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

Health Alert: A Declining Sense of Smell May Signal Cardiometabolic Problems. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 studies involving more than 155,000 participants found that individuals with olfactory dysfunction—a reduced or impaired sense of smell—had 20% higher odds of diabetes, 70% higher odds of atrial
fibrillation, and 60% higher odds of heart failure. The findings suggest that changes in the sense of smell may serve as an early indicator of underlying metabolic and cardiovascular health issues.                                                                                                        The Laryngoscope, June 2026

Diet: Pro-Inflammatory Diet Linked to Poor Metabolic Health. According to a recent study involving 4,890 adults, an inflammatory dietary pattern—often characterized by greater consumption of processed foods and sugar sweetened
beverages and lower intake of fruits and vegetables—was associated with a 14% higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome over the 18-year study period. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions— including central obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.                                                        Clinical Nutrition, May 2026

Exercise: Isometric Exercise May Dramatically Reduce Arthritic Knee Pain. Knee osteoarthritis is among the leading causes of chronic pain and physical disability in older adults. A study of adults aged 60 to 75 found that isometric knee exercises—which involve contracting the muscles around the knee without moving the joint—
reduced pain by more than 90%.                                                                            Bioinformation, April 2026

Chiropractic: Long Hours at a Computer May Affect the Neck and Arms. A recent study found that workers who use a computer for four or more hours per day have a 25% higher risk of developing arm, neck, and shoulder complaints, which can cause pain, stiffness, numbness, or discomfort that interferes with daily activities and work
performance.                                                                                                                                Work, June 2026

Mental Attitude: Digestive Symptoms Common After Concussion. Among 401 athletes with a history of concussion, nearly two-thirds reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom following their injury, most commonly nausea or vomiting (74.3%) and loss of appetite (56.6%). Researchers concluded that additional studies are needed to better understand the clinical significance of digestive symptoms during concussion recovery.
Nutrients, May 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Waist Size and Blood Fats May Help Predict Stroke Risk. Waist circumference and blood triglyceride levels are two important indicators of metabolic health, as they often reflect insulin resistance and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A study involving 147,897 adults found that individuals with the least favorable combination of these measures had a 54% higher likelihood of stroke than those with the healthiest profiles.                                                                                            BMC Public Health, May 2026

Quote: “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”               ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Metabolic Syndrome Raises Parkinson’s Disease Risk. In a study of 363,602 adults followed for nearly a decade, metabolic syndrome was associated with a 22% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The findings suggest that maintaining metabolic health—including a healthy weight, normal blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels, and good blood sugar control—may help reduce future risk for the neurodegenerative condition.
Epidemiology and Health, June 2026

Diet: Timing of Coffee Intake May Affect Cardiovascular Benefits. Adding to a growing body of research on the benefits of coffee, a recent study involving 21,553 adults found that consuming the beverage in the morning was associated with a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. However, late-day coffee consumption did
not confer these benefits.                                                                                                          FASEB Journal, June 2026

Exercise: Mind-Body Exercises Helpful for Knee Osteoarthritis Management. Patients with knee osteoarthritis often experience reduced proprioception—the body’s ability to sense joint position and movement, helping maintain balance and coordination—due to factors such as muscle weakness, joint degeneration, and pain and inflammation that can impair sensory input from the knee. A recent study found that land-based mind-body exercises, such as yoga and tai chi, were effective for improving proprioception in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Sports Medicine and Health Science, July 2026

Chiropractic: Managing Cervical Spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis is an age-related degeneration of the disks and joints in the neck that can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness radiating into the arm or hand. A recent case report found that a multimodal approach including myofascial release, cervical sustained natural apophyseal glides, cervical high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust manipulation, and manual cervical traction reduced symptoms within one month; home-based neck exercises helped maintain these improvements for at least three years, and follow-up
MRI findings revealed reduced nerve root compression.                                                Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2026

Mental Attitude: Active Students Report Greater Resilience and Self-Esteem. Resilience is the ability to adapt to, recover from, and cope effectively with stress, adversity, or life’s challenges. A survey of 1,560 university students revealed that those who spent more time engaged in physical activity of any intensity reported greater
resilience, along with higher self-esteem and better quality of life.                                          Healthcare, May 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Physical Function Declines Associated with Future Stroke. Using data from 482,699 participants in the UK Biobank study, researchers found that low grip strength and a slow walking pace—simple measures of physical function that can provide insight into overall health—were associated with both a greater risk of stroke and poorer survival after a stroke.                                                                            Stroke, June 2026

Quote: “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.” ~ Erik Erikson

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Maternal Sleep Health May Affect Pregnancy Outcomes. A recent review found that sleep apnea during pregnancy has been associated with fetal growth restriction, impaired neurocognitive development, and an increased risk of preterm birth, which researchers attribute to disrupted oxygen deliveryand other physiological changes. These findings suggest that prenatal sleep disturbances may have
consequences that extend beyond birth.                                                                                Journal of Clinical Medicine, May 2026

Diet: Frequent Fish Consumption Linked to Lower Stroke Risk in Men. In a decade-long study of 53,916 adults, men who consumed fish or seafood four or more days per week had a 36% lower risk of stroke than non-consumers.
Nutrition & Metabolism, May 2026

Exercise: Lifelong Exercise Linked to Healthier Brain Aging. A systematic review of 20 longitudinal studies found that adults who remained physically active over time tended to maintain healthier brain structure and cognitive function than their less active peers, particularly in areas related to executive function, processing speed, and memory.                                                                                                                                          BMC Neurology, June 2026

Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Recommended for Tension-Type Headaches. Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache and is often described as a dull, pressure-like pain that can feel like a tight band around the head. A recent clinical practice guideline reported that spinal manipulation, previously not
recommended for tension-type headaches, is now supported as part of a multimodal treatment approach that may also include exercise, soft tissue therapy, education, relaxation, and mindfulness-based self-management strategies.                                        Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, February 2026

Mental Attitude: Depression May Lead to Unhealthy Habits in Teens. A study that followed nearly 6,000 adolescents for three years found that depressive symptoms predicted the development of unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, smoking, alcohol use, and inadequate sleep. However, the researchers found no evidence that unhealthy lifestyle factors increased the risk of future
depressive symptoms.                                                                                                                  BMC Medicine, June 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Knowing Weight Status May Reduce Heart Attack Risk. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers found that informing patients of their weight status reduced their long-term risk of myocardial infarction by 18% over the following 13 to 19 years, even without additional counseling or treatment recommendations. The authors believe this personalized information may have served as a cue that motivated healthier lifestyle choices.                                                                        BMJ Open, 2026

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

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Associated with Higher Cancer Rates. An analysis of data concerning more than 3 million hospitalized patients found that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a 40% higher risk of cancer over a five-year timeframe. The researchers speculate that chronic low oxygen levels during sleep may influence inflammation, metabolism, and immune function, potentially creating conditions in the body that allow cancerous cells to grow more easily.                                                            BMC Pulmonary Medicine, May 2026

Diet: Dried Fruit and Cheese Intake Linked to Lower Stroke Risk. New research suggests that dried fruit and cheese intake were associated with a 50% and 27% lower risk of stroke, respectively. Researchers speculate that compounds in these foods may influence inflammation, circulation, and metabolic health in ways that support brain and blood vessel health.                                                                                                Medicine (Baltimore), May 2026

Exercise: Daily Walks May Help Seniors Live Longer. A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 46 studies and more than 367,000 older adults found that higher daily step counts were associated with a lower risk of early death, with each additional 1,000 steps per day linked to an approximately 13% reduction in risk. American Journal of Health Promotion, May 2026

Chiropractic: Hands-On Care Effective for Chronic Low Back Pain. Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) refers to persistent low back pain without a clearly identifiable structural cause or underlying pathology. An umbrella review of 21 systematic reviews found that manual therapy techniques—including spinal manipulation, soft-tissue therapy, myofascial therapy, massage, and neuromobilization techniques—were effective for reducing pain and disability in CNLBP patients by improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and influencing painprocessing pathways. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, March 2026

Mental Attitude: Self-Injury Affects 1 in 16 Teens. Questionnaires completed by nearly 36,000 adolescents revealed that 6.2% engaged in non-suicidal self-injury during the previous 30 days, with depression and a history of bullying both associated with a greater risk. Mental health experts often view self-injury as a serious indicator of psychological distress because it is associated with a higher risk of future self-harm and other destructive behaviors.                                                                                                  Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, May 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Simple Physical Measurements May Help Assess Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers found that adults with both high waist circumference (strongly associated with metabolic dysfunction) and low grip strength (linked to reduced physical function) had nearly an eightfold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to individuals with low waist circumference and high grip strength. The study suggests that combining these simple measurements may improve diabetes risk assessment and help identify individuals at elevated metabolic risk.                                                                                      BMC Medicine, May 2026

Quote: “Jealousy… is a mental cancer.” ~ B. C. Forbes

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Common Chemicals Linked to Stroke Risk. Phthalates are chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible and are frequently found in food packaging, cosmetics, household products, and medical materials. Over time, these chemicals can break down or leach out of products and enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found that higher urinary levels of several phthalate metabolites were associated with increased stroke risk. The findings suggest environmental toxins may play a larger role in stroke risk than previously recognized. Cardiovascular Toxicology, April 2026

Diet: Diverse Diet May Support Cardiovascular Health. A study involving nearly 2,900 adults found that men consuming a wider variety of foods were less likely to have abnormal blood lipid levels, while women showed lower risks of overweight/obesity and hypertension. Researchers believe dietary diversity may improve nutrient balance and overall diet quality, helping to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Nutrition Journal, May 2026 Exercise: Exercise Intensity Influences Stroke Risk. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, researchers report that regularly engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity can reduce stroke risk by nearly 25%, while vigorous exercise may cut the risk in half.                                                                    Brain Impairment, June 2026

Chiropractic: Effective Treatment for Chronic Neck Pain. For patients with chronic neck pain, a recent study found that manual therapy techniques combined with cervical stabilization exercises—a common chiropractic approach—improved pain, range of motion, and functional capacity over a four-week period.                                              Pain Management Nursing, November 2025

Mental Attitude: Cigarette Use Associated with Self-Harm Behaviors in Adults with Depression. According to a study that included more than 31,000 adults, smoking cigarettes is associated with a greater risk of self-harm among individuals with major depressive disorder. The data suggest that for each additional cigarette smoked per day on average, the risk of self-harm attempts increases by 2%. Researchers speculate that tobacco exposure may affect neurotransmitter systems and stress-related pathways involved in emotional regulation and impulsive behavior.                                BMC Psychiatry, May 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Changing Sleep Schedules May Influence Metabolic Health. Among more than 8,800 adults, researchers found that those with greater night-to-night variability in sleep duration were up to 78% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within the following decade. Researchers believe inconsistent sleep patterns may disrupt circadian rhythms, hormonal regulation, and insulin sensitivity. The findings support the importance of healthy sleep routines for metabolic health.  Medicine (Baltimore), May 2026

Quote: “If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can’t, you’re right.” ~ Mary Kay Ash

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Poor Metabolic Health May Affect Hip Replacement Outcomes. More than a half-million total hip arthroplasty surgeries are performed in the United States each year. A recent study found that patients with poorer metabolic health prior to surgery had worse hip function and psychological health one year after surgery compared to those with better baseline health. The findings suggest that addressing metabolic factors such as central obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar before surgery may help improve patient
outcomes.                                                                                                                                      Journal of Arthroplasty, April 2026

Diet: High Sodium Intake Linked to Heart Failure Risk. Using data from the Southern Community Cohort Study, researchers reported that consuming about 4,200 mg of dietary sodium per day—well above the recommended 2,300 mg—may increase the risk of heart failure by 15%, independent of known risk factors such as high blood pressure, overall diet quality, and caloric intake.                                                                  JACC: Advances, March 2026

Exercise: Exercise May Counteract Trauma-Related Changes in Brain. Past research has linked childhood trauma with detrimental changes in brain regions involved in stress and emotion regulation. However, a recent study found that connections between these key brain regions are stronger in early life trauma victims who regularly exercise, suggesting that physical activity may be key to supporting brain health in survivors of childhood trauma.
Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, January 2026

Chiropractic: Multimodal Approach for Migraine Treatment. For migraine patients with concurrent neck pain, a recent study found that a treatment approach combining manual therapy, exercise, education, and lifestyle strategies—commonly used by chiropractors—may help reduce migraine intensity, frequency, and disability. The
findings suggest that migraineurs who do not respond to usual care or self-management strategies may benefit from a more comprehensive, multimodal approach.                            Archives of Physiotherapy, February 2026

Mental Attitude: Siblings Help Buffer Grief After Parent’s Death. Understandably, the death of a parent can take a heavy toll on mental health. However, a recent study found that individuals with one or more siblings tend to have better mental health outcomes following parental loss than those without brothers or sisters. This suggests that family support plays a key role in the grieving process, which may become more challenging in the future as family sizes continue to shrink in wealthier countries. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, March 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Algorithm May Improve Placement of Lifesaving Defibrillators. It’s estimated that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) placed in publicly accessible areas save nearly 2,000 lives in the United States each year; however, a recent study that mapped AED placement against locations of previous cardiac events
found that optimizing where AEDs are located could substantially increase coverage of cardiac arrests, suggesting the potential to save thousands of additional lives annually.     IJC Heart & Vasculature, April 2026

Quote: “The right time is any time that one is still so lucky as to have.” ~ Henry James

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Heart Risk Linked to Hip Fracture in Postmenopausal Women. Likely due to shared mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, impaired calcium metabolism, reduced blood flow, and postmenopausal estrogen decline, researchers reported that among more than 21,000 older women, those with a higher cardiovascular risk profile had a 93% greater risk of hip fracture compared to those in the lowest-risk group. Additionally, women in the high-risk group who did sustain a hip fracture tended to do so at an earlier age. The findings suggest that addressing
cardiovascular risk factors may also support better bone health in postmenopausal women.
The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, March 2026

Diet: Whole Wheat Fiber May Protect Against Gut Inflammation. A recent animal study found that gut bacteria in mice break down whole wheat fiber into bioactive compounds that help regulate immune responses and suppress inflammation, potentially protecting against inflammatory bowel disease. This adds to a growing body of evidence on the role different types of dietary fiber play in supporting gut health. Science Advances, January 2026

Exercise: Cutting Sedentary Time May Improve Anxiety Symptoms. An analysis of data concerning 692 adults found that reducing sedentary leisure time to under seven hours per day was associated with fewer anxiety symptoms; however, no similar association was observed for meeting exercise recommendations of 150 or more
minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week or for sleeping 7–9 hours per night.
Journal of Affective Disorders, April 2026

Chiropractic: Hands-On Care for Temporomandibular Disorders. For patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), a recent study found that manual therapy aimed at addressing fascial tissue distortions—such as trigger bands, herniated trigger points, and continuum distortions—may help reduce pain, improve jaw function, and support head posture. Doctors of chiropractic are well-versed in a variety of manual therapies commonly used to manage musculoskeletal conditions, including TMD. CRANIO, March 2026

Mental Attitude: Loneliness Linked to Suicidal Thoughts. A study that included more than 633,000 adults found that loneliness acts like an amplifier of the aspects of anxiety and depression that may stimulate an individual to consider suicide. The findings suggest that addressing loneliness—through social connection and community
engagement—could be a practical and accessible strategy to reduce suicide risk in individuals struggling with a mood disorder.                                                                        JAMA Network Open, March 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Junk Food Tax Could Prevent Deaths. An economic modeling study suggests that implementing a 20% tax on unhealthy foods and using the funds to subsidize fruits and vegetables could improve diet quality and reduce the risk of chronic disease, potentially preventing about 212,000 premature deaths each year
in the United States.                                                                                                                        The Lancet Public Health, April 2026

Quote: “Action, so to speak, is the genius of nature.” ~ Robert Blair

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Fluctuating Sleep Apnea May Signal Hidden Heart Risk. While obstructive sleep apnea is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, recent research suggests that individuals whose sleep apnea varies in severity significantly from night-to-night show signs of accelerated vascular aging—approximately 30% greater
compared to those with more stable patterns—regardless of their average severity level. These findings indicate that single-night sleep studies may underestimate cardiovascular risk, and multi-night monitoring may provide a more accurate assessment. npj            Digital Medicine, February 2026

Diet: “High In” Front-of-Package Labels May Better Inform Food Choices. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed front-of-package labeling guidance that requires food manufacturers to note if nutrients of concern like added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat are low, medium, or high with respect to dietary guidelines. However, a recent study found that unhealthy foods may be perceived as healthy if they are low in two of the nutrients and only high in one and instead recommends noting only when a food item is high in a nutrient of concern, as this may better help consumers identify less healthy choices.                                                                                                          The Lancet Public Health, March 2026

Exercise: Exercise Linked to Lower Cancer Risk. University of Kentucky experts note that regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, lung, and kidney cancers. It’s suggested the benefit may be attributed to exercise’s effect on reducing chronic inflammation, regulating hormones,
improving immune function, and decreasing excess body fat—all factors linked to cancer development.
University of Kentucky, March 2026

Chiropractic: Mid-Back Adjustment Helps with Neck Pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized clinical trials found that spinal manipulative therapy applied to the thoracic spine may improve pain, mobility, and disability in patients with neck pain. The authors note that reduced mobility in the upper thoracic spine can increase mechanical load and strain on cervical structures, potentially contributing to neck disorders.
Frontiers in Medicine, March 2026

Mental Attitude: Sleep Brain Age Predicts Dementia Risk. An analysis of long-term data involving nearly 7,000 adults found that individuals whose brain wave patterns during sleep appeared older than their chronological age were more likely to develop dementia over a 17-year period. Specifically, for every 10-year increase in brain age beyond chronological age, the risk of dementia increased by about 40%.                  JAMA Network Open, March 2026

Wellness/Prevention: More Sleep and Exercise May Lower Diabetes Risk in Teens. The American Heart Association reports that replacing just 30 minutes of daily sedentary time with either sleep or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may significantly reduce insulin resistance—a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes—by about 5% or 5%, respectively.                                                                                                                American Heart Association, March 2026

Quote: “Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Plastic Chemical Linked to Nearly 1 in 13 Preterm Births. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a chemical commonly added to plastics to increase flexibility. However, when heated, flexed, worn down, or exposed to oils or solvents, it can leach into surrounding materials and enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact where it may interfere with endocrine and reproductive function. A recent study estimated that about 8% of preterm births may be associated with DEHP exposure, highlighting the need for broader regulation of plastic chemicals to reduce health risks, particularly for pregnant women and infants.                          eClinicalMedicine, March 2026

Diet: Repeating Meals May Aid Weight Loss. For individuals in a weight loss intervention, researchers found that participants who maintained a stable daily calorie intake by repeatedly consuming the same meals lost more weight—5.9% of body weight versus 4.3%—over a twelve-week period than those with a more varied diet.
Health Psychology, April 2026

Exercise: High-Intensity Training Reduces Sarcopenia Risk. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) combines short bursts of near-maximal effort with periods of moderate recovery. Using data from the Generation 100 Study, researchers found that seniors who engaged in a HIIT intervention cut their risk of developing sarcopenia in half over a five-year period. Sarcopenia is characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, affects approximately 12% of older adults, and is associated with reduced independence and a higher risk of mortality.
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, April 2026

Chiropractic: A Multimodal Approach for Migraines? Following a review of findings from 59 studies, researchers found that a multimodal approach combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education may help reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of migraines.                                                          Frontiers in Pain Research, March 2026

Mental Attitude: Gut Microbiota May Slow Cognitive Decline. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies found that interventions aimed at supporting the gut microbiome—such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet—may improve memory, executive function, and overall cognition. The authors attribute these benefits to reduced inflammation, enhanced neurotransmitter activity, and improved metabolic function associated with a healthier gut microbiome.                                                                                                                    Nutrition Research, March 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Simple Habits Can Help Reduce Constipation. Tufts University researchers note that increasing fiber intake, drinking adequate fluids, maintaining regular physical activity, and establishing consistent bathroom routines can significantly improve bowel regularity. However, individuals suffering from persisted or
severe symptoms should be evaluated by their healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.
Tufts University, April 2026

Quote: “Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.” ~ Roger de Rabutin

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Six Cancers Increasingly Affecting Adults Under Age 50. New research suggests that at least six cancers—colorectal, cervical, pancreatic, prostate, kidney, and multiple myeloma—are occurring at increasing rates globally among people under age 50. Investigators attribute this rise to population-wide increases in obesity, proinflammatory dietary patterns, and physical inactivity.                                          Military Medical Research, November 2025

Diet: Fiber Supports Brain Health Too. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. In addition to supporting intestinal health, it can also help reduce inflammation that affects the brain and nervous system. In a recent animal study, rats fed a fiber-free diet showed impaired activity in the amygdala—a brain region involved in fear and emotional memory—suggesting that adequate fiber intake may play an important role in brain health.                                          Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, February 2026

Exercise: Dance Class Benefits the Brain. Brain imaging of 53 older adults with subjective cognitive decline revealed that taking part in a twelve-week dance class increased oxytocin levels and enhanced functional connectivity in the default mode network—both of which are important for cognitive health.
Innovation in Aging, November 2025

Chiropractic: Scapular Dyskinesis May Contribute to Neck Pain. Among a group of 83 office workers with chronic neck pain, researchers observed that scapular dyskinesis—abnormal positioning or movement of the shoulder blade—was associated with greater neck disability. The findings suggest that altered shoulder mechanics
may contribute to neck pain and functional limitation.                                                        BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, March 2026

Mental Attitude: Post-Seizure Brain State May Offer Critical Treatment Window. According to a recent study, the brain enters a deep sleep state after a seizure that resembles memory consolidation, inadvertently strengthening seizure-related neural pathways. Researchers suggest this post-seizure period may provide a critical window for interventions—such as neuromodulation or adaptive brain stimulation—to disrupt this reinforcement and potentially
reduce the risk of future seizures.                                                                                        Journal of Neuroscience, February 2026

Wellness/Prevention: Several Health Conditions Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk. Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers analyzed health histories of more than 450,000 adults and found that individuals later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely to have developed a range of mental health, neurologic, sleep-related, cardiovascular, and endocrine/metabolic conditions in the preceding decade. The findings may help researchers develop tools to identify individuals at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially enabling earlier interventions to delay or prevent the neurodegenerative disorder.
Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, December 2025

Quote: “We tend to live up to our expectations.” ~ Earl Nightingale

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna