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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Health Alert: Irregular Periods Linked to Greater Risk for Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, and it is associated with a number of poor health outcomes. An analysis of data concerning 72,092 women under the age of 40 found that those with long or irregular periods were 49% more likely to develop NAFLD over the following four to five years.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, March 2022

Diet: Sulfur Amino Acids Are Bad for the Heart. The American Heart Association reports that a high intake of sulfur amino acids—most commonly found in beef, chicken, and milk—may be associated with a 12% increased risk of cardiovascular disease over a three-decade time period.
American Heart Association, March 2022

Exercise: Exercise Decreases Clot Risk in Patients with NAFLD. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at risk for several poor health outcomes, including blood clots. A recent study that included 24 NAFLD patients found that participating in a 20-week aerobic exercise training program significantly reduced the presence of a protein called plasminogen activator inhibitor, which helps clots remain
intact.                                                                                    Hepatology, December 2021

Chiropractic: Mobilization Decreases Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. For patients with moderate-tosevere knee osteoarthritis, a new study found that mobilization therapy—a form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—is effective for improving function, reducing pain, and lowering pain sensitivity.
European Journal of Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine, January 2022

Mental Attitude: Childhood Troubles Can Have Lifelong Consequences. Following a review of data from
the ESPRIT study, researchers report that experiencing five or more adverse childhood events—such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect—is associated with a 52% increased risk for dementia.                   Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart. Past studies have linked oral and cardiovascular health. A new study that looked at saliva samples from 1,200 women identified 15 types of mouth bacteria that were linked to either an elevated or reduced risk for hypertension. Senior author Dr. Michael LaMonte adds, “This is an interesting finding… and it tells us there may be more to blood pressure control than we understand. We need to keep an open mind.”                     Journal of the American Heart Association, March 2022

Quote: “I will go anywhere, provided it is forward.” ~ David Livingstone

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Health Alert: Vaping May Increase Risk of Diabetes. An analysis of data concerning over 600,000 adults found that e-cigarette use may be associated with a 54% increased risk for prediabetes—a term used to describe elevated blood sugar levels that have not yet reached the threshold for diabetes diagnosis. Senior researcher Dr. Shyam Biswal adds, “There is a real concern that there’s a perception among the younger population that ecigarettes are a safer alternative [to smoking]… But more and more evidence is piling up that e-cigarettes are not safe.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 2022

Diet: Nordic Diet Helps Lower Cholesterol & Blood Sugar. Among a group of 200 overweight, middle-aged adults, researchers observed that those who adopted the Nordic diet—an eating pattern rich in berries, veggies, fish, whole grains, and rapeseed oil—experienced greater improvements in their cholesterol levels and glucose regulation than participants who maintained their usual diet.                                                     Clinical Nutrition, December 2021

Exercise: How Many Steps Per Day? A systematic review that included 15 studies found that for adults over the age of 60, an average of 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day is associated with a reduced risk of premature death. Meanwhile, for adults under age 60, the optimal number of steps appears to fall in the 8,000 to 10,000 steps per-day range.                                                        The Lancet Public Health, March 2022

Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Complaints Common in Nurses. Questionnaires completed by 550 nurses revealed that 88.1% experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain in the previous twelve months, with the low back, shoulders, and neck as the most affected areas.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, February 2022

Mental Attitude: Biggest Risk Factors for Dementia. The American Heart Association reports that 42% of dementia cases in the United States can be attributed to these twelve factors: lower educational attainment, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking, depression, social isolation, not getting the recommended amount of physical activity, diabetes, and air pollution.                                                                    American Heart Association, March 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Steps to Prevent Colon Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer in the United States, but steps can be taken to reduce one’s risk for this deadly condition, such as: attend screenings starting at age 45 or sooner if you have a family history; eat a healthy diet full of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting beef, pork, lamb, and processed meats; get physically active; maintain a
healthy weight; avoid or limit alcohol; and don’t smoke.    Cedars-Sinai, March 2022

Quote: “The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.” ~ Henrik Ibsen

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Health Alert: Potential Long-Term Effects of High School Football. Compared with middle-aged individuals who did not play contact sports or any sport in high school, those who played high school football were more likely to have sleep problems and to take medication for either chronic pain or headaches during the last year. However, the study did not find that former high school football players had an increased risk for depression, anxiety, anger, concentration problems, or memory problems.
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, March 2022

Diet: Stay Hydrated. Healthline reports the following benefits for remaining hydrated: helps maximize physical performance, significantly affects energy levels and brain function, may prevent headaches, may help relieve constipation, may help treat kidney stones, helps prevent hangovers, and can aid weight loss.
Healthline, February 2022

Exercise: Lift Weights for About an Hour a Week. A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that strength training for between 40-60 minutes a week is the optimal dose for reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease.
BMJ, February 2022

Chiropractic: Is Standing Better for Guitar Players? Examinations of 25 guitar players revealed that compared with standing, playing while sitting results in greater tilt of the torso, increased abduction of the right shoulder, higher flexion of the left shoulder, and a higher radial deviation of the left wrist, which may increase the risk for musculoskeletal pain in these areas.                                                                                                 PLOS ONE, January 2022

Mental Attitude: Early Menopause May Increase Dementia Risk. According to a study that looked at the
long-term health histories of over 153,000 women, entering menopause before the age of 40 is associated with a 35% increased risk for dementia later in life when compared with women who begin menopause around age 50. Researcher Dr. Wenting Hao notes that estrogen can activate antioxidants in the brain that clear out proteins known to play a role in the development of dementia.                                                              American Heart Association, March 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Signs of a Stroke. The American Stroke Association notes the following are signs and symptoms of a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body); sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden vision issues in one or both eyes; sudden difficulty walking or dizziness; loss of balance or problems with coordination; and severe headache with no known cause. If you notice any of these sudden and severe signs of stroke, summon emergency services immediately.                                                                            American Stroke Association, March 2022

Quote: “Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; an argument an exchange of ignorance.” ~ Robert Quillen

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Health Alert: Nearly 1 in 3 Adults Don’t Know the Most Common Heart Attack Symptom. According to a recent study, only about 70% of adults in the United States and Canada can identify chest pain/discomfort as a symptom of myocardial infarction. Other common heart attack symptoms include
shortness of breath; arm/shoulder pain/discomfort; feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint; and jaw, neck, and back pain. Korean Circulation Journal, December 2021

Diet: Foods That Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol. Harvard Health notes that the following foods can help reduce one’s low-density lipoprotein (the “bad” cholesterol) levels: oats; barley and other whole grains; beans; eggplant and okra; nuts; vegetable oils; apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits; foods fortified with sterols and stanols; soy; fatty fish; and fiber supplements.                                                                             Harvard Health, February 2022

Exercise: HIIT Benefits Lung Cancer Patients. 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. A review of data from six studies concluded that HIIT is an effective intervention for improving cardiorespiratory fitness in lung cancer patients undergoing treatment, which may improve their chances for a successful outcome.
Supportive Care in Cancer, April 2022

Chiropractic: Stress is Associated with Neck Pain in College Students. A recent survey of university students found that over a third (35.6%) have moderate neck pain and disability, and the risk for bothersome neck pain in this group is increased by high levels of stress and excessive sedentary time.
Healthcare, November 2021

Mental Attitude: Worries Increase Heart Risk in Men. Following a review of data from the Normative Aging Study that included 1,550 men, researchers report that higher anxiety levels during mid-life are associated with a 10-13% increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Journal of the American Heart Association, January 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep While on Vacation. The National Sleep Foundation
recommends the following to get a good night of sleep while out of town: avoid making changes to your sleep schedule, don’t eat a heavy dinner, avoid drinking too much alcohol, bring your own pillow, and consider using lavender spray or a white noise machine.                                                                                     National Sleep Foundation, January 2022

Quote: “Time is the fairest and toughest judge.” ~ Edgar Quinet

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Health Alert: A Crowded ER Can Cost Lives. An analysis of data concerning more than 5 million emergency room (ER) visits found that if delays in admission exceed five hours, an individual’s risk of death in the next 30 days increases by 8%. Emergency Medicine Journal, January 2022

Diet: Vitamin D May Help Reduce Autoimmune Disease Risk. A study involving 26,000 adults found that those who took a daily supplement of 2,000 IU of vitamin D reduced their risk of developing an autoimmune disease by 22%. British Medical Journal, January 2022

Exercise: Just 10 Minutes of Daily Activity Can Save Lives. Following a review of health data concerning nearly 5,000 middle-aged and older adults, researchers estimate that if each adult engaged in just ten minutes of exercise a day, it could prevent over 100,000 premature deaths each year.
JAMA Internal Medicine, January 2022

Chiropractic: Myofascial Treatment Aids Microcirculation. Impaired blood flow to the smallest blood
vessels in the circulatory system is commonly observed in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and is associated with pain intensity, pain duration, and disability. With the aid of laser-doppler flowmetry and videofluoroscopic imaging, investigators observed that myofascial treatment—a therapy performed by doctors of chiropractic—results in an immediate improvement in microcirculation in the immediate area,
especially in patients with a musculoskeletal disorder such as neck or shoulder pain.
Diagnostics, November 2021

Mental Attitude: Young Females at Greater Risk of Stroke Than Young Males. A review of 16 studies
regarding stroke incidence in the younger adult population found that women under the age of 35 are 44% more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than men in the same age group. While the review does not pinpoint a reason for the difference, the authors of the study note that adults of all ages can reduce their risk for stroke by managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, eating a nutritious diet, not
smoking, and getting regular exercise.                                    Stroke, January 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Protect the Eyes. Uveitis is an inflammatory condition of the eye that affects around 50 of every 100,000 people each year. A review of data from 16 studies found evidence that poor vitamin D status may be associated with an elevated risk for the condition.
Survey of Ophthalmology, March 2022

Quote: “Much good work is lost for the lack of a little more.” ~ Edward H. Harriman

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: 1 in 5 Post-Stroke Patients Have Recurring Depression. According to a study that
followed stroke survivors for nearly eight years, 40% will experience at least one episode of depression with half of such individuals reporting recurrent depression.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, March 2022

Diet: Soft Drink Consumption During Pregnancy Linked to ADHD in Offspring. Based on data from
the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study and Medical Birth Registry of Norway, researchers report that daily maternal intake of sweetened carbonated beverages during pregnancy is linked to a small increase in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in offspring at eight years of age.
European Journal of Nutrition, January 2022

Exercise: Exercise is Good for Bone Health. The National Institutes of Health reports that weight-bearing physical activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing can lead to stronger and healthier bones, which can reduce one’s risk for osteoporosis.
National Institutes of Health, January 2022

Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First. A recent study found that patients with spinal pain who see a doctor of chiropractic as their first treatment choice are less likely to fill an opioid prescription, receive a spinal injection, or see a specialist within the next six months than those who initially consult with a
medical physician.                                                              Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, January 2022

Mental Attitude: Alzheimer’s Disease Management. The Cleveland Clinic offers the following advice for caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease: stay informed about the disease, learn about behavioral challenges such as agitation and depression, be alert for wandering, provide a stable and calm
environment, help the loved one express their emotions, and make sure the loved one keeps a regular sleep
schedule.                                                                                   Cleveland Clinic, January 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Most Kids Don’t Wear a Helmet When Sledding. Questionnaires completed by nearly 2,000 parents revealed that while 73% of children always wear a helmet when downhill skiing or snowboarding, 70% of kids never wear a helmet when sledding, which can also result in a serious head injury.                                                                                  University of Michigan, January 2022

Quote: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
~ Thomas A. Edison

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Plastics May Contribute to Obesity. A lab analysis of commonly used plastic products revealed that a third contained chemicals known to interfere with human metabolism and contribute to fat cell development. Study co-author Dr. Martin Wagner adds, “Our experiments show that ordinary plastic products contain a mix of substances that can be a relevant and underestimated factor behind overweight
and obesity.”                                                                  Environmental Science & Technology, January 2022 

Diet: Diet May Increase IBD Risk. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affect an estimated 3.1 million adults in the United States. An analysis of 14 years of data concerning over 125,000 adults found that a high intake of snacks and prepared meals combined with a low
intake of fruit and vegetables is linked to an elevated risk for Crohn’s disease. Meanwhile, a diet with a high intake of red meat, poultry, and processed meat is associated with an increased risk for ulcerative colitis.                                        Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, December 2021

Exercise: Other Ways Exercise Benefits Kids. In addition to better fitness, the current research suggests that engaging in at least 300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week can improve a child or teen’s self-esteem, self-image, self-efficacy, ability to manage stress, and likelihood to engage in other healthy behaviors.                                            Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, March 2022

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy for TMD Patients. A review of data from six studies found that manual therapies—such as those utilized by doctors of chiropractic—applied to the craniomandibular region of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can result in improvements in both pain and maximum mouth opening.                                                       Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, December 2021

Mental Attitude: Weight May Affect Thinking Skills. There’s an abundance of research regarding the many poor outcomes associated with obesity from an increased risk for type 2 diabetes to an elevated risk for heart attack. Now, a new study that included 9,200 adults suggests that obesity may also cause the brain to age faster, which can hasten cognitive decline. JAMA Network Open, February 2022

Wellness/Prevention: Screen Time Before Bedtime is Bad for Young Kids. A recent experiment involving 36 preschool-aged children found that increased exposure to screens and other lights before bedtime could significantly reduce melatonin levels, which can hinder a child’s ability to get a restful night’s sleep.                                                                              Journal of Pineal Research, January 2022

Quote: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” ~ Anais Nin

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Pregnancy Complications Can Lead to Problems Later in Life. Using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, researchers estimate that pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth may elevate a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease later in life, even after adjusting for obesity, smoking, and comorbidities.
Journal of the American Heart Association, January 2022
Diet: Individuals with Epilepsy Should Skip Energy Drinks. A meta review of 50 studies found limited evidence that caffeinated energy drinks might trigger seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, February 2022

Exercise: HIIT and Blood Pressure. 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. A meta-analysis of ten studies found that HIIT is as effective as moderate-intensity continuous training at improving blood pressure in older adults.
Experimental Gerontology, February 2022

Chiropractic: Nearly a Third of Young Teens Have Recent Back Pain. Questionnaires completed by 1,278 schoolchildren between the ages of 10 and 15 years revealed that 31% experienced low back pain in the preceding three months. Treatment of low back pain in children and teens is common in chiropractic clinics.                                                                     Revista Española de Salud Públic, December 2021

Mental Attitude: Stigma Against Depression May Be Decreasing. Compared with twenty years ago, fewer American adults are willing to admit they would avoid individuals with depression. However, the beliefs that alcohol dependence is due to “bad character” and people with schizophrenia are “dangerous” have become more common.                               JAMA Network Open, December 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Meditation May Strengthen Immune System. Among a group of 100 people, those who participated in an eight-day retreat that involved meditation for ten hours a day experienced increased expression of 220 immune-related genes that persisted for up to 90 days. While such retreats aren’t practical for the majority of the population, the findings suggest that meditation may play a role in
improving immune function.                                           Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, December 2021

Quote: “Keep cool; anger is not an argument.” ~ Daniel Webster

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna