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Health Alert: Even Just a Little Belly Fat Increases Heart Disease Risk. While a body mass index in the
normal range is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association
reports that individuals should also mind their waist circumference. Experts point out that excess fat in the
midsection, even in those with a BMI in the normal range, can signify more fatty tissue within the abdomen, which has been shown to elevate the risk for heart disease and stroke.  American Heart Association, April 2021

Diet: Testosterone Deficiency in Men May Be Linked to Diet. According to a study that included 4,100 males, a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat, high-fat dairy products, and refined grains—is associated with an elevated risk for testosterone deficiency, particularly among obese men.   Journal of Urology, April 2021

Exercise: Easy Ways to Prevent Exercise Injury. To reduce one’s risk for getting hurt when starting an exercise program, experts recommend the following: get a routine physical, hire a personal trainer, start slowly and increase gradually, warm up before exercise, wear appropriate clothing, and listen to your body.
VerywellFit, April 2021

Chiropractic: Recommendations for Shoulder Pain. For patients with shoulder pain of any duration, new treatment guidelines recommend a multimodal approach that includes joint mobilization, heat/cold, and range of motion exercises, along with cervical or thoracic spine manipulation, if warranted. Doctors of chiropractic often take this approach when managing patients with shoulder pain.                                                 European Journal of Pain, May 2021

Mental Attitude: Sleepwalking Linked to Parkinson’s in Men. Using data from The Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which has monitored the health of over 50,000 male healthcare professionals since 1986, researchers report that individuals with a history of sleepwalking or rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) may be up to four times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than men without a sleep disorder.                                                              JAMA Network Open, April 2021

Wellness/Prevention: How to Relieve Spring Allergies. Spring often means runny noses and itchy, watery eyes for seasonal allergy sufferers. To help minimize the effect of airborne allergens, University of North Carolina Health advises the following: monitor pollen counts, avoid being outdoors, change your HVAC filters and get an air purifier, and talk to your healthcare provider if you need a more focused treatment approach.
University of North Carolina Health, April 2021

Quote: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop

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Health Alert: Disrupted Sleep Presents Health Risks. An analysis of eleven years of data concerning over 8,000 adults revealed an association between sleep disorders and poor cardiovascular health, particularly in women.                        European Heart Journal, April 2021

Diet: Diet May Be Important for Long-Term Survival in Breast Cancer Patients. Among a group of 3,660 female breast cancer patients, researchers observed that a healthy eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, was associated with up to a 27% reduced risk of death during the following decade.                                                         JNCI Cancer Spectrum, March 2021

Exercise: Age Should Not Be a Barrier to Keeping Fit. According to researchers, the belief that it takes longer for muscles to recover from working out as you age is based on little, if any, evidence. In fact, researcher Dr. John Fernandes notes, “[More] than half of the available studies have noted that
older males experience similar, and even less severe, symptoms of muscle damage than their younger counterparts.”         Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, April 2021

Chiropractic: Excessive Screen Time Linked to Spinal Pain in Kids. Using data from the Danish National Birth Cohort concerning 45,555 pre-adolescents, researchers report that kids who spend six or more hours per day using electronic devices are two times more likely to experience severe spinal pain than their more active peers. The findings suggest that reducing screen time and increasing physical activity levels in children may protect them from spinal pain during childhood. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, April 2021

Mental Attitude: TBI Increases Long-Term Risk of Stroke. A review of 18 studies found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) may elevate an individual’s risk for stroke over the following five years by up to 86%.                                International Journal of Stroke, April 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Athletes Foot. Constant burning and itching between the toes are a sure sign of athlete’s foot. To avoid this common fungal infection, keep your feet dry, wash your feet daily, wear shower shoes or flip flops, and use foot powder, when appropriate.
PIH Health, April 2021

Quote: “Nothing is harder than to accept oneself.” ~ Max Frisch

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Influenza and Stroke Risk. Using data from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, researchers report that individuals diagnosed with influenza-like illness have up to a 39% increased risk for stroke in the near future.                                                                            BMC Public Health, May 2021

Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Protect the Brain. According to a study that reviewed brain imaging and
cerebrospinal fluid samples, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—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—is associated with less build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which are often observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.                                    Neurology, May 2021

Exercise: Sedentary Behavior Linked to COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. An analysis of data from the Chronic Disease and Lifestyle Population Survey in Sichuan Province of China identified an association between the amount of time an individual spends engaged in sedentary behaviors and an elevated risk for COPD.                                                              Medicine, May 2021

Chiropractic: Fascial Manipulation Reduces Pain and Disability. A systematic review found that manipulative therapy to improve fluidity between soft tissue layers, which often become denser and stiffer with age and injury, can improve pain and disability in patients with musculoskeletal pains. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to provide several forms of manual therapy, including fascial manipulation, in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Journal of Bodywork Movement Therapies, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Chronic Sinusitis May Affect the Brain. An analysis of brain scans and mental health
assessments of over 1,200 adults revealed that people with moderate-to-severe sinus inflammation exhibited altered activity in the frontoparietal network in the brain, which is important for problem solving and decision making.            JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, April 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Is Important to Avoid Dementia Risk. Following an analysis of data concerning
nearly 8,000 adults, researchers report that sleeping six or fewer hours a night in middle age is associated with a 30% increased risk for dementia in old age. The findings suggest that screening for sleep issues in middle age may aid in the prevention of dementia later in life.                                        Nature Communication, April 2021

Quote: “You can’t do it unless you can imagine it.” ~ George Lucas

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Wildfire Smoke Can Trigger Eczema. According to a study that analyzed data from a dermatology clinic in San Francisco, visits for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and general itching increased following a major wildfire 175 miles away. Study co-author Dr. Raj Fadadu writes, “Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and it’s in constant interaction with the external environment. So, it makes sense that changes in the external environment, such as increases or decreases in air pollution, could affect our skin health.”                             JAMA Dermatology, April 2021

Diet: Eating Mushrooms May Help Lower Risk of Cancer. Based on a review of data from 17 cancer studies, researchers estimate that consuming 18 grams of mushroom per day can reduce one’s risk for cancer by up to 45%.              Advances in Nutrition, April 2021

Exercise: Try Burpees. A burpee is a calisthenics exercise that involves performing a push up followed by a jump squat that serves as an excellent way to build strength and endurance in both the upper and lower body. When performing multiple reps and sets, it can also serve as a cardiovascular
exercise.                                                                                  Healthline, April 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Helps with Stability. Individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain often experience balance impairments and an increased risk for falls. A systematic review found that manual therapies (such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic) can improve static and
dynamic stability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Anxiety Worsens Post-Heart Attack Prognosis. Pooling data from 16 published studies, researchers report that post-heart attack anxiety can increase the risk for short-term
complications by 23% and major adverse cardiac events by 54%. Clinical Cardiology, May 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D and Asthma. Among a group of 132 asthma patients with insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels, researchers found that improving vitamin D status via supplementation also led to improvements in asthma symptoms and lung function.
Tanaffos, December 2020

Quote: “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ~ Hal Borland

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Obesity May Shorten Survival of Cancer Patients. According to a review of findings from 200 studies, obesity is associated with shorter cancer survival in patients with cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, prostate, or pancreas. JAMA Network Open, March 2021

Diet: Processed Foods Are Bad for the Heart. Using data from an ongoing study, researchers estimate that each daily serving of ultra-processed food increases an individual’s risk for cardiovascular disease by 5% and cardiovascular disease-related death by 9%.                                                                                Journal of the American College of Cardiology, March 2021

Exercise: Lifting Weights Can Strengthen Bones Too. For patients with osteoporosis or those who are at risk for the disease, the current research suggests that high-load resistance training is associated with improved bone mineral density in the spinal vertebrae and hips.                                                         Clinical Nursing (Spain), April 2021

Chiropractic: Facet Joints May Be Responsible for 15% of Chronic Low Back Pain Cases. The facet joints are located on the posterior side of each vertebrae and allow the spine to bend forward and backward and twist. In a recent experiment involving 206 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed that diagnostic nerve blocks relieved back pain in 15% of participants, which suggests that facet joint dysfunction may be the primary cause of 1 in 6 cases of chronic low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic utilize spinal manipulation and other manual therapies to restore proper motion and alignment to the facet joints and other spinal structures in the management of low back pain.                       Pain Medicine, February 2021

Mental Attitude: Sleep Is Important for Cognitive Function. To keep the brain healthy, it’s important to get
quality sleep each night. A review of data concerning 2,901 elderly adults revealed that reducing exposure to light and noise in the bedroom, relaxing in the evening, and meeting exercise guidelines are important for getting a good night’s rest. International Journal of Clinical Practice, April 2021

Wellness/Prevention: How to Spot Asthma. Asthma causes the airways to narrow and swell making it difficult to breath. Signs and symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath; chest tightness or pain; wheezing when exhaling; trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing; and coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory infection. Pulmonary experts note that individuals should contact their doctor if they suspect they have asthma, as the condition can be life threatening for some.
Mayo Clinic, April 2021

Quote: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Obesity Linked to Higher Healthcare Costs. A review of health records concerning nearly 180,000 adults and children found that healthcare costs are nearly $1,900 higher per year for obese individuals, with the cost increasing $235 a year with each unit increase in body mass index.                                                                                                 PLOS ONE, March 2021

Diet: Processed Meat May Increase Risk of Dementia. According to a study that included data on close to 500,000 adults, consuming a 25-gram serving of processed meat each day is associated with a 44% increased risk for developing dementia later in life. Lead researcher Dr. Huifeng Zhang writes, “Worldwide, the prevalence of dementia is increasing and diet as a modifiable factor could play a role… Our research adds to the growing body of evidence linking processed meat consumption to increased risk of a range of non-transmissible
diseases.”                                                                                     American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2021

Exercise: All Physical Activity Seems to Help Against Depression. Using data from the European Health
Interview Survey, researchers report that regularly engaging in physical activity of any kind—recreational, active commuting, or work—can help reduce the risk and severity of depressive symptoms.
Depression and Anxiety, April 2021

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Common with Hip Impingement. Examinations of 158 patients with
femoroacetabular (hip) impingement revealed that three in five also suffer from clinically significant low back pain, and that increased disability in one location is associated with greater disability in the other. The findings suggest that clinicians should evaluate both the hip and low back pain of patients presenting with either complaint. Doctors of chiropractic are skilled in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain and hip impingement.    PM&R, February 2021

Mental Attitude: Mental Health Issues Common in Future Healthcare Professionals. Questionnaires
completed by 449 students pursuing a degree in the health sciences revealed that 65% are stressed, 85.1% are
anxious, and 51.4% are depressed.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, March 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Help Prevent Diabetes. To reduce one’s risk for type 2 diabetes, the American
Diabetes Association recommends the following: get more physical activity, get plenty of fiber, go for more whole grains, lose extra weight, avoid fad diets, make healthier food choices, and get regular checkups to monitor blood sugar levels, especially if you’re overweight.                                            American Diabetes Association, April 2021

Quote: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ~ Aristotle

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: E-Cigarettes Increase Risk for Lung Disease. An analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System revealed that e-cigarette usage is associated with a 26% increased risk for asthma and a 44% elevated risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Tobacco Induced Diseases, April 2021

Diet: Nuts Are Good for the Heart. Experts from the Mayo Clinic note that regularly eating nuts can improve low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels; make arteries healthier; reduce the risk for blood clots; and lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood that are associated with heart disease.
Mayo Clinic News Network, March 2021

Exercise: Exercise Is Good for the Brain. Reduced blood flow to the brain and stiffer blood vessels in the neck are often seen in patients with mild-cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. In a recent experiment that included 70 older men and women with MCI, researchers observed that participants who engaged in a brisk walk exercise program experienced improved blood flow to the brain, as well as increased blood vessel flexibility in the neck. Study leader Dr. Rong Zhang writes, “This [study] is part of a growing body of evidence
linking exercise with brain health… We’ve shown for the first time in a randomized trial in these older adults that exercise gets more blood flowing to your brain.”                                Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, March 2021

Chiropractic: Acute Back Pain Can Become Chronic Back Pain. A review of records involving 5,233 patients who sought treatment for acute low back pain revealed that 32% went on to develop chronic low back pain. Further analysis suggests the following are associated with an increased risk for progression to chronic low back pain: obesity, smoking, severe disability, depression/anxiety, and a prescription of opioids within the first 21 days.                                                                JAMA Network Open, February 2021

Mental Attitude: Vitamin B7 May Be Important for Mental Health. Assessments completed by 7,387 adults
revealed that a high intake of biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is associated with a lower risk for depression, anxiety, and stress. Dietary sources of biotin include eggs, legumes, nuts/seeds, liver, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, bananas, broccoli, and avocados.                                                             Journal of Affective Disorders, March 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Reduce Parkinson’s Risk? The current research suggests that regular exercise and a
nutrient-rich diet are two lifestyle choices that may reduce an individual’s risk for Parkinson’s disease.                              Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, March 2021

Quote: “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

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Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Can Affect the Autonomic Nervous System. A review of data from 71 studies suggests that obstructive sleep apnea can affect autonomic nervous system functions related to relaxation, digestion, stress response, and heart rate. The authors of the review speculate this may be the mechanism by which sleep apnea increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.                                                    Sleep Medicine Reviews, March 2021

Diet: Poor Diet is Bad for Brain and Gums. New research suggests that consuming a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat, high-fat dairy products, and refined grains—is associated with an elevated risk for both periodontitis and cognitive dysfunction.
Nutrients, March 2021

Exercise: Avoid Uninterrupted Sedentary Time. Past research has shown that prolonged periods of sedentary
behavior can lead to the accumulation of biomarkers in the blood that are associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. In this study, researchers found that breaking up sessions of sedentary activity every 15 minutes with just a small amount of physical activity of any intensity can counteract much of the negative effects of prolonged inactivity. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, April 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Effective and Safe for Cervicogenic Cephalic Syndrome. Cervicogenic cephalic syndrome is a condition characterized by headaches and dizziness caused by dysfunction in the neck. A recent literature review found that manual therapies, such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with cervicogenic cephalic syndrome.          Medicine, February 2021

Mental Attitude: Suicide Risk Elevated Among Nurses. Using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System, researchers report that individuals in the nursing profession have an 18% increased risk for suicide compared with the general population. The authors of the study note that further research is necessary to gain a greater understanding of why nurses are at elevated risk for suicide and to identify interventions to address the issue.                                            JAMA Psychiatry, April 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Take Microbreaks to Stay Sharp at Work. Microbreaks are short timeouts from work functions that usually involve activities like getting a snack, chatting with co-workers, stretching, or doing a crossword puzzle that can help workers maintain their energy levels and stay productive throughout the day.
Journal of Applied Psychology, March 2021

Quote: “We come. We go. And in between we try to understand.” ~ Rod Steiger

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Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke Puts Kids at Risk for Hospitalization. New research suggests that children from smoking households are more likely to visit an urgent care center or be admitted to a hospital than kids from smoke-free homes. Lead author Dr. Ashley Merianos notes, “Despite major progress in tobacco control, about four in ten children remain exposed to tobacco smoke… This exposure places developing
children at higher risk for many health problems, including respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchiolitis
and pneumonia.”                                                                            PLOS ONE, March 2021

Diet: Slow Down at Mealtime. Using data from two ongoing studies, researchers report that individuals identified as fast eaters tend to consume more calories per meal and are more likely to gain weight over time than slower eaters.              Clinical Obesity, January 2021

Exercise: Exercise May Slow Cognitive Decline in Parkinson’s Patients. Among a group of 173 patients with early Parkinson’s disease, researchers observed that those with a sedentary lifestyle experienced a greater decline in cognitive function over the following two years than participants who regularly exercise.
Neurology, March 2021

Chiropractic: Manipulation for Treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniation. A study that included 67 lumbar disk herniation patients revealed that six spinal manipulative therapy treatments spread over two weeks not only resulted in improvements in pain and function, but also in the curvature of the lumbar spine. Spinal manipulation is the primary form of treatment utilized by doctors of chiropractic for musculoskeletal conditions of the spine.                                                                 China Journal of Orthopeadics and Traumatology, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Teens Who Are Online a Lot Are More Likely to Become Cyberbullies. A survey of 428 adolescents revealed that teenagers spend an average of seven hours a day online. Additionally, the more time a teen is on the Internet each day, the greater the chance they will engage in cyberbullying behaviors.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, March 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Deficiency Too Common in Hip Fracture Patients. Blood tests collected
from 268 brittle hip fracture patients revealed that almost 90% were vitamin D deficient, and half of these individuals were severely deficient. Because vitamin D is important for healthy bones, the findings suggest that improving vitamin D status in the elderly could reduce their risk for serious hip fracture.
Orthopedic Surgery, March 2021

Quote: “May you live every day of your life.” ~ Jonathan Swift

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Low Vitamin D? Painful peripheral neuropathy is a common long-term complication in patients with type 2 diabetes. An analysis of blood samples from 483 type 2 diabetics revealed that those with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy were three times more likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency, leading researchers to suggest that low vitamin D status may be a risk factor for the condition.                      Frontiers in Nutrition, March 2021

Diet: Cocoa Flavanols Boost Memory? In a recent clinical trial involving 211 healthy middle-aged and older adults, researchers observed that participants provided with a cocoa flavanol supplement for twelve weeks performed better on a list-learning task than members of a placebo group.              Scientific Reports, February 2021

Exercise: Exercise Provides Mental Health Benefits for Those with Prostate Cancer. New research suggests that both resistance training and aerobic exercise are effective for reducing anxiety and depression in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, February 2021

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Aids in Management of Neck Pain. Among a group of 60 patients with neck pain, researchers observed that those treated with the combination of manual therapies and physiotherapy modalities experienced greater improvements in pain and disability than patients treated with physiotherapy alone. Doctors of chiropractic often address neck pain with a multimodal approach that may include manual therapies, modalities, exercises, and nutritional recommendations.
Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Academic Performance and ADHD. Researchers monitored the academic progress of 400 university students and found that those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had about a half
grade lower GPA than students without the condition. Additionally, students with ADHD were less likely to
graduate. The finding suggests that students with ADHD may need greater academic support to help them succeed in school. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, February 2021

Wellness/Prevention: How to Prevent Falls in the Winter Months. American Bone Health offers the following tips to help you stay on your feet when presented with snowy, icy, or wet surfaces: wear shoes with good traction, dress warm, be careful getting out of your car, don’t rush, pay attention to surfaces, stay alert for black ice, and keep your driveway and walkways clear.                                                                        American Bone Health, March 2021

Quote: “Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few.” ~ George Berkeley

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna