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Health Alert: The More Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Therapy, the Better. Following an analysis of Korean National Health Insurance System data, researchers report that stroke survivors who participate in 40 or more rehabilitation therapy sessions in the six months post-stroke are significantly less likely to die during that time frame, especially those with severe strokes. Unfortunately, less than 20% of stroke patients in the dataset had such extensive rehabilitation therapy and nearly two-thirds had no therapy at all.                                                                                                                Stroke, August 2024

Diet: Saturated Vs. Unsaturated Fats. In a recent study, researchers observed that switching from a diet high in saturated animal fats to a diet that favors plant-based unsaturated fats—like the Mediterranean diet—can improve the composition of lipids in the blood, reducing the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Nature Medicine, July 2024

Exercise: Leisure Sedentary Behavior and Musculoskeletal Disorders. According to a recent study, the more time an individual spends engaged in sedentary behaviors, the greater their risk for cervical spondylosis, intervertebral disk degeneration, non-specific low back pain, and sciatica.
Frontiers in Public Health, January 2024

Chiropractic: Lower Extremity Muscle Tightness and Chronic Low Back Pain. Examinations of 52 patients with non-specific low back pain revealed those with tighter leg muscles, especially when coupled with greater variation in muscle tightness between the dominant and non-dominant sides, were more likely to report higher levels
of pain intensity and disability in their lower back. The finding demonstrates the importance of examining the patient beyond the area of chief complaint as issues in adjacent areas of the body may contribute to or even be an underlying cause of the presenting issue.                                                                                                                                  Work, February 2024

Mental Attitude: Narcissism May Fade with Age. A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 51 studies involving more than 37,000 participants revealed that agentic, antagonistic, and neurotic narcissism tends to decline with age. Researcher Dr. Ulrich Orth adds, “One theory suggests that the social roles we take on in adulthood lead to the development of more mature personality characteristics, including lower levels of narcissism.”
Psychological Bulletin, July 2024

Wellness/Prevention: There’s a Need for More Research on Chronic Illness Among Women. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has issued a statement on the importance of investing in more studies into how chronic illnesses affect women differently, noting that a paucity of data on the topic can result in a delay in effective treatment due to diagnostic challenges.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, July 2024

Quote: “Life has a practice of living you, if you don’t live it.” ~ Philip Larkin

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Health Alert: Ancient Viruses May Be Spurring Modern-Day Cancers. It’s estimated that up to 8% of the human genome is made up of endogenous retroviruses, bits of viral DNA from tens to millions of years ago that have become embedded in our genetic code. While scientists have thought endogenous retroviruses are harmless, a
recent study found that one such virus, LTR10, is capable of activating nearby genes that aid in the survival of colorectal and lung tumors. In a laboratory experiment, researchers observed that cancer treatments became more effective after LTR10 had been neutralized in cancerous tissues samples. Further research is needed but the findings
suggest that targeting these ancient viral DNA fragments may someday prove to be a viable approach in cancer treatment.                                                                              University of Colorado, Boulder, July 2024

Diet: Not All Vegetarian Diets Offer the Same Benefits. Despite many studies espousing the benefits of switching to vegetarian diet, researchers note there are several types of vegetarian diet and some may be healthier than others. A study that included more than 150,000 adults found that some vegetarian diet patterns may be high in potentially unhealthy processed food products, while others may have insufficient vitamin D intake or result in higher triglyceride levels. Additionally, gene variations from individual to individual can influence how the body absorbs certain nutrients, so those switching to a vegetarian diet may need to try different eating patterns to find which their body responds to best.                                                                                                  PLOS Genetics, July 2024

Exercise: Mini-Bursts of Exercise May Improve Sleep. Conventional wisdom states that exercise before bed can negatively impact sleep. However, a recent study found that peppering in three-minute sessions of body weight exercises in the evening can improve sleep duration without affecting sleep quality.                                                    The Conversation, July 2024

Chiropractic: Conservative Treatment for Lumbar Disk Herniation. A committee formed by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies on the management of lumbar disk herniation recommends conservative treatments as a first-line treatment approach in the absence of severe neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome. Doctors of chiropractic utilize many conservative treatment options for managing lumbar disk herniations.
World Neurosurgery X, February 2024

Mental Attitude: Late Cancer Diagnosis Is a Major Concern. University of Cambridge researchers report that in a poll of 2,000 adults, 70% fear being diagnosed with cancer when it’s too far progressed for effective treatment.
University of Cambridge, July 2024

Wellness/Prevention: App May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. A recent study found that app-based diabetes prevention programs may be more cost-effective and even slightly superior to traditional in-person lifestyle interventions for preventing prediabetes progression to type 2 diabetes.                                                                              Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, July 2024

Quote: “Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” ~ Izaak Walton

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Adverse Childhood Experiences Can Set the Stage for Future Pain. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, researchers report they have identified an association between five or more adverse childhood experiences—such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and emotional and physical neglect—and a later risk for musculoskeletal pain.                                        BMC Public Health, July 2024

Diet: Niacin-Rich Diet May Lower Stroke Risk. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that helps support cellular metabolism and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, nerves, and digestion. An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 1999 and 2018 revealed an
association between a higher intake of niacin and a reduced risk for stroke. Foods rich in niacin include chicken breast, tuna, salmon, brown rice, and peanuts.                            Frontiers in Nutrition, July 2024

Exercise: Eccentric-Only Resistance Training Can Lower Passive Muscle Stiffness. Eccentric-only resistance exercises involve lengthening a muscle while it is under tension, typically during the lowering phase of a movement (negative bicep curls, for example), helping to build strength, control, and resilience in the muscle. In a recent
experiment, researchers observed that participants who frequently performed eccentric-only stiff-leg deadlifts experienced a reduction in the passive stiffness of the semimembranosus muscle—something previously thought to only result from static stretching.                                                                                                                                            Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, July 2024

Chiropractic: Treat Knee Pain By Adjusting the Lumbopelvic Region? For patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, a recent meta-analysis of data from ten clinical trials found that manipulative therapy applied to the lumbopelvic region is effective for reducing knee pain, especially when included as part of a multimodal treatment approach. Doctors of chiropractic are well-versed in the use of manual therapies to manage musculoskeletal conditions, including patellofemoral pain syndrome.                                                                                                                                            Life (Basel), June 2024

Mental Attitude: An ICU Stay May Raise Risk for Later Mental Health Issues. An analysis of data concerning more than 8,700 pediatric patients who had undergone treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) revealed these individuals had an elevated risk for various mental health disorders over the following decade, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depression.                                                                                Journal of Affective Disorders, July 2024

Wellness/Prevention: New Urine Test for Cervical Cancer? Scientists from Waseda University have developed a urine test that can detect proteins produced by HPV 16, the virus strain responsible for most cervical cancers. With further refinement, lead researcher Dr. Etsuro Ito notes, “This test could reduce the need for traditional Pap tests, easing the screening process.”                                                                                          Microorganisms, July 2024

Quote: “There are opportunities everywhere, just as there have always been.” ~ Charles Fillmore

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Tampons May Possess Lead and Other Harmful Metals. Laboratory tests of 30 tampons from 24 brand product lines revealed lead in all samples in addition to the presence of arsenic, barium, cadmium, and mercury in several. Due to the potential for these metals to enter the bloodstream unfiltered by the liver, the findings suggest a greater need for regulatory testing of tampon and other period products.
Environmental International, July 2024

Diet: Produce Intake Lowers Fatty Liver Risk. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, and it is associated with several poor health outcomes. A meta-analysis of data concerning nearly 500,000 participants from eleven
studies found a higher intake of fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk for NAFLD by up to 22%.
Frontiers in Nutrition, June 2024

Exercise: Exercise Brain Boost Can Last for Years. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort—sprinting or stair climbing, for example—separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise—such as jogging or fast walking. University of Queensland researchers report that among a group of old adults, those who volunteered for a six-month HIIT exercise program experienced improvements in cognitive function that persisted for at least the next five years.                                                                                                                                Aging and Disease, July 2024

Chiropractic: Treatment for Chronic Sciatica. For individuals with pain radiating into the leg lasting longer than three months due to disk herniation, a systematic review that included four studies found that conservative care should the first-line course of treatment in the absence of neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome.
Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be an excellent treatment option for patients with chronic sciatica.
Cureus, May 2024

Mental Attitude: Poor Metabolic Health Linked to Depression Risk. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a metric that multiplies waist circumference by triglyceride levels to estimate the risk for metabolic disease (higher score equals greater risk). Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that a higher LAP score is also associated with an elevated risk for depression.                                                                                                                                Frontiers in Psychiatry, July 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Respect Summer Heat Dangers. Experts from UT Southwestern Medical Center note more than 120,000 people visit emergency departments each summer due to heat exposure, which unfortunately claims the
lives of more than 2,300 people annually. To stay safe during the summer season, it’s important to keep hydrated, stay indoors during peak heat, and dress appropriately when you spend time in the sun.
UT Southwestern Medical Center, July 2024

Quote: “The first recipe for happiness is: avoid too lengthy meditation on the past.” ~ Andre Maurois

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Health Alert: Nearly Half of Counties in United States Have No Cardiologists. Due to factors including being largely rural or economically disadvantaged, 46% of counties in the United States lack a practicing cardiologist, which can place residents at a 31% higher risk for heart disease.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, July 2024

Diet: Food Insecure Individuals Experience Health Benefits from Food Bank Access. For individuals facing food insecurity, Northeastern University researchers report that taking advantage of a food bank can be important for improving overall health, including reducing the risk for metabolic disease.
Northeastern University, July 2024

Exercise: Before Taking Up Weightlifting in Older Age… Resistance training later in life can help preserve muscle mass, reducing the risk for frailty and poor health. However, due to the increased likelihood of conditions like cardiovascular disease and joint pain among seniors, it’s important for older adults to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, July 2024

Chiropractic: Back Muscle Stiffness and Low Back Pain. A systematic review that included nine studies found that stiffness in the multifidus and erector spinae muscles is associated with low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies and exercises to address core muscle stiffness in low back pain patients.            BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, February 2024

Mental Attitude: Women More Likely to Receive Mental Health Treatment Following Cardiac Arrest. An analysis of long-term data concerning nearly 1,300 heart attack survivors revealed that women are 50% more likely than men to receive treatment for depression and anxiety in the year following cardiac arrest. However, it’s unclear if female patients are at greater risk for post-heart attack mental health issues or if they are more likely to share these concerns with their healthcare provider.
Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, July 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Men’s Cancer Screening Trends Highlight Urgent Need for Health Advocacy. In a recent survey conducted by The Prevent Cancer Foundation, 60% of men admitted to being overdue for at least one routine cancer screening. The group reminds everyone that in the absence of screenings, many cancers may not be detected until they have sufficiently advanced and treatment will be more difficult and less likely to
produce a satisfactory outcome.                                                                                            Prevent Cancer Foundation, June 2024

Quote: “Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one.” ~ Walter Payton

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Transportation Pollution Can Affect Metabolic Health. Using data from the Community of Mine Study, researchers report that the combination of airplane noise and fine-particulate matter air pollution from motor vehicles is associated with an elevated risk for both obesity and metabolic syndrome. The finding adds to a growing body of research linking air and noise pollution with worse health outcomes.
American Journal of Epidemiology, June 2024

Diet: Dad’s Diet May Influence Children’s Health. A recent animal study found that a high-fat diet can influence gene expression in sperm, which can increase an offspring’s risk for metabolic diseases. While it’s unclear if this finding extends to humans, the results suggest men looking to become fathers should take steps to
live a healthier lifestyle, which includes eating a nutritious diet.                                    Nature, June 2024

Exercise: 10,000 Steps a Day? While the concept of taking 10,000 steps a day is believed to have originated from a successful marketing campaign for a pedometer in Japan, there’s research to suggest that averaging 7,000 to 8,000 steps a day does offer health benefits. However, health experts note that it’s also important to engage in more intense physical activity as well as strength training and flexibility exercises each week.
Northeastern University, June 2024

Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First for Radicular Low Back Pain. For patients with radicular low back pain, an analysis of data concerning 115 million patients revealed that those initially treated with spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—were 68% less likely to receive a prescription for the narcotic tramadol in the following year.                                              BMJ Open, May 2024

Mental Attitude: Failure’s “Benefits” May Be Overrated. Contrary to popular belief, a recent study revealed that most people find failure to be demotivating and ego-threatening, which results in them not learning important lessons to move them toward future success.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, June 2024

Wellness/Prevention: New App Helps Identify Subtle Signs of Stroke. Engineers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have developed a smartphone app that can analyze facial symmetry and muscle movements to detect the subtle signs of stroke that can easily be missed by paramedics. It’s hoped that with
further refinement, such an app can be rolled out to emergency service providers to aid in identifying if an individual has suffered a stroke so prompt treatment can be provided.
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, June 2024

Quote: “Procrastination is the thief of time.” ~ Edward Young

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Obesity May Be Driving Factor for Disturbing Rise in Colorectal Cancers. Tufts University reports that colorectal cancer cases among patients under 50 have steadily risen in the last 30 years, and these cancers are often not diagnosed until later stages, which is linked to worse outcomes. Researchers suspect this
increase in colorectal cancers in younger adults is largely due to the obesity epidemic.
Tufts University, June 2024

Diet: Energy Drinks May Trigger Heart Arrhythmia in High-Risk Patients. Researchers note that energy drinks contain ingredients that can potentially alter heart rate and blood pressure, which may increase the risk for cardiac arrhythmias in individuals at high elevated risk for heart disease.                                                              Heart Rhythm, June 2024

Exercise: Get Off the Couch! Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study, researchers estimate that swapping out one hour of sedentary TV time with physical activity or even extra sleep can increase the chances for living beyond age 70 without major chronic disease or memory impairment by up to 28%.
JAMA Network Open, June 2024

Chiropractic: Poor Ergonomics Can Quickly Lead to Musculoskeletal Pain. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that even as few as five minutes of continuous work in awkward postures can increase the risk for musculoskeletal pain. The findings suggest that improved ergonomics to minimize time spent in nonneutral
postures could reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Journal Annals of Work Exposures and Health, June 2024

Mental Attitude: Managing Non-Motor Parkinsons’s Symptoms. A systematic review that included 36 studies found evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and autonomic dysfunction.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, April 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Chronic Stress Levels Can Impair Health. Cortisol, more commonly known as the stress hormone, is important during times of stress to mobilize energy and immune function. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can be detrimental to health, highlighting the importance of stress management strategies like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness.
Tufts University, June 2024

Quote: “Life is precious and time is a key element. Let’s make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own.” ~ Harmon Killebrew

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: 9/11 Responders May Face Greater Risk for Dementia. New research suggests that individuals exposed to higher levels of toxic dust during rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center site following the September 11 attacks have an elevated risk for early-onset dementia when compared with their peers with no exposure or who wore effective personal protective equipment.
JAMA Network Open, June 2024

Diet: Healthy Eating Makes Teens Happier. Using data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study, researchers report that eating breakfast and fruit and vegetables daily are both associated with a greater sense of life satisfaction in adolescents.
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, May 2024

Exercise: Sit Less to Reduce Back Pain Risk. An analysis of data from the UK Biobank study revealed that for each hour of sedentary behavior per day that an individual exchanges for physical activity, their risk for low back pain falls by up to 8%. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, April 2024

Chiropractic: Trigger Points and Tension-Type Headache. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot found in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent experiment that included 32 tension-type headache patients, researchers observed that addressing trigger points in the head and neck muscles resulted in a significant decline in headache intensity. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to recognize and resolve trigger points when managing musculoskeletal conditions, including tension-type headaches.                                                                  Journal of Personalized Medicine, March 2024

Mental Attitude: Excessive Social Media Use Can Take a Toll on Mental Health. Questionnaires completed by 600 medical school students revealed an association between using social media for five or more hours a day and an elevated risk for anxiety, sadness, and stress.
Journal of Education and Health Promotion, April 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Summertime Skin Protection Tips for Parents. To best protect a child’s skin this summer, pediatric dermatologist Dr. Jayden Galamgam recommends avoiding insect-heavy areas; dressing your child in protective clothing; using appropriate insect repellents; properly cleaning minor scrapes and cuts; using
a broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least 30 SPF); minimizing sun exposure during peak hours; and in the event of sunburn, use a cool compress, calamine lotion, and aloe vera-based gels.
Pediatric Dermatology, February 2024

Quote: “No one wants to quit when he’s losing and no one wants to quit when he’s winning.” ~ Richard Petty

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: One-in-Three People Know Someone Who Had a Fatal Overdose. A survey of nearly 2,300 Americans conducted in spring 2023 found that 32% have lost someone due to a fatal overdose, and for more than half of these individuals, that person was a close friend or family member.
JAMA Health Forum, May 2024

Diet: Ketogenic Diet May Benefit Some Neurological Conditions. The ketogenic diet is an eating pattern that aims to shift the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Because the diet can also reduce inflammation in the brain, it’s suggested that it may benefit patients with
neurological conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder. However, experts caution that such individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before switching their diet.                                                                    Leiden University, June 2024

Exercise: Walking Helps Keep Back Pain from Returning. For patients who have recovered from an episode of low back pain, a recent study found that walking for 30 minutes three times a week significantly reduces the risk of recurrence in the following six months.                                                                                                                        The Lancet, June 2024

Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Reduces Pain Catastrophizing Too. Among a group of 98 chronic low back pain patients, those treated with spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—not only experienced greater improvements in pain than participants
who received a sham treatment, but they were also less likely to describe their pain in exaggerated terms (pain catastrophizing).                                                                                Journal of Pain, February 2024

Mental Attitude: Service Dogs Reduce PTSD Risk in Veterans. According to a recent study, pairing former soldiers with a service dog reduces the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by 66%. Veterans with service dogs also reported lower anxiety and depression levels, as well as a greater sense of both emotional and social wellbeing.                                                                                                                                    JAMA Network Open, June 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D and Post-Surgical Complications. An analysis of data concerning 314 patients who underwent surgery to address osteoporotic hip fracture found that those with low vitamin D status were two times more likely to experience post-surgical complications than those with healthy vitamin D levels. Nutrients, June 2024

Quote: “It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.”
~ Thomas Sowell

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Fentanyl Presence Has Skyrocketed Since 2017. In 2023, law enforcement officers in the United States seized more than 115 million fentanyl pills, a dramatic increase from fewer than 50,000 pills seized as recently as 2017. Health officials note that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and poses a
significant overdose risk for users.                                                                              International Journal of Drug Policy, May 2024

Diet: Dried Fruit May Lower Risk for Ulcerative Colitis. According to a recent study, a high intake of dried fruit is associated with a nearly 50% reduced risk for ulcerative colitis. However, the researchers were unable to
detect similar benefits from a high intake of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, or cereals.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2024

Exercise: Seniors with High Blood Pressure Should Exercise in the Evening. In a recent experiment that included 23 hypertensive older adults, researchers observed that those who engaged in aerobic exercise in the evening experienced better improvements in blood pressure control than those who worked out in the morning.
Journal of Physiology, May 2024

Chiropractic: Nonpharmacological Treatment for Cervicogenic Headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck. A systematic review that included eight studies concluded that manual therapies and therapeutic exercises are effective interventions for managing cervicogenic headaches. Doctors of chiropractic routinely adopt a multimodal approach when treating patients with cervicogenic headaches that involves one or more manual therapies and at-home neck-specific exercises.
Cureus, March 2024

Mental Attitude: Recent Release from Jail Elevates Suicide Risk. An analysis of data concerning nearly 7.1 million adults revealed that former inmates are at a nine-fold increased risk for suicide in the year following their incarceration, and these individuals account for nearly 20% of adult suicide deaths.
JAMA Network Open, May 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Food Choices Can Affect Susceptibility to Infectious Disease. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that a high intake of red and processed meat is linked to an increased risk for infectious disease. On the other hand, the data indicate that a diet rich in fish, cheese, fruit, and vegetables is
associated with a lower risk for infection.                                                                          Journal of Biomedical Research, May 2024

Quote: “There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” ~ William Butler Yeats

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna