of assistance in the early diagnosis of fibromyalgia and CFS in women who have been abused.”                          Journal of Interpersonal Violence, December 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Writing Can Help You Deal with Stress. Noting that past studies have shown that writing down your thoughts and feeling about difficult situations can improve your mood, reduce your risk for becoming ill, and increase your productivity, the American Psychological Association recommends keeping a diary or a journal.
American Psychological Association, December 2019

Quote: “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” ~ Aldous Huxley

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Air Pollution Linked to Glaucoma Risk. In this study, researchers analyzed data regarding more than 111,000 adults in the United Kingdom and found that those living in areas with the highest levels of fine particulate matter air pollution had a 6% greater risk for glaucoma. Study author Dr. Paul Foster notes, “While we cannot confirm yet that the association is causal, we hope to continue our research to determine whether air pollution does indeed cause glaucoma, and to find out if there are any avoidance strategies that could help people reduce their exposure to air pollution to mitigate the health risks.”
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, November 2019

Diet: Extra Virgin Olive Oil May Prevent Various Dementias. The accumulation of the protein tau in the brain is associated with an elevated risk for several forms of dementia. In this study, researchers observed that when mice prone to accumulations of tau consumed a diet high in extra virgin olive oil, they had 60% fewer tau deposits than rodents on a standard diet.
Additionally, the mice on the extra virgin olive oil diet also performed better in standard maze and object recognition memory tests.                                Aging Cell, November 2019

Exercise: Muscle Mass Linked to Heart Health. New research that reviewed ten years of health data concerning over more than 1,000 adults indicates that men and women with more muscle mass in middle age were less likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—all risk factors for heart disease—than participants with less muscle mass at midlife.          Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, November 2019

Chiropractic: Pain Is Common in Kids, Teens, and Young Adults. Researchers reviewed the healthcare usage of 373,178 Swedes under the age of 24 and found that 15.8% sought treatment for at least one painful condition in 2017, with abdominal pain, joint pain, headache, and back/neck pain being the most common. Of these individuals, one in seven consulted with their
healthcare provider at least four times during the year. The findings suggest that pain is a common complaint among children and young adults.  European Journal of Pain, December 2019

Mental Attitude: Concussions in High School Increase Risk of Suicide. An analysis of data concerning more than 13,000 high schoolers in the United States revealed that student athletes who reported having a concussion in the last year were more likely to report feelings of depression, suicidal ideations, and planned or previous suicide attempts. Lead author Dr. Dale Mantey writes, “Everyone needs to be aware of the warning signs and the risks that come with concussions—parents, teachers, coaches, but also the students themselves… If there is any concern that a child may have suffered a concussion, it is critical to seek medical attention. If a child is diagnosed with a concussion, everyone in their support network should look for changes in
mood or behavior that may be warning signs of reduced mental well-being.” Journal of Affective Disorders, November 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Identifying Risk Factors for Eating Disorders. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration explains
that eating disorders are the result of a combination of psychological, social, and genetic factors like low self-esteem or perfectionism; overvaluing body image in defining self-worth; stress, depression, and trauma; avoidance of social interaction; involvement in a sport that emphasizes body shape; troubled family or personal relationships; and teasing or bullying.
National Eating Disorders Collaboration, November 2019

Quote: “Endurance is patience concentrated.” ~ Thomas Carlyle

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

 

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Mental Attitude: Dealing with Job Burnout. If you experience high levels of physical or emotional exhaustion at work that reduce your sense of accomplishment and personal identity, then you may be suffering from job burnout. To manage job burnout, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: work with your supervisor to change expectations; seek support from co-workers, friends, or loved ones; try a relaxing activity that can help with stress; exercise to take your mind off of work; and get some sleep to restore well-being and protect your health. Mayo Clinic, October 2019

Health Alert: Many Parents Not Following Safe-Sleep Advice for Their Babies. A survey of moms across the United States revealed that many parents fail to follow all four of the American Academy of Pediatrics’s
recommendations to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): place infants to sleep on their back; sleep in the same room but don’t share the same bed; avoid soft objects or bedding; and use a firm sleep surface.
Pediatrics, October 2019

Diet: Vitamin D May Improve Muscle Function in Seniors. Maintaining skeletal muscle function is vital for promoting independence, mobility, and quality of life among seniors. An analysis of data from 4,157 community dwelling adults aged 60 years and over revealed that older adults with deficient vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to have impaired muscle function. Study author Dr. Niamh Aspell writes, “Overall our findings add weight to the evidence in favor of public health strategies to eliminate vitamin D deficiency in older populations. Future research, however, should identify and focus on older adults with vitamin D deficiency and aim to better
understand if reversing this deficiency improves skeletal muscle function.”
Clinical Interventions in Ageing, October 2019

Exercise: Gentle Exercise Improves Outcomes in Older Patients. Elderly adults who engaged in a home-based fitness program featuring stretches, light weights, and low-impact cardio reported an increased capacity to complete everyday life tasks and activities.                                         Innovation in Aging, October 2019

Chiropractic: Mobilization Provides Benefits to Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common causes of disability among older adults. A study involving 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis revealed that those treated with mobilization therapy, a form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic, experienced knee-related improvements with respect to pain, function, strength, and range of motion. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Supplement May Increase Cancer Survivability. The results of an analysis of data concerning 81,362 adults from ten clinical trials suggest that cancer patients who take a vitamin D supplement may have up to a 13% reduced risk for cancer-related mortality. Bioscience Reports, October 2019

Quote: “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Mental Attitude: Late-Life Mental Health and Disability. Using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study concerning 3,663 older adults, researchers have identified an association between late-life anxiety or
depression and an increased risk for disability over the following five years. The findings suggest that managing latelife depression and anxiety can help seniors maintain their independence. Psychosomatic Medicine, October 2019

Health Alert: Concussion Increases Risk for Sleeping Problems. Researchers report that sleep disorders affect nearly half of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, with insomnia (29%), hypersomnia (28%), and sleep apnea (25%) being the most common complaints. Because insufficient and poor-quality sleep have been linked to several negative health outcomes, the findings suggest that physicians should check for disturbed sleep when managing patients with TBI. Nature and Science of Sleep, August 2019

Diet: Fish Oil Supplement May Help Older Adults Stay Independent. Though further research is advised, the results of a study involving 1,635 sedentary seniors suggest that taking a daily fish oil supplement may reduce one’s risk for major mobility disability by up to 22%. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, November 2019

Exercise: Exercise Helps Lower Fracture Risk in Older Women. In this study, researchers reviewed health and lifestyle data concerning over 77,000 older women between the ages of 50 and 79 and found that those who regularly exercised at any intensity had a lower risk of hip fracture than the participants who seldom or never exercised.
JAMA Network Open, October 2019

Chiropractic: Many Seniors Have Low Back Pain. A review of data from 35 published studies involving over 135,000 older adults found that it’s very common for seniors to experience low back pain that affects their ability to carry out daily tasks. According to researchers, about one in five adults in their 60s currently have back pain, and the risk increases with age, affecting up to 75% of those over age 100. Clinics (Brazil), October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Avoid Insomnia and Improve Sleep. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be detrimental to your health. Below are some recommendations to help overcome temporary insomnia and improve the quality of your sleep: make your bedroom an inviting place by keeping the room free of clutter and distractions; choose a mattress that’s supportive to help reduce musculoskeletal pain; avoid using the bed for watching TV, eating, working, or any other activities; establish a regular sleep-wake cycle by getting up at the same time every morning, even on weekends; avoid excessive napping, which can throw off your regular sleep schedule; limit your consumption of caffeine in the afternoon and evening; watch your alcohol intake; fit in some exercise every day, but don’t exercise strenuously right before bedtime; avoid heavy meals in the evening; and establish a “winding down” ritual just prior to bedtime, like reading a book, listening to music, or watching a pleasant film.
WebMD, October 2019

Quote: “Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Mental Attitude: Being Fit May Protect Against Depression. According to a study that included nearly 8,000 European adults, being physically active appears to reduce the risk for depression, even among those with a genetic predisposition for the condition. Depression and Anxiety, November 2019

Health Alert: Unhealthy Lifestyle Sets Stage for Liver Problems… Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to a host of negative health outcomes. An analysis of data concerning over 270,000 military veterans found that adults with diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension had a 2.6 times greater risk for NAFLD than individuals without those traits. Hepatology, November 2019

Diet: Trans Fats Linked to Greater Dementia Risk. Despite most trans fats being banned in the United States, foods with less than a half-gram of trans fats can be labeled as “trans fat free”. In a study involving 1,600 older
adults, researchers observed that participants with higher levels of trans fats in their blood had an elevated risk for dementia over the following decade. Neurology, October 2019

Exercise: Interval Walking Training Offers Benefits for Seniors. Interval walking training (IWT) is characterized as walking at 70% of maximum capacity (heart rate) for three minutes, then at 40% capacity for the next three minutes, repeating the process five or more times. Among a group of 679 older adults, those who participated in an IWT program for five months not only experienced improved aerobic capacity in comparison to a control group that did not exercise, but they also had a 17% reduced risk for lifestyle-related disease. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, October 2019

Chiropractic: Myofascial Release and Core Exercises for Back Pain. Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on technique commonly used by doctors of chiropractic that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into connective tissue restrictions to help eliminate pain and restore motion. In a study involving 45 elderly patients with nonspecific low back pain, those treated with a combination of MFR and core strengthening exercises three times a week for six weeks experienced improvements in low back pain and function, lower body flexibility, fear-avoidance behavior, and overall quality of life. These techniques are often utilized by chiropractors when managing patients with low back pain. Clinical Interventions in Aging, October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Fruits, Veggies, and Frailty. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowness, physical inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss. The results of a study involving nearly 5,700 seniors suggest that a low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an elevated risk for frailty.
Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, October 2019

Quote: “Happiness does not lie in happiness, but in the achievement of it.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Mental Attitude: Deep Sleep May Wash Toxins from the Brain. According to a new study, activity in the brain changes during deep sleep in a manner that allows the cerebral spinal fluid to rinse out the waste products that can accumulate during the waking hours. Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Raman Malhotra writes, “[This may] help explain why individuals who don’t get enough sleep, or suffer from sleep disorders, are at higher risk of certain chronic health conditions.” Science, October 2019

Health Alert: Is Noise a Risk Factor for High Blood Pressure? Researchers analyzed health data concerning 21,403 workers with occupational noise exposure and found that those with mild bilateral high frequency hearing loss had 34% increased hypertension risk. Despite the finding, experts say that further research is needed before noise exposure becomes an official risk factor for hypertension. PLOS ONE, October 2019

Diet: Soft Drinks Linked to Obesity and Tooth Wear. A review of data concerning 3,541 American adults revealed an association between sugary beverage consumption and both obesity and tooth wear. Researchers Dr.
Saoirse O’Toole writes, “This is an important message for [individuals] who are consuming calories through acidic sugar sweetened drinks. These drinks may be doing damage to their body and their teeth. There is also an important
message for dentists. We should be asking our patients who are obese and have tooth wear what calories they are drinking as this may be having an effect on their full bodies—not just their teeth.”
Clinical Oral Investigations, October 2019

Exercise: Staying Active May Add Years to One’s Life. Among a group of nearly 1,500 Brazilian seniors, researchers found that those with the highest daily physical activity levels were more likely to survive the following
five years than the most sedentary participants. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2019

 Chiropractic: Are Weak Glutes a Cause of Back Pain? Using data from 24 published studies involving over 2,000 adults, researchers report that individuals with weak and/or painful gluteus medius muscles have an elevated risk for low back pain. The finding suggests that the gluteus medius muscles may play a role in low back pain and should be assessed in low back pain patients. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate the hip and pelvic region to assess issues such as glute weakness. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Natural Ways to Soothe a Cough. Symptoms of a cough can often be treated or remedied by doing the following: stay hydrated to help thin mucus; inhale steam; use a humidifier to loosen mucus; use cough drops or lozenges; gargle with saltwater; use an extra pillow to elevated your head at night; don’t smoke or inhale secondhand smoke; avoid irritants such as dust, perfumes, or pollutants; use honey as a suppressant, and use ginger to soothe throat inflammation. WebMD, October 2019

Quote: “The imagination is a muscle. If it is not exercised, it atrophies.” ~ Neil Gaiman

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Mental Attitude: Waist Size Linked to Dementia Risk. Researchers reviewed data concerning 872,082 seniors
and found that for every five-centimeter increase in waist circumference, an individual’s risk for dementia diagnosis over the next five years increases by about 5%. Obesity, November 2019

Health Alert: Don’t Let Babies Sleep on an Incline. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns parents not to let a baby sleep in rockers, pillows, car seats, or any other product that holds an infant at an incline greater than ten degrees. Researchers report that lying on an incline can activate a baby’s stomach muscles, making it easier to turn over, even if they’ve never done so before. Once a baby is on their stomach, the angle can make it tough for them to get out of that position, leading to greater risk of suffocation. Consumer Product Safety Commission, November 2019

Diet: Sweetened Beverages Can Stiffen the Arteries. An analysis of data from the Brisighella Heart Study has identified an association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and increased arterial stiffness. Past
research has linked hardening of the arteries with an elevated risk for poor cardiovascular outcomes. Nutrients, November 2019

Exercise: E-Bikes Can Provide a Worthwhile Workout. Pedal-assist bikes (also known as e-bikes) can provide basically the same level of workout as regular bikes. In this study, researchers pitted e-bikes against regular bikes on a six-mile test loop and found that riders were able to enter the vigorous-intensity zone for target heart rate on both types of bike, even though the average heart rate for e-bike riders was about ten beats per minute lower. Study author Dr. Cougar Hall writes, “This study could be a critical catalyst for populations who struggle to exercise. The participants got cardiovascular results, but didn’t really feel like they were working out.”
Journal of Medical Internet Research, November 2019

 Chiropractic: Teenagers with Neck and Back Pain. Evaluations of 305 adolescents revealed that 8.6% currently had back pain, 47% had back pain in the last year, and 65.1% had an episode of back pain in their lifetime. The
researchers add that 5.9% of participants currently had neck pain, and the one-year and lifetime prevalence for neck pain was 39.8% and 51%, respectively. Further analysis showed that back pain was more common among older teens and those who sat with poor posture, while neck pain was more likely among teens who used their smartphone more than ten hours a week. Journal of Orthopaedic Science, November 2019

Wellness/Prevention: New Tool Can Predict Five-Year Risk of Kidney Disease. The Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium has developed a new risk calculator tool that can predict how likely you are to develop chronic kidney disease within five years based on variables such as age, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels. When caught early, kidney disease progression can be slowed or stopped with proper treatments and lifestyle changes. Journal of the American Medical Association, November 2019

Quote: “You don’t have to swing hard to hit a home run. If you got the timing, it’ll go.” ~ Yogi Berra

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Mental Attitude: Marriage Tied to a Longer Life. It’s common knowledge that married people live longer than singles, but new research suggests the longevity gap is growing. In a study that compared data from 2017 to 2010, researchers found that the age-adjusted death rate for married individuals fell 7% during this time compared with only a 2% decline
among those who were never married and no change for divorcees. On the other hand, the age-adjusted death rate for widows increased 6% during this time. National Center for Health Statistics, October 2019

Health Alert: Heart Patients Often Have Sleeping Problems. A review of the health histories of 202 patients at a cardiology clinic revealed that 60% had at least one sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. This adds to a growing body of research that suggests that sleep disorders may play a role in several negative health outcomes. Laryngoscope, September 2019

Diet: Home Cooked Meals Linked to Fewer Harmful Chemicals (PFAS). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals found in packaged foods, which past animal studies have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, liver and kidney disease, adverse effects on the immune system, and carcinogenic effects. In a new study, researchers reviewed diet information and blood work concerning 10,106 adults and identified a correlation between eating at home and having lower levels of PFAS in the blood. Furthermore, those who more frequently dined at
restaurants, consumed fast food, or ate microwave popcorn had more PFAS in their blood. Co-author Dr. Kathryn Rodgers explains, “The general conclusion here is the less contact your food has with food packaging, the lower your
exposure to PFAS and other harmful chemicals… These latest findings will hopefully help consumers avoid these exposures and spur manufacturers to develop safer food packaging materials.”
Environmental Health Perspectives, October 2019

Exercise: Pick Up the Pace for Better Cognitive and Overall Health. New research that looked at data concerning nearly 1,000 individuals who participated in a 40-year study suggests that a faster walking pace is associated with higher scores on cognitive assessments, a more robust immune system, and healthier teeth and lungs.
JAMA Network Open, October 2019

Chiropractic: Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Alignment. Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when one spinal vertebra slips over the one immediately underneath it. In a recent study, researchers reviewed lateral lumbar radiographs of 104 patients with low back pain and found that high pelvic incidence and increased lumbar lordosis were
significant predictors for anterior slippage of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The findings suggest that maintaining proper spinal and pelvic alignment could reduce the risk for spondylolisthesis. Doctors of chiropractic often treat
spondylolisthesis with spinal manipulation and exercise instruction. Journal of Orthopedic Science, October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Easing Hot Flashes. The Cleveland Clinic reports that about two-thirds of menopausal women in North America suffer from hot flashes. To relieve hot flashes, the clinic recommends identifying and avoiding triggers such as heat, smoking, caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, alcohol, or stress. Cleveland Clinic, September 2019

Quote: “Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus ten thousand times is skill.” ~ Shinichi Suzuki

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna