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

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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

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

Health Alert: Short Sleep Worsens Effect of Hypertension on the Brain. Using data from the Framingham Heart Study, researchers report that for individuals with high blood pressure, sleeping fewer than seven hours a night is associated with a higher presence of white matter hyperintensities and worse performance on cognitive
assessments. The findings suggest that individuals under treatment for hypertension should be screened for poor sleep as well.                                                                          Journal of the American Heart Association, November 2024

Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements for Heart Health? While omega-3 fatty acids are thought to benefit heart health, studies have had mixed results. In a recent study, researchers did not observe that a daily fish oil supplement reduced overall cardiovascular disease risk; however, such supplementation did significantly reduce
the risk for heart attack, especially in individuals with low fish intake or multiple heart disease risk factors.
New England Journal of Medicine, October 2024

Exercise: Physical Activity and its Effect on Diabetes Risk Factors. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that a single 30-minute light jog can provide notable short-term improvements in glucose metabolism, leading to reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels.                                                                                                                            Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, April 2024

Chiropractic: The Effect of Low Back Pain on the Hips and Lower Extremities. A systematic review that included 54 studies found that individuals with non-specific low back pain often exhibit significant reductions in hip range of motion, particularly in internal rotation; weakness in the hip abductor and extensor muscles; and greater involvement of the hamstrings and gluteus maximus during functional activities.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, May 2024

Mental Attitude: Bilingualism Changes the Brain. A comparison of brain imaging of individuals who are either monolingual or bilingual found that those who know two languages have increased connectivity between brain regions, especially those who learned a second language at a young age. It’s believed greater connectivity
in the brain may support healthier brain aging and recovery from brain injury.
Communications Biology, October 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Some Women May Need Mammograms Before Age 40. Rutgers Cancer Institute notes that while most guidelines recommend regular mammograms after age 40, women with the following risk factors may be advised to commence screening at a young age: a family history of breast cancer; genetic
mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2; dense breast tissue; or early radiation exposure.
Rutgers Cancer Institute, October 2024

Quote: “To live without Hope is to cease to live.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Wildfires Linked to Immediate Heart Risks. Following an analysis of data from 184 major cities, researchers report that for every 1-μg/m3 increase in fine-particulate matter air pollution resulting from wildfires, the risk of hospitalization for either ischemic heart disease or stroke rises by more than .25%.
Particulate matter levels at or below 12 μg/m3 are considered safe. However, even being a few miles from a wildfire can increase levels to 50 μg/m3 and higher.                      Nature Communications, November 2024

Diet: Daily Tea Drinkers May Have Lower Stroke Risk. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers estimate that for every 1.5 cups of tea a woman under 60 years of age averages per day, her risk for stroke falls by 9%.                                                                                                                                                    Frontiers in Nutrition, October 2024

Exercise: Take a Daily Walk to Reduce Anxiety. Among a group of 96 college students, researchers found that those who took a 30-minute walk at least three days a week for four weeks experienced a significant decline in anxiety-related symptoms. Cureus, September 2024

Chiropractic: Treating Cervicogenic Headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck. In a recent study that included 64 cervicogenic headache patients, researchers observed that adding mobilization therapy to a treatment plan that included spinal manipulative therapy, heat therapy, and isometric exercises resulted in greater improvements with respect to headache frequency, neck pain intensity, and disability. Doctors of chiropractic commonly employ these and other conservative treatment options when managing patients with cervicogenic headaches.                                                                                                                    Pain and Therapy, December 2024

Mental Attitude: 1 in 4 Adults Suspect They Have ADHD. A national survey conducted by researchers from Ohio State University found that 25% of adults in the United States believe they have undiagnosed attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), though only half have spoken to their doctor about it.
Ohio State University, October 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Caffeine May Counteract Effects of Birth Asphyxia. In a recent animal study, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco observed that administering caffeine—a chemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties–to newborn lambs affected by birth asphyxia significantly
reduced the risk for cerebral palsy. Further research is needed to uncover if such benefits extend to humans.
Stroke, October 2024

Quote: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: A-Fib May Be More Common Than Thought. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. According to a recent study by University of California, San Francisco researchers, the condition may affect three times more people than current estimates—10.5 million American adults vs. 3.3 million American adults—due to factors like the aging of the population and the increased incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, September 2024

Diet: Try Beans. Beans are a plant-based protein source that contain fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, thiamine, and antioxidants.    Healthday, September 2024

Exercise: Endurance Exercise Burns Fat, Even in Absence of Weight Loss. In a recent study, researchers observed that middle aged men who engaged in high-volume endurance exercise—such as cycling more than 700 miles a week—lost a significant percentage of their body fat and experienced improvements in several key
markers of metabolic health. However, gains in lean muscle appear to have offset much of this weight loss. The findings highlight the importance of looking at the overall health picture and not just focusing on the scale to determine one’s progress to a healthier lifestyle.
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, September 2024

Chiropractic: Benefits of Manual Therapies in Managing Lumbar Disk Herniation. While studies on the effect of manual therapies for musculoskeletal conditions typically focus on outcomes related to pain, disability, or function, a recent study that included 32 lumbar disk herniation patients noted manual therapies may also
provide benefits with respect to reduced catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and depression, and increased quality of life.          International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, September 2024
Mental Attitude: Many Children Have No Friends. According to a recent poll conducted by University of
Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, about 1 in 5 parents of kids aged 6 to 12 years report their child
has few-to-no friends. University of Michigan Health, September 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Blood Test Could Identify Future Lung Trouble. Researchers have identified 32
specific blood proteins that are associated with an elevated risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and other severe lung conditions. It’s hoped such a blood test could identify individuals in the early
course of such diseases when timely treatment may reduce their risk for poor outcomes.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, September 2024

Quote: “Friends are the sunshine of life.” ~ John Hay

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Asthma and Type 2 Diabetes May Be Linked. According to a recent study, type 2 diabetes and asthma may share underlying causes as having one condition raises an individual’s risk for the other. More specifically, type 2 diabetics have an 83% elevated risk for asthma and the risk for type 2 diabetes is 28% higher among asthmatics—and the risk is even greater for those with more severe symptoms.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2024

Diet: Low Levels of Manganese May Be Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In a recent study, University of Michigan researchers observed that manganese deficiency is associated with increased intestinal inflammation and injury, which may contribute to and exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease. The authors of
the study speculate that decreasing dietary manganese in Western diets may be a contributing factor for the rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease.                        Nature Communications, October 2024

Exercise: Exercise Reduces Several Menopause-Related Health Risks. Hormone fluctuations during menopause have been linked to unfavorable changes in blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and fat distribution— all of which can elevate the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A recent meta-analysis of data from 40 studies concluded that an exercise routine that combines strength and endurance training can assist in improving these readings, mitigate the increased risk for poor health outcomes commonly observed in older women.                                                              The Conversation, September 2024

Chiropractic: One-in-Five Children and Adolescents Have Chronic Pain. A meta-analysis of data concerning more than 1 million kids and teens from across 70 countries revealed that approximately 20% suffer from persistent or recurring pain lasting longer than three months, most often linked to musculoskeletal conditions, like back pain.                                                                                                                                              Pain, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Smokers More Likely to Have Poor Mental Health. Using data from the Maryland 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, researchers report that smokers are prone to worse mental health and are 63% more likely than non-smokers to rate their mental health as “not good” on fourteen or more
days per month.                                                                                                                      Tobacco Use Insights, October 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Safer Sleep for Infants. Safe Kids Worldwide notes that more than 150 young children die each year due to unsafe sleeping practices. To reduce the risk for suffocation and sudden unexpected infant death syndrome, experts recommend placing infants to sleep on their back on a firm sleeping surface, avoiding
soft objects or bedding.                                                                                                                      Safe Kids Worldwide, September 2024

Quote: “If you do not know how to ask the right question, you discover nothing.” ~ W. Edwards Deming

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna