Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke May Raise Multiple Sclerosis Risk. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness, and paralysis. Brain
imaging of children who carry genes linked to MS revealed that exposure to secondhand smoke in the home is associated with reduced brain volume and gray matter, which may exacerbate inflammation and immune dysfunction, increasing the risk for developing MS in adulthood.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, December 2024

Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods Could Elevate Risk for Osteoarthritis. Ultra-processed foods are food products that include added sugars, fats, and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. In a recent study, researchers reviewed dietary data and magnetic resonance imaging of 666 individuals and identified an association between
higher ultra-processed food intake and fat infiltration into the thigh muscles, which may raise the risk for osteoarthritis of the knee.                                                                        Radiological Society of North America, December 2024

Exercise: Exercise Can Enhance Brain Function for 24 Hours. In a recent experiment involving middle aged and older adults, researchers observed that a single bout of exercise can improve performance on cognitive assessments the following day, especially if participants followed physical activity with a good night’s sleep.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, December 2024

Chiropractic: Sedentary Time and Chronic Back Pain. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers observed that sitting for six or more hours a day can increase the risk for developing chronic back pain by 33%. On the other hand, limiting sedentary activities to two hours a day may reduce the risk for chronic back pain by up to 29%. BMC Public Health, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Limiting Screen Time Could Help Kids Better Manage Emotion and Attention. New research suggests that the more time a child aged 3 to 6 years spends interacting with screens, the less likely they’ll get sufficient quality sleep at night, increasing their risk for emotion- and attention-related issues.
Early Child Development and Care, December 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Phone-Based Coaching Helps Young Adults Quit Vaping. A recent study found that a vaping cessation program that included phone-based coaching helped nearly half of young adults aged 18 to 24 years quit using electronic cigarettes, even though this demographic would seem less inclined to talk on the phone.                                                                                                                                American Journal of Preventive Medicine, December 2024

Quote: “Creativity takes courage.” ~ Henri Matisse

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Some HRT Pills Pose Cardiovascular Risks. New research suggests that women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications such as estrogen or progestin have a 21% elevated risk for heart disease and a 61% increased risk for stroke. Additionally, postmenopausal women taking tibolone have a 46% greater risk for heart disease, and their risk for serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke is nearly doubled. The findings suggest that a woman’s cardiovascular profile should be taken into consideration when evaluating the use of HRT to help manage postmenopausal health.                                                                                                                    BMJ, November 2024

Diet: Meal Planning Can Reduce Processed Food Consumption. Adults who participated in weekly group classes focused on meal planning and healthier eating reduced their consumption of ultra-processed foods by half, lowering their calorie intake by an average of 612 calories a day.
Obesity Science & Practice, December 2024

Exercise: People Do Walk More in Walkable Neighborhoods. A walkable neighborhood is a community designed with safe, accessible pathways and nearby amenities such as shops, parks, and schools, allowing residents to comfortably meet daily needs on foot. An analysis of data concerning nearly 11,000 twins revealed
that residents in walkable neighborhoods may walk an additional 19 minutes a week when compared to counterparts in less pedestrian-friendly areas.                                  American Journal of Epidemiology, October 2024

Chiropractic: Fitness Can Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain Risk. Following an analysis of two decades of data from the National Health Interview Survey, researchers report that engaging in at least 65 minutes of aerobic exercise and performing resistance training two or more times a week can significantly reduce the risk for chronic low back pain. The benefits of exercise in reducing the risk for chronic low back pain appear to peak at 300 minutes of aerobic exercise and five strength training sessions a week.  Spine Journal, December 2024

Mental Attitude: Factors That Effect How Pain Is Experienced. Current research suggests that anxiety, stress, and inflammation can lower an individual’s pain threshold, or the point at which a stimulus like heat or pressure becomes painful. On the other hand, relaxation techniques can increase a person’s pain threshold.
The Conversation, December 2024

Wellness/Prevention: AI May Improve Breast Cancer Screening. Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) agent capable of identifying early malignancies that may be missed by radiologists. With further refinement, AI-assisted mammography readings may lead to earlier breast cancer diagnoses and treatment, leading to better patient outcomes.                                                                                        Trends in Cancer, December 2024

Quote: “Genius is initiative on fire.” ~ Holbrook Jackson

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: The Heart Has Its Own Nervous System. Challenging the notion that the heart is solely governed by the autonomic nervous system, researchers from the Karolinska Institute have discovered that the heart possesses its own internal nervous system capable of independently regulating its rhythm. These findings could pave the way for new approaches to treating arrhythmias and other heart conditions.
Nature Communications, December 2024

Diet: Plant-Derived Compounds That Protect Brain Health. Phenolics and terpenes are compounds that influence a plant’s color, flavor, and fragrance. According to a new study, these chemicals also possess antioxidant properties, which may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.                                                                                                                      Food & Function, December 2024

Exercise: Physical Activity Helps the Muscles and Neurons Stay Young. Muscle biopsies from older adults revealed that those who exercise regularly have motor neurons and muscle cells resembling those of younger adults, compared to their sedentary peers. These findings highlight how an active lifestyle can promote healthy
aging.                                                                                                                                                      Aging Cell, November 2024

Chiropractic: Addressing Trigger Points Improves Low Back Treatment Outcomes. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within skeletal muscle, often associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent study involving patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, researchers found that combining spinal manipulative therapy with trigger point treatment resulted in greater improvements in functional disability compared to spinal manipulation alone. Chiropractors are not only highly skilled in spinal manipulative therapy but also in various techniques to address trigger points that impact low back function.
Medicine (Baltimore), September 2024

Mental Attitude: Coping with Anxiety. For patients being treated for anxiety disorders, the Mayo Clinic recommends positive lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, socializing, and stress management to help manage the condition.                                                                                                                                      Mayo Clinic, December 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Lung Cancer Is Unfortunately Common Worldwide. According to data from the GLOBOCAN 2022 study, 1 in 28 people worldwide will develop lung cancer, with two-thirds of these patients succumbing to the disease. Since a significant proportion of lung cancer cases occur in developing nations, the overall incidence can be significantly reduced through measures such as reducing environmental pollution, promoting smoking cessation and other healthy lifestyle practices, improving screening protocols, and increasing access to treatment.                Chinese Medical Journal, November 2024

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

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Obesity-Linked Heart Deaths Surge Over Two Decades. The prevalence of obesity and related cardiovascular disease risk factors—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes— has contributed to a nearly three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths over the past 20 years.
American Heart Association, November 2024

Diet: Benefits of Breast Milk on Infant Health. Researchers from the University of Western Australia report that antibodies in breast milk shape an infant’s immune system, reducing their risk of infections. Additionally, breast milk introduces food antigens, which may lower the risk of allergies later in life.
Immunological Reviews, November 2024

Exercise: Working Out Benefits Neuron Growth. A recent experiment found that neurons grow four times faster when exposed to myokines—proteins released by contracting muscles during exercise.
Advanced Healthcare Materials, November 2024

Chiropractic: Treating Non-Specific Low Back Pain. In a study of 60 patients with non-specific low back pain, those who received a combination of core stability training and myofascial release experienced greater improvements in pain, mobility, and inflammation compared to an exercise-only group. Doctors of chiropractic commonly utilize these and other therapies when managing patients with non-specific low back pain.                                                                                                                                                        Technology and Health Care, July 2024

Mental Attitude: How ADHD May Influence a Child’s Weight. An analysis of data from more than 7,900 children under the age of eleven revealed that kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to make impulsive and unhealthy eating choices, increasing their risk of obesity as they approach puberty. American Psychiatric Association, November 2024

Wellness/Prevention: When to Seek Help for Unexplained Weight Loss. Experts from UCLA Health advise that unintentional weight loss of more than ten pounds or 5% of body weight within six to twelve months may signal an underlying health condition. Potential causes include cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, mental health conditions, thyroid problems, diabetes, or appetite changes due to medications. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation is recommended.
UCLA Health, October 2024

Quote: “To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.” ~ Amos Bronson Alcott

 

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Risks Associated with PCOS During Pregnancy. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder characterized by enlarged ovaries and small cysts, can affect a woman’s reproductive health. A recent study found that PCOS may also impact the next generation, particularly in offspring of PCOS patients who are obese. Observed effects include low birth weight, shorter stature, smaller head
circumference at birth, and central obesity by age seven.                                                  JAMA Network Open, November 2024

Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect Heart Health. An analysis of data from the UK Biobank study revealed that higher serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a 21% reduced risk of developing heart failure over 13 years. Among those with existing heart failure, elevated omega-3 levels are associated with up to a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality during the same period.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, December 2024

Exercise: Strength Training Promotes Lifelong Health and Well-Being. Age-appropriate strength training in youth can lead to stronger bones, a reduced risk of injury, and increased psychological resilience. These benefits provide lifelong advantages to overall health and well-being.
The Conversation, November 2024

Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Effective for Several Neck Conditions. An umbrella review of 35 systematic reviews concluded that manual therapies are effective for managing non-specific neck pain, cervical radiculopathy, and cervicogenic headaches. Chiropractors are trained in delivering various manual therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck.
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapeutics, November 2024

Mental Attitude: Fear of the Next Heart Attack? Survivors of a first myocardial infarction often experience stress from the fear of a future heart attack. If not effectively managed, this stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors that may increase their risk of another serious cardiac event.
American Heart Association, November 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Take Vitamin D Supplements During Pregnancy? University of Southampton researchers report that children born to mothers who took vitamin D supplements during pregnancy have stronger bones during childhood, potentially reducing their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life.        American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 2024

Quote: “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” ~ Jonathan Swift

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Millions of Diabetics Worldwide Not Receiving Treatment. An estimated 800 million adults worldwide currently have type 2 diabetes. However, more than half are either unaware of their condition or have been diagnosed but are not receiving adequate care. The study’s authors emphasize the need for policies that promote healthier lifestyles, earlier diagnosis, and improved access to treatment.
The Lancet, October 2024

Diet: Food Choices Affect Heart Risks. A study comparing the diets and cardiovascular disease risk scores of 213 working-age adults found that consuming more than 400 grams daily of fruits, vegetables, and legumes is linked to a 53% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, November 2024

Exercise: Keep Tendons Strong. Tendons, the strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, enable movement by transmitting muscle-generated force. To strengthen tendons and reduce injury risk, experts recommend gradually increasing resistance, incorporating isometric holds, diversifying workouts, and allowing adequate rest between sessions.                                                                          The Conversation, November 2024

Chiropractic: Dynamic Seat Cushion Lowers Neck and Low Back Pain Risk in Office Workers. In a study of 133 office workers at high risk for neck or low back pain, researchers found that those who used a dynamic seat cushion—designed to encourage subtle movements that engage core muscles, reduce spinal pressure, and improve posture—for six months were significantly less likely to report neck pain (15% vs. 65%) or back pain (10% vs. 59%) than those who used traditional office chairs.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Depression Rates Increasing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 18% of American adults now have an anxiety disorder, up from 15.6% in 2019. Similarly, depression rates have risen from 18.5% to 21.4% over the same period.
National Health Statistics Reports, November 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Drowsy Driving Not Taken as Seriously as Drunk Driving. While drowsy driving poses similar collision risks to drunk driving, the National Sleep Foundation reports that over half of adults admit to driving while sleepy. National Sleep Foundation, October 2024

Quote: “He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” ~ Thomas Carlyle

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: One-in-Four Moms Fall Asleep While Breastfeeding. Researchers from the University of Virginia report that a quarter of new mothers fall asleep while breastfeeding their infants. These incidents can significantly increase the risk of harm to the child if they occur on unsafe sleep surfaces, such as sofas or soft beds. Pediatrics, November 2024

Diet: Fruit and Vegetables May Offer Mental Health Benefits. An analysis of data from four long-term twin cohort studies found that a high intake of fruits and vegetables during midlife is linked to a reduced risk of depression over the following five to eleven years.                                                                                                                                    Scientific Reports, November 2024

Exercise: Exercise May Lower Risk of Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart rhythm disorder associated with stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. A study involving over 6,000 adults found that engaging in 2.5 to 5 hours of exercise per week was associated with a 60% lower risk of developing A-Fib.                                                                                                                                                  Cardiovascular Medicine, October 2024

Chiropractic: Neck Treatment Helps Musicians with Temporomandibular Disorders. A recent study found that wind instrument musicians with temporomandibular disorders experienced significant improvements in maximal mouth opening, jaw pain, and associated disability when posture training was combined with manual therapies applied to the neck region.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Is Daytime Drowsiness Linked to Pre-Dementia? New research suggests that older adults who experience daytime drowsiness and lack of motivation may have up to three times the risk of developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome, a pre-dementia condition. The findings indicate that screening for these symptoms, along with strategies to improve sleep quality, may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.                                                                                                                                Neurology, November 2024

Wellness/Prevention: New Guidelines for Preventing Stroke. Upcoming stroke prevention guidelines will include sex-specific recommendations and emphasize healthy lifestyle traits, such as reducing sedentary behaviors, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol, getting quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and
cholesterol levels.                                                                                                                                Associated Press, October 2024

Quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney

 

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Excessive Cannabis Use May Raise Stroke Risk. New research suggests that individuals with cannabis use disorder—a condition in which excessive use adversely affects one’s daily life, physical health, mental health, and relationships—may increase the risk of stroke in young adults by up to 14%.
Frontiers in Neurology, October 2024

Diet: Americans Are Meeting Minimum Needs for Essential Amino Acids. While studies frequently note deficiencies in important nutrients in the average American’s diet, an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that most adults in the United States meet or exceed the minimum dietary recommendations for essential amino acids that are important for muscle health, metabolism, and cellular function.                                                                    Current Developments in Nutrition, August 2024

Exercise: Vigorous Exercise Can Improve Cognitive Function. A literature review of studies published since 1995 concluded that a single 30-minute session of vigorous exercise can provide immediate short-term improvements in memory, attention, and executive function in young adults.
Communications Psychology, October 2024

Chiropractic: Treatment to Improve Posture Can Benefit Temporomandibular Disorders Patients. A study that included 26 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients found that those who received treatment to improve their neck posture—in this case, manual therapy, postural exercises, deep neck flexor stabilization, and Kinesio tapping—experienced significant improvement in the TMD symptoms. The finding adds to a growing body of research linking disorders of the cervical spine and TMD.                                                                                                          Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Screen Time Linked to Mental Health Risks for Tweens. An analysis of data concerning nearly 10,000 pre-adolescents revealed an association between increased time spent watching television or using electronic devices and an elevated risk for mental health issues such as depression, attention deficit/
hyperactivity disorders, and conduct disorders. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting kids in this age group to no more than two hours of screen time a day.
BMC Public Health, October 2024

Wellness/Prevention: New Approach for Managing Delirium in Hospitalized Patients. For older adults in critical care experiencing delirium, researchers have found that playing pre-recorded audio or video of a family member can help re-orient the patient and reduce symptoms such as confusion and agitation.
International Journal of Nursing Studies, Australian Critical Care, October 2024

Quote: “Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year.” ~ Franklin Pierce Adams

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Most Emergency Rooms Not Fully Equipped to Treat Kids. A review of data collected from 757 emergency departments found that nearly 80% lacked essential equipment and training to address emergencies in pediatric patients. The authors note that an investment of $260 million could significantly improve pediatric emergency room readiness, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.
Health Affairs, October 2024

Diet: Heart Health Guidelines on Saturated Fat Need Updating. An article recently published in the journal Nutrients criticizes the findings of seminal studies from the 1950s that linked saturated fat to heart disease, which served as the basis for nutrition guidelines still in use today. Instead, the authors advocate for the
formulation of new guidelines based on current research, especially on the negative effects on heart health linked to the intake of trans-fats and processed vegetable oils. Nutrients, May 2024

Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Helps Prevent Chemotherapy Brain Fog. “Chemo brain” refers to thinking and memory problems caused by an inflammatory response in the body to chemotherapy treatment. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that engaging in aerobic exercise during chemotherapy treatment helped breast cancer patients maintain their cognitive functions and quality of life at a level higher than breast cancer patients who did not exercise.                                                                                Cancer, October 2024

Chiropractic: Mobilization Therapy Helps Low Back Pain Patients. Among a group of 39 patients with low back pain, researchers found that mobilization therapy is an effective treatment for reducing pain and improving motor function. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the use of mobilization and other manual therapies in the
management of several musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, November 2024

Mental Attitude: Music Can Help Dementia Sufferers. Listening to familiar music can activate areas in the brain involved in memory, emotion, and movement, which may help to improve the mood and wellbeing of older adults with dementia.        The Conversation, October 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Less Than 1% of Adults Get Lipoprotein(a) Levels Checked. Lipoprotein(a) is form of lipoprotein that’s linked to an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. While roughly 20% of the adult population in the United States has elevate lipoprotein(a) levels, a recent study found that among a sample of more than 250,000 adults, less than 1% had their levels tested within a one-year time frame.
American Journal of Preventative Cardiology, October 2024

Quote: “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Health Alert: Binge Drinking Can Affect Heart Rhythm. According to a recent study, about 1 in 20 young adults with normal heart health may develop an arrhythmia that can persist for up to 24 hours following a night of heavy drinking.                                European Heart Journal, October 2024

Diet: Genes Can Predict Which Diet May Help and IBS Patient. A study that included 250 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that variations in the hCAZyme genes, which affect how carbohydrates are broken down, can help determine if such an individual would benefit more from a low-carbohydrate diet or the more restrictive low-FODMAP diet.                                                                                                    Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, September 2024

Exercise: Good Physical Fitness Protects Teen Mental Health. Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Eastern Finland report that among a group of 241 adolescents, those with higher cardiorespiratory and motor fitness were less likely to develop depressive or stress-related symptoms in the following eight years.                                                                                                                                                Sports Medicine, September 2024

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help Scoliosis Patients. Among a group of 31 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients, researchers observed that twelve sessions of spinal manipulative therapy and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises led to greater improvements with respect to spinal curvature, spinal mobility, movement capability, and quality of life than scoliosis-specific exercises alone. Spinal
manipulative therapy is the primary form of treatment provided by chiropractors.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2024

Mental Attitude: The Brain’s Waste-Disposal System and Alzheimer’s Disease. With the aid of advanced imaging, researchers have confirmed the existence of perivascular spaces, which are fluid-filled structures that help remove toxic proteins from cerebrospinal fluid. Because Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the
accumulation of plaques and tangles in the brain, a greater understanding of the perivascular spaces could someday lead to effective therapies.                                            Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, October 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Bathrooms May Be Key to Battling Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Northwestern University researchers examined samples collected from more than 600 bathrooms and found that toothbrushes and shower heads host a diverse array of viruses called bacteriophages that are generally benign in humans but can wreak havoc on potentially harmful bacteria. It’s hoped one or more of these bacteriophages can be harnessed for treating bacteria that have developed antibiotic resistance.
Frontiers in Microbiomes, October 2024

Quote: “The imagination is the golden pathway to everywhere.” ~ Terence McKenna

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna