WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, June 27th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Extra Weight Increases Risk of Endometrial Cancer. Body mass index (BMI) is an estimate of body fat based on weight and height. An analysis of data concerning nearly 120,000 women from seven countries
revealed that for every five unit increase in BMI, the risk for endometrial cancer rises by 88%.
BMC Medicine, April 2022

Diet: Fast Food Restaurants Increase Diabetes Risk in Nearby Area. According to a recent study, living within 300 meters (~984 feet) of a fast-food restaurant is associated with up to a 16% increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
PLOS Medicine, April 2022

Exercise: Improve Exercise Training By Controlling Your Blood Sugar. New research suggests that high blood
glucose levels may reduce the exercise capacity of skeletal muscles. However, researchers observed that when normal blood sugar levels are restored, skeletal muscle exercise capacity improves.                                                                                   Diabetes, April 2022

Chiropractic: Prolonged Sitting at Work Affects the Spine. Assessments of office workers revealed that at the
end of an eight-hour workday, participants had experienced a significant reduction in both standing and sitting height, along with an increase in spinal pain. The findings highlight the importance of breaking up prolonged sitting time with frequent breaks to stretch or walk.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, March 2022

Mental Attitude: Mental Illness Tied to Heart Problems. An analysis of 108 studies that included more than 30 million people found that individuals with severe mental illness—such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—have
a two-times greater risk for cardiac-related death than the general population. The authors add, “The increased relative risk of [cardiovascular disease] diagnosis in more recent decades may be a result of disparity in smoking prevalence between people with [severe mental illness] and the general population or increased use of antipsychotics…The changes since the 1990s approximately coincide with the release of newer, second-generation antipsychotics which are known to have worse metabolic effects.”                                                     PLOS Medicine, April 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Choosing the Right Shoe to Reduce Fall Risk. The American Podiatric Medical
Association offers the following recommendations for older adults when choosing a new shoe: check for support on both sides of the heel, flexibility in the toes, and stability in the middle; make sure to have your feet measured to ensure proper shoe size when shopping for shoes, and wear socks when trying on shoes; avoid buying shoes that are uncomfortable when you try them on; and talk to your podiatrist about what shoes are best for your needs.
American Podiatric Medical Association, April 2022

Quote: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” ~ Soren Kierkegaard

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, June 20th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Sleep Troubles Can Affect Kids’ Reading Ability. An analysis of data concerning 339 primary school students revealed that those with sleep-disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness, and shorter sleep latency scored up to 7% lower on reading assessments than their peers without trouble sleeping.
British Journal of Educational Psychology, June 2022

Diet: Improve Diet, Reduce Cancer Risk. While specific causes of early onset colorectal cancer remain unclear, the current research suggests that a diet characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat, refined grains, and sugar can alter gut microbial composition, which can lead to chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and may result in a greater risk for colorectal cancer. The findings suggest that adopting a healthier diet pattern may reduce the risk for colorectal cancer in adults under age 50.                                                                    New England Journal of Medicine, April 2022

Exercise: Exercise Promotes Longevity. Following an analysis of data from 64 studies, researchers confirm that
individuals with a lifelong history of exercise have a lower risk for early death than their sedentary peers.
International Journal of Epidemiology, May 2022

Chiropractic: Dizziness and Chronic Neck Pain. Among a group of 133 patients under treatment for chronic neck
pain, 43% reported concurrent dizziness. Additionally, those with both neck pain and dizziness were more likely to
experience more intense neck pain and disability, along with lower scores on quality of life assessments. Doctors of
chiropractic are skilled in the management of both neck pain and dizziness, often using a multimodal approach
including manual therapies and specific exercises. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, February 2022

Mental Attitude: Witnessing Domestic Violence in Childhood Can Have Lifelong Consequences. A survey of
more than 17,700 adults revealed that among those who were exposed to chronic parental domestic violence during childhood, 22.5% had major depression later in life, 15% suffered from anxiety, and nearly 27% had a substance
disorder—all of which are rates significantly higher than those seen in the general population. Study author Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson notes, “Our findings underline the risk of long-term negative outcomes of chronic domestic
violence for children, even when the children themselves are not abused.”                                                                                        Journal of Family Violence, April 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Daily Aspirin for Heart Health? For years, experts have recommended taking a daily lowdose aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. However, based on findings from three large-scale studies that weighed the benefits and risks of this practice, the United States Preventative Services Task Force is now reversing this recommendation for adults under the age of 60 with exceptions for those with existing heart problems who already take a low-dose aspirin.                                                                                Journal of the American Medical Association, April 2022

Quote: “I attribute my success to this—I never gave or took any excuse.” ~ Florence Nightingale

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, June 13th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Steroid Medications Pose Dangers for Those with Sickle Cell. A review of data on more than
5,100 patients with sickle cell disease found that patients given oral corticosteroids were more likely to be hospitalized for a vaso-occlusive episode, a condition that can cause intense pain and irreversible organ damage. Research leader Dr. Ondine Walter adds, “Vaso-occlusive events and related hospitalization appear to follow corticosteroid prescription fairly quickly… This evidence suggests corticosteroids may be contributing to the events and should be avoided as much as possible in these patients.”                                                                                         Blood, April 2022

Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Preeclampsia Risk. Preeclampsia is marked by a sudden increase in blood
pressure, protein in the urine, or other problems during pregnancy, which can cause serious health problems for
mothers and babies if left untreated. In a study that included over 8,500 expectant mothers, researchers identified an
association between greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and up to a 22% lower risk for preeclampsia. The
findings are encouraging because very few preeclampsia treatments are considered safe or produce any meaningful
benefits.                                                                                        Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2022

Exercise: Aerobic Exercise May Reduce Cardiovascular Risks in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients. Among a
group of 48 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, those who participated in a twelve-week aerobic exercise intervention experienced an improvement in both blood vessel function and blood pressure reactivity. The findings suggest that engaging in an aerobic exercise training program may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease in CKD patients, which is the leading cause of death for such individuals.                                        Journal of Applied Physiology, April 2022

Chiropractic: Neck Pain and Migraines. A systematic review found that migraine headache patients are three times more likely than individuals without a history of headache to have neck pain (77% vs. 23.5%). Past research suggests that addressing cervical spine issues in patients with migraines—with chiropractic care, for example—may reduce headache frequency and intensity.                                                    Cephalagia, February 2022

Mental Attitude: Quitting Smoking Could Stop Alzheimer’s Progression. Past research suggests that smoking can increase the risk for Alzheimer’s by up to 40%. A recent study found that smokers with mild-cognitive
impairment who quit smoking may be able to slow or stop progression to Alzheimer’s.
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, May 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Safe Neti Pot Use. The Food and Drug Administration offers these guidelines for proper use
of a Neti pot to address clogged sinuses and nasal congestion: wash and dry your hands before each use, thoroughly clean the Neti pot and dry before each use, use clean water (distilled, filtered, or boiled) to create a saline rinse solution, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.                                      Food and Drug Administration, April 2022

Quote: “Getting rid of a delusion makes us wiser than getting hold of a truth.” ~ Ludwig Borne

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, June 6th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Sleep and Prostate Cancer. Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers report that men with insomnia have an 11% increased risk for prostate cancer while those who normally take an afternoon nap may have up to a 9% reduced risk for the disease.                                                                  Prostate, June 2022

Diet: Poor Diet Increases Diabetes Risk. Following an analysis of data from three studies that included nearly
36,000 health professionals, researchers report that, irrespective of genetic risk, a lower quality diet is associated with a 30% increased risk of type 2 diabetes.                            PLOS Medicine, April 2022

Exercise: Lifting Weights May Help Manage Hot Flashes and Night Sweats. For postmenopausal women
who frequently experience moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, researchers report that engaging in resistance training three times a week for 15 weeks may result in significant improvements on menopause-specific health-related quality of life assessments.      Climacteric, June 2022

Chiropractic: Spinal Mobilization & Postural Exercises Reduce Headaches. Among a group of 72 cervicogenic headache patients, researchers observed that a four-week intervention that included posture corrective exercises and spinal mobilization therapy led to significant improvements in headache intensity, neck pain, and neck disability. Furthermore, the patients continued to report such benefits at a follow-up visit four weeks after the conclusion of care. Doctors of chiropractic are known to utilize both approaches in the
management of patients with cervicogenic headaches. Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, February 2022

Mental Attitude: Mental Health Disorders May Contribute to Dementia Risk. A systematic review of data
from ten studies identified the following mental disorders that may elevate an individual’s risk for dementia: anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, late-life depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and sleep disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, June 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Driver’s Education Improves Driver Safety. An analysis of data on motor vehicle crashes among 130,000 drivers under the age of 24 found that those who are required to take driver’s education classes before obtaining a driver’s license are 27% less likely to be involved in a collision in their first two months on the road. Additionally, the researchers report that driver’s education class graduates are also 14% less likely to be involved in a car accident in their first year behind the wheel. The findings are important as many states only require individuals under age 18 to complete driver’s education classes before taking the behind the wheel test for their license.                                                                                   JAMA Network Open, April 2022

Quote: “Knowing when to leave may be the smartest thing anyone can learn.” ~ Burt Bacharach

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 30th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Many Families Face Financial Hardship When Having a Baby. According to a recent study, the
combination of insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs related to pregnancy and birth may account for 20-30% of a low-income family’s annual income.                               Obstetrics and Gynecology, March 2022

Diet: Avocados Benefit the Heart. Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Followup Study, researchers report that eating two or more servings of avocado per week (1 serving = 1/3 of an avocado) may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease by up to 16% and coronary heart disease by up to 21%.
JAMA, April 2022

Exercise: The Power of Lifelong Exercise. Examinations of 46 older men revealed that those with a lifelong history of physical activity had a greater number of stem cells than those with a sedentary lifestyle. The findings are important because these cells aid muscle regeneration, long-term muscle growth, and nerve degeneration protection.
Journal of Physiology, February 2022

Chiropractic: Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Linked to Knee and Hip Arthritis. Lumbar spinal stenosis
is a debilitating condition associated with the degeneration of the spine, which can have a wide range of symptoms including back pain, leg pain, numbness and tingling in the legs, and reduced physical function. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of ten studies found that lumbar spinal stenosis can often co-occur with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, suggesting that patients with one of the conditions should be examined for the others as they may need to be co-managed for the patient to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Doctors of chiropractic commonly treat these conditions using a multimodal approach including manual therapies, physical therapy modalities, rehabilitative exercises, and nutritional recommendations.  BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, February 2022

Mental Attitude: Could Day Care Increase Behavioral Issues in Kids? Following a review of data concerning nearly 1,300 school children, researchers report that the more time a child spends in day care, the more likely they are to have aggressive behaviors, experience attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, and exhibit signs of anxiety and depression. However, many of these problem behaviors decreased by the time children reached the age of 13.                                           PLOS ONE, March 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Improve Your Sleep. To improve sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends the following: go to bed at the same time every night and wake at the same time every morning; exercise regularly; practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing; avoid alcohol and caffeine before bedtime; don’t watch TV or use other screens in the bedroom; and use a white noise machine or earplugs to block out noise.
National Sleep Foundation, March 2022

Quote: “Character is power.” ~ Booker T. Washington

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 23rd, 2022

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

Health Alert: Sleep-Disordered Breathing May Raise Risk for Lung Cancer. Sleep-disordered breathing is a
group of conditions characterized by abnormal sleeping patterns, which includes obstructive sleep apnea. Following
a review of data from seven studies, researchers report that sleep-disordered breathing may elevate the risk for lung
cancer diagnosis by up to 28%. For comparison, smoking cigarettes increases the risk for lung cancer by 3,000%.
European Journal of Cancer Prevention, May 2022

Diet: Cranberries Benefit Cardiovascular Health. Among a group of 45 healthy men, those who consumed a 100
mg cranberry extract daily for one month experienced significant improvement in flow-mediate dilation, which
signals improvement of both heart and blood vessel function, compared with participants given a placebo.
Food & Function, March 2022

Exercise: Exercise Can Reduce Depression Symptoms. Iowa State University researchers report that individuals with major depression who engage in a 30-minute moderate intensity aerobic exercise session may experience an improvement in mood that may last as long as 75 minutes post-workout, and it can also improve the effect of standard therapy.   Psychology of Sport and Exercise, July 2022

Chiropractic: Non-Operative Treatments for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Claudication. Neurogenic claudication is the medical term used to describe the symptom of pain induced by walking, and it is caused by damage to the neurological system as a result of spinal stenosis. A recent literature review found that a multimodal treatment approach that includes manual therapy, exercises, and patient education is an effective non-surgical treatment for the management of lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic stenosis. Doctors of chiropractic utilize manual therapies and rehabilitation exercises when treating patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
BMJ Open, January 2022

Mental Attitude: Napping May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk. New research suggests that older adults who nap in
excess of 60 minutes per day may have up to a 40% increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Study author Dr. Aron Buchman adds, “More studies are needed to better understand the relationship between napping and Alzheimer’s disease. But it’s possible that improving sleep may be a way of modifying the course of Alzheimer’s disease and its manifold manifestations.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, March 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Apnea Can Speed Aging, But Using a CPAP Can Help. A study that included 24 sleep apnea patients revealed the condition accelerates aging on a genetic level. However, the researchers observed that using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device for four hours a night for one year not only slowed the trend but reversed it in some participants.                                          European Respiratory Journal, January 2022

Quote: “Our goal should be to understand our differences.” ~ James D. Watson

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 16th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Beware of Trucks and SUVs When Going for a Walk. An analysis of single-vehicle pedestrian
crashes found that the risk of a pedestrian being killed by a right-turning vehicle was 89% higher for pickups and 63% higher for SUVs than standard cars. These findings suggest the need to examine the visibility designs of larger vehicles to reduce blind spots when making turns.                             Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, March 2022

Diet: Proven Benefits pf Intermittent Fasting. For Care Education and Research notes the following benefits of intermittent fasting (restricting eating to a limited window each day or not eating one or two days a week, for example): weight loss, less inflammation in the body, slows cellular aging, increases fat burning, improves insulin sensitivity, improves mental concentration, increases brain function and health, increases energy, improves heart health, reduces the risk for some cancers, and improves gut health and immune function. Consult with your doctor before starting any diet.                      For Care Education and Research, March 2022

Exercise: Benefits of Exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following benefits of exercise: aids in weight loss and weight management; reduces high blood pressure; reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer; reduces arthritis pain and associated disability; reduces the risk for osteoporosis and falls; and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2022

Chiropractic: Does Spinal Manipulation Affect Brain Function? Individuals with chronic low back pain are known to exhibit abnormal brain function in areas of the brain associated with regulating emotions and pain, as well as processing cognitive tasks involving memory formation. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that patients with chronic low back pain experienced improved function in these areas of the brain following the application of spinal manipulative therapy, the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, February 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Stress Fractures. Stress fractures are small breaks in bones that typically result
from overuse from repetitive activities, such as running. To reduce your risk for a stress fracture, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the following: increase the intensity and duration of workouts slowly, diversify your workout by engaging in cross-training, consume a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, wear proper shoes and athletic gear, take a break from exercise if you experience swelling or pain, and see your healthcare provider if symptoms continue.                                                                                   American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Signs of Toenail Fungus. The American Podiatric Medical Association lists the following
signs and symptoms associated with toenail fungus: darker white or more yellow toenails than usual, a strong odor,
accumulation of debris below the toenail, thick and difficult to cut toenails, and painful toenails.
American Podiatric Medical Association, March 2022

Quote: “The key to life is accepting challenges.” ~ Bette Davis

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 9th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Cholesterol Issues in 30s Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk. Researchers analyzed data on nearly 5,000
people who underwent thorough exams during three specific age periods: 35-50, 51-60, and 61-70. They found that individuals who developed Alzheimer’s disease later in life were more likely to have had lower levels of high-density lipids (HDL) or “good” cholesterol and higher levels of triglycerides as early as age 35 than those who did not develop dementia later in life. The findings suggest that people should start taking control of their health and lifestyle sooner, such as attending annual wellness visits in their 30s, getting more exercise, and following a healthier diet to help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Disease, March 2022

Diet: Risk Factors for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that
occurs when a tumor grows at the rear of the nose. A literature review found that a high intake of processed meat, salted fish, and processed vegetables are each associated with an elevated risk for the disease.
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, May 2022

Exercise: Staying or Getting Active Lowers Risk for Ischemic Stroke. Among a group of 11,089 middle-aged
and older adults, researchers observed that those who regularly exercised were 46% less likely to experience an ischemic stroke in the next two decades. Meanwhile, those who were initially inactive and then started to regularly exercise cut their risk for this type of stroke by 23%.                                              International Journal of Stroke, April 2022

Chiropractic: Back and Neck Pain Linked to Workplace Absenteeism. An analysis of data from a study that included 1,471 adults found that back pain- and neck pain-related difficulties with walking, standing, or sitting account for up to 43% of all days of missed work. Past studies have demonstrated that prolonged sitting, physical inactivity, and poor ergonomics are risk factors for work-related back and neck pain.
European Spine Journal, January 2022

Mental Attitude: Did You Bump Your Head? Signs You Need Emergency Care. If you or a loved one has suffered head trauma, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends seeking emergency care if there are any of the following signs: headaches that worsen despite taking over-the-counter medications; weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination; slurred speech; trouble walking; increased confusion or agitation; repeated vomiting; loss of consciousness for more than one minute; unequal pupil sizes; convulsions or seizures; or unusual changes in sleep patterns or mood. American College of Emergency Physicians, March 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Make Sure Kids Buckle Up. To keep kids safe once they graduate to wearing a seatbelt
restraint in the car, SafeKids recommends the following: establish a rule that your child always wears a seat belt during every car ride, have children ride only in the backseat until the age of 13, be a role model by always wearing your seat belt, make sure children always ride with both the lap belt and shoulder belt, and show your child how to sit upright with good posture when riding in the car.                                              SafeKids March 2022

Quote: “The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.” ~ Nicolas Chamfort

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 2nd, 2022

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

Health Alert: Triglycerides Increase Stroke Risk? Researchers monitored 870 patients with a history of stroke
and found that those with high triglycerides suffered repeat strokes at double the rate of those with normal triglycerides levels. Despite their findings, the research team is uncertain if triglycerides are fully to blame and will conduct further research to determine if lowering blood lipid levels with diet and exercise could reduce this risk.
Neurology, March 2022

Diet: Simple Ways to Lower Sodium Intake. Since high intake of sodium is associated with cardiovascular disease, experts note that it’s important to limit one’s salt consumption. Tufts University lists these simple ways to help reduce salt in your diet: cook at home more often, limit prepared foods, and read nutritional food labels.
Tufts University, March 2022

Exercise: Exercise Is a Key for Cancer Survival. The American Cancer Society notes that regular exercise and a
healthy diet are keys to long-term cancer survival and to decrease the risk for recurrence.
CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, March 2022

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care Benefits Those with Osteoarthritis. For patients with osteoarthritis that affects
the spine, hips, or extremities, a recent study found that soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulation, and other common
chiropractic treatments are effective for reducing pain and improving joint function.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, February 2022

Mental Attitude: Suicides on the Rise in Preadolescent Children. The National Poison Data System reports that in the last 20 years, suicidal ingestions by children aged 10 to 12 years increased by 450%. When asked about this finding, study co-author Dr. David Sheridan notes, “This study was not designed to look at what is causing this rise or what the factors are… I think the goal is to highlight this is happening, to fuel more research to hopefully get to the bottom of what you’re asking, which I think is a really important thing.”                               JAMA Pediatrics, March 2022

Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Internal Conflicts. Mindfulness meditation is the practice of
slowing down racing thoughts, letting go of negativity, and calming your mind and body. A study involving 121 volunteers found that those who performed mindfulness meditation were significantly better at coping with an action crisis. The research team notes, “This study provides the first evidence supporting that mindfulness is not only a predictor of action crises but might also influence how people cope with them once they occur… Our findings also highlight the importance of noticing—through meditation for instance—our cognitive and emotional states in goal pursuit and treat ourselves with compassion when things are not going as planned.”
Social Psychological Bulletin, March 2022

Quote: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.” ~ Gregory Peck

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, April 25th, 2022

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

Health Alert: Menopause Linked to Sleep Apnea and Painful Joints. Researchers report that postmenopausal women are 4.5 times more likely than premenopausal women to report sleep apnea, and they are also at increased risk for joint pain.                                                                                       Menopause, March 2022

Diet: Plant-Based Diet May Protect the Brain. An analysis of diet and cognitive performance data concerning
over 4,700 adults found that consuming a plant-based diet may slow cognitive decline.
American Heart Association, March 2022

Exercise: Exercise May Protect the Aging Brain. In a study that included 51 older adults, researchers observed that spending more time engaged in physical activities of any intensity improved function in areas of the brain important for executive function skills, which can help seniors remain independent. Lead author Dr. Marissa Gogniat notes, “We’ve always been told it’s good to exercise, but I think this is some evidence that exercise can actually change your brain… And that impacts the way you’re able to function in your daily life.”
Sport Sciences for Health, January 2022

Chiropractic: Sleep Quality and Low Back Pain. Among a group of 215 patients with low back pain, researchers observed an association between poor sleep quality and higher pain intensity six months later. On the other hand, participants with higher pain intensity at the start of the study were more likely to have poor sleep 24 weeks later. The findings support the concept that back pain and poor sleep have a bi-directional
relationship, and concurrent treatment to address both sleep and back pain may be necessary for some patients to achieve lasting relief.                                                                              Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, December 2021

Mental Attitude: Steps to Prevent Dementia. Stanford Medicine reports that the following lifestyle behaviors may reduce one’s risk for dementia: not smoking; staying at a healthy weight; getting plenty of exercise, eating healthy food; managing health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; staying mentally alert by learning new hobbies, reading, or solving crossword puzzles; and staying involved socially by attending community activities, church, or support groups.                                                      Stanford Medicine, March 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Get Your Eyes Checked. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
seeing an eye doctor promptly if you are suffering from the following: difficulty seeing properly, redness of your eye(s), draining or eye pain, double vision, small specks that seem to “float” in front of your eyes, halos that appear to surround lights, and visions that appear to resemble flashes of light.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2022

Quote: “Problems are cured by facing their cause.” ~ Vernon Howard

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