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Health Alert: Risk Factors for Stroke in Type 2 Diabetics. Among a group of 18,013 type 2 diabetics, researchers observed that participants with at least five of the following seven risk factors had nearly a 15-times increased risk
for stroke: smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of stroke, obesity, short sleep duration (less than six hours a night), or long sleep duration (over eight hours a night).        Acta Diabetologica, November 2021

Diet: Healthy Diet May Benefit Cognitive Function. A systematic review of several meta-analyses concluded that
diet is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and that adopting a healthy eating pattern—such as the Mediterranean diet—may help delay or possibly prevent dementia in individuals at increased risk for the disease.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, November 2021

Exercise: Benefits of Stretching. The American Council on Exercise notes that stretching provides the following
benefits: decreased muscle stiffness and increased range of motion; reduced risk of injury; improved posture; lower
stress; reduced muscular tension and enhanced muscular relaxation; improved mechanical efficiency and overall
functional performance; and improved circulation.        American Council on Exercise, September 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Benefit Tension-Type Headache Sufferers. Tension-type headache (TTH) is
the most common form of headache that affects adults. A systematic review of ten studies concluded that manual
therapies, such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, are effective for improving overall wellbeing in TTH patients, as well as reducing TTH-related pain and disability. While the review did not find any one manual therapy to be superior, the authors report that optimal outcomes can be achieved by combining different techniques.
Neurologia, September 2021

Mental Attitude: ADHD Linked to Dementia Risk? According to a recent study that included over 2 million
people, parents of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a 34% greater risk
of dementia.                                                                          Alzheimer’s & Dementia, September 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that
causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gum around that base of the teeth. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss, as well as an elevated risk for respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to help prevent and even reverse gingivitis: brush your teeth twice daily, use a soft toothbrush and replace it every three to four months, use an electric toothbrush, floss daily, use mouth wash to reduce plaque, use a dental pick, get regular professional dental cleanings, and don’t smoke or chew tobacco.                                    Mayo Clinic, September 2021

Quote: “It takes a great man to give sound advice tactfully, but a greater to accept it graciously.”
~ Logan Pearsall Smith

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Health Alert: Medical Paperwork Keeps Some People from Seeking Care. Questionnaires completed by 4,155
young and middle-aged adults revealed that 25% had delayed or skipped care due to administrative tasks such as obtaining information from an insurance company or provider, resolving issues with billing, or seeking preauthorizations for care.  Health Services Research, September 2021

Diet: Breastfeeding Can Help Lower Postpartum Depression. Adding to a number of benefits that breastfeeding
can provide to mom and baby, a recent study found that new mothers who breastfeed are significantly less likely to
experience postpartum depression, and the risk falls the further into life the child breastfeeds.
Public Health Nursing, September 2021

Exercise: Nature-Based Activities Benefit Mental Health. An analysis of data from 50 studies found that regularly engaging in outdoor activities such as gardening or walking in a park or woodlands is associated with improved
mood and reduced anxiety.                                                            SSM – Population Health, December 2021

Chiropractic: Restoring Neck Curvature Improves Nerve Conductance. Among a group of 32 women with
reduced cervical lordosis (curve) and forward head posture, those who received treatment to restore normal posture
in the neck experienced an improvement in central nerve conduction, the time it takes for nerve impulses to travel
through the central nervous system on their way to the target muscles.                                                                                         Science Reports, July 2021

Mental Attitude: Vaping May Be Linked to Eating Disorders in Young Adults. An analysis of data on more
than 51,000 college students found that those with a history or anorexia or bulimia were more likely to use ecigarettes. Study author Dr. Kyle Ganson explains, “Nicotine vaping may be used by individuals to support eating disorder behaviors and goals, such as suppressing appetite and catalyzing weight loss… Young people who are struggling with their eating or substance use should seek help from a health professional.”
Eating Behaviors, September 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Help Teens Get Good Sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about four-in-five high schoolers fail to get enough sleep during the school week. To help a teenager consistently get a good night’s sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers the following tips: get more physical activity, avoid caffeine after school, limit naps to 30 minutes or less and don’t nap after 4pm, eat meals at the same time daily and don’t eat close to bedtime, keep lights dim at night, don’t use electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime, make time to relax and unwind before bedtime, get bright light in the morning, set a bedtime that allows for eight hour of sleep, and keep your sleep schedule as best you can through the weekend.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, September 2021

Quote: “Man must shape his tools lest they shape him.” ~ Arthur Miller

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Health Alert: One in Five College Students May Misuse Prescription Stimulants. Questionnaires completed by over 600 students from two universities revealed that 20% had misused a prescription stimulant with the goal of improving academic performance.                                                             Journal of American College Health, September 2021

Diet: Fruit and Veggies Benefit Colorectal Cancer Survivors. Among a group of 456 colorectal cancer survivors, those with a higher intake of fruit, vegetables, and dietary fiber reported less fatigue, better physical function, and a greater ability to carry out activities of daily living.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2021

Exercise: Sore from Exercise? Try Some Blackcurrant. Participants who took a daily 300 mg black current extract supplement experienced less muscle inflammation and soreness following strength training exercise.
Nutrients, August 2021

Chiropractic: Conservative Care Offers Benefits to Those with TMD. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are characterized by pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints and associated jaw muscles and facial nerves. A recent study found that manual therapies—such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic—are effective for improving pain, sleep quality, and quality of life in TMD patients.
Cranio, July 2021

Mental Attitude: Marijuana Use Tied to Greater Risk of Mental Health Issues? A review of health histories of over 80,000 adults revealed that those with a history of regular marijuana use were three times more likely to develop conditions such as depression and anxiety, and they were nearly seven times more likely to develop severe mental illnesses such as psychosis or schizophrenia. The findings suggest it may be advised for healthcare providers to screen patients who recreationally use marijuana for potential mental health disorders.
Psychological Medicine, October 2021

Wellness/Prevention: How to Spot Peripheral Artery Disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common
circulatory problem that is the result of reduced blood flow to the legs. Common PAD symptoms include painful cramping in the hip, thigh, and calf muscles; numbness or weakness in the legs; coldness in the lower legs or feet; a change in leg color; hair loss or slow hair growth on the lower legs; slower toenail growth; shiny skin on the legs; and weak pulsing sensation in the legs. If you are suffering from some of these symptoms, talk
with your healthcare provider.                                                    Mayo Clinic, September 2021

Quote: “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” ~ Napoleon Hill

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Health Alert: Hypertension More Common in Older Women and Younger Men. A recent study concluded that
a third of Americans taking blood pressure medication do not have their blood pressure under control. Interestingly,
women in their 70s and 80s were 29% and 64%, respectively, more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure
than men. However, in the 20s, 30s, and 40s age groups, men were 59%, 70%, and 47%, respectively, more likely to
have uncontrolled high blood pressure than women. Study author Dr. Aayush Visaria notes, “The main implications
are that older women and younger men with high blood pressure may benefit from more frequent monitoring of their
[blood pressure], to at least be able to detect increases in blood pressure.”
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, September 2021

Diet: Benefits of Endurance Exercise. New research suggests that engaging in endurance exercises, such as biking
or running, increases circulating levels of certain mitochondrial derived peptides that are associated with good metabolic health and increased longevity.                                                           Journal of Applied Physiology, October 2021

Exercise: Intense Exercise Before Bedtime May Affect Sleep Quality. Following a review of data from 15 studies, researchers report that exercising at high intensity within two hours of bedtime may increase the length of time needed to fall asleep as well as reduce sleep duration.                                     Sleep Medicine Reviews, September 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Beneficial to Gait of Chronic Back Pain Patients. Chronic low back pain caused
by degenerative disk disease (DDD) is often associated with impaired gait, which may increase the risk for musculoskeletal disorders in the feet, knees, and hips due to altered biomechanics. A recent study found that manual therapy is more effective for addressing impaired gait in patients with DDD and chronic low back pain than classic physiotherapy or a sham/placebo treatment. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies when managing chronic back pain patients with DDD.                                                                                    Journal of Clinical Medicine, August 2021

Mental Attitude: Using the Internet May Keep Retirees Sharp. According to a study that monitored 2,100 retirees, those who regularly used the Internet performed better on cognitive assessments than participants who seldom went online. The research team suspects the cognitive benefits of Internet use may be associated with an increased ability to connect with others, something that can be difficult for seniors.
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization. October 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Tips for a Happier Life. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to increase one’s energy and vitality: eat nourishing food, get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly, keep company with good people, avoid news overdose, regularly exercise, do something meaningful daily, and think good thoughts of others.
Mayo Clinic, September 2021

Quote: “Lost time is never found again.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

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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