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

Mental Attitude: Marriage Tied to a Longer Life. It’s common knowledge that married people live longer than singles, but new research suggests the longevity gap is growing. In a study that compared data from 2017 to 2010, researchers found that the age-adjusted death rate for married individuals fell 7% during this time compared with only a 2% decline
among those who were never married and no change for divorcees. On the other hand, the age-adjusted death rate for widows increased 6% during this time. National Center for Health Statistics, October 2019

Health Alert: Heart Patients Often Have Sleeping Problems. A review of the health histories of 202 patients at a cardiology clinic revealed that 60% had at least one sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. This adds to a growing body of research that suggests that sleep disorders may play a role in several negative health outcomes. Laryngoscope, September 2019

Diet: Home Cooked Meals Linked to Fewer Harmful Chemicals (PFAS). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals found in packaged foods, which past animal studies have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, liver and kidney disease, adverse effects on the immune system, and carcinogenic effects. In a new study, researchers reviewed diet information and blood work concerning 10,106 adults and identified a correlation between eating at home and having lower levels of PFAS in the blood. Furthermore, those who more frequently dined at
restaurants, consumed fast food, or ate microwave popcorn had more PFAS in their blood. Co-author Dr. Kathryn Rodgers explains, “The general conclusion here is the less contact your food has with food packaging, the lower your
exposure to PFAS and other harmful chemicals… These latest findings will hopefully help consumers avoid these exposures and spur manufacturers to develop safer food packaging materials.”
Environmental Health Perspectives, October 2019

Exercise: Pick Up the Pace for Better Cognitive and Overall Health. New research that looked at data concerning nearly 1,000 individuals who participated in a 40-year study suggests that a faster walking pace is associated with higher scores on cognitive assessments, a more robust immune system, and healthier teeth and lungs.
JAMA Network Open, October 2019

Chiropractic: Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Alignment. Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when one spinal vertebra slips over the one immediately underneath it. In a recent study, researchers reviewed lateral lumbar radiographs of 104 patients with low back pain and found that high pelvic incidence and increased lumbar lordosis were
significant predictors for anterior slippage of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The findings suggest that maintaining proper spinal and pelvic alignment could reduce the risk for spondylolisthesis. Doctors of chiropractic often treat
spondylolisthesis with spinal manipulation and exercise instruction. Journal of Orthopedic Science, October 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Easing Hot Flashes. The Cleveland Clinic reports that about two-thirds of menopausal women in North America suffer from hot flashes. To relieve hot flashes, the clinic recommends identifying and avoiding triggers such as heat, smoking, caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, alcohol, or stress. Cleveland Clinic, September 2019

Quote: “Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus ten thousand times is skill.” ~ Shinichi Suzuki

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Mental Attitude: Trouble with Your Teen? Maybe Change Your Tone. In a study involving over 1,000 mom/teen pairs, researchers observed that children were more likely to successfully complete a task when their mothers gave instructions using a supportive tone. The authors of the study write, “If parents want conversations with their teens to have the most benefit, it’s important to remember to use supportive tones of voice. It’s easy for parents to forget, especially if they are feeling stressed, tired, or pressured themselves… These results nicely illustrate how powerful our voice is and
that choosing the right tone to communicate is crucial in all of our conversations.”
Developmental Psychology, September 2019

Health Alert: Cancer Risk Increases for Those Overweight Before Age 40. An analysis of data from the Me-Can study, which involved over 220,000 European adults, revealed that individuals who are overweight before age 40 have an elevated risk for several cancers, including endometrial cancer (70%), male renal-cell cancer (58%), and male colon cancer (29%). International Journal of Epidemiology, October 2019

Diet: High-Fiber Diet Linked to Lower Heart Risk Among Diabetes Patients. Past research has shown that type 2 diabetics with high blood pressure have an elevated risk for heart disease. A new study that involved 200 hypertensive type 2 diabetics revealed that those who consumed a high-fiber diet for six months experienced improvements with respect to their cholesterol and blood lipid levels, systolic blood pressure, and blood glucose readings.
American College of Cardiology, October 2019

Exercise: Health Benefits of Yoga. Yoga is generally a safe way to increase physical activity that is linked to several health benefits. According to current research, yoga may reduce stress, relieve anxiety, help manage depression, improve quality of life in those with chronic conditions or acute illnesses, stimulate brain function, and help prevent heart disease.
Medical News Today, September 2019

Chiropractic: Neuromuscular Technique for Chronic Neck Pain. During a ten-week clinical trial involving 40 patients with mechanical neck pain, those treated with a combination of therapeutic exercise and a manual therapy technique to reduce trigger points experienced greater improvements in neck muscle strength and endurance than participants in a therapeutic exercise-only group. This finding is important as the deep neck muscles are typically deconditioned in patients with mechanical neck pain and improving neck muscle strength and endurance is important for reducing pain, disability, and the risk for future episodes of neck pain. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapy techniques and exercise to treat patients with both acute and chronic neck pain.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Lifestyle May Dramatically Cut Cancer Risk. The World Cancer Research Fund notes that 30-50% of all cancer cases could be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, eating a plant-based diet, not smoking, and limiting fast food, sugar-sweetened drink, red meat, and alcohol intake.
Visceral Medicine, August 2019

Quote: “Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.” ~ Art Buchwald

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Mental Attitude: Earning Ability May Be Tied to Heart Risk. Researchers tracked the earnings and heart health of nearly 9,000 adults in the United States for thirty years and found that those who experienced a drop in their income in the first decade of the study had an elevated risk for heart attack, fatal coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke over the
following twenty years. Meanwhile, participants who saw their income increase by more than 50% during the initial phase of the study had a 20% reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. JAMA Cardiology, October 2019

Health Alert: Smoking Linked to Prostate Cancer. A review of data concerning 73,668 male military veterans revealed smoking is associated with a 15% increased risk for prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, October 2019

Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Protect Hearing. The Mediterranean diet focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains, while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars. An analysis of data concerning 3,135 older women found that those who most closely followed a Mediterranean-style diet were less likely to experience high-frequency hearing loss during the following six years.
American Journal of Epidemiology, October 2019

Exercise: Exercise Helps Cancer Patients Ward Off Heart Damage from Chemotherapy. An article recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology notes that cancer treatment can impair heart function and structure, which can cause or accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease. Because of this, the article recommends that individuals under treatment for cancer should be given a tailored exercise prescription to protect their heart based on their history, cancer treatment, response to exercise, and personal preferences. Author Dr. Flavio D’Ascenzi
adds, “Physical activity before, during, and after cancer treatment can counteract the negative effects of therapies on the cardiovascular system. In addition, it can relieve symptoms such as nausea and fatigue and help prevent unwanted changes in body weight.” European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, October 2019

Chiropractic: Deep Neck Muscles and Headaches. In this study, researchers used ultrasonography to measure activity in the deep neck muscles of 22 cervicogenic headache patients and 22 healthy subjects. They observed that the deep neck muscles in the healthy subject group were thicker than those of participants in the cervicogenic headache group. The findings suggest that atrophy of deep neck muscles may play a role in cervicogenic headaches, and clinicians should keep this in mind when developing a treatment plan for patients with this condition. Doctors of chiropractic commonly treat patients with cervicogenic headaches using spinal manipulative therapy and therapeutic exercise. Cranio, October 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Tips for Kids. To help kids get a good night’s sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends the following: remove TVs, computers, and gadgets from your kid’s bedroom; avoid large meals before
bedtime; develop a regular bedtime routine; set firm bedtimes and wake times; make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and temperate; help kids quiet down a few hours before bedtime; and finish heavy studying, texting, or video games earlier in the evening. National Sleep Foundation, October 2019

Quote: “Don’t be seduced into thinking that that which does not make a profit is without value.” ~ Arthur Miller

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Mental Attitude: Depression and Anxiety Can Affect Cardiac Rehabilitation. Among a group of 4,800 cardiac rehabilitation patients, researchers observed that those with moderate depression or anxiety were significantly more likely to quit cardiac rehabilitation than patients who experienced mild symptoms of the same disorders or those who didn’t
have any symptoms. The findings suggest that clinicians should screen for depression and anxiety at the beginning of rehabilitation to identify patients who need extra help—such as stress management, cognitive behavioral therapies, meditation, and mindfulness—to keep their recovery on track. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, October 2019

Health Alert: Vitamin D Supplement During Pregnancy May Reduce Gestational Diabetes Risk. Past research has identified a relationship between deficient vitamin D levels and an increased risk for gestational diabetes. In a study involving nearly 5,000 pregnant women, researchers observed that participants with below-average vitamin D status who took a daily vitamin D supplement lowered their risk for gestational diabetes by 17%.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2019

Diet: Vitamins C and E May Protect the Liver. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, and it can increase the risk for cirrhosis,
chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Among a group of 789 adults in their late 50s, researchers observed that those with a higher dietary intake of both vitamin C and vitamin E were significantly less likely to develop NAFLD than participants with a diet low in vitamins C and E. Digestive and Liver Disease, July 2019

Exercise: Chair Yoga Benefits Those with Advanced Dementia. For seniors with moderate to severe dementia who are unable to participate in regular exercise due to cognitive impairment, problems with balance, or fear of falling, new research suggests that engaging in a chair-based yoga program can improve both mental health and quality of life.American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, October 2019

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Benefits Patients with Shoulder Pain. Subacromial impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or irritated as they pass through the subacromial space, which can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. In a study involving 26 patients with acute subacromial
impingement syndrome, researchers observed that those treated with manual therapy for four weeks experienced significant improvements with respect to pain, function, and range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize a
combination of manual therapy and exercise to treat patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, September 2019

Wellness/Prevention: How to Lower Your Resting Heart Rate. Harvard Medical School notes that the normal range for a resting heart rate (RHR) is 60 to 90 beats per minute and an increase in RHR over time can be a sign of a future heart issue. To help lower your RHR, the school recommends exercising every day; practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation; avoiding tobacco products; and losing any extra weight. Harvard Medical School, September 2019

Quote: “Contentment is the only real wealth.” ~ Alfred Nobel

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Mental Attitude: Risk Factors for Depression in Old Age. Researchers monitored 11,553 seniors for four years and observed that 22.3% developed depressive symptoms during this time. Further analysis identified the
following late-life risk factors for depression: inadequate sleep, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, arthritis, and chronic digestive disorders. The risk for depression was also slightly higher among women and those living in
rural areas. BMJ Open, September 2019

Health Alert: Don’t Let Children Wander Alone in Parking Lots. Observations of 125 young children and their parents as they navigated a parking lot revealed that half of kids got out of the vehicle before an adult, 67% of children lacked proper supervision at some point during the walk, and nearly 90% walked beyond an arm’s reach of an adult. Researcher Dr. David Schwebel writes, “The safety risks in parking lots are already
dangerous. We observed that parents pay less attention to their children in these parking lots, even further elevating the risk.” Journal of Safety Research, August 2019

Diet: Added Sugars Linked to Hypertension. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is common among seniors and is linked to a number of negative health outcomes. In a study that looked at the dietary intake of 128
older adults, researchers identified an association between higher added-sugar intake and elevated blood pressure readings. Nutrients, September 2019
Exercise: Sedentary Lifestyle Doubles Early Mortality Risk. Following a two-decade study involving a group of 23,146 men and women, researchers concluded that participants who led a sedentary lifestyle were
2.7-times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and twice more likely to die from any cause than those who regularly exercised. World Congress of Cardiology, August 2019

Chiropractic: Neck Angles, Muscles, Pain and Smartphone Use. According to a new study in which researchers monitored neck muscle activity at various neck flexion angles while participants used their smartphone, bending the neck forward more than 15 degrees is associated with increased muscle activity in the neck. The findings suggest that individuals, especially those with neck pain, should limit neck flexion while
using electronic devices. Ergonomics, August 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Painful Kidney Stones. The National Kidney Foundation reports that about 10% of people will develop a kidney stone during their lifetime. To help prevent kidney stones, the foundation
recommends the following: drink enough water, especially when exercising; pair oxalate-rich foods with calcium-rich foods; and cut back on dietary salt.

Quote: “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~ Jim Rohn

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Mental Attitude: Depression and Vitamin D Status. The results of a recent study involving military personnel suggest there’s a link between vitamin D deficiency and an elevated risk for depression, particularly for those
stationed at higher latitudes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, September 2019

Health Alert: Parental Asthma May Increase ADHD Risk in Kids. An analysis of data concerning the first twenty years of life of nearly one million Danes suggests that children born to asthmatic mothers may have up to a 41% increased risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while having a father with asthma is associated with a 13% elevated risk for ADHD. The study authors conclude, “These results support theories regarding shared genetic and environmental risk factors having a role in the development of ADHD.”
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, August 2019

Diet: Ketogenic Diet Helps Controls Seizures in Infants. The ketogenic diet triggers ketosis, which is a metabolic process in which the body breaks down fats and proteins and transforms them into energy for the body. This particular diet has been documented to be an effective treatment for school-aged kids and adults with epilepsy, but what about younger children? In a recent study involving 109 children with epilepsy under the age of three,
researchers observed that nearly 20% achieved complete seizure control after three months on a ketogenic diet and almost 40% experienced significant seizure reduction (greater than 50%), with more favorable results among kids
whose epilepsy had a genetic origin. Scientific Reports, August 2019

Exercise: A Brisk Walk Is Better Than a Slower Walk… Researchers observed that adults with metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions associated with an elevated risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes—who
engaged in a walking program that focused on taking 12,000 steps a day at a pace of 103 steps per minute burned more fat and experienced greater improvements with respect to their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels than participants who walked 12,000 steps a day at a slower pace.
BMC Public Health, September 2019

Chiropractic: Office Workers and Musculoskeletal Disorders. Among a group of 400 office employees working at an insurance company, researchers observed that musculoskeletal complaints were quite common, particularly in the neck (57.2%), lower back (46.2%), shoulders (38.5%), and upper back (28.5%). Further analysis identified the following risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal pain: awkward posture, body mass index, job demand, upper arm use, and infrequent rest breaks. Doctors of chiropractic can effectively treat many of these musculoskeletal conditions and can offer stretching and ergonomic advice to reduce the risk of recurrence. Work, August 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Caring for a Torn Nail. Tearing a nail can be very painful. To treat a torn nail, the University of Wisconsin suggests the following: trim or file any sharp edges and trim off the detached part of a large
tear, soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and cover the area with a nonstick bandage. University of Wisconsin, August 2019

Quote: “The best intelligence test is what we do with our leisure.” ~ Laurence J. Peter

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Mental Attitude: Posting Selfies May Cause Negative Social Perception. In this study, college students were asked to rate the Instagram profiles of students from another university. The participants rated those who posted posed photos taken by someone else as more likeable, more successful, having greater self-esteem, and being more outgoing. However, students who posted a lot of selfies were regarded as less likeable, less successful, less
adventurous, and more insecure. Journal of Research in Personality, August 2019

Health Alert: Older Americans Often Not Equipped to Stay Safe During Hurricanes. Interviews with over 2,200 adults over the age of 50 revealed that less than one-third had an emergency kit that could sustain them at home or that they could take with them in the event of an evacuation, and only one-quarter had a backup power
supply in the event of a power failure. University of Michigan, September 2019

Diet: Nuts May Lower Risk of Fatal Heart Attack and Stroke. Over the course of a twelve-year study involving 5,432 adults, researchers observed that participants who ate nuts at least twice a week had a 17% reduced risk of
death from cardiovascular disease. Study author Dr. Noushin Mohammadifard explains, “Nuts are a good source of unsaturated fat and contain little saturated fat… They also have protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber, phytosterols, and polyphenols which benefit heart health.” European Society of Cardiology, August 2019

Exercise: Complex Exercises May Be Better for the Brain… Researchers found that participants who played badminton for ten minutes scored better on executive function assessments than they did after taking a ten-minute run. The findings suggest that engaging in more complex forms of exercise may have a greater benefit on the brain than jogging and other simple exercise routines. PLoS One, September 2019

Chiropractic: Mobilization and Stretching Are Both Useful for Frozen Shoulders… Adhesive capsulitis (AC), also known as frozen shoulder, is described as a painful restriction of the shoulder’s range of motion, and about 3% of adults will develop the condition in their lifetime. In this study, researchers observed that both scapular mobilization and manual posterior capsule stretching are effective for improving range of motion in the shoulder joint of patients with stage III AC. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to offer both types of treatment for patients with AC and often use both in order to achieve optimal results.
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions, September 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Reduce the Risk for Norovirus Infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne diarrhea and vomiting. To help reduce the risk for such an infection, the CDC suggests the following: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, carefully wash fruits and vegetables before eating them, cook oysters and shellfish thoroughly before consumption, do not prepare food or care for others when you are sick, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and wash soiled laundry thoroughly. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2019

Quote: “Happiness is a direction, not a place.” ~ Sydney J. Harris

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Mental Attitude: A History of Exercise Reduces Postpartum Depression Risk… Postpartum depression affects about one in five new mothers. A review of data from sixteen published studies found that women who exercise before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and following the birth of their child had a lower risk for postpartum depression than new moms with poor fitness levels. Medicine (Lithuania), September 2019

Health Alert: Is There a Link Between Blood Pressure and Breast Cancer? Past studies have demonstrated that high levels of a protein called GRK4 can cause high blood pressure. In a recent study, researchers detected the GRK4 protein in breast cancer cells but not in normal breast cells. Researcher Dr. Vesna D. Garovic writes, “While previous studies have shown that breast cancer risk is increased in hypertensive women, this study adds to the current knowledge by providing the molecular mechanisms that underlie this association.”
American Heart Association, September 2019

Diet: Pumpkin Pulp and Seeds Reduce Blood Pressure in Animal Study. Rats fed a diet that included pumpkin pulp and seeds for eight weeks had blood pressure 20% lower than rats on a control diet. Researcher Dr. Soweto Thomas notes, “With the animal model we can never really fully say that what we see is exactly what is going to happen in a human trial… But there is a slew of dietary intervention studies that have shown that, overall, a healthy diet can make real changes in someone’s health.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, September 2019

Exercise: Exercise Can Boost Exam Grades. Among a group of 86 primary school students in the United Kingdom, researchers observed that the children who were physically active tended to perform better on reading,
writing, and mathematics assessments than their sedentary peers.
Journal of Physical Activity Research, October 2019

Chiropractic: Conservative Care Offers Benefits to Chronic Back Pain Sufferers. Kinesiophobia, or fear of movement, is common occurrence among patients with musculoskeletal pain and can increase the risk for prolonged pain and disability. A review of data from 60 published studies revealed that manual therapies reduced fearavoidance beliefs among patients with chronic back pain. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies and other conservative treatment options to reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, August 2019

Wellness/Prevention: How to Treat Tonsillitis. Inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis, which can sometimes resemble the flu. Symptoms usually resolve in three to four days, but there are things that can be done to
relieve symptoms in the meantime. The National Health Service recommends the following when treating tonsillitis at home: get plenty of rest, enjoy cool drinks to soothe the throat, take pain medicine, and gargle with warm
saltwater. National Health Service, September 2019

Quote: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Mental Attitude: Too Much TV/Social Media Increases Depression Risk for Teens. New research that looked at the mental health status of 4,000 Canadian teenagers suggests that adolescents who spend an above average amount of time on either social media or watching TV are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. JAMA Pediatrics, July 2019

Health Alert: Improving Good Cholesterol Levels May Reduce Diabetes Risk. When it comes to reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes, the results of a new study suggest that individuals should also pay attention to their high-density lipoprotein (HDL or the “good” cholesterol) levels. In particular, a review of five years of data concerning 5 million adults found that individuals with low HDL cholesterol readings had up to a 20% increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, August 2019

Diet: Tart Cherry Juice Is Good for the Brain. According to a new study involving 34 seniors, participants who drank 16oz of tart cherry juice daily for twelve weeks experienced improvements related to both cognitive function and subjective memory. Lead author Dr. Sheau Ching Chai writes, “The potential beneficial effects of tart cherries may be related to the bioactive compounds they possess, which include polyphenols, anthocyanins and melanin. They may also be related to tart cherry’s potential blood-pressure lowering effects, outlined in a previous study we conducted in the same population, as blood pressure can influence blood flow to the brain.” Food & Function, July 2019

Exercise: Kids with More Friends Are More Active. Among a sample of about 200 Canadian middle-school students, researchers observed that kids with more friends tended to be more physically active. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, August 2019

Chiropractic: Headache and Low Back Pain Linked? A review of data from several studies, including one that included over 400,000 participants, found that individuals with persistent low back pain have an elevated risk for primary headache disorders. Both conditions are commonly treated in chiropractic offices, often with spinal manipulation, exercises, and nutritional recommendations. Journal of Headache and Pain, July 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Relaxation Techniques to Reduce Stress. Stress is a normal part of life, but long-term stress can lead to digestive issue, headaches, sleep disorders, and other health issues. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that relaxation techniques can help release tension and reduce stress. Recommended relaxation techniques include the following: deep breathing, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, meditation, and yoga. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, July 2019

Quote: “We first make our habits, and then our habits make us.” ~ John Dryden

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Mental Attitude: Trees Promote Mental Well-Being? Questionnaires completed by nearly 47,000 citydwelling adults revealed that living in a neighborhood with more tree cover is associated with less psychological distress and better general health. JAMA Network Open, July 2019

Health Alert: Diabetes Increases Heart Failure Risk. A review of health records concerning more than 12 million adults indicates that individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes have an elevated risk for heart
failure, especially female diabetics. Diabetologia, July 2019

Diet: Too High / Too Low Blood Sugar Is Bad for the Heart. The results of a twenty-year study involving nearly 10,000 Chinese adults suggest that having a resting blood glucose reading that is either too high (≥126
mg/dl) or too low (<60 mg/dl) is associated with double the risk for cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
Chronic Diseases & Translational Medicine, June 2019

Exercise: Exercise During Pregnancy Can Boost Baby’s Health. Children born to women who engaged in aerobic exercise during pregnancy appear to have better motor skills at one month of age than kids whose
mothers did not exercise during their pregnancy. The researchers speculate that exercise may aid fetal brain development by boosting the flow of blood and oxygen to the womb.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, August 2019

Chiropractic: Back Pain Linked to Pelvic, Hip, and Knee Dysfunction… Examinations of forty young
adults, half of whom had low back pain, revealed that those with back pain were more likely to exhibit increased pelvic tilt, knocked knees, and reduced hip extension. Though the study was unable to determine the nature of the relationship between low back pain and such alterations, these findings highlight the importance of examining the whole patient and not just focusing on the area of chief complaint; otherwise, treatment may not
yield a satisfactory outcome for the patient. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, August 2019

Wellness/Prevention: Keep Your Teen Driver Safe. Safe Kids Worldwide reports that six teens are killed in motor vehicle accidents every day in the United States. To help prevent these accidents, the organization
encourages parents of new drivers to do the following: be a good role model when driving; always use a seatbelt; set clear expectations about your family’s driving rules; define zero-tolerance rules for speeding,
alcohol, and texting; limit the number of passengers allowed in the car with your teen; make sure your teen gets enough practice in a variety of road conditions. Safe Kids, August 2019

Quote: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
~ George Bernard Shaw

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna