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Health Alert: Shift Work May Elevate Diabetes Risk. During an eight-year study that included 17,515 middle aged and older adults, researchers observed that participants who worked non-traditional hours had a 19% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.                                                                                              Acta Diabetologica, December 2021

Diet: Insufficient Iron May Contribute to Heart Disease. According to a study that monitored over 12,000
adults for 13 years, iron deficiency is associated with a 24% greater risk of heart disease and a 26% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.                                                           ESC Heart Failure, October 2021

Exercise: Active Lifestyle Benefits Colorectal Cancer Survivors. Among a group of 396 colorectal cancer
survivors, those who restricted sedentary behaviors to less than five hours a day and met fitness guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week were less likely to report high levels of fatigue and low overall quality of life than participants with a less active lifestyle.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, November 2021

Chiropractic: Can Thoracic Spinal Manipulation Affect Achilles Tendinopathy? For patients suffering with Achilles tendinopathy, a recent study found that the application of spinal manipulative therapy to the midback can result in improvements in oxygenation and the testosterone/cortisol ratio in the calf muscle. While further research is advised, the finding suggests that treatment to improve function in the nerves that innervate the lower extremities may aid in the healing process of Achilles tendinopathy.
Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy, June 2021

Mental Attitude: Large Waistline May Signal Elevated Dementia Risk in Seniors. A metanalysis of 21 studies that included a total of over 5 million participants found that a high waist circumference (over 40 inches for men and over 35 inches for women) may increase an older adult’s risk for dementia by up to 13%. However, no such association was found in adults under 65 years of age.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, November 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Artificial Intelligence May Help Improve Breast Cancer Screening. Detecting breast
cancer in women with dense breast tissue can be difficult for traditional mammograms. To assist in the screening process, scientists are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) that can review MRIs of extremely dense breast tissue with the intention of flagging potential tumors for further review by a radiologist.
Radiology, October 2021

Quote: “Few things are so deadly as a misguided sense of compassion.” ~ Charles Colson

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Health Alert: Smartphones and Watches Can Pose Dangers to Pacemakers. Researchers tested the magnetic field output of common smartphones and smart watches at varying distances from implanted heart devices and discovered that in close proximity (less than 6 inches), the magnetic fields of these devices were strong enough to potentially interfere with implanted defibrillators and pacemakers. Based on the findings,
study author Dr. Seth Seidman notes, “[Patients should] take simple proactive and preventive measures, like keeping consumer electronics, such as certain cellphones and smart watches, six inches away from implanted medical devices and not carrying consumer electronics in a pocket over the medical device.”
Heart Rhythm, August 2021

Diet: Eat More Leafy Greens! A review of 24 meta-analyses concluded that increasing one’s intake of green leafy vegetables by 100 grams per day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and early death by 25%.                                     Food Chemistry, October 2021

Exercise: Starting Exercise Late in Life Still Offers Benefits. Older coronary heart disease patients who became physically active after age 60 were 45% less likely to die during the following seven years than their peers who remained sedentary.                                                                                 European Society of Cardiology, August 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis. An analysis of data from six randomized controlled trials and randomized crossover studies concluded that manual therapies—such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic—are effective for reducing pain and increasing function and range of motion in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee.                          Medicine, July 2021

Mental Attitude: Online Learning Boosts Sleep for Kids. Poor sleep hygiene can negatively affect a child’s
academic progress and overall wellbeing. A study that included 5,200 middle and high school students found that taking online classes can dramatically reduce the risk for insufficient sleep, especially if the teen can arrange their own schedule. Lead author Dr. Lisa Meltzer explains, “Without the required transportation time or time required to get ready for school in the morning, online students were able to wake later, and thus get more sleep.”                                                                              Sleep, August 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Levels and PSA Trends. For men under active surveillance for prostate
cancer, those with higher initial vitamin D levels were two times more likely to see their prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) levels trend downward.                                 Urology, September 2021

Quote: “It takes a very long time to become young.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Linked to Cardiovascular Disease. According to a new
study, an individual’s risk for a cardiovascular event increases along with their intake of fast food, sweets, and sugary beverages. More specifically, consuming 7.5 servings of ultra-processed foods a week is linked to an 8.1% elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, and the risk doubles at the 18 servings per week mark.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2021

Diet: Kids Eat More Fruit and Veggies if Dad Does Too. In line with past research that focused on motherchild pairs, a study that included nearly 10,000 father-child dyads found that children were more likely to consume fruit and vegetables if they saw their father doing so as part of a regular diet.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, September 2021

Exercise: Fitness May Not Counter Effects of Sedentary Behavior. Prolonged sitting has been shown to impair vascular endothelial function. New research suggests that being aerobically fit does not protect an individual from the adverse outcomes associated with prolonged bouts of sedentary behavior.
European Journal of Applied Physiology, August 2021

Chiropractic: Benefits of Manual Therapy for Myofascial Trigger Points. A myofascial trigger point is a
hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. A review of 13 randomized controlled trials concluded that manual therapies are effective at improving range of motion in patients with myofascial trigger points. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies to address trigger points in patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions.                   Pain Medicine, July 2021

Mental Attitude: ADHD Linked to Food Addiction? Questionnaires completed by nearly 400 adults revealed
an association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom severity and the risk for food addiction. Appetite, December 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Gum Disease Tied to Heart Disease. A study that included nearly 1,600 participants
found that those with gum disease were 49% more likely to have a nonfatal heart attack, stroke, or severe heart failure over the following six years. Researchers suspect that gum disease may allow germs to enter the bloodstream and accelerate inflammation that is harmful to blood vessels.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2021

Quote: “It’s not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life, it’s what you whisper to yourself that
has the most power!” ~ Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Health Alert: Diabetes Worsens Outcomes for Stroke Survivors. Using data from Israel’s National Stroke Registry, researchers report that ischemic stroke patients with diabetes are less likely to survive one year than stroke survivors without a history of diabetes.                                                                     Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications, October 2021

Diet: Cutting Sugar from Packaged Foods Could Prevent Disease in Millions. The United States National
Salt and Sugar Reduction Initiative estimates that reducing added sugars in packaged food products by 20% and beverages by 40% could prevent 2.48 million cardiovascular disease events and 750,000 diabetes cases over the lifetime of the current population of adults over age 35.                                        Circulation, August 2021

Exercise: Pain Affects Athletes Differently. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of endurance athletes and non-athletes revealed that athletes are less sensitive to painful stimuli, and the brains of the two groups respond differently to heat stress.                                                                                    Human Brain Mapping, September 2021

Chiropractic: Posture is Important to Reduce Text Neck. The prolonged use of electronic handheld devices
causes adverse anatomical and biomechanical changes to the cervical and thoracic spine, muscular imbalances, and postural compensations. These changes contribute to muscular overuse, fatigue, and eventually pain. To safely use electronic devices, experts recommend holding the device close to eye level, using a larger screen, and type with both hands.                                  Work, August 2021

Mental Attitude: Substance Abuse Risk Higher in Adults with ADHD. New research suggests that adults
with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk for substance abuse, from alcohol to marijuana to more illicit drugs. The findings suggest that adults seeking treatment for substance abuse should be screened for ADHD as co-managing both conditions may be necessary for a satisfactory outcome.
Alcohol and Alcoholism, August 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Health Tips for Women. The Guadalupe Regional Medical Center notes that women often fall into the habit of taking care of others, but it’s also important they take care of themselves. The following tips can improve a woman’s odds for a healthier life: stop smoking, stay on top of annual wellness checks, don’t skimp on sleep, avoid sun between 10 AM and 2 PM, exercise, and eat a healthy diet.
Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, August 2021

Quote: “It is wise to direct your anger towards problems—not people; to focus your energies on answers—not
excuses.” ~ William Arthur Ward

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Health Alert: Higher Temperatures May Worsen COPD. Researchers analyzed data collected from almost
1,200 current and former smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and found that a 1 degree (Celsius) rise in ambient temperature increased the likelihood of an exacerbation of COPD symptoms by 2% over the following two days.                                                                                           European Respiratory Society, September 2021

Diet: Avocados Improve Belly Fat Distribution in Women. Overweight or obese women who added one
avocado a day to their diet experienced a decrease in deep visceral abdominal fat over the course of twelve weeks.    Journal of Nutrition, June 2021

Exercise: Benefits of Swimming. Swim England notes that swimming offers the following benefits: provides a full-body workout, great for general wellbeing, helps de-stress and relax, helps burn calories, lowers the risk of for several chronic diseases, helps increases energy levels, and it can be done without sweating.
Swim England, August 2021

Chiropractic: The Occipital Nerve’s Role in Neck Pain and Headaches. A recent experiment involving 22 patients with chronic headaches and/or neck pain showed that removing pressure on the greater occipital nerve resulted in substantial improvement in the patients’ headache/neck pain symptoms. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapy techniques to reduce pressure on nerves, such as the greater occipital nerve, when treating headache and neck pain patients.                       Acta Neurochirurgica, September 2021

Mental Attitude: Risk Factors of Paternal Postpartum Depression. It’s estimated that postpartum depression can affect up to one in four new dads. A systematic review of 37 studies identified the following factors for paternal postpartum depression: unemployment, lack of support from friends and family, negative life events, high perceived stress, financial strain, and a history of mental illness.
Journal of Affective Disorders, October 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Tips for Better Sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following habits to improve one’s sleep hygiene: be consistent with bed times; make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and kept at a comfortable temperature; remove electronic devices from the bedroom; avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before going to bed; and get some exercise during the day.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2021

Quote: “The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.” ~ William James

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Health Alert: Maternal Obesity May Affect Liver Health of Offspring. According to a new study, children born to women who were obese during early pregnancy appear to have up to a three-times increased risk for fatty liver disease, which is associated with several poor health outcomes. Lead author Dr. Hannes Hagström writes, “The findings are important because obesity is becoming more common at a young age, and fatty liver due to being overweight, is increasing in the world. If a tendency towards obesity and fatty liver disease can be ‘inherited,’ it can have consequences for public health.”    Journal of Hepatology, July 2021

Diet: Omega-3s May Help Fight Asthma. New research suggests that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the inflammation in the lungs that is commonly observed in patients with asthma.
Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, July 2021

Exercise: Exercise Improves Survival Rates for Those with Defibrillators. An implantable cardioverter
defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device that is placed under the skin to correct cardiac arrhythmias. A review of data concerning nearly 42,000 ICD patients showed that those who participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program were 24% less likely to die in the three years following the implantation of their device.
Circulation:                                                                    Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, July 2021

Chiropractic: Mobilization for Knee Osteoarthritis. A small study that included 15 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee found that adding mobilization to a conservative therapy treatment plan resulted in greater improvements with respect to pain, range of motion, hamstring peak muscle force, and walking ability. Doctors of chiropractic are well versed in the conservative care of knee osteoarthritis, which may include the
application of mobilization therapies.                                              In Vivo, June 2021

Mental Attitude: Living Near Woodlands Promotes Mental Health. The result of a recent study that included over 3,500 children and teens found that participants who lived near woodlands were 16% less likely to develop behavioral or emotional problems over the following two years. The findings add to a growing body of research that regular exposure to nature can provide a number of physical and mental health benefits.
Nature Sustainability, July 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Diet and Ulcerative Colitis Risk. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal cramps and pain and even bloody diarrhea. A study that compared the diet of 384 UC patients and 665 age-matched adults without a history of UC found that a higher intake of vegetables and vitamins A and C is associated with about a 50% reduced risk for the disease.                  Nutrition, June 2021

Quote: “For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.” ~ Walter Scott

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Beware of Breathing Issues in Children During Sleep. Interviews with over 1,600 parents revealed
that nearly all considered symptoms of apnea (snoring and/or gasping) among their children to be a problem, but most failed to share these concerns with their child’s healthcare provider. Researcher Dr. Kurt Lushington writes, “While there does need to be more education for parents on symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing—particularly around snoring or heavy breathing being a potential cause for concern—there are clearly other barriers to parents bringing up sleep problems in medical consultations… To address this, we suggest medical practitioners need to purposely include questions about sleep at consultations to prompt parents to discuss any symptoms they may have observed in their children at night.”               University of South Australia, July 2021

Diet: Lack of Fiber May Increase Risk of Gut Infection. During an experiment on the effect of different diets and
obesity on mice, researchers observed that a low fiber intake—regardless of other diet qualities—was associated with a greater risk for developing adherent–invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) infection in the intestinal tract.
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, July 2021

Exercise: Exercise Can Alter Expression of Some Disease-Related Genes. Epigenetic marks are chemical
modifications that serve as on/off switches for many genes. In a recent study, researchers observed that participating in a six-week endurance exercise program stimulated epigenetic changes to genes normally associated with increased risk for disease.                                                                                     Molecular Metabolism, July 2021

Chiropractic: Neck Linked to Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms. Several recent studies have suggested that injury to the neck may be associated with prolonged recovery from concussion. In this study, researchers observed that the addition of conservative care to improve cervical function to the treatment plan of post-concussion syndrome patients improved outcomes. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the
cervical spine that commonly accompany concussion.        Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, July 2021

Mental Attitude: Acne Can Affect Mental Wellbeing. A survey of 50 adults suffering from acne revealed that the skin condition can have a negative effect on one’s emotional wellbeing. Study author Dr. John Barbieri explains, “Some felt that their acne made them appear less professional or qualified at work, and many described that having fewer peers with acne in adulthood magnified the impact of acne on their mental health, leading to feelings of social isolation.”                          JAMA Dermatology, July 2021

Wellness/Prevention: How to Avoid Being a Victim of Crime. Columbia University offers these tips to reduce one’s risk for being a victim of crime: pay attention to your surroundings; limit time spent on phone calls in public places; if you suspect someone is following you, find an open store or public space and call the police; and keep electronic devices in an inside pocket.                                                                      Columbia University, July 2021

Quote: “The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Added Sugar and Breast Cancer Risk. Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study I and II, researchers report that a high intake of added sugar is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer, and a diet characterized by less added sugar and more servings of fruit and vegetables is linked to a lower risk for the disease.                                                European Journal of Nutrition, June 2021

Diet: Mediterranean Diet Benefits the Brain. The Mediterranean diet is 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. The current research notes that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk for both depression and neurodegenerative disease.            Nutrients, June 2021

Exercise: Engage in More Types of Exercise. Past research has shown that exercise can protect against depression. An analysis of data from the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys showed that including two or more types of exercise into one’s physical fitness routine can offer even more protection from depressive symptoms.                                                                                 Scientific Reports, August 2021

Chiropractic: Exercise and Manual Therapy Benefits a Common Shoulder Problem. For patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, new research shows that adding manual therapy to exercise therapy can lead to greater improvements in muscle function and self-reported disability. This treatment approach is often utilized by doctors of chiropractic in the management of shoulder impingement syndrome.                                                                          Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, April 2021

Mental Attitude: Stressful Experiences During Childhood Can Affect the Gut. A review of past studies
suggests that stress associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can negatively affect the gut microbiota, which may explain one pathway by which ACEs can affect one’s long-term health. Examples of ACEs include abuse (physical, sexual, emotional); neglect (physical, emotional); witnessing domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental illness in the household; and the loss of a parent (separation, divorce, incarceration, death).                                                          Behavioral Brain Research, July 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Avoiding Eczema Flare-ups. Eczema is a group of skin conditions that causes red, itchy rashes that affects up to 20% of infants and about 3% of adults and children. To help prevent an eczema flare-up, WebMD recommends the following: moisturize your skin frequently, avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity, avoid sweating or getting too hot, manage stress, avoid scratchy materials, identify and avoid foods that trigger symptoms, and use a humidifier in your house.                                              WebMD, July 2021

Quote: “A closed mind is a dying mind.” ~ Edna Ferber

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Sleep and Diet Can Increase Longevity. An analysis of data concerning over 13,000 older adults revealed that eating several servings of vegetables a day and sleeping 7-8 hours a night can reduce one’s risk for early death in the following six years by up to 34%.                                                 BMC Geriatrics, June 2021

Diet: Breastfeeding Promotes Healthier Blood Pressure for Children. Examinations of nearly 2,400 three year-old children showed that those who were breastfed for any duration—even in just the first days of life— had lower blood pressure than the kids who had never breastfed.
Journal of the American Heart Association, July 2021

Exercise: Neighborhood Characteristics Can Affect Hypertension Risk. Using data from two ongoing
studies, researchers report that individuals living in neighborhoods that are more conducive to pedestrian traffic
and have greater access to parks are less likely to have high blood pressure than those residing in areas with less
greenspace and reduced walkability.                           International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, August 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Techniques for Migraines. Among a group of 50 migraine patients, those
treated with manual therapy once a week for four weeks experienced greater improvements in pain intensity,
migraine disability, and quality of life than participants provided with a placebo/sham treatment. Doctors of
chiropractic employ a variety of manual therapy techniques to treat patients with migraines and other types of
headache.                                                                          Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, August 2021

Mental Attitude: Dementia Can Happen at Younger Ages. New research suggests that 5% of dementia cases occur in individuals under age 65 with 119 cases of early-onset dementia occurring for every 100,000 people globally. Researcher Dr. Stevie Hendriks adds, “We see that the first symptoms in young people are usually not the symptoms you would expect when you think of dementia… Instead of memory impairment, young people more often present with changes in behavior or emotions, or sometimes language problems.”
JAMA Neurology, July 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Jock Itch. Tinea cruris, otherwise known as jock itch, is a fungal infection that
can cause a red and itchy rash in warm and moist areas of the body, such as the groin. To prevent jock itch, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: keep your groin area dry after exercise or showering; wear clean clothes that don’t chafe skin in the groin area; don’t share personal items (clothes or towels); and treat or prevent athlete’s foot because it can spread to the groin.                                                                                                 Mayo Clinic, July 2021

Quote: “Wherever we are, it is our friends that make our world.” ~ Henry Drummond

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Sleep Apnea During Childhood Can Spell Heart Trouble for Teens. The result of an eight-year study that included 421 children found that participants with sleep apnea before adolescence that did not improve over time are at increased risk for high blood pressure as teens, which can set the stage for poor cardiovascular health in adulthood. Study author Dr. Julio Fernandez-Mendoza adds, “Because most cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed in adults and children alike, the problem needs more attention. Sleep apnea and its risk factors should be screened for, monitored and targeted early in life to prevent future cardiovascular disease.”                                    JAMA Cardiology, June 2021

Diet: Food Choices for Strong Bones. According to a recent article, middle-aged and older adults who eat adequate
protein, fermented dairy products, and at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day are less likely to suffer fractures associated with poor bone health.                                                  The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology, July 2021

Exercise: Breathing Workout Can Lower Blood Pressure. High-resistance inspiratory muscle training involves
breathing through a handheld device to strengthen the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles. An experiment
involving 36 middle-aged and older adults found that performing this form of training for five minutes a day for six
weeks resulted in similar improvements in blood pressure as walking for 30 minutes a day or taking hypertension medications. Participants also experienced improvements in endothelial function and reduced inflammation.
Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2021

Chiropractic: Sleep Disturbance and Low Back Pain in Postpartum Women. Assessments of 124 new mothers
revealed that low back and pelvic pain often accompany postpartum sleep disorders. While this study was unable to
determine the nature of this association, past research has shown that sleep disturbance and low back pain can have a
bi-directional relationship, and both conditions may need to be addressed concurrently to achieve a successful treatment outcome. When appropriate, doctors of chiropractic team up with other healthcare providers to manage patients with co-occurring musculoskeletal pain and sleep disorders.     European Spine Journal, May 2021

Mental Attitude: Spanking Children Doesn’t Work and May Cause Harm. An analysis of over 60 studies concluded that physical punishment increases child aggression and other behavior problems over time. Study coauthor Dr. Elizabeth Gershoff adds, “Physical punishment is harmful to children’s development and well-being. There is no evidence that it has any positive outcomes whatsoever.”                                              The Lancet, June 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Improving Blood Pressure Can Significantly Reduce Dementia Risk. Using data from the
National Health Insurance Service National Health Examinee cohort, researchers report that individuals with grade 1
hypertension (140-159/90-99 mmHg) who managed to bring their blood pressure down to an average of 131/81 mmHg over the following decade were half as likely to develop dementia as participants who failed to address their hypertension.      Journal of Hypertension, August 2021

Quote: “You are one of a kind and unique. Never forget that.” ~ Richard Simmons

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna