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

Health Alert: Metabolic Syndrome May Raise Odds of Recurring Blood Clots. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, problematic cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive waist circumference—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. An analysis of data concerning over 151,000 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients revealed that those with metabolic syndrome had a 37% increased risk for additional clots. Blood Advances, January 2020

Diet: Green Tea May Benefit the Heart. An analysis of data concerning more than 100,000 middle aged and older adults in China suggests that drinking green tea at least three times a week is associated with a reduced risk for heart attack or stroke over the next seven years. Researcher Dr. Whitney Linsenmeyer notes, “Green tea is calorie-free and antioxidant-rich… It’s a healthy beverage to include in your diet if you like the taste.”
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, January 2020

Exercise: Judo May Help Children with Autism. Among a group of 14 children and teens with autism spectrum disorder, researchers observed that engaging in a 45-minute judo lesson once a week for eight weeks led to
improvements in the participants’ comfort with social interactions and physical contact.                                                                                                      Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, December 2019

Chiropractic: Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Getting adjusted may improve the reflexes. In a recent study, researchers applied spinal manipulative therapy to the cervical and upper thoracic spine of eleven healthy volunteers, and using electromyography, they detected improved muscle reflex responses in all the neck muscles, most back muscles, and some extremity muscles. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, December 2019

Mental Attitude: Teens Who Self-Harm at Greater Risk for Early Death. A recent study that monitored the status of 9,173 children and teens who had presented to the emergency room after nonfatal self-harm revealed this group has a significantly higher risk for suicide, accidental death, or death from other causes over the following two years than the general pediatric population. Based on the finding, the study’s authors conclude, “A clear need exists to identify preventive interventions that might reduce risk of self-harm in children and adolescents, repetition of the behavior, and premature death due to suicide and other preventable causes in the self-harm population.”
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, January 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Brush Hair with Care. National Women’s Health Resource Center notes that incorrectly brushing your hair can result in strand damage, which can lead to splits and tangles. The organization recommends
the following tips to properly brush your hair: find a brush that is right for your hair type, brush your hair gently each day, brush your hair down from the scalp, use different brushes for wet and dry hair, and detangle your hair when wet before brushing. National Women’s Health Resource Center, January 2020

Quote: “Wise men make more opportunities than they find.” ~ Francis Bacon

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Big Rise in Meth and Fentanyl Use in Recent Years. According to a study that compared urine drug test result data from 2013 and 2019, positive tests for methamphetamine increased from 1.4% in 2013 to 8.4% in 2019, while the detection rate for fentanyl increased from 1% to 5%. The findings suggest that methamphetamineand fentanyl-related overdose deaths may continue to increase in the United States.                                   JAMA Network Open, January 2020

Diet: Beans Reduce Depression Risk? Using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey concerning over 46,000 Brazilian adults, researchers have identified an association between greater consumption of beans and up to a 26% reduced risk for depression. Public Health (Brazil), December 2019

Exercise: High-Intensity Exercise May Help Epileptic Seizures. In a recent case study, a woman with drugresistant focal epilepsy experienced a reduction in seizure frequency upon switching from a moderate-intensity
exercise program to a high-intensity fitness routine. Epilepsy & Behavior Reports, December 2019

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care for Seniors with Neck Pain. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people aged 70 and older suffer from neck pain. A recent survey of 288 Australian chiropractors revealed that seniors account for about a third of their patients, with neck pain affecting roughly half, often with co-morbid headaches. Among responders, the most common treatment approach for older adults with cervical pain included a combination of manual therapies
(including manipulation and mobilization), neck-specific exercises, and self-management techniques. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, December 2019

Mental Attitude: Worrying Too Much? Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive worrying that prevents a person from leading a normal life. According the National Institute of Mental Health, your worrying may
be out of control if you worry intensely about everyday matters, have trouble controlling worries or feelings of nervousness, know that you worry more than you should, feel restless and have trouble relaxing, have difficulty concentrating, are easily startled, have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, feel tired all the time, sweat a lot, and feel light-headed or out of breath. If you think your worrying may be out of control, speak with your doctor.
National Institute of Mental Health, January 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Help Your Child Lose Weight. Obesity during childhood has been linked with several negative health outcomes that can persist and worsen in adulthood. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles notes that
minor changes can help a child maintain a healthy weight: reduce or eliminate sweetened beverages, including soda; add more vegetables to family meals; make sure your family is eating a high-fiber diet; make sure your child is
getting enough sleep; eat together as a family as often as possible; be a good role model by enjoying healthy food in front of your child; limit your child’s screen time to no more than two hours per day; and encourage your child to be active. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, January 2020

Quote: “Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” ~ Harper Lee

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Ozone and COPD Risk. Johns Hopkins University reports that for every 5-parts-per-billion increase in ten-year ozone exposure, the risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases by 16%, regardless of smoking history. Johns Hopkins University, December 2019

Diet: Fish Oil Supplements May Reduce Disk Degeneration. In a recent study involving rats with intervertebral disk degeneration, those given a daily 530mg supplement of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA for two months had fewer MRI findings for disk degeneration progression than rodents given a placebo. Future research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine if fish oil supplements may slow disk degeneration in human patients. Medical Science Monitor, December 2019

Exercise: Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Women of All Ages. An analysis of data from the UK Biobank concerning over 175,000 women identified an association between higher physical activity levels and a
reduced risk for breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women.
British Journal of Cancer, January 2020

Chiropractic: Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Treatment. A recent study set out to critically evaluate the benefits of adding chiropractic under Missouri Medicaid. Based on computations and a dynamic scoring model,
investigators determined that there would be a cost savings to the state of Missouri of between $14.1 and $49.2 million per year once chiropractic care is included under Medicaid. More specifically, the study found that chiropractic care provides better outcomes at lower cost, leads to a reduction in cost of spinal surgery, and leads to cost savings from reduced use and abuse of opioid prescription drugs. Journal of Chiropractic Humanities, December 2019

Mental Attitude: Depression and the Heart. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study for Aging, researchers estimate that depression may be associated with up to a 36% increased risk for heart disease.
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, December 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Handling an Allergic Reaction. People can experience allergic reactions to things such as animal dander, bee stings, chemicals, and foods, which can result in hives, itching, rash and other symptoms. The National Library of Medicine recommends these first aid steps for mild-to-moderate reactions: calm and reassure the person having the reaction; try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid additional contact with it; if the person develops a rash, apply a cool compress and hydrocortisone; and watch the person for signs of increasing distress. If the allergic reaction is severe, you should summon emergency services immediately. National Library of Medicine, January 2020

Quote: “Action is the antidote to despair.” ~ Joan Baez

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Health Alert: Smartphone Use Landing Users in the ER. Between 1999 and 2017, researchers estimate that more than 76,000 people visited emergency rooms in the United States for head, face, and neck injuries in relation to smartphone usage. Lead researcher Dr. Boris Paskhover explains, “People are not paying attention and getting head and neck injuries because they’re walking with a cellphone, and fall and break their nose or jaw.”
JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, December 2019

Diet: Most Expectant Mothers Don’t Get Enough Iron and Calcium. The results of a recent literature review suggest that 91% of pregnant women have inadequate daily iron intake while 55% fail to consume enough calcium.
Maternal & Child Nutrition, December 2019

Exercise: How Exercise Boosts Oxygen to the Brain. Scientists have long assumed that blood is always saturated with oxygen, but according to a recent study, this isn’t the case and may explain why exercise is linked to better brain function. In the study, researchers monitored respiration, neural activity, blood flow, and brain oxygenation of mice using a treadmill and found that increased respiration led to greater amounts of oxygen in the blood, thus providing more oxygen to the brain. Based on the results, researchers conclude that respiration provides a dynamic pathway for modulating cerebral oxygenation.                                                                     Nature Communications, December 2019

Chiropractic: Chronic Neck Pain Affects Shoulder Muscle Activation. Using surface electromyography to assess multiple muscles in the neck and shoulder region, researchers observed increased onset delays in the anterior and middle deltoid and a peak delay in the upper trapezius muscle among participants with chronic neck pain that were not observed
in those without a history of neck pain. The findings suggest that neck pain may be associated with dysfunction in the shoulder and may need to be addressed to achieve an optimal outcome for patients with neck pain, shoulder pain, or both.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2019

Mental Attitude: Vaping Linked to Depression. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey concerning more than 890,000 adults, researchers estimate that current e-cigarette users are two-times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those who have never used e-cigarettes, and the risk for depression increases in proportion with use. The results suggest that patients suffering from depression and other mental health conditions should be screened for tobacco dependence.                   JAMA Network Open, December 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Know the Warning Signs for Stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of death and a significant cause of disability in the United States. The American Stroke Association list the following warning signs of stroke: face drooping on one side, arm weakness and/or numbness, and slurred speech. Other symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion,
trouble seeing, difficulty walking, and severe headache. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, summon emergency services immediately.                                                                                                        American Stroke Association, December 2019

Quote: “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Cleaner Teeth May Lead to a Healthier Heart. A review of data concerning more than 161,000 South Korean adults revealed that those who brushed their teeth three or more times a day had a 10% lower risk for atrial fibrillation and a 12% reduced risk for heart failure over the following decade. The researchers suspect that frequent tooth brushing may reduce the presence of potentially harmful germs between the teeth and gums, preventing the bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing an inflammatory response that is associated with an elevated risk for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, December 2019

Diet: Eat More Peas and Beans for Heart Health? New research suggests that consuming several servings of legumes per day is associated with a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. Study co-author Dr. Hana Kahleova writes, “Americans eat less than one serving of legumes per day, on average. Simply adding more beans to our plates could be a powerful tool in fighting heart disease and bringing down blood pressure.” Advances in Nutrition, November 2019

Exercise: Fitness Consultation Key to Motivating Child Cancer Survivors. Questionnaires completed by child cancer survivors revealed that just one exercise physiology consultation was enough to improve exercise levels among nearly three quarters of these patients. The findings suggest that tailored guidance from an exercise professional should be a standard in the
treatment of child cancer survivors due to the potential lifelong benefits. Heart and Mind, November 2019

Chiropractic: Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain. Forward head posture is a common postural fault that’s associated with excessive screen use. A systematic research review has determined that adults with neck pain are more likely to exhibit forward head posture than individuals without neck pain. It’s hypothesized that forward head posture places added stress on the upper trapezius, erector spinae, and the neck extensor muscles, potentially raising the risk for musculoskeletal pain in the cervical and thoracic spine. Doctors of chiropractic often address postural faults—such as forward head posture—with spinal manipulation and neck-specific exercises.              Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, November 2019

Mental Attitude: Vitamin D Levels and Dementia. Poor vitamin D status has been linked to several adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia. In an effort to understand whether maintaining healthy vitamin D levels throughout life offered neuroprotective benefits, researchers compared the rate for dementia among individuals with genetically high vitamin D levels and the general population. The results showed that the genetically high vitamin D group had a significantly reduced risk for dementia, which suggests maintaining healthy vitamin D levels throughout life my slow cognitive decline or even stave off the development of dementia.                                                                                 Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, December 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Retainer Care Tips. Keeping your retainer clean can be difficult, but it’s important for preventing cavities and infection. The California Association of Orthodontists suggests these retainer care tips: wash your hands before and after handling your retainer; soak your retainer often in a vinegar-and-water solution; never boil your retainer, as you can ruin
the custom mold; clean with a baking soda scrub or a non-harsh toothpaste; and use a denture cleaner twice per week.
California Association of Orthodontists, December 2019

Quote: “You must learn to take a step back and visualize the whole piece. If you focus only on the thread given to you, you lose
sight of what it can become.” ~ Colleen Houck

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Are Migraines and Asthma Linked? Using a decade of data from a national database, South Korean researchers report that there appears to be a bidirectional relationship between migraines and asthma with migraineurs having a 37% increased risk for asthma and asthmatics having a 47% elevated risk for migraines. Further research is needed to understand the link/s between migraines and asthma.                                                         Scientific Reports, December 2019

Diet: Eating During a Ten-Hour Window Improves Health of Those with Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, problematic cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive waist circumference—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In a new study involving
19 individuals with metabolic syndrome, researchers observed that when participants restricted their eating to a ten-hour window every day for twelve weeks, they reduced their calorie intake by nearly 9%, lost an average of 3% of their body weight, and reported more restful sleep. Their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels also improved.
Cell Metabolism, December 2019

Exercise: Which Exercise Is Best for Bone Health in Obese Older Adults? Weight loss among obese seniors can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. In a new study that included 160 obese older adults, researchers found that resistance training or combined resistance and aerobic training were both effective in reducing weight loss-induced decreases in bone
density, while aerobic training alone was deemed ineffective in this regard.
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, December 2019

Chiropractic: Chronic Neck Pain Linked to Lower Neck Strength. A review of findings from fifteen published studies concluded that patients with chronic neck pain have reduced strength in the muscles used for flexion, extension, and lateral flexion of the neck in comparison to individuals without a history of neck pain. Doctors of chiropractic often incorporate
specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, shoulder, and upper back of patients with chronic neck pain to decrease pain, improve function, and reduce the risk for recurrence.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, November 2019

Mental Attitude: Domestic Abuse Can Lead to a Lifetime of Poor Health. An examination of the medical records of over 92,000 women revealed that survivors of domestic abuse are two-times more likely to have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than females with no history of domestic abuse. Study author Dr. Joht Singh Chandan writes, “Domestic abuse is a global public health issue, with as many as 1 in 3 women affected worldwide… We hope these first of their kind research findings will change healthcare practice and will be of assistance in the early diagnosis of fibromyalgia and CFS in women who have been abused.”                          Journal of Interpersonal Violence, December 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Writing Can Help You Deal with Stress. Noting that past studies have shown that writing down your thoughts and feeling about difficult situations can improve your mood, reduce your risk for becoming ill, and increase your productivity, the American Psychological Association recommends keeping a diary or a journal.
American Psychological Association, December 2019

Quote: “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” ~ Aldous Huxley

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Air Pollution Linked to Glaucoma Risk. In this study, researchers analyzed data regarding more than 111,000 adults in the United Kingdom and found that those living in areas with the highest levels of fine particulate matter air pollution had a 6% greater risk for glaucoma. Study author Dr. Paul Foster notes, “While we cannot confirm yet that the association is causal, we hope to continue our research to determine whether air pollution does indeed cause glaucoma, and to find out if there are any avoidance strategies that could help people reduce their exposure to air pollution to mitigate the health risks.”
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, November 2019

Diet: Extra Virgin Olive Oil May Prevent Various Dementias. The accumulation of the protein tau in the brain is associated with an elevated risk for several forms of dementia. In this study, researchers observed that when mice prone to accumulations of tau consumed a diet high in extra virgin olive oil, they had 60% fewer tau deposits than rodents on a standard diet.
Additionally, the mice on the extra virgin olive oil diet also performed better in standard maze and object recognition memory tests.                                Aging Cell, November 2019

Exercise: Muscle Mass Linked to Heart Health. New research that reviewed ten years of health data concerning over more than 1,000 adults indicates that men and women with more muscle mass in middle age were less likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—all risk factors for heart disease—than participants with less muscle mass at midlife.          Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, November 2019

Chiropractic: Pain Is Common in Kids, Teens, and Young Adults. Researchers reviewed the healthcare usage of 373,178 Swedes under the age of 24 and found that 15.8% sought treatment for at least one painful condition in 2017, with abdominal pain, joint pain, headache, and back/neck pain being the most common. Of these individuals, one in seven consulted with their
healthcare provider at least four times during the year. The findings suggest that pain is a common complaint among children and young adults.  European Journal of Pain, December 2019

Mental Attitude: Concussions in High School Increase Risk of Suicide. An analysis of data concerning more than 13,000 high schoolers in the United States revealed that student athletes who reported having a concussion in the last year were more likely to report feelings of depression, suicidal ideations, and planned or previous suicide attempts. Lead author Dr. Dale Mantey writes, “Everyone needs to be aware of the warning signs and the risks that come with concussions—parents, teachers, coaches, but also the students themselves… If there is any concern that a child may have suffered a concussion, it is critical to seek medical attention. If a child is diagnosed with a concussion, everyone in their support network should look for changes in
mood or behavior that may be warning signs of reduced mental well-being.” Journal of Affective Disorders, November 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Identifying Risk Factors for Eating Disorders. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration explains
that eating disorders are the result of a combination of psychological, social, and genetic factors like low self-esteem or perfectionism; overvaluing body image in defining self-worth; stress, depression, and trauma; avoidance of social interaction; involvement in a sport that emphasizes body shape; troubled family or personal relationships; and teasing or bullying.
National Eating Disorders Collaboration, November 2019

Quote: “Endurance is patience concentrated.” ~ Thomas Carlyle

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

 

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Mental Attitude: Dealing with Job Burnout. If you experience high levels of physical or emotional exhaustion at work that reduce your sense of accomplishment and personal identity, then you may be suffering from job burnout. To manage job burnout, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: work with your supervisor to change expectations; seek support from co-workers, friends, or loved ones; try a relaxing activity that can help with stress; exercise to take your mind off of work; and get some sleep to restore well-being and protect your health. Mayo Clinic, October 2019

Health Alert: Many Parents Not Following Safe-Sleep Advice for Their Babies. A survey of moms across the United States revealed that many parents fail to follow all four of the American Academy of Pediatrics’s
recommendations to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): place infants to sleep on their back; sleep in the same room but don’t share the same bed; avoid soft objects or bedding; and use a firm sleep surface.
Pediatrics, October 2019

Diet: Vitamin D May Improve Muscle Function in Seniors. Maintaining skeletal muscle function is vital for promoting independence, mobility, and quality of life among seniors. An analysis of data from 4,157 community dwelling adults aged 60 years and over revealed that older adults with deficient vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to have impaired muscle function. Study author Dr. Niamh Aspell writes, “Overall our findings add weight to the evidence in favor of public health strategies to eliminate vitamin D deficiency in older populations. Future research, however, should identify and focus on older adults with vitamin D deficiency and aim to better
understand if reversing this deficiency improves skeletal muscle function.”
Clinical Interventions in Ageing, October 2019

Exercise: Gentle Exercise Improves Outcomes in Older Patients. Elderly adults who engaged in a home-based fitness program featuring stretches, light weights, and low-impact cardio reported an increased capacity to complete everyday life tasks and activities.                                         Innovation in Aging, October 2019

Chiropractic: Mobilization Provides Benefits to Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common causes of disability among older adults. A study involving 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis revealed that those treated with mobilization therapy, a form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic, experienced knee-related improvements with respect to pain, function, strength, and range of motion. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Supplement May Increase Cancer Survivability. The results of an analysis of data concerning 81,362 adults from ten clinical trials suggest that cancer patients who take a vitamin D supplement may have up to a 13% reduced risk for cancer-related mortality. Bioscience Reports, October 2019

Quote: “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Mental Attitude: Late-Life Mental Health and Disability. Using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study concerning 3,663 older adults, researchers have identified an association between late-life anxiety or
depression and an increased risk for disability over the following five years. The findings suggest that managing latelife depression and anxiety can help seniors maintain their independence. Psychosomatic Medicine, October 2019

Health Alert: Concussion Increases Risk for Sleeping Problems. Researchers report that sleep disorders affect nearly half of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, with insomnia (29%), hypersomnia (28%), and sleep apnea (25%) being the most common complaints. Because insufficient and poor-quality sleep have been linked to several negative health outcomes, the findings suggest that physicians should check for disturbed sleep when managing patients with TBI. Nature and Science of Sleep, August 2019

Diet: Fish Oil Supplement May Help Older Adults Stay Independent. Though further research is advised, the results of a study involving 1,635 sedentary seniors suggest that taking a daily fish oil supplement may reduce one’s risk for major mobility disability by up to 22%. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, November 2019

Exercise: Exercise Helps Lower Fracture Risk in Older Women. In this study, researchers reviewed health and lifestyle data concerning over 77,000 older women between the ages of 50 and 79 and found that those who regularly exercised at any intensity had a lower risk of hip fracture than the participants who seldom or never exercised.
JAMA Network Open, October 2019

Chiropractic: Many Seniors Have Low Back Pain. A review of data from 35 published studies involving over 135,000 older adults found that it’s very common for seniors to experience low back pain that affects their ability to carry out daily tasks. According to researchers, about one in five adults in their 60s currently have back pain, and the risk increases with age, affecting up to 75% of those over age 100. Clinics (Brazil), October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Avoid Insomnia and Improve Sleep. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be detrimental to your health. Below are some recommendations to help overcome temporary insomnia and improve the quality of your sleep: make your bedroom an inviting place by keeping the room free of clutter and distractions; choose a mattress that’s supportive to help reduce musculoskeletal pain; avoid using the bed for watching TV, eating, working, or any other activities; establish a regular sleep-wake cycle by getting up at the same time every morning, even on weekends; avoid excessive napping, which can throw off your regular sleep schedule; limit your consumption of caffeine in the afternoon and evening; watch your alcohol intake; fit in some exercise every day, but don’t exercise strenuously right before bedtime; avoid heavy meals in the evening; and establish a “winding down” ritual just prior to bedtime, like reading a book, listening to music, or watching a pleasant film.
WebMD, October 2019

Quote: “Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Mental Attitude: Being Fit May Protect Against Depression. According to a study that included nearly 8,000 European adults, being physically active appears to reduce the risk for depression, even among those with a genetic predisposition for the condition. Depression and Anxiety, November 2019

Health Alert: Unhealthy Lifestyle Sets Stage for Liver Problems… Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to a host of negative health outcomes. An analysis of data concerning over 270,000 military veterans found that adults with diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension had a 2.6 times greater risk for NAFLD than individuals without those traits. Hepatology, November 2019

Diet: Trans Fats Linked to Greater Dementia Risk. Despite most trans fats being banned in the United States, foods with less than a half-gram of trans fats can be labeled as “trans fat free”. In a study involving 1,600 older
adults, researchers observed that participants with higher levels of trans fats in their blood had an elevated risk for dementia over the following decade. Neurology, October 2019

Exercise: Interval Walking Training Offers Benefits for Seniors. Interval walking training (IWT) is characterized as walking at 70% of maximum capacity (heart rate) for three minutes, then at 40% capacity for the next three minutes, repeating the process five or more times. Among a group of 679 older adults, those who participated in an IWT program for five months not only experienced improved aerobic capacity in comparison to a control group that did not exercise, but they also had a 17% reduced risk for lifestyle-related disease. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, October 2019

Chiropractic: Myofascial Release and Core Exercises for Back Pain. Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on technique commonly used by doctors of chiropractic that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into connective tissue restrictions to help eliminate pain and restore motion. In a study involving 45 elderly patients with nonspecific low back pain, those treated with a combination of MFR and core strengthening exercises three times a week for six weeks experienced improvements in low back pain and function, lower body flexibility, fear-avoidance behavior, and overall quality of life. These techniques are often utilized by chiropractors when managing patients with low back pain. Clinical Interventions in Aging, October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Fruits, Veggies, and Frailty. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowness, physical inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss. The results of a study involving nearly 5,700 seniors suggest that a low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an elevated risk for frailty.
Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, October 2019

Quote: “Happiness does not lie in happiness, but in the achievement of it.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna