WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, March 15th, 2021

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

Health Alert: Air Pollution May Affect Fertility. Particulate matter is a mixture of dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and
liquid droplets in the air and has been linked to an elevated risk for several poor health outcomes. According to a new study that included over 2,200 women, living in areas with higher levels of particulate matter air pollution may be associated with reduced ovarian reserve.                                                             Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine, February 2021

Diet: Green Mediterranean Diet for NAFLD Patients? Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition
that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption. An 18-month study involving 294 NAFLD patients revealed that those who adopted the green Mediterranean diet—a version of the Mediterranean diet in which meat is replaced with plant proteins—experienced a greater reduction of fat in the liver than participants on the standard Mediterranean diet.                                                         Gut, January 2021

Exercise: Young Boys and Girls Become Less Active During Summer. While we often associate summer break
as a time for kids to go outside and play, a recent study found that six- to nine-year-old children spend about 50% fewer minutes each day engaged in either moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity during this time.
Frontiers in Public Health, January 2021

Chiropractic: Does Smartphone Use Contribute to Musculoskeletal Pain? Questionnaires completed by 294
university students revealed that heavy smartphone users were more likely to experience pain in the neck, upper back, and hands/wrists, especially those who met the criteria for smartphone addiction. The findings underscore the importance of good posture when using electronic devices and seeking help if smartphone use interferes with one’s ability to carry out their daily responsibilities.                                                                  Korean Journal of Pain, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Touchscreens May Contribute to Distraction in Toddlers. Assessments of 40 children
conducted at 1.5 years and 3.5 years of age revealed that those who spent the most time using touchscreens each day were less likely to resist distraction than kids who used electronic devices less often.                                                                                        JAMA Pediatrics, January 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Simple, Affordable Test May Curb Colorectal Cancer Deaths. Scientists have developed
a test called fecal immunochemical test (FIT) that may help identify individuals at risk for developing colorectal cancer by finding traces of blood in stool. An examination of data on 3,890 patients who received the FIT showed that of the 618 who tested positive for blood in their feces, 43 went on to be diagnosed with colon cancer within twelve months. Meanwhile, only eight of those who tested negative received such a diagnosis over the next year. Research leader Dr. Sarah Bailey writes, “[This] simple and inexpensive test performs exceptionally well in this
group of patients with low-risk symptoms, to quickly and accurately tell us who is likely to not have colorectal
cancer, and who should be referred for investigation.”        British Journal of Cancer, January 2021

Quote: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ~ Frederick Douglass

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, March 8th, 2021

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

Health Alert: Endometriosis May Increase Some Pregnancy Risks. Endometriosis is a potentially painful
condition that occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. A review of findings from 39 studies revealed an association between endometriosis and an increased risk for several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, cesarean section, and stillbirth.              Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2021

Diet: Food Choices Can Affect Breast Cancer Survival. For breast cancer patients, the current data suggests that a
diet pattern featuring a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes and avoids added sugars, sugary drinks, and calorie-dense foods is associated with increased survivability from the disease.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention, February 2021

Exercise: Grip Strength May Identify Individuals at Risk for Heart Disease. Handgrip strength is a tool used by
researchers to estimate an individual’s overall fitness level. A study that reviewed health records of over 3,000 middle aged and older adults identified an association between reduced grip strength and greater calcium build-up in the aortic artery, a risk factor for heart disease.
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, November 2020

Chiropractic: Sit-to-Stand Rotation and Low Back Pain. An experiment that included 24 individuals revealed that standing with seated breaks at a 3:1 ratio may be an effective strategy for mitigating one’s risk for experiencing back pain associated with prolonged standing.                              Ergonomics, December 2020

Mental Attitude: Regular Cannabis Use Linked to Declining IQ. A review of long-term data concerning over
6,000 individuals revealed that frequent cannabis use from adolescence onward is associated with a drop in IQ of
approximately two points by around age 40. Senior author Dr. Mary Cannon adds, “Previous research tells us that young people who use cannabis frequently have worse outcomes in life than their peers and are at increased risk for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Loss of IQ points early in life could have significant effects on performance in school and college and later employment prospects.”                                Psychological Medicine, January 2021

Wellness/Prevention: Winter Wellness Tips. The following tips may help one stay healthy during the colder
months: shift your sleep cycle earlier by one hour; take magnesium, which is a common deficiency; practice simple
breathing techniques to keep calm, focused, and energized; avoid drinking alcohol more than three days per week;
improve vitamin D status with sun exposure, diet, or supplementation; exercise; increase intake of omega-3 fatty
acids; take pre-biotics and probiotics; eliminate refined sugar and carbohydrates; and connect with others.
Forbes, January 2021

Quote: “What we spend our time on is probably the most important decision we make.” ~ Ray Kurzweil

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, March 1st, 2021

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

Health Alert: Alcohol Contributes to Cancer Cases and Deaths. Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for several cancers, and a recent study that analyzed information from the United States Cancer Statistics database estimates that alcohol may be the primary driver of 4.8% of cancer cases and 3.2% of cancer deaths, or about 75,000 cases and 19,000 deaths per year in the United States.                                                    Cancer Epidemiology, January 2021

Diet: Fruits and Veggies Are Good for Kids’ Bones. The current research suggests that there’s an association between a high intake of fruits and vegetables during childhood and stronger, healthier bones.
Nutrition, Exercise, & Lifestyle, February 2021

Exercise: Exercise-Related Benefits for College Students. A survey of 866 university students revealed that
regular exercise may provide the following benefits in young adults: earlier bedtime, faster bed-to-sleep time, and improved sleep quality; a positive outlook on life; and reduced anxiety, anger, and depression.
Health, Education, & Behavior, February 2021

Chiropractic: Facet Joint Orientation Plays Role in Spondylolysis. Spondylolysis is a spinal condition that
involves a fracture or defect of the posterior portion of the vertebra that can lead it to slip forward, causing pain.
Advanced imaging of 68 junior athletes with back pain revealed that abnormal coronal (side to side) orientation of the facet joint at the L4-5 level increased loading on the L5 pars interarticularis when bending backwards and rotating, increasing the risk for spondylolysis. Doctors of chiropractic are skilled at detecting and treating spondylolysis with conservative care and sometimes co-managing cases with specialists.
Journal of Physical Therapy and Science, December 2020

Mental Attitude: Many Adults Struggle with Mental Health Problems in Midlife. An analysis of data concerning over 28,000 adults revealed that midlife was the period of time in which 1 in 5 experienced their highest levels of psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety. Study co-author Dr. George Ploubidis explains, “Midlife tends to involve a ‘peak’ in career, with middle-aged adults acquiring increasing responsibility as the ‘decision-makers’ in society, which is accompanied by reduced leisure time, and elevated job-related stress. Middle age is also often associated with changes to family structure, which may be linked with mental health, such as empty nest syndrome and rising rates of divorce. As people approach their 50s, they are also more likely to be parents and
simultaneously care for aging parents.”                        Psychological Medicine, January 2021

Wellness/Prevention: How to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. To reduce the risk of breast cancer, the Mayo Clinic
recommends the following healthy habits: limit alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, exercise, limit duration of
hormone therapy, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight.                                                                                              Mayo Clinic, February 2021

Quote: “A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.” ~ Charles Darwin

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, February 22nd, 2021

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

Health Alert: Esophageal Cancer Increasing Among Young Adults. Researchers report that the incidence of
esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased over the last 40 years, with the rate increasing fastest among patients under the age of 50. Additionally, the research team reports that younger esophageal cancer patients were more likely to be diagnosed with a more advanced stage of the cancer and their survival rates were lower than patients aged 50 and up. Lead study author Dr. Don C. Codipilly adds, “Physicians must keep in mind that [esophageal adenocarcinoma] is not a disease of the elderly, and that outcomes for young people with
[esophageal adenocarcinoma] are dismal… Our findings suggest that physicians should have a low threshold of suspicion for patients who present with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). While younger patients would typically not be at high risk for [esophageal adenocarcinoma], they may benefit from an upper endoscopy.”
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, December 2020

Diet: Avocados Benefit Your Gut Microbes. Among a group of 163 obese or overweight adults, researchers observed that consuming one avocado a day led to an increase of microbes in the digestive system known to break down fiber and support gut health.                                                                          Journal of Nutrition, December 2020

Exercise: Tai Chi May Improve Mood, Energy, and Sleep. Older women who participated in a four-week Tai Chi program reported improvements in vigor, mood, and sleep that persisted up to four weeks following the conclusion of the intervention.                                                                              Research in Sports Medicine, January 2021

Chiropractic: Back Pain Common in Nurses. Questionnaires completed by 256 nurses revealed that 44.5%
had experienced low back pain during the previous week and 80% had low back pain in the preceding year.
Acta Biomedica, November 2020

Mental Attitude: Late-Life Hypertension May Signal Increased Dementia Risk. While a history of high blood pressure is a known risk factor for dementia, a recent study suggests that older adults who develop hypertension late in life may be at an even higher risk for cognitive decline.
Frontiers in Neurology, November 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D, Calcium, and Dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a very
common gynecological disorder affecting 84.1% of women during childbearing age. The most common symptoms of PD include tiredness, headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and lower abdominal pain that can radiate to both thighs and/or to the low back. The current research suggests that women with low vitamin D and calcium levels may experience more severe PD symptoms.                                                                          Obstetrics & Gynecology Science, January 2021

Quote: “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” ~ Lou Holtz

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, February 15th, 2021

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

Health Alert: Air Pollution Increases Kidney Disease Risk. Past research has shown that air pollution can increase one’s risk for heart and lung disease. Now, an analysis of data concerning over 47,000 adults suggests that increased exposure to fine particulate matter is also associated with an elevated risk for chronic kidney disease.                                                       Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, December 2020

Diet: Junk Food Could Be Causing Your Teen’s Sleep Problems. The World Health Organization reports that teens who consume three or more soft drinks a day or eat fast food four or more times a week are up to 55% more likely to have disturbed sleep than their peers who consume one or fewer soft drinks a day or fast food no more than once a week, respectively. World Health Organization, December 2020

Exercise: Seniors Should Get Fit Before Surgery. The result of a recent experiment suggests that lifting weights in the week preceding a surgical procedure can offset the amount of muscle loss that is often observed in older adults following a week of post-surgical bed rest.
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, December 2020

Chiropractic: Ergonomic Intervention Helps Curb Musculoskeletal Pain. Prolonged exposure to awkward
positions is known to increase an office worker’s risk for musculoskeletal pain. A recent study found that office
employees experienced a reduction in pain intensity in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and hand/wrist following an ergonomic assessment to identify and correct workstation configurations known to place unnecessary stress on the body (desk too high/low, monitor not directly in front of user, monitor too high/low, chair too high/low, etc.).                                    Industrial Health, November 2020

Mental Attitude: Nearly 1 in 3 Teens May Have Internet Addiction. Questionnaires completed by over 27,000 teenagers revealed that 29% exhibit behaviors and symptoms suggesting addiction to the Internet. These individuals were also more likely to engage in other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such has inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, lack of exercise, frequent consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods, and alcohol and e-cigarette use.                                     International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, December 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Stay Healthy at Work. Experts at WebMD offer the following tips to stay healthy in the workplace: avoid unhealthy snacks that your co-workers leave in the break room, drink eight to ten glasses of water a day, try to implement more physical activity at work, eat a healthy lunch, improve work posture and ergonomics, avoid eyestrain, take time off to refresh, avoid prolonged stretches of long workdays,
and disinfect your work area often.                                      WebMD, December 2020

Quote: “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” ~ Louis Pasteur

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, February 8th, 2021

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

Health Alert: Is a Negative Personality Linked to Heart Attack Risk? Personality evaluations of 150 myocardial infarction patients revealed that these individuals were more likely to have a negative outlook on life than the general population.                                                                                     Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, September 2020

Diet: A Commonly Used Joint Supplement May Benefit the Heart? Using data from several United Kingdom National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, researchers found that individuals who took a daily glucosamine supplement to support joint health had a 65% reduced risk for death due to cardiovascular disease in the following decade. Though further research is necessary to understand the nature of the relationship between glucosamine supplement use and improved heart health; however, they venture that
glucosamine may lower systemic inflammation in healthy individuals or that people who use these supplements may take more care of their health and be healthier overall.
Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, December 2020

Exercise: Outdoor Winter Workout Ideas. During the colder months, the American Heart Association recommends trying these outdoor activities to stay fit: brisk walking or hiking, jogging or running, raking leaves, shoveling snow, ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. If it is too cold, there are also plenty of indoor exercise choices as well. American Heart Association, November 2020

Chiropractic: Sacroiliac Adjustments Affect Pelvic Angles. Among a group of 100 adults with sacroiliac (SI)
joint dysfunction, researchers observed that a single adjustment of the SI joint resulted in measurable changes in the pelvic angle. The study reveals that specific chiropractic adjustments can have a positive influence on the pelvis to help correct anatomical alignment.                                                                 Health SA Gesondheid, December 2020

Mental Attitude: Paternal Involvement and Later Behavioral and Emotional Issues. A review of data
concerning nearly 5,000 older teens in the United States revealed that those whose fathers were more involved in their lives from ages 5 to 15 were less likely to have emotional and behaviors problems in late adolescence.
Social Service Review, December 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Tips for a Healthier Life. The United States Preventive Services Task Force offers these simple steps to live a healthy life, prevent disease, increase longevity, and improve physical, mental, and emotional health: get regular health screenings, don’t smoke, meet physical activity guidelines, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and follow your doctor’s advice.
United States Preventive Services Task Force, December 2020

Quote: “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” ~ Zora Neale Hurston

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, February 1st, 2021

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

Health Alert: Many Teens Are Driving While Impaired. A nationwide survey of over 6,800 teenagers revealed that 13% had driven under the influence of marijuana in the previous month. Additionally, 5% reported they had driven with alcohol in their system during the same time frame.                           JAMA Network Open, December 2020

Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods Pose Health Risks. Using data concerning over 22,000 participants from the Moli-sani project, researchers report that a high intake of ultra-processed foods can increase an individual’s risk for death due to cardiovascular disease by up to 58% in the following eight years.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2020

Exercise: Lower Body Strength in Children Is on the Decline. A review of data from national fitness assessments conducted since 1960 revealed that performance on the standing broad jump test increased steadily from 1960 to 1980, slowed in the 1990s, and has declined over the last two decades.
Sports Medicine, December 2020

Chiropractic: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Office Workers. Questionnaires completed by 969 office workers
under the age of 50 revealed that about one in five experience wrist and/or hand symptoms commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The researchers estimate that working without breaks can increase the risk for hand and wrist symptoms by up to 88% and that taking frequent breaks could reduce the incidence of CTS among office workers.                 BMC Public Health, January 2021

Mental Attitude: Many Teens Who Suffer a Concussion Return to Driving Too Soon. Interviews with 322 adolescent drivers who had sustained a concussion revealed that roughly a third made no changes to their driving behavior and 1 in 5 returned to driving within two weeks. The findings suggest that roughly half of teen drivers who sustain a concussion may be back on the road too soon, placing themselves, their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk.                Journal of Adolescent Health, December 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Protect Yourself from the Flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following tips to protect yourself and others from the flu: avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home when you are sick; cover your month when coughing or sneezing; stay home when you are sick; clean your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; and practice other good health habits, such as cleaning surfaces, eating healthy, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2020

Quote: “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.” ~ Mary Tyler Moore

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE foe Monday, January 25th, 2021

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

Health Alert: Sleeping Pills Linked to Falls & Fractures in Dementia Patients. Researchers collected data on over 27,000 dementia patients and found that those prescribed a high dosage of strong sleeping medications such as zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone (so-called “Z-drugs”) had an elevated risk for a stroke, serious fall, and fracture, especially hip fracture. Study author Dr. Chris Fox notes, “This research shows us that higher-dose Zdrugs should be avoided, if possible, in people living with dementia, and non-pharmacological alternatives
preferentially considered.”                                                             BMC Medicine, November 2020

Diet: Most Calories Teens Eat Come from Ultra-Processed Foods. Dietary assessments of 5,500 adolescents
revealed that nearly 66% of calories consumed by teenagers come from ultra-processed foods (such as chips, cookies, candy, soft drinks, and read-to-eat products).                                  American Heart Association, November 2020

Exercise: Quick Bursts of Exercise May Benefit Diabetics. 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 recent study found that type 2 diabetics may experience greater improvements in blood vessel function with HIIT than from longer duration, less intense exercise.                                    American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, November 2020

Chiropractic: Common Manual Therapies Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain. The results from a recent study
that included ten chronic back pain patients showed that both high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulative therapy and muscle energy technique are effective interventions for reducing pain and improving joint function. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapy techniques, including the two used in this study, to reduce pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain.
South African Journal of Physiotherapy, October 2020

Mental Attitude: Depression Linked to Diabetes. An analysis of data concerning 30,360 middle aged and older adults revealed that a diagnosis of depression may increase an individual’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes within the following seven years.                                                                 Annals of Epidemiology, December 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Physical Problems Associated with Device Use in Kids. A survey of 569 elementary school students revealed that one in four experience physical discomfort following prolonged electronic device use with the most common complaints being headaches, neck/shoulder pain, back pain, and eye strain.
Medical Journal of Malaysia, November 2020

Quote: “There’s no such thing as failure – just waiting for success.” ~ John Osborne

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, January 18th, 2021

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

Health Alert: Many People May Not Recognize a Heart Attack. The top five most common heart attack symptoms include chest pain/discomfort; shortness of breath; arm and shoulder pain and discomfort; feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint; and jaw, neck, and back pain. A survey of 393 adults revealed that only 11.5% recognized all five symptoms and the majority (71.65%) only recognized chest pain/discomfort as a possible sign of heart attack.                                         International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, December 2020

Diet: Plant-Based Diet Boosts Metabolism? During a 16-week experiment, overweight/obese participants who adopted a low-fat, plant-based diet that included fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes experienced an 18.7% increased after-meal calorie burn, something that was not observed in individuals who ate their usual diet. The members of the plant-based diet group also reported more significant drops in fat mass and visceral fat.                                                                                      JAMA Network Open, November 2020

Exercise: Walking Benefits the Hearts of Postmenopausal Women. In a study that looked at a decade of data concerning over 83,000 middle aged and older females, researchers observed that the more steps a participant averaged per day, the lower her risk for high blood pressure. Hypertension, November 2020

Chiropractic: How to Reduce Work-Related Injuries. Work-related musculoskeletal conditions are unfortunately too common among workers in nearly all industries. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers the following tips to help reduce work-related injuries: modify your work to reduce the amount of reaching and bending you perform daily; avoid slouching and bending in awkward positions; include stretching
and movement to strengthen your posture while working; reduce repetitive or prolonged activities when possible; take frequent breaks during your shift; and remember to use proper mechanics when lifting.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, November 2020

Mental Attitude: Two Foods That May Reduce Risk for Early-Onset Dementia. A comparison of diet assessments of 54 recently diagnosed early-onset dementia (EOD) patients and 54 cognitively healthy individuals revealed that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and fish may be associated with a reduced risk for
EOD. Nutrients, November 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Low Sodium Diet May Lower Risk for Stomach Cancer. The current research suggests that adopting a low-sodium diet can reduce a middle-aged adult’s risk for gastric cancer by up to 24%.
Cancer Medicine, December 2020

Quote: “Those who try to obliterate the past are injuring the present.” ~ Helen Dunmore

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, January 11th, 2021

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

Health Alert: Vitamin D Supplementation May Lower Acute Respiratory Infection Risk. A review of findings from 42 published studies found that consuming a daily 400-1000 IU vitamin D supplement may reduce an individual’s risk for acute respiratory infection by up to 30%.                        MedRxiv, November 2020

Diet: Processed Fats and Sugars Increase Muscle Pain. Researchers observed that switching the diet of mice to one rich in either highly processed sugars or fats led to increased excitability of the muscle nerves and resulting muscle pain. The findings suggest that reducing the intake of highly processed foods may benefit patients with muscle pain.                  Nutrients, October 2020

Exercise: Benefits of Strength Training. The American Cancer Society notes the following benefits for strength training: increased muscle mass, stronger bones, improved joint flexibility, increased metabolism, and improved balance. American Cancer Society, November 2020

Chiropractic: Dizziness? It Could Be the Neck. Dizziness can have a number of potential causes, but one that often goes unidentified is dysfunction in the neck, particularly in the upper cervical spine. A recent article in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation notes that once vestibular and cardiovascular pathologies have been ruled out, patients with ongoing dizziness issues should be evaluated for cervical disorders. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate the cervical spine and to restore normal motion using a combination of manual therapies
and specific exercise recommendations.                                  Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, October 2020

Mental Attitude: Disasters Increase Suicides. According to a new study, an individual’s risk for suicide can increase up to 23% following a natural disaster, and the elevated suicide risk can persist for up to two years. The findings reveal that more mental health resources are needed to address challenges that arise after a disaster and that these services should be extended for a longer period of time following a disaster.
Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, November 2020

Wellness/Prevention: Problems with Sleep Only Accelerate Other Troubles… Using data from the SNACK study, researchers report that older adults with moderate-to-severe sleep disturbances will likely accumulate chronic neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal conditions at a faster rate than seniors with good sleep hygiene. The authors of the analysis conclude that the early detection and treatment of sleep difficulties may present itself as a possible strategy to reduce the risk for chronic multimorbidity in the older population.
BMC Medicine, December 2020

Quote: “Who overcomes by force, hath overcome but half his foe.” ~ John Milton

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