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

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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

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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

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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

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Health Alert: Asthma and Pregnancy. An analysis of data concerning nearly 777,000 women revealed that asthma is associated with a 12% increased likelihood of requiring fertility treatments to conceive and up to an 8% elevated risk for miscarriage. European Respiratory Society, September 2024

Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Ultra-processed foods are food products that include added sugars, fats, and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. According to a study that looked at over a decade of health and diet data concerning more than 300,000 adults, for every ten percentage points that ultra-processed foods comprise an individual’s total caloric intake, their risk for type 2 diabetes rises by 17%. Current estimates show that roughly half of all calories consumed by the average American are from ultra-processed foods.                                                        The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, March 2024

Exercise: Both Moderate- and High-Intensity Exercise Benefit Parkinson’s Patients. For patients with Parkinson’s disease, a recent study found that both moderate- and high-intensity exercise are effective for improving motor symptoms, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fatigue levels.                                                                    Journal of Applied Physiology, March 2024

Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Mimics of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. If a patient experiences pain that radiates into the leg, there are a number of potential causes beyond a disk herniation at the L5 of S1 level. Mimics of lumbosacral radiculopathy include piriformis syndrome, exertional compartment syndrome, and
plantar fasciitis. Healthcare providers, including doctors of chiropractic, are trained in differential diagnosis to distinguish a particular disease or condition from others with similar symptoms using the patient’s detailed history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.                                                                                                                                  Muscle & Nerve, May 2024

Mental Attitude: Falling for Financial Scams May Signal Potential Alzheimer’s Disease. In a recent study, researchers from the University of Southern California observed that seniors who scored poorly on an assessment that gauges their vulnerability to finance exploitation had a thinner entorhinal cortex. The entorhinal
cortex is an area of the brain crucial for memory and emotional regulation. Past research has shown this portion of the brain thins before most other Alzheimer’s symptoms are present.                                                                                                                                            Cerebral Cortex, September 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Anemia Raises Preeclampsia Risk. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that can cause serious health problems for mothers and babies if left untreated. In a recent study that included 337 expectant mothers, researchers observed that those with anemia had an elevated risk for preeclampsia. It’s estimated that as high as 25% of women experience anemia during pregnancy.

Quote: “Today is the only day. Yesterday is gone.” ~ John Wooden

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Obesity Raises Infection Risk. New research suggests that for every 5-point increase in body mass index (BMI), an individual’s risk for severe viral or bacterial infection rises by at least 30%.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2024

Diet: Eating Unhealthy Food Is Bad for the Cardiovascular System. The Nutri-Score system requires food manufacturers in several European countries to include a score on the front of the package to better inform consumers about the healthiness of the product. An analysis of data concerning more than 345,000 adults revealed a high intake of foods ranked low on the Nutri-Score scale is associated with an elevated risk for poor cardiovascular outcomes like heart attack and stroke.                                            The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, September 2024

Exercise: Isometric Vs. Isotonic Core Stabilization Exercise for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain. Core stabilization exercises are often recommended as part of a multimodal treatment plan for chronic low back pain; however, it’s unclear whether isometric exercises (muscle contractions without movement, such as planks)
or isotonic exercises (muscle contractions with movement, such as performing sit-ups) offer superior results. A recent study that included 41 patients under treatment for chronic low back pain revealed both types of exercise are effective for reducing pain and disability.                                                                                                                                    Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, February 2024

Chiropractic: Back Pain Has Less Impact on People Who Exercise. Among a group of 991 low back pain patients, researchers observed that those who engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week—in line with current fitness guidelines—had less intense pain and a lower risk for activity limitations. European Spine Journal, May 2024

Mental Attitude: Isolation May Rapidly Age Teen’s Brains. Cortical thinning commonly occurs with age, but researchers have observed thinning can accelerate in periods of social isolation, potentially due to a reduction in social interactions. Examinations of brain imaging of adolescent brains following pandemic lockdowns revealed aging in teen brains sped up by 1.4 years for boys and 4.2 years for girls.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, September 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Protect Your Vision. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are leading causes of vision loss for older adults, but the American Society of Retina Specialists notes one can help keep their retinas healthy by not smoking, staying active, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular eye exams,
especially if you have a family history for a serious eye condition.
American Society of Retinal Specialists, September 2024

Quote: “There is beauty and humility in imperfection.” ~ Guillermo del Toro

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: High Triglycerides May Influence Sleep Apnea Risk. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that for adults under age 60, the combination of obesity and elevated triglyceride levels is associated with a 31% increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea.                              Frontiers in Nutrition, August 2024

Diet: Too Much Caffeine May Bring Heart Risks. Evaluations of 92 healthy adults under age 45 revealed that those who frequently consume more than 400 mg of caffeine a day (roughly four cups of coffee) exhibited significant increases in both heart rate and blood pressure following physical exertion. The findings suggest that excessive caffeine intake may be detrimental to cardiovascular health.                                                              American College of Cardiology-Asia, August 2024

Exercise: Flexibility May Be Sign of Longevity. Among a group of 3,139 middle-aged and older adults, researchers observed that those with greater flexibility had a lower risk for early death in the following 12.9 years.                                            Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, July 2024

Chiropractic: Improving Scapular Function May Help Relieve Neck Pain. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis that included eight studies found that scapular dysfunction is often present in patients with chronic neck pain and incorporating therapies to restore normal movement of the shoulder blades may result in greater improvements with respect to the patient’s neck pain. The findings demonstrate the importance of assessing the whole patient when it comes to musculoskeletal disorders like neck pain as conditions elsewhere in the body may contribute to the patient’s chief complaint.                                                                              BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, April 2024

Mental Attitude: Risk Factors for Mood Disorders During Pregnancy. Following an analysis of data from the Tianjin Birth Cohort concerning 6,470 pregnancies, researchers identified the following potentially modifiable risk factors for depression and/or anxiety among expectant mothers: stress, low social support, and thyroid dysfunction.                                                                                                                Journal of Affective Disorders, August 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Heart-Healthy Habits to Start While Young. The American Heart Association reports that getting plenty of sleep and maintaining a healthy weight, blood lipid, and blood pressure levels starting in young adulthood can help the carotid arteries stay healthy, reducing the risk for atherosclerosis.                           American Heart Association, August 2024

Quote: “Attitude determines the altitude of life.” ~ Edwin Louis Cole

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Opioid Misuse Common Among Chronic Pain Patients. A literature review that included 148 studies published between 1985 and 2021 found that nearly 10% of chronic pain patients prescribed opioids end up addicted, with almost 30% exhibiting symptoms of drug dependence. The findings contradict earlier claims that opioids carried a low risk for addiction.                                                                  Addiction, August 2024

Diet: Fruit and Vegetable Intake May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. Dietary questionnaires completed by 395 women with breast cancer and 395 with no history of breast cancer revealed a higher intake of leafy green vegetables is associated with up to a 45% reduced risk for breast cancer.                                                                                  Nutrition Research, August 2024

Exercise: If a Child Wants to Weight Train… Despite myths that lifting weights can stunt a child’s growth, current literature suggests properly supervised resistance training does not harm growth plates or cause growth stunting. If a child shows interest in lifting weights, experts recommend starting with light weights and simple exercises, focusing on proper technique to reduce the risk of injury and avoid developing bad habits.                                                                                                                                                The Conversation, August 2024

Chiropractic: Neck Pain is Common in Military Personnel. A systematic review that included 16 studies found that neck pain is extremely common among members of the armed services with more than 80% experiencing an episode each year. Further analysis revealed the following risk factors for neck pain in military personnel: poor neck mobility, shoulder pain, low back pain, piloting or crewing aircraft, and wearing heavy helmets or other gear on the head.                                                                                  EFORT Open Reviews, August 2024

Mental Attitude: Persistent Sadness Down Among American Girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the percentage of teen girls in the United States reporting persistent sadness fell to 53% in 2023, down from 57% in 2021. Despite this improvement, mental health challenges remain significant among this vulnerable population.                                                                                                                      Youth Risk Behavior Survey, August 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Living in a Sunny Area Is Good for Overall Health. Even when accounting for the risk of skin cancer, University of Edinburgh researchers report that individuals living in areas with greater exposure to ultraviolet light have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.                                            Health & Place, September 2024

Quote: “Form follows function.” ~ Louis Sullivan

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Long-Term Night Shift Work Raises Breast Cancer Risk. An analysis of data from eleven case-controlled studies found that working nights for ten years can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer by 23%, and the risk continues to rise the more years she works nights.                                                                                          BMC Public Health, July 2024

Diet: Fish Oil May Help Improve Blood Lipid Readings. Following an analysis of data concerning more than 441,000 adults, researchers report that taking a daily fish oil supplement is associated with improved total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, even for individuals with a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol.

Exercise: How Exercise Can Boost Motivation. In a recent experiment, scientists from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre observed that the release of interleukin 15 in response to physical activity signals the brain to enhance motor activity of the muscles, thereby encouraging exercise to continue.                                                  Science Advances, April 2024

Chiropractic: Most Professional Drivers Have Low Back Pain. A meta-analysis of data from 53 studies found that 55.3% of professional drivers experienced at least one episode of low back pain during the previous year, while 33.8% had back pain within the previous month.                                                                                                                            Public Health, June 2024

Mental Attitude: Depression Increases Risk for Sleep Disorder. Questionnaires completed by 402 taxi drivers who had been on the job for a decade revealed that those with depression were seven times more likely to have a sleep disorder than their peers without a mood disorder. Additionally, the more severe their depressive symptoms, the greater their risk for sleep troubles.                                        Health Science Reports, September 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Many Women are Unaware of Key Endometrial Cancer Warning Sign. A recent survey found that a third of women did not know that postmenopausal bleeding is a warning sign of endometrial cancer, and 41% said they would not report it to their doctor unless it happened more than once. Experts note that while there are no screening tests currently available to spot endometrial cancer, addressing it at the first signs of symptoms like abnormal bleeding can significantly increase the odds of successful treatment.                                                                        Menopause, July 2024

Quote: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” ~ Neale Donald Walsch

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna