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

Health Alert: Heart Disease and Stroke Account for a Quarter of All US Deaths. While deaths from heart disease and stroke have declined in recent years, researchers report that these conditions still account for more than a quarter of all deaths in the United States (US)—exceeding deaths from cancer and accidents combined. Health experts note that up to 80% of heart disease and stroke cases may be preventable through lifestyle measures such as not smoking, getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining healthy blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure readings.                                                                                                                            Circulation, January 2026

Diet: How to Reduce Trans Fats Consumption. Trans fats are a type of fat commonly found in industrially produced packaged and convenience foods and are associated with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) levels and increased inflammation—both of which are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. To reduce transfat intake, experts recommend avoiding packaged foods that contain “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” oils and, when possible, cooking from scratch using stable fats that are less likely to form harmful compounds when heated, such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, ghee, and butter.                                    The Conversation, January 2026

Exercise: Regular Exercise Can Protect the Body from Chronic Stress. Allostatic load refers to the cumulative physiological wear and tear on the body from chronic stress, typically measured using a combination of biomarkers—such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammatory markers, and stress hormones—that reflect strain across multiple body systems. In a study that tracked more than 3,300 adults from age 31 to 46, researchers found that those who seldom or never exercised had higher allostatic load than participants who frequently met physical activity guidelines, suggesting regular exercise may help protect the body from the harmful effects of chronic stress.                                                                            Psychoneuroendocrinology, February 2026

Chiropractic: Chronic Whiplash Patients May Have Concussion Symptoms. Examinations of 15 patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorder (cWAD) revealed that all tested positive for multiple post-concussive syndrome (PCS) symptoms, including abnormalities in eye movement. This finding aligns with a growing body of evidence suggesting there may be no clear boundary between cWAD and PCS, and that individuals diagnosed with one condition may benefit from evaluation for the other to help reduce the risk of chronic symptoms.                                                                      Frontiers in Neurology, October 2025

Mental Attitude: Childhood ADHD Linked to Midlife Health Problems. An analysis of data concerning nearly 11,000 middle-aged adults revealed that those exhibiting attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits at age ten— especially female patients—were 14% more likely to have two or more physical health problems by age 45.                                                                                                                                            JAMA Network Open, January 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Poor Fitness and Sleep Nearly Double Heart Risks in Seniors. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers found that a low daily step count (fewer than 7,500 steps) combined with sleeping fewer than 6.5 hours per night at age 62 was associated with an 84% higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events—such as heart attack or stroke—during the following eight years.                                              EClinicalMedicine, January 2026

Quote: “Take a simple idea and take it seriously.” ~ Charlie Munger

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Diet Can Influence Prenatal Depression Risk. An analysis of data from the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors cohort found that a diet high in solid fats, refined grains, and cheese was associated with 59% higher odds of depression during the third trimester, compared with an eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, and liquid oils.                                                              Nutrition, January 2026

Diet: Rare Gut Disorder Can Cause Alcohol Intoxication without Drinking. Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare condition in which a person may experience symptoms of intoxication despite not consuming alcohol. The disorder is thought to result from an imbalance in the gut microbiome—most often an overgrowth of certain yeasts—that can ferment carbohydrates into ethanol. Although fewer than 100 cases have been documented, the condition highlights the importance of maintaining gut health, as microbial imbalances can contribute to a range of health concerns, including rare disorders such as auto-brewery syndrome.                                                                          Nature Microbiology, January 2026

Exercise: When Can Kids Safely Start Running with Mom and Dad? Running is a popular form of exercise among adults, leaving many parents wondering when their children can safely join them. Current guidelines recommend that children under age seven avoid structured running and instead engage in free play and short, play-based running activities. From ages seven to nine, running should generally be limited to less than 30 minutes a few times per week. During preadolescence, runs of up to 40 minutes as many as five times per week may be reasonable, though children should also participate in a variety of other sports. Once adolescence begins, teens can gradually increase running time and distance based on interest, comfort, and physical readiness. The Conversation, January 2026

Chiropractic: Lifestyle Risk Factors for Chronic Low Back Pain. Using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report the following lifestyle factors are associated with an elevated risk of chronic low back pain: prolonged sitting for more than six hours a day; physical inactivity; elevated stress; smoking; and unhealthy diet, especially low protein intake.                                        Nursing & Health Sciences, December 2025

Mental Attitude: New Concussion Guidance Urges “If in Doubt, Sit Them Out.” Because early recognition and immediate removal from play can significantly shorten recovery time for young athletes with a mild traumatic brain injury, coaches and parents are advised to be cautious and sit a young athlete if a concussion is suspected. Health experts also remind parents that concussions are not limited to football and can occur in a wide range of sports—including soccer, hockey, cheerleading, and volleyball—with female athletes at greater risk than males.                                                                Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, January 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Steps to Help Slow or Halt Chronic Kidney Disease. It is estimated that about one-in-seven adults have chronic kidney disease, though the condition often has no obvious symptoms until its later stages. Routine blood tests can frequently detect early-stage kidney disease, highlighting the importance of annual wellness visits with a healthcare provider. Individuals at risk may be able to slow—and in some cases halt—disease progression by adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as nutritious eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol.                                                                                                                National Institutes of Health, January 2026

Quote: “A quiet mind cureth all.” ~ Robert Burton

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Metabolic Factors May Hint at Sleep Apnea Risk. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found that individuals with central obesity and unhealthy blood lipid profiles were 27%
more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea compared with metabolically healthier participants. The authors suggest that screening for these cardiometabolic factors during routine visits may help clinicians identify individuals at higher risk of sleep apnea. European Journal of Medical Research, December 2025

Diet: Diet May Influence Skin Cancer Risk. While ultraviolet (UV) exposure is most commonly associated with malignant melanoma risk, a recent narrative review found evidence that adherence to Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns, higher intake of anti-inflammatory foods, and coffee consumption are linked to a lower risk of melanoma. In contrast, Western dietary patterns and alcohol consumption may increase skin cancer risk.                                Cureus, December 2025

Exercise: Lifelong Exercise Lowers Metabolic Syndrome Risk. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions— including central obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Analysis of data from 159 participants in a long-term cohort study revealed that lifelong exercisers were four times less likely to have metabolic syndrome at age 61 than their sedentary peers. Importantly, inactive adults who became physically active during midlife—particularly those who
incorporated resistance training—were able to cut their risk of future metabolic syndrome roughly in half.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, November 2025

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Patients Less Likely to Experience Longterm Opioid Use. A systematic review and metaanalysis of two randomized clinical trials and 18 cohort studies found that patients receiving chiropractic care for spinal
pain were 73% less likely to become long-term opioid users, and the likelihood of later opioid prescription was even lower among those who initiated chiropractic treatment within 30 days of spinal pain onset.                                                                                            Pain Reports, December 2025

Mental Attitude: Mitochondria May Link Psychological Stress to Poor Brain and Mental Health. Mitochondria are specialized structures within cells that generate energy by converting nutrients into ATP, the molecule that powers most cellular processes. In a recent study, researchers observed that psychological stress can impair
mitochondrial function, disrupting energy metabolism, increasing inflammation, and altering brain signaling—changes that have been linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders. These findings may help explain how engaging in regular physical activity can reduce mental health symptoms.                                                                                                    Current Directions in Psychological Science, December 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Two Factors Linked to Mortality Risk After Age 50. Among 5,400 middle-aged and older adults, researchers found that those with abdominal obesity and low muscle mass—a combination known as sarcopenic
obesity—had an 83% higher risk of death over the following decade compared with participants who had neither condition. The findings suggest that identifying and enrolling such individuals in targeted dietary and fitness interventions earlier in life may help improve long-term survival.                                                                                              Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, November 2025

Quote: “To be able to look back upon one’s past life with satisfaction is to live twice.” ~ John Dalberg-Acton

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Time of Heart Surgery Can Influence Outcomes. An analysis of outcomes in more than 24,000 cardiac surgery patients found that procedures performed in the late morning were associated with a slightly higher risk of postoperative death compared with surgeries at other times of day. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship reflects patients’ circadian biology or chronotypes, hospital operational factors around midday, or other unmeasured influences. Anaesthesia, January 2026

Diet: Unprocessed Carbs Linked to Lower Dementia Risk. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that a diet rich in fruits, legumes, and whole grains was associated with a 16% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, whereas
a high intake of ultra-processed carbohydrates was linked to a 14% higher risk of the neurodegenerative condition. These findings suggest that diets emphasizing slower-digesting carbohydrates that minimize blood glucose spikes may help support brain health and reduce dementia risk as part of broader healthy aging strategies.
International Journal of Epidemiology, October 2025

Exercise: Exercise Recommended for Managing High Blood Pressure. Guidelines for managing hypertension recommend lifestyle interventions—including regular physical activity—as first-line treatment options. Current evidence supports several forms of exercise as beneficial, with multicomponent programs that combine strength, balance, and flexibility appearing to be especially effective.                              Journal of the American College of Cardiology, October 2025

Chiropractic: Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care. Chiropractic adjustments are commonly associated with pain relief and improved function; however, patients may also experience additional physiological benefits. A recent study
involving 106 patients with spinal pain found that twelve weeks of chiropractic care were associated with favorable changes in physiological biomarkers linked to neuroplasticity, pain modulation, metabolic signaling, and immune response. PLoS One, December 2025

Mental Attitude: Compulsive Behaviors May Not Be the Result of Habit. University of Technology Sydney researchers report that compulsive behaviors may not be the result of rigid habits that override self-control, but rather inflammation in key brain regions involved in effortful, goal-directed control. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing neuroinflammation—including lifestyle approaches such as regular physical activity and adequate sleep—may represent promising avenues for future research into the management of compulsive behaviors.
Neuropsychopharmacology, September 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Any Reduction in Alcohol Lowers Cancer Risk. Experts note that toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism, such as acetaldehyde, can contribute to oxidative stress, impaired nutrient absorption, and hormonal disruptions that influence cancer risk. Alcohol consumption can also impair sleep and interfere with engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors known to reduce cancer risk. Health authorities emphasize that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption and that even modest reductions may meaningfully lower cancer risk at the individual level.
University of California, Los Angeles, January 2026

Quote: “Action is the antidote to despair.” ~ Joan Baez

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Heart-Healthy Habits Improve Longevity After Cancer. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 is a composite metric of health behaviors and factors—including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure—that are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Each component is scored as 0 (poor), 1 (intermediate), or 2 (ideal). In a study of 779 adults with a history of cancer, researchers found that each 1-point increase in the Life’s
Simple 7 score was associated with a 10% lower risk of cancer mortality over a 15-year follow-up period.
European Heart Journal, October 2025

Diet: Inflammatory Diet May Contribute to Low Back Pain. According to a study examining dietary patterns and health outcomes in more than 210,000 adults, individuals consuming a highly inflammatory diet—characterized by high intake of ultra-processed foods, added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats along with low intake of fiber, antioxidants, and other anti-inflammatory nutrients—had a 2.3-fold higher risk of low back pain over a twelve-year time frame than those following a low-inflammatory eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet.
NPJ Science of Food, November 2025

Exercise: How Fitness May Protect Mental Health. A study involving more than 5,000 adolescents and young adults found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with better emotion regulation and overall emotional health, which may help explain why regular physical activity is linked to improved outcomes in conditions such as anxiety and depression.                                                                                                              BMC Psychology, December 2025

Chiropractic: Thoracic Interventions May Reduce Fear of Movement in Low Back Pain Patients. Kinesiophobia is defined as an excessive, irrational, and debilitating fear of physical movement or activity stemming from a perceived
vulnerability to painful injury or reinjury, which can lead patients to adopt behaviors that interfere with recovery. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials found that, among patients with low back pain and higher levels of kinesiophobia, incorporating thoracic-focused interventions—such as breathing and chest mobility exercises— into a multimodal treatment plan significantly reduced fear of movement and was associated with improved patient outcomes.                                                          Disability and Rehabilitation, October 2025

Mental Attitude: Negative Life Events and Depression. Using data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey Wave 5, researchers report that one negative life event within the previous year—such as chronic illness (self or family member), natural disasters or accidents, and death in the family—increases an individual’s risk of depression by 22%. Further, experiencing two negative life events in the preceding year raises the risk of depression by 55%.                                                                                            PLoS One, January 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Prizes Re-Enforce Smoking Cessation Efforts. Quitting smoking can be difficult and is often associated with a high risk of relapse. In a recent study, researchers found that smokers who completed a cessation intervention were nearly twice as likely to be smoke-free after one year (43% vs 24%) if they were offered the chance to win a weekly prize for remaining smoke-free.                                              BMC Public Health, December 2025

Quote: “Idleness is to the human mind like rust to iron.” ~ Ezra Cornell

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Combustion Pollution May Contribute to Autoimmune Disease Risk. Fine particulate matter is a mixture of microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air, primarily generated by combustion sources such as motor vehicles, wood burning, and fossil fuels. When inhaled, these particles can enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response, including the production of anti-nuclear antibodies—a key marker of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. In a recent study of 3,500 adults in Ontario, Canada, individuals with the highest exposure to fine particulate matter had up to 54% higher levels of anti-nuclear antibodies, suggesting that increased exposure to this form of air pollution may elevate the risk of autoimmune disease.                                                                    Rheumatology, October 2025

Diet: High-Fat Cheese and Cream May Protect Cognitive Health. In a long-term Swedish cohort study involving more than 27,000 adults, researchers found that higher consumption of high-fat cheese and cream was associated with a lower
risk of dementia over a 25-year follow-up period. In contrast, no similar association was observed for low-fat dairy consumption.                                                                                Neurology, January 2026

Exercise: Just 10 Minutes of Exercise Before Class Helps Concentration. In a recent experiment, college students who engaged in ten minutes of moderate-intensity, continuous physical activity prior to class exhibited better concentration and executive function skills than their peers who did not exercise beforehand.
International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, October 2025

Chiropractic: Self-Efficacy Predicts Long-Term Outcomes in Chronic Low Back Pain. New research suggests that greater confidence in one’s ability to manage pain and maintain function—often referred to as self-efficacy—was associated with better treatment outcomes among 1,700 patients with chronic low back pain followed over two years. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating patient education, active participation, and self-management strategies in the care of musculoskeletal disorders, approaches commonly emphasized in chiropractic care.
Pain Medicine, October 2025

Mental Attitude: What Is Mind Blanking? Mind blanking is a temporary state in which thoughts seem to disappear— such as when someone is asked a simple question in a meeting or class and suddenly can’t think of anything to say, even though they know the answer. A recent study found that mind blanking is not necessarily associated with focused attention or mind wandering but instead reflects a distinct pattern of brain activity and reduced sensory processing that resembles sleep-like dips in brain regions essential for awareness. These findings suggest that fatigue or circadian rhythm
disruption may be contributing factors, although more research is needed before firm conclusions about mind blanking can be drawn.                                                                  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, December 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Natural Daylight May Aid in Type 2 Diabetes Management. New research suggests that office workers with type 2 diabetes who are exposed to natural daylight have healthier blood glucose levels, improved fat
metabolism, and better circadian rhythm regulation than peers who work exclusively under artificial lighting.
Cell Metabolism, November 2025

Quote: “Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” ~ George Washington Carver

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Vitamin D Levels May Improve Outcomes for Metabolic Syndrome Patients. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—including central obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In an analysis of two decades of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found that individuals with metabolic syndrome who had vitamin D levels in the upper end of the healthy range (above 75 nmol/L) experienced a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular mortality than those with lower vitamin D levels. These findings suggest that adequate vitamin D status may help mitigate some of the heightened health risks associated with metabolic syndrome.                                  Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, December 2025

Diet: Nuts Protect Cardiovascular Health. A systematic review and meta-analysis that included 63 studies found that for every 28-gram increase in weekly nut intake, an individual’s risk of coronary heart disease and stroke falls by 4% and 1%, respectively. Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases, September 2025

Exercise: High-Intensity Training May Be Better for Inflammatory Muscle Disease Patients. For patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies—a group of rare autoimmune diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks skeletal muscle, leading to chronic inflammation, weakness, and fatigue—a recent study found that twelve weeks of high-intensity interval training produced significantly greater improvements in aerobic fitness (16% vs. 1.8%) and mitochondrial function than continuous moderate-intensity exercise. These findings suggest that physical activity characterized by short bursts of near-maximal effort, followed by periods of moderate-intensity recovery, may complement standard care for individuals with these conditions more effectively than traditional aerobic exercise approaches.                            eBioMedicine, December 2025

Chiropractic: Effective Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain. A recent study found that myofascial release combined with stabilization exercises is an effective combination to improve pain, balance, muscle function, flexibility, muscle tone, disability, and autonomic regulation in chronic low back pain patients. Doctors of chiropractic often use these and other conservative treatments in the management of chronic low back pain.                                                                                                            Medical Science Monitor, September 2025

Mental Attitude: Less Social Media, Better Mental Health. Among a group of 295 college aged young adults, researchers found that reducing social media use from two hours a day to less than 30 minutes reduced anxiety by 16%, depression by 25%, and insomnia by 15%.                                                                                                                          JAMA Network Open, November 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Regular Bedtime Can Improve Blood Pressure. Oregon Health & Science University researchers report that middle-aged adults with hypertension who shifted from irregular bedtimes to a consistent bedtime for just two weeks experienced similar drops in blood pressure—about 4 mmHg systolic and 3 mmHg diastolic—as would be expected by increased exercise or reduced sodium intake. Sleep Advances, November 2025

Quote: “Nothing is more intolerable than to have to admit to yourself your own errors.” ~ Ludwig van Beethoven

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Heat Waves Place Seniors with Cardiometabolic Disease at Higher Risk of Death. Using the Veterans Administration Corporate Data Warehouse, researchers found that older adults with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and other indicators of poor cardiometabolic health had a 10-14% higher risk of death on extreme heat days—days with temperatures above the 95th percentile of historical average temperatures.                                                                                                                      JAMA Network Open, November 2025

Diet: Daily Orange Juice May Influence Heart Health. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that drinking two cups of 100% orange juice a day stimulated expression of genes that help regulate inflammation, blood pressure, and fat metabolism—all of which benefit heart health.                                                                                    Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, October 2025

Exercise: Does Exercise Redirects Energy Away from Tumors? According to a recent animal study, exercise diverts glucose and oxygen toward muscles at the expense of tumors, slowing tumor growth by 60% in mice models during a four-week time frame. Interestingly, rodents that exercised before tumor introduction experienced similar findings. If such benefits extend to humans, it will add to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of exercise in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, December 2025

Chiropractic: Treatment for Forward Head Posture. Forward head posture is a postural misalignment in which the head protrudes forward in front of the body’s center of gravity, increasing strain on the neck and upper back muscles. A recent study involving 46 young adult women with symptomatic forward head posture found that adding diaphragm myofascial release—a manual technique used to reduce tension, stiffness, and fascial restriction of the diaphragm— resulted in greater improvements in cervical spine posture and chest expansion than neck exercises alone. Doctors of chiropractic commonly use a combination of manual therapies and targeted exercises to address postural faults, including forward head posture.                                                    Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, December 2025

Mental Attitude: The Brain Changes in Stages with Age. An analysis of brain imaging data from nearly 3,900 individuals ranging in age from newborn to 90 years revealed major transitions in brain connectivity occur around ages 9, 32, 66, and 83. Specifically, early childhood is characterized by rapid growth; young adulthood by extensive neural rewiring and increased vulnerability to mental health disorders; midlife by relative stability; and older age by increasing independence among brain regions (reduced interregional connectivity), followed by a sharper decline.                            Nature Communications, November 2025

Wellness/Prevention: New Female Crash Test Dummy to Make Cars Safer for Women. To better assess car safety systems, the United States Department of Transportation has approved a new female crash test dummy featuring more accurate anatomical representation of the female neck, pelvis, collarbone, and legs. Current research suggests that women are significantly more likely than men to be seriously injured or killed in automobile crashes, in part because safety testing has long relied on models based on an average-size man from the 1970s.                                                          New York Times, November 2025

Quote: “It is easy to condemn, it is better to pity.” ~ Lyman Abbott

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Peanut Allergies May Be Declining in Infants. According to a recent study, the prevalence of peanut allergy among infants has declined from 0.8% to 0.5%. Experts attribute this reduction to updated allergy guidelines that encourage early peanut introduction—particularly in infants at higher risk due to conditions such as atopic dermatitis— which may help the immune system develop oral tolerance and reduce the likelihood of developing a peanut allergy.                                                              The Conversation, November 2025

Diet: Antioxidant Intake May Protect Against Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection-driven inflammatory condition of the female upper reproductive tract—most commonly involving the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries—that typically results from ascending sexually transmitted or vaginal infections and can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy if untreated. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found that higher overall dietary antioxidant intake, particularly zinc, was associated with a lower prevalence of PID.                                                                        Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, December 2025

Exercise: More Power without More Effort? In a recent experiment, researchers observed that vibration applied to the Achilles and knee tendons for ten minutes led to greater power output during cycling sessions with no increase in perceived effort. It’s hypothesized that vibration alters neuromuscular signals sent to the brain, changing how effort is interpreted.                                                                                                          Journal of Sport and Health Science, May 2025

Chiropractic: Managing Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a stability-oriented joint designed to transmit load between the spine and lower extremities, rather than to permit large or visible movement. Injury or dysfunction of the SIJ is estimated to contribute to 15–30% of low back pain cases, suggesting that SIJ function should be routinely assessed when patients present with lower back complaints. A recent literature review found that muscle energy techniques and manipulative therapies—hands-on treatments commonly provided by chiropractors—are effective treatment options for SIJ dysfunction.                                                                                Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, September 2025

Mental Attitude: Mental Health Disorders May Double Risk of Heart Disease. Emory University researchers report that mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia—which are associated with inflammation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and lifestyle challenges—can double an individual’s risk of heart disease.                                                                                            Emory University, January 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Poor Oral Health Linked to Alzheimer’s. A scoping review that included 45 studies concluded that chronic oral diseases, especially periodontitis and tooth loss, are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The current evidence suggests poor oral health influences cognitive health through several mechanisms including systemic inflammation, microbial translocation, amyloidogenic processes, genetic predisposition, and impaired masticatory function. Japanese Dental Science Review, December 2025   

Quote: “A man is literally what he thinks.” ~ James Lane Allen

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Forever Chemicals Could Impair Placental Function. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used to make products such as food containers, clothing, and furniture resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Because they persist in the environment and the human body for long periods, they can accumulate over time. A recent study found that PFAS exposure could impair the exchange of nutrients and hormones between mother and fetus, disrupting early placental development and potentially elevating the risk of pregnancy complications.                                                                                                              Environmental Research, October 2025

Diet: Prebiotic Diet May Reduce Impulsivity After Traumatic Brain Injury. A recent animal study found that concussed rats fed the prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide—found in legumes, dairy milk, and whole grains—as part of their diet were less likely to engage in impulsive behaviors during a gambling-style decision task. The finding suggests a possible pathway for mitigating long-term behavioral symptoms in concussion patients.                                                                                                                Journal of Neuroscience, November 2025

Exercise: Dance Effective in Fighting Cognitive Decline in Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement while also impairing cognitive function, executive processing, mood, and other brain-related abilities over time. According to a recent study, Parkinson’s patients who regularly participated in dance classes that combine physical movement, mental challenge, and social engagement—all beneficial for brain health—experienced gains in cognitive function over a six-year time frame, while patients in a non-dance control group exhibited no improvement or even declines in cognitive faculties.                          Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, December 2025

Chiropractic: Mobilization Therapy Effective for Acute Whiplash Neck Pain. A recent clinical trial that included 120 patients with acute neck pain following a motor vehicle collision found that mobilization therapy resulted in faster and better short-term improvement than standard treatment alone. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the delivery of mobilization and other manual therapies for the management of whiplash-associated neck pain.                                                                                                                Journal of Integrative Medicine, November 2025

Mental Attitude: Hallucinogens and Mania/Bipolar Disorder Risk. New research suggests that people treated in hospital settings for hallucinogen use are six times more likely to develop mania and four times more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the following years. However, it remains unclear whether individuals at risk for psychiatric disorders are more likely to experiment with hallucinogens, or whether psychedelic use may trigger underlying vulnerabilities in people predisposed to mania or bipolar disorder.                                                                                                          PLOS Medicine, December 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Brushing Well Is More Important Than High-Tech Brushes for Good Oral Health. While powered toothbrushes can slightly outperform regular toothbrushes in removing plaque, periodontist Dr. Tim Thomassen at University of Amsterdam notes that good oral hygiene habits like thoroughly brushing for two minutes twice a day are more important for preventing cavities and gum disease.  University of Amsterdam, December 2025

Quote: “There are no secrets that time does not reveal.”   ~ Jean Racine

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna