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Health Alert: Cancer Increases Suicide Risk. An umbrella review that included six systematic reviews and
six meta reviews concluded that the risk of suicide among cancer patients is 1.5-1.7 times higher than the general population, with an even greater risk in the first year following diagnosis.
Journal of Affective Disorders, December 2021

Diet: Polyphenol-Rich Foods Good for Seniors with Leaky Gut. With age, the integrity of the endothelial layer of the intestines can be compromised, which may allow bacteria and harmful substances to enter the bloodstream. In a recent study, seniors who increased their intake of apples, cocoa, dark chocolate, green tea, cranberries, oranges, pomegranate, and other polyphenol-rich foods experienced improvements in intestinal function within eight weeks.                                  Clinical Nutrition, September 2021

Exercise: Exercise May Benefit Rectal Cancer Patients During Treatment. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort such as sprinting or stair climbing separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise, such as jogging or fast walking. In a recent study, researchers observed that rectal cancer patients who participated in an HIIT exercise program while
undergoing chemoradiation therapy were three times more likely to experience complete remission.
Clinical Colorectal Cancer, May 2021

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Effective for Acute Neck Pain. A systematic review of data from six studies concluded that spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—is an effective treatment for acute neck pain whether delivered alone or in combination with other therapies.                     Journal of Clinical Medicine, October 2021

Mental Attitude: Suicidal Thoughts More Common Among Nurses. Questionnaires completed by 7,000 nurses and 5,200 members of the general workforce revealed that 5.5% of nursing professionals had suicidal thoughts in the last year compared with 4.3% of the overall working adult population. The researchers add that the nurses with suicidal thoughts were also less likely to seek professional help.
American Journal of Nursing, October 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Quit Smoking Before Age 45 and Reduce Lung Cancer Risk. New researcher suggests that smokers who quit before age 45 can cut their risk for lung cancer by up to 87%, while those who quit before age 35 may eliminate their risk entirely.                                                        JAMA Oncology, October 2021

Quote: “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” ~ Niels Bohr

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Health Alert: Asthma Can Increase Risk for Depression and Anxiety. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the airways of about 10% of children and 7-8% of adults. A recent study found that individuals with asthma have up to a three-times increased risk for anxiety and depression compared with the general population.                                                       Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, October 2021

Diet: Proximity to Fast Food Increases Diabetes Risk. Researchers monitored more than 4 million military veterans for over five years and found an association between increased risk for type 2 diabetes and living in a neighborhood with more fast-food restaurants within walking distance. However, living near a supermarket was linked to a lower risk for diabetes. JAMA Network Open, October 2021

Exercise: Try Burpees! Burpees are a body weight exercise that is a pushup followed by a leap in the air that returns to a pushup position. This form of exercise can provide the following benefits: burns extra calories, offers a full body workout, builds cardio fitness, and burns fat.                                                  WebMD, October 2021

Chiropractic: Myofascial Release and Manipulative Therapy for Acute Low Back Pain. Among a group of
71 patients with acute low back pain, those treated with either myofascial release or manipulative therapy experienced a reduction in leg length inequality and a decrease in thoracic kyphosis. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize these techniques in the management of low back pain.                                           Life, August 2021

Mental Attitude: Short Sleep Linked to Depression. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that individuals who sleep six hours a night or less have an 86% higher risk for depression than those who sleep seven to eight hours a night.
Journal of Affective Disorders, January 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Breast Cancer Symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that
women can experience different breast cancer symptoms, and some don’t have any signs or symptoms at all. The following are common warning signs of breast cancer: new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of a part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, any change
in the size or the shape of the breast, and pain in any area of the breast. If you have any symptoms that are of concern you should see your doctor immediately. Regular mammograms are also advised for early detection and treatment.                                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2021

Quote: “We learn from failure, not from success!” ~ Bram Stoker

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Health Alert: An Example of the Importance of Reading Product Labels Carefully. According to a new
report, confusion over labeling may have led bakers in Missouri and Rhode Island in 2018-19 to use non-edible luster dust to add sparkle to their cake decorations, which contained potentially harmful levels of copper, lead, and other metals. Emergency physician Dr. Robert Glatter writes, “From a public health standpoint, clear and concise labeling indicating that nonedible products are not safe for human consumption is necessary to prevent illness and unintentional metal-based poisonings.”                                                                              Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, October 2021

Diet: Eat a Big Breakfast and a Small Dinner? There’s an old saying: “Breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; dinner like a pauper.” A recent study found that there may be truth to this as researchers found that individuals were less likely to gain weight if they consumed their largest meal earlier in the day and not in the late afternoon or evening.                                           Open Biology, October 2021

Exercise: Stretch! Among a group of 205 runners who completed a half marathon, twelve experienced anterior knee pain immediately following the event. Further analysis showed that insufficient stretching of the hamstring was the most common risk factor for anterior knee pain following the long-distance run.
Journal of Clinical and Orthopedics and Trauma, October 2021

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Among Young Athletes. Questionnaires completed by 7,000 child and teen athletes from a variety of sports revealed that 5% had low back pain with the greatest risk among 13- to14-yearolds, females, and basketball, handball, and volleyball players. The findings may assist in the development of programs and strategies to prevent low back pain in youth athletic programs. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate and treat young athletes who suffer from musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain.
Spine, September 2021

Mental Attitude: 1 in 16 Adults May Be Chronic Liars. Based on a study in which researchers monitored the interactions of 630 adults over a three-month time frame, about 6% of adults tell six or more lies per day.
Communication Monographs, October 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Reducing Atrial Fibrillation Risk. The current research suggests the following to reduce the risk for atrial fibrillation: reduce alcohol intake, engage in moderate-intensity exercise, limit sedentary time, lose excess weight, stop smoking, and address obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, if present.                                                        American Journal of Cardiology, December 2021

Quote: “You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself.” ~ Galileo

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Hotter Temperature May Affect Kidney Health. An analysis of data from hospitals in Brazil collected between 2000 and 2015 found that the risk for kidney disease rises by 1% for every 1.8-degree Fahrenheit increase in daily mean temperature.                                                                            The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, October 2021

Diet: Warning Labels on Food and Beverages Could Reduce Healthcare Costs. Researchers estimate that
implementing warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and restaurant menus regarding the negative effects of a poor diet and obesity could lead to population-wide health improvements that could reduce healthcare costs by $1.83 billion in the following decade.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, October 2021

Exercise: Exercise with Standard Treatment Improves Depression Outcomes. A meta-analysis that included 22 studies concluded that combining exercise with standard treatment for depression results in better outcomes, especially in cases of severe depression.                                                  Journal of Affective Disorders, December 2021

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain May Increase Risk for Neck/Shoulder Pain from Smartphone Use.
Assessments of 50 teenagers, half with a history of low back pain, showed that those with back pain exhibited greater curvature in the thoracic spine after 30 minutes of seated smartphone interaction. This exaggerated posture can place greater stress on the neck and upper back, which increases the risk for musculoskeletal pain in those sites. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health, August 2021

Mental Attitude: Financial Stress Burdens Many Moms. Using data from the United States National Health
Interview Survey, researchers report that 25% of pregnant women and new moms skipped doctor appointments due to cost, 60% reported that healthcare was unaffordable, and 54% said they were experiencing general financial stress. Study co-author Dr. Michelle Moniz writes, “Financial hardship is highly prevalent among pregnant and postpartum women… Findings from the current study call for targeted policy interventions to
alleviate financial strain and remove financial barriers to healthcare access for privately insured families.”
JAMA Network Open, October 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Smoking and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. In addition to an elevated risk for heart disease and some cancers, smoking has also been linked to a 23% increased risk for chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, the risk falls over time among those who quit.                           Pain Physician, December 2021

Quote: “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.” ~ Oliver Goldsmith

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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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

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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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

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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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

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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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

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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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