WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, June 19th, 2023

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

Health Alert: Fatal Falls Among Seniors Have Skyrocketed. In the last 20 years, the number of seniors who have died from fall-related injuries has increased from 10,100 deaths in 1999 to 36,500 deaths in 2020. While the population of older adults has increased in that time frame from 35 to 55 million, this does not account for the 3.65 times rise in fall-related deaths. Rather, experts point out that more seniors are surviving serious medical issues, which may leave them more frail and prone to falls. Older adults also take more medications now than they did 20 years ago, which can interact and cause dizziness and other side effects that may affect balance.
Journal of the American Medical Association, May 2023

Diet: Maternal Diet May Influence Taste Preferences in Offspring. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that pregnant rats fed a high-fat diet gave birth to pups with a taste for salt. The research team hypothesizes that high-fat intake may stimulate the expression of a gene that modulates salty taste sensitivity. The findings demonstrate how food choices during pregnancy can affect an offspring’s early development.
Scientific Reports, April 2023

Exercise: The Right Sports Bra Can Help Women Run Better. Researchers from the Breast Biomechanics Research Center at the University of Memphis have identified an association between improved support from a sports bra and greater stiffness of the knee joint when running, which can result in better running performance and a lower risk for injury. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, April 2023

Mental Attitude: Is the Mind-Body Connection Built into the Brain? Washington University School of Medicine
researchers note that parts of the brain that control movement are linked to networks involved in executive function skills as well as the control of involuntary bodily functions, like blood pressure and heart rate. They believe this may help to explain why anxiety makes some people want to pace back and forth, why stimulating the vagus nerve may alleviate depression, and why people who exercise regularly have a more positive disposition.                                                                                            Nature, April 2023

Chiropractic: Wrist Manipulation Helps Patients with Tennis Elbow. For patients with lateral epicondylitis— also known as tennis elbow—a recent study found that manipulative therapy applied to the wrist may improve grip strength. The finding suggests that dysfunction in the wrist may contribute to tennis elbow, and the wrist should be evaluated in patients seeking care for the condition.                                                 Journal of Hand Therapy, March 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Natural Green Spaces May Help Reduce Childhood Allergies. Using data from the
Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) cohort study, researchers report that living in areas with more natural greenspaces during infancy is associated with greater gut bacteria diversity and a reduced risk for sensitivity to some allergens.                                                                                                mSystems, April 2023

Quote: “It’s always too early to quit.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, June 12th, 2023

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

Health Alert: Childhood Asthma Linked to RSV During Infancy? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a seasonal lower respiratory tract infection that affects most children by age two. In a recent study that included more than 1,900 children, researchers found that those who contracted RSV after their first birthday were 26% less likely to develop asthma by age five. The Lancet, April 2023

Diet: Healthier Beverage Choices May Add Years to Lives of Diabetics. New research suggests that exchanging one sugary drink a day with coffee, tea, low-fat milk, or plain water can reduce the risk of early death in type 2 diabetics by up to 18%.                                                                                                      BMJ, April 2023

Exercise: Golf Is Good for Arthritis Sufferers. A survey of 459 golfers with osteoarthritis revealed that that over 90% rated their health as good, very good, or excellent, compared with just 64% of non-golfer osteoarthritis patients. The data also show that golfers are three times less likely to report severe psychological distress. Experts note that golfing is a low-impact physical activity that involves plenty of walking and opportunities for social interaction, which can benefit physical and mental health.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, April 2023

Mental Attitude: Study Reveals Secrets of Reading. According to a recent study, two networks in the brain
activate when reading: one neural pathway focuses on processing individual words while the other works to
derive meaning from the combined words in a sentence.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, April 2023

Chiropractic: Upper Cervical Manual Therapy Benefits TMD Patients. A systematic review and metaanalysis that included eight randomized controlled trials concluded that mobilization and manipulative therapy applied to the upper cervical spine reduces jaw pain and improves maximal mouth opening in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The finding adds to a growing body of research establishing a connection between TMD and disorders of the cervical spine, of which doctors of chiropractic are well-equipped to
manage.                                                                                                    Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, March 2023

Wellness/Prevention: The MIND Diet Works to Reduce Dementia Risk. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is an eating pattern that is intended to slow or delay the neurodegenerative decline observed in Alzheimer’s disease patients. A systematic review that included eleven studies concluded that greater adherence to the MIND diet can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 17%.
JAMA Psychiatry, May 2023

Quote: “We all have the extraordinary coded within us, waiting to be released.” ~ Jean Houston

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, June 5th, 2023

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

Health Alert: New Drug Combo Flagged as Emerging Threat. The combination of fentanyl and the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine has been designated by the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy as an emerging threat. Federal officials note that in addition to all the dangers that come with fentanyl use—such as respiratory failure—xylazine can also lead to necrosis of tissues near injection sites, and there’s no known cure for an overdose.                              Associated Press, April 2023

Diet: Diet May Influence Inattention in Kids with ADHD. Among a group of 134 elementary school-aged
children with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers observed that kids with a lower intake of fruit and vegetables tended to have a harder time maintaining attention than those with a more produce-rich diet. Nutritional Neuroscience, June 2023

Exercise: Walking Benefits Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness, and paralysis. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that patients in the early stages of MS who engaged in a 16-week walking program experienced meaningful improvements in motor processing speed.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, April 2023

Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Recommended for Acute Low Back Pain. For acute non-specific low back pain with or without radiculopathy, several clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulative therapy as a frontline treatment option. Spinal manipulation is the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic.    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, March 2023

Mental Attitude: Autism Linked to Higher Rates of Mental and Physical Illness in Old Age. A pair of
studies recently presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research revealed that
seniors with autism spectrum disorder are at elevated risk for heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), osteoarthritis, anemia, glucose dysregulation, self-harm, loneliness, social isolation, and lower quality of life. International Society for Autism Research, May 2023

Wellness/Prevention: More Greenspace, Less Childhood Asthma. In a study that included 16,605 children
living in a major city, researchers identified an association between neighborhood greenspace and up to a 23%
reduced risk for childhood asthma.                              Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, May 2023

Quote: “I have made mistakes but I have never made the mistake of claiming that I have never made one.”
~ James Gordon Bennett

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 29th, 2023Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. MegnaCourtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. MegnaCourtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Thyroid Dysfunction Linked to Diabetes. New research that looked at the health histories of nearly 3 million patients with either an under- or over-active thyroid found that thyroid dysfunction is associated with a 66- 77% elevated risk for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes for individuals younger than 65 years old. However, those under treatment to normalize their thyroid levels have a much lower risk (26-32%). Medicina Clinica, April 2023

Diet: Healthier Eating Tips. To improve the chances of sticking to a healthier eating pattern, the American Heart
Association offers the following tips: don’t cut out your favorite foods, just reduce portion sizes; make sure to eat plenty of servings of fiber-rich foods such as legumes, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables; opt for healthy snacks instead of junk food; and limit your intake of sugary drinks and products with added sugars.
American Heart Association, March 2023

Exercise: Exercise Can Reduce Effects of Poor Sleep Habits. While previous research has shown that sleeping
less than seven and more than nine hours a night are both detrimental to longevity, a recent study that included more
than 90,000 adults found that meeting physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise a
week appears to negate some of the negative long-term effects of chronic short and long sleep. Study Dr. Jihui Zhang adds, “[Our] study indicates that getting sufficient exercise may partially offset the detrimental impact of missing a good night’s sleep.”       European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, March 2023

Chiropractic: Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Alters Hand Proprioception. Proprioception is the body’s
ability to sense where its various parts are in relation to one another for purposes of movement and balance.
Examinations of 60 hands affected by carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 25 non-CTS hands revealed that
proprioception is worse when CTS is present. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize a multimodal approach when
managing CTS patients, which may include exercises and therapies to restore normal hand movement and function.
Joint Diseases and Related Surgery, January 2023

Mental Attitude: Mental Health Issues Increase Cervical Cancer Risk for Women. Following an analysis of
data concerning 4 million women born between 1940 and 1995, researchers report that a history of mental illness is
associated with a two-times increased risk for cervical cancer. The research team points out that women with mental
illness, neuropsychiatric disability, or substance abuse are less likely to attend cervical cancer screenings.
The Lancet Public Health, March 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Lost Weight and Regained Some? Don’t Fret. A literature review that included 124 studies
found that individuals who participate in a weight loss program that includes education on exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes that may persists for up to five years, even if they regain some of the lost weight.                                                    Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, March 2023

Quote: “We see things as we are, not as they are.” ~ Leo Rosten

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 22nd, 2023

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

Health Alert: Fully Legalizing Marijuana May Result in More Automobile Collision Deaths. Since the
legalization of recreational marijuana in Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, researchers note there has been a 14-22% increase in car crash-related deaths. Lead author Dr. Samantha Marinello writes, “Overall, this study provides evidence of the potential harms and benefits of legalizing recreational markets. Therefore, there is a need for policies and public health initiatives to reduce driving under the influence.”                                                                Social Science & Medicine, January 2023

Diet: High-Salt Diet Linked to Hardened Arteries. According to an analysis of data concerning more than 10,000
middle-aged adults, each 1,000 mg rise in sodium excretion is associated with a 3-4% increased likelihood for worse results on assessments of arterial health. Study author Dr. Jonas Wuopio adds, “The results show that the more salt people eat, the higher the burden of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the heart and neck. The increase in blood pressure due to a high salt intake seems to be an important underlying mechanism for these findings.”
European Heart Journal Open, March 2023

Exercise: Physical Activity Helps Preserve Cognitive Function. Following a review of data from the Behavioral
Risk Factor Surveillance System, researchers report that engaging in physical activity for at least 240 minutes a week
can reduce the risk for subjective cognitive decline by 48%. Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2023

Chiropractic: Jaw Pain, Neck Pain, and Headaches. A retrospective study that included 300 patients with neck
pain and/or temporomandibular joint pain identified an association between higher levels of neck pain and a risk for
tension-type headache, while higher levels of both neck and jaw pain are more closely linked to migraines. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for these various conditions.
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, March 2023

Mental Attitude: Harsh Discipline May Cause Mental Health Issues Later in Life. New research that looked at
long-term outcomes of 7,500 children revealed that those regularly shouted at, isolated, physically punished, or treated unpredictably based on the parent’s mood at age three were 50% more likely at age nine to have mental health challenges considered to be high risk.                                              Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, March 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Experiencing Hearing Loss? The Mayo Clinic notes that signs of hearing loss include muffled speech/sounds; trouble understanding words, particularly in a crowd or noisy environment; difficulty hearing consonants; frequently asking a speaker to repeat what they said; needing to listen to the TV/radio at ever higher volumes; social isolation; and tinnitus. If you regularly experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to arrange for a hearing test. Mayo Clinic, April 2023

Quote: “Learning never exhausts the mind.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 15th, 2023

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

Health Alert: Severe Sleep Apnea May Double Risk for Hospitalization for Pneumonia. An analysis of data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study revealed that older adults with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were nearly two times more likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia during the 20-year study. The authors of the analysis conclude, “OSA patients may benefit from more aggressive efforts to prevent pneumonia and other infectious conditions.”                    Chest, April 2023

Diet: Modified Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet May Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk. Gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA) is responsible for inhibiting the excitability of brain cells and balancing the neuronal activity required for healthy brain function. Past research has associated GABA dysfunction with neuropsychiatric conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent study, researchers observed that patients with mild-cognitive impairment experienced an increase in GABA-producing microbes in the gut after switching to a modified Mediterraneanketogenic diet (low carb emphasizing healthy fats and proteins), which researchers suspect may lower the risk for
progression to Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, March 2023

Exercise: Exercise Cuts Depression Risk Nearly in Half. Following an analysis of data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Health Study, researchers report that engaging in 150-300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week can reduce the risk for clinical depression by 45%.                          Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2023

Chiropractic: Postural Faults Common in Office Workers with Neck and Back Pain. Examinations of 99 office workers with neck and mid-back pain—a common combination in this population—revealed that 90 exhibited
scapular dyskinesis (abnormal movement of the shoulder blade) on one of both sides. Additionally, the majority had postural deviations that include rounded shoulders, forward head posture, and thoracic hyperkyphosis (slumped upper back). Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat office workers with neck and mid-back pain using a multimodal approach that includes manual therapies, posture correction exercises, and ergonomic assessments.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, March 2023

Mental Attitude: Short Sleepers More Likely to Have ADHD? Assessments of 381 preschoolers revealed that
all children who do not get sufficient sleep each night (10-13 hours) are nearly two times more likely to exhibit symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).                          Anales de Pediatría, April 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Pets May Help Prevent Food Allergies in Children. Past research suggests that owning a pet is linked to a reduced risk for respiratory allergies in kids. Now, a new study notes this protection may extend to food allergies as well, particularly allergies related to eggs, milk, and nuts. First study author Dr. Hisao Okabe notes, “In terms of food allergies, pet exposure during fetal and early infancy may be good in some cases… We hope that this message will help alleviate some of the concerns about pet ownership.”                      PLOS ONE, March 2023

Quote: “We think too much and feel too little.” ~ Charlie Chaplin

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 8th, 2023

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

Health Alert: Asthma and Eczema Increase Arthritis Risk. Following a review of data concerning nearly 1.4
million adults, researchers report that individuals with either asthma or eczema are up to 58% more likely to develop
osteoarthritis, and the risk is even greater for those with both conditions.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, March 2023

Diet: Pregnancy and Proper Nutrition. Dietary assessments of 2,450 women during pregnancy revealed that 90% did not consume adequate nutrients via diet alone. Furthermore, researchers note that nearly all affordable dietary
supplements do not contain the appropriate doses of key nutrients to make up for these deficiencies. Lead author Dr.
Katherine Sauder writes, “This research will inform pregnant patients and their doctors about key nutrients they may
be missing in their diet and help them choose prenatal vitamins that can provide the nutrients they need… Dietary supplement manufacturers can also use these results to inform better dosing in their products.”
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2023

Exercise: Strength Training Can Reduce Blood Pressure. A recent literature review concluded that just eight-toten weeks of strength training is sufficient to reduce systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 4.79 mmHg. Researcher Dr. Giovana Rampazzo Teixeira explains, “In clinical practice and gyms or fitness centers, strength training can be a treatment option for people with high blood pressure as a nonpharmacological intervention as long as you know enough about the key variables and take the subject’s goals into account.”                                                                  Scientific Reports, March 2023

Chiropractic: Back Surgery Is Not for Everyone. In a recent paper published in the Medical Journal of Australia,
the authors noted that while spinal surgeries have increased over time, the current data does not support surgical
intervention for low back pain outside of cases of lumbar radiculopathy that doesn’t respond to non-surgical care and
when low back pain is associated with cancer, infection, or gross spinal instability. Otherwise, treatment guidelines strongly emphasize utilizing conservative, non-surgical approaches to manage low back pain, of which chiropractic
care is an excellent choice.                                                          Medical Journal of Australia, January 2023

Mental Attitude: Serious Pediatric Mental Health Issues in Kids Has Increase in the Last Decade. Between
2009 and 2019, the number of children hospitalized for mental health-related issues in the United States increased 26%. During the same time frame, the rate of attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-injury among American kids and teens rose between 31-64%.                                                                          Journal of the American Medical Association, March 2023

Wellness/Prevention: A Good Walk Even Once a Week Has Longevity Benefits. Using data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that logging 8,000 steps just one day a week can lower the risk for early death by 15%.                                                                    Neurology, March 2023

Quote: “The beginning is always today.” ~ Mary Wollstonecraf

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, May 1st, 2023

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

Health Alert: Sleep Behaviors That Increase Stroke Risk. Using data from the INTERSTROKE study,
researchers report the following sleep characteristics are associated with an elevate risk for stroke: short sleep
(less than five hours), long sleep (longer than nine hours), poor quality sleep, difficulty falling asleep or staying
asleep, prolonged napping, snoring, and sleep apnea. Neurology, April 2023

Diet: Fasting Can Reduce Risk Markers of Type 2 Diabetes. New research suggests that restricting eating to
a four-hour window at least three days a week can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity within six months, which may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.                      Nature Medicine, April 2023

Exercise: Older Adults Benefit from High-Intensity Exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort—such as sprinting or stair climbing— separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise—such as jogging or fast walking. A study that included 68 physically inactive older adults found that those who participated in an HIIT intervention experienced greater improvement in knee muscle strength and working memory and similar improvements in blood pressure and
oxygen intake as participants who performed medium-intensity continuous training.
Journals of Gerontology: Series A, March 2023

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Helps COPD Patients Breathe Better. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. A study that included 33 COPD patients found that including muscle energy technique (MET) sessions in a COPD rehabilitation program led to better outcomes with respect to subjective breathing. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the delivery of MET and other forms of manual therapy.
Journal of Integrative Medicine, March 2023

Mental Attitude: Depression May Be Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease. Among a group of 1,028 adults whom researchers monitored for more than five years, those with more severe anxiety and/or depressive symptoms were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors.                            Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Tips for Preventing Falls Among Older Adults. The Mayo Clinic reports that 1-in-4 seniors fall every year, which can dramatically affect their ability to remain independent. To reduce the risk for falls, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: keep clutter off the floor; secure throw rugs to the floor or remove them; keep stairs and walkways clear; and clean up spills right away.                                  Mayo Clinic, April 2023

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

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, April 24th, 2023

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

Health Alert: Parents Often Give Fever Meds to Kids Too Soon. A survey of nearly 1,400 parents revealed that a third would still give their child fever-reducing medication at a temperature below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and half would provide such pharmaceuticals at a temperature below 101.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, one-in-four parents would give their child an additional dose in an effort to keep such a low-grade fever from returning. Pediatrician Dr. Susan Woolford adds, “Some parents may immediately rush to give their kids medicine, but it’s often better to let the fever run its course… Lowering a child’s temperature doesn’t typically help cure their illness any faster. In fact, a low-grade fever helps fight off the infection. There’s also the risk of giving too much medication when it’s not needed, which can have side effects.”
University of Michigan, February 2023

Diet: Foods to Avoid for Reducing Salt Intake. The Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences notes that the following foods may be most responsible for excessive sodium intake in the American diet: pizza; bread, rolls, and buns; cold cuts and cured meats; soups; burritos and tacos; savory snacks; poultry; cheese; pasta dishes; burgers; cookies, brownies, and cakes; bacon, frankfurters, and sausages; and chicken nuggets.                                                                              Nutrients, February 2023

Exercise: Just 20 Minutes of Exercise a Day Can Lower Risk for Hospital Stays. For adults in middle and old age, a recent study found that getting just twenty minutes of exercise a day can reduce the risk of hospitalization from pneumonia, stroke, diabetes complications, and severe urinary tract infections by as much as 23%.                                                                 JAMA Network Open, February 2023

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Is Common in Adolescents. Questionnaires completed by 2,000 teenagers
revealed that 57% experienced an episode of low back pain in the previous year.                                                                            International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, September 2022

Mental Attitude: Poor Sleep Late in Pregnancy Linked to Postpartum Depression. A systematic review that included ten studies concluded that poor sleep in the weeks prior to giving birth is associated with a 2.71 times increased risk for postpartum depression.                                                  Journal of Affective Disorders, April 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Greenspaces May Help Protect Eyes of Diabetes Patients. Adding to a growing body of research on the benefits of greenery on public health, an analysis of data from a long-term study that included nearly 60,000 diabetics found that living in a neighborhood with better access to greenspaces is associated with a lower risk for diabetic retinopathy.                                                                              Environmental Research, March 2023

Quote: “Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.” ~ John Updike

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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE for Monday, April 17th, 2023

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

Health Alert: Irregular Sleep Schedule Increases Heart Risks for Seniors. New research suggests that adults with an inconsistent sleep schedule have an elevated risk for a high coronary artery calcium score, plaque build-up in the carotid artery, and abnormal results on assessments of blood vessel stiffness. Sleep expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta adds, “If you have any risk factors for [heart disease] such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, or are overweight, having a regular sleep schedule should be a priority along with addressing other modifiable risk factors to reduce your chance of developing atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.”                                                                Journal of the American Heart Association, February 2023

Diet: Diverse Diet Benefits Women’s Cognitive Health. Following an analysis of ten years of data concerning nearly 40,000 adults, researchers report that women who consume a diverse diet may be up to a third less likely to develop dementia than those who eat only a limited number of foods.            Clinical Nutrition, April 2023

Exercise: Physically Demanding Work May Increase Male Fertility. According to a recent study, men whose work activities include frequent lifting and moving of heavy objects have higher sperm counts and concentration than those with less physical jobs. First author Dr. Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón writes, “What these new findings suggest is that physical activity during work may also be associated with significant improvement in men’s reproductive
potential.”                                                                                        Human Reproduction, February 2023

Chiropractic: Many People Are Misguided on Low Back Pain. A recent survey found that 68% of adults falsely believe that rest is the best treatment for low back pain and incorrectly think remaining physically active while dealing with low back pain is unnecessary. Doctors of chiropractic routinely advise patients to stay active within pain tolerance and avoid prolonged bed rest when managing an episode of low back pain.
Joint Bone Spine, January 2023

Mental Attitude: Breathing Exercises May Hasten Concussion Recovery. In this study, researchers recruited 30
teenagers with concussion symptoms lasting longer than one month to participate in a breathing exercise intervention with or without aerobic exercise and found that the combination of breathing and aerobic exercise contributed to a speedier recovery.                                                                                          American Academy of Neurology, April 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Lifestyle Changes for Better Blood Pressure Management. The Mayo Clinic offers the
following natural recommendations for individuals to lower their blood pressure: lose weight, get regular exercise, reduce sodium intake, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, learn to manage stress, get adequate sleep, monitor blood pressure at home, and let your family and friends know your goals so they can support your choices.
Mayo Clinic, February 2023

Quote: “Success is the sweetest revenge.” ~ Vanessa Williams

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