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

Health Alert: Tips for Safe Sauna Use for Seniors. Before using a sauna, experts recommend that older adults consult their healthcare provider, as certain health conditions and medications can increase sensitivity to heat and raise the risk of heat stroke. It’s also important to stay properly hydrated and avoid prolonged use
(more than 15 minutes) or extreme temperatures.                                                                BMJ Case Reports, January 2025

Diet: An Easier Approach for Long-Term Weight Loss? Dietary changes that involve drastic calorie reduction can result in hormonal adaptations that can make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off. To give yourself a better chance, experts recommend reducing daily calorie intake by just 100-200 calories, which can lead to gradual and sustainable weight loss.                                                                                            The Conversation, January 2025

Exercise: Exercisers Are Less Likely to Die from Cancer. According to a study that looked at the outcomes of more than 28,000 stage 1 cancer patients, a history of regular physical activity, even just an hour a week, can reduce the risk of progression by 16% and death from cancer by 33%, while engaging in higher levels of exercise can reduce the risk for progression and cancer mortality by 27% and 47%, respectively.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, January 2025

Chiropractic: Insufficient Sleep Linked to Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that short sleepers (less than seven hours a night) have a 61.1% increased risk for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne), September 2024

Mental Attitude: Peer Pressure Influences Older Adult Alcohol Consumption. Following an analysis of data from the Framingham Heart Study, researchers have found that older adults’ alcohol consumption mirrors the drinking habits of their social connections over time. The findings suggest that seniors looking to reduce their alcohol intake could benefit from spending more time with friends who don’t drink alcohol.
Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, January 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Breathing Training Help Intensive Care Patients Recover. Intensive care unit-acquired weakness syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by widespread muscle weakness and functional impairment that develops in critically ill patients due to prolonged immobilization, systemic inflammation, and critical illness-related neuropathy or myopathy. A recent study found that adding inspiratory muscle training to traditional physical therapy led to better functional outcomes for patients with intensive care unit-acquired weakness syndrome.                   Irish Journal of Medical Science, February 2025

Quote: “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ~ James A. Michener

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Air Travel Noise May Affect the Heart. According to a recent study that looked at the cardiovascular health of residents throughout the United Kingdom, those living near airports were more likely to have thicker and stiffer heart muscles, which can quadruple the risk for heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms. The authors believe the primary driver of increased cardiovascular risks for individuals living
near airports is prolonged exposure to noise from aircraft as they take off, land, and pass overhead.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, January 2025

Diet: Best Time to Intermittent Fast for Weight Loss? Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that alternates between periods of eating and fasting, typically within a structured time frame each day or week. A recent study found that not eating between 9am and 5pm led to greater reductions in total weight loss, fat loss around the mid-section, and glucose regulation than other eight-hour fasting windows.                        Nature Medicine, January 2025

Exercise: Teens Who Move More Have Better Body Composition. An assessment of 309 adolescents found higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week were associated with a lower body mass index, reduced central obesity, and less visceral fat—factors that contribute to a healthier adulthood.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, February 2025

Chiropractic: Lower Limb Malalignment Linked to Low Back Pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis that included thirteen studies concluded that lower extremity misalignments such as foot pronation, hip internal rotation, and knee internal rotation are associated with an elevated risk for low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic often assess the alignment of the lower extremities when examining a patient with low back pain as addressing these issues may be necessary to effectively reduce the patient’s low back pain and disability.
PLoS One, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Volunteer Work Can Reduce Depression Risk in Seniors. New research suggests that older adults who regularly engage in volunteer activities are 43% less likely to report depression, especially those who are newly retired and experiencing difficulties adjusting to their new lifestyle.
Journal of American Geriatrics Society, January 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Loneliness and Social Isolation Can Lead to Poor Health. An analysis of blood samples collected from more than 42,000 adults revealed an association between social isolation/loneliness and proteins that have been linked to stress regulation, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and
cancer progression.                                                                                                                      Nature Human Behavior, January 2025

Quote: “Life is something that happens to you while you’re making other plans.” ~ Margaret Millar

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Significant Decrease in Rate of Heart Attack Deaths Among Cancer Patients. While acute myocardial infarction remains a concern for adult cancer patients, new research indicates that the risk of heart attack-related death for patients with cancer fell roughly three-fold from 1999 to 2020. The authors of the study
credit the drop to improvements in diagnostics and treatment, as well as increased coordination of care between oncologists and cardiologists.
International Journal of Cardiology. Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention, January 2025

Diet: Food Choices Affect Gut Bacteria Composition. Examinations of samples collected from 21,561 individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy revealed that the foods you eat influence the types of bacteria that inhabit your gut microbiome. For instance, individuals with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables are more likely to have gut bacteria involved in fiber fermentation, which can provide anti-inflammatory effects. On the other hand, a high intake of red and processed meat may cater to bacteria linked to an increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.                                                                                                                                  Nature Microbiology, January 2025

Exercise: Pilates Is Okay During Pregnancy. A systematic review that included 25 studies concluded that Pilates is a safe form of physical activity that can be performed during all three trimesters, unless contraindicated.                                                          Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2024

Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First! An analysis of data concerning 372,471 sciatica patients revealed that those who initially received spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—were three times less likely to be prescribed an opioid in the following year than individuals who first consulted with a medical physician.                                                                                                PLoS One, January 2025

Mental Attitude: Brain Activity Changes with Age. A recent animal study found that as mice age, some regions of the brain associated with learning and memory exhibit reduced function; however, the research team observed increased activity in areas of the brain linked to immune and inflammatory functions.
Nature, January 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Nasal Swab Can Help Diagnose Asthma Type. Asthma is a complex disease with a variety of subtypes that may require different treatment approaches. Currently, accurate diagnosis requires invasive procedures such as collecting lung tissue samples. Now, researchers have developed a nasal swab test
that looks for specific immune cells that are associated with different asthma subtypes, which can speed diagnosis and lead to more targeted treatments.                                  Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2025

Quote: “Common sense is very uncommon.” ~ Horace Greeley

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Lung Cancer Expected to Nearly Double by 2050. Globally, lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite efforts to promote smoking cessation and reduce air pollution, experts predict the number of new lung cancer cases diagnosed in 2050 will jump to 4.62 million from 2.48 million in 2022. Additionally, annual deaths from lung cancer are expected to reach 3.55 million in 2050, up from 1.8 million in recent years.                        Cancer Epidemiology, December 2024

Diet: Drink Plenty of Water. A meta-analysis of data from 18 clinical trials found that drinking at least eight cups of water a day can help prevent kidney stones, aid in weight loss, ease headaches, lower the risk for migraines and urinary tract infections, and help maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure readings.
JAMA Network Open, November 2024

Exercise: Handgrip Strength as a Tool for Predicting Fitness. Handgrip strength is a tool used by researchers to estimate an individual’s overall fitness level. Following an analysis of data concerning 2.4 million adults from 69 countries, researchers report that low hand grip strength is associated with an elevated risk of early death, cardiovascular disease, and physical disability. The findings confirm that handgrip strength is a useful tool for assessing physical fitness.                                                Journal of Sport and Health Science, December 2024

Chiropractic: Obesity Can Prolong Low Back Pain. Not only does carrying excess weight increase the risk of low back pain, but a recent study also found that being overweight or obese can raise the likelihood of it becoming chronic and recurring in the future.                                                                                                                                                BMC Public Health, September 2024

Mental Attitude: Managing Seasonal Depression. Seasonal depression is a recurring mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and low energy that occur during specific seasons, typically in the fall and winter, due to reduced sunlight exposure. Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and
difficulty concentrating. Managing seasonal depression may take a multi-factorial approach including cognitive behavioral therapy, light therapy, vitamin D supplements, spending time outdoors, social engagement, exercise, healthier dietary choices, and in some cases, medication.                                                                                                                    Dallas Morning News, December 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Pregnancy Diet Boosts a Child’s Emotional Regulation. According to a recent study, children born to women who ate a healthy diet and exercised during pregnancy had fewer behavioral problems and exhibited better self-control and attentional focus than their peers.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2024

Quote: “You don’t always win your battles, but it’s good to know you fought.” ~ John Greenleaf Whittier

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke May Raise Multiple Sclerosis Risk. 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. Brain
imaging of children who carry genes linked to MS revealed that exposure to secondhand smoke in the home is associated with reduced brain volume and gray matter, which may exacerbate inflammation and immune dysfunction, increasing the risk for developing MS in adulthood.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, December 2024

Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods Could Elevate Risk for Osteoarthritis. Ultra-processed foods are food products that include added sugars, fats, and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. In a recent study, researchers reviewed dietary data and magnetic resonance imaging of 666 individuals and identified an association between
higher ultra-processed food intake and fat infiltration into the thigh muscles, which may raise the risk for osteoarthritis of the knee.                                                                        Radiological Society of North America, December 2024

Exercise: Exercise Can Enhance Brain Function for 24 Hours. In a recent experiment involving middle aged and older adults, researchers observed that a single bout of exercise can improve performance on cognitive assessments the following day, especially if participants followed physical activity with a good night’s sleep.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, December 2024

Chiropractic: Sedentary Time and Chronic Back Pain. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers observed that sitting for six or more hours a day can increase the risk for developing chronic back pain by 33%. On the other hand, limiting sedentary activities to two hours a day may reduce the risk for chronic back pain by up to 29%. BMC Public Health, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Limiting Screen Time Could Help Kids Better Manage Emotion and Attention. New research suggests that the more time a child aged 3 to 6 years spends interacting with screens, the less likely they’ll get sufficient quality sleep at night, increasing their risk for emotion- and attention-related issues.
Early Child Development and Care, December 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Phone-Based Coaching Helps Young Adults Quit Vaping. A recent study found that a vaping cessation program that included phone-based coaching helped nearly half of young adults aged 18 to 24 years quit using electronic cigarettes, even though this demographic would seem less inclined to talk on the phone.                                                                                                                                American Journal of Preventive Medicine, December 2024

Quote: “Creativity takes courage.” ~ Henri Matisse

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Some HRT Pills Pose Cardiovascular Risks. New research suggests that women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications such as estrogen or progestin have a 21% elevated risk for heart disease and a 61% increased risk for stroke. Additionally, postmenopausal women taking tibolone have a 46% greater risk for heart disease, and their risk for serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke is nearly doubled. The findings suggest that a woman’s cardiovascular profile should be taken into consideration when evaluating the use of HRT to help manage postmenopausal health.                                                                                                                    BMJ, November 2024

Diet: Meal Planning Can Reduce Processed Food Consumption. Adults who participated in weekly group classes focused on meal planning and healthier eating reduced their consumption of ultra-processed foods by half, lowering their calorie intake by an average of 612 calories a day.
Obesity Science & Practice, December 2024

Exercise: People Do Walk More in Walkable Neighborhoods. A walkable neighborhood is a community designed with safe, accessible pathways and nearby amenities such as shops, parks, and schools, allowing residents to comfortably meet daily needs on foot. An analysis of data concerning nearly 11,000 twins revealed
that residents in walkable neighborhoods may walk an additional 19 minutes a week when compared to counterparts in less pedestrian-friendly areas.                                  American Journal of Epidemiology, October 2024

Chiropractic: Fitness Can Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain Risk. Following an analysis of two decades of data from the National Health Interview Survey, researchers report that engaging in at least 65 minutes of aerobic exercise and performing resistance training two or more times a week can significantly reduce the risk for chronic low back pain. The benefits of exercise in reducing the risk for chronic low back pain appear to peak at 300 minutes of aerobic exercise and five strength training sessions a week.  Spine Journal, December 2024

Mental Attitude: Factors That Effect How Pain Is Experienced. Current research suggests that anxiety, stress, and inflammation can lower an individual’s pain threshold, or the point at which a stimulus like heat or pressure becomes painful. On the other hand, relaxation techniques can increase a person’s pain threshold.
The Conversation, December 2024

Wellness/Prevention: AI May Improve Breast Cancer Screening. Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) agent capable of identifying early malignancies that may be missed by radiologists. With further refinement, AI-assisted mammography readings may lead to earlier breast cancer diagnoses and treatment, leading to better patient outcomes.                                                                                        Trends in Cancer, December 2024

Quote: “Genius is initiative on fire.” ~ Holbrook Jackson

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: The Heart Has Its Own Nervous System. Challenging the notion that the heart is solely governed by the autonomic nervous system, researchers from the Karolinska Institute have discovered that the heart possesses its own internal nervous system capable of independently regulating its rhythm. These findings could pave the way for new approaches to treating arrhythmias and other heart conditions.
Nature Communications, December 2024

Diet: Plant-Derived Compounds That Protect Brain Health. Phenolics and terpenes are compounds that influence a plant’s color, flavor, and fragrance. According to a new study, these chemicals also possess antioxidant properties, which may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.                                                                                                                      Food & Function, December 2024

Exercise: Physical Activity Helps the Muscles and Neurons Stay Young. Muscle biopsies from older adults revealed that those who exercise regularly have motor neurons and muscle cells resembling those of younger adults, compared to their sedentary peers. These findings highlight how an active lifestyle can promote healthy
aging.                                                                                                                                                      Aging Cell, November 2024

Chiropractic: Addressing Trigger Points Improves Low Back Treatment Outcomes. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within skeletal muscle, often associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent study involving patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, researchers found that combining spinal manipulative therapy with trigger point treatment resulted in greater improvements in functional disability compared to spinal manipulation alone. Chiropractors are not only highly skilled in spinal manipulative therapy but also in various techniques to address trigger points that impact low back function.
Medicine (Baltimore), September 2024

Mental Attitude: Coping with Anxiety. For patients being treated for anxiety disorders, the Mayo Clinic recommends positive lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, socializing, and stress management to help manage the condition.                                                                                                                                      Mayo Clinic, December 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Lung Cancer Is Unfortunately Common Worldwide. According to data from the GLOBOCAN 2022 study, 1 in 28 people worldwide will develop lung cancer, with two-thirds of these patients succumbing to the disease. Since a significant proportion of lung cancer cases occur in developing nations, the overall incidence can be significantly reduced through measures such as reducing environmental pollution, promoting smoking cessation and other healthy lifestyle practices, improving screening protocols, and increasing access to treatment.                Chinese Medical Journal, November 2024

Quote: “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” ~ Louis Pasteur

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Obesity-Linked Heart Deaths Surge Over Two Decades. The prevalence of obesity and related cardiovascular disease risk factors—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes— has contributed to a nearly three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths over the past 20 years.
American Heart Association, November 2024

Diet: Benefits of Breast Milk on Infant Health. Researchers from the University of Western Australia report that antibodies in breast milk shape an infant’s immune system, reducing their risk of infections. Additionally, breast milk introduces food antigens, which may lower the risk of allergies later in life.
Immunological Reviews, November 2024

Exercise: Working Out Benefits Neuron Growth. A recent experiment found that neurons grow four times faster when exposed to myokines—proteins released by contracting muscles during exercise.
Advanced Healthcare Materials, November 2024

Chiropractic: Treating Non-Specific Low Back Pain. In a study of 60 patients with non-specific low back pain, those who received a combination of core stability training and myofascial release experienced greater improvements in pain, mobility, and inflammation compared to an exercise-only group. Doctors of chiropractic commonly utilize these and other therapies when managing patients with non-specific low back pain.                                                                                                                                                        Technology and Health Care, July 2024

Mental Attitude: How ADHD May Influence a Child’s Weight. An analysis of data from more than 7,900 children under the age of eleven revealed that kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to make impulsive and unhealthy eating choices, increasing their risk of obesity as they approach puberty. American Psychiatric Association, November 2024

Wellness/Prevention: When to Seek Help for Unexplained Weight Loss. Experts from UCLA Health advise that unintentional weight loss of more than ten pounds or 5% of body weight within six to twelve months may signal an underlying health condition. Potential causes include cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, mental health conditions, thyroid problems, diabetes, or appetite changes due to medications. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation is recommended.
UCLA Health, October 2024

Quote: “To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.” ~ Amos Bronson Alcott

 

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Risks Associated with PCOS During Pregnancy. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder characterized by enlarged ovaries and small cysts, can affect a woman’s reproductive health. A recent study found that PCOS may also impact the next generation, particularly in offspring of PCOS patients who are obese. Observed effects include low birth weight, shorter stature, smaller head
circumference at birth, and central obesity by age seven.                                                  JAMA Network Open, November 2024

Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect Heart Health. An analysis of data from the UK Biobank study revealed that higher serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a 21% reduced risk of developing heart failure over 13 years. Among those with existing heart failure, elevated omega-3 levels are associated with up to a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality during the same period.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, December 2024

Exercise: Strength Training Promotes Lifelong Health and Well-Being. Age-appropriate strength training in youth can lead to stronger bones, a reduced risk of injury, and increased psychological resilience. These benefits provide lifelong advantages to overall health and well-being.
The Conversation, November 2024

Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Effective for Several Neck Conditions. An umbrella review of 35 systematic reviews concluded that manual therapies are effective for managing non-specific neck pain, cervical radiculopathy, and cervicogenic headaches. Chiropractors are trained in delivering various manual therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck.
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapeutics, November 2024

Mental Attitude: Fear of the Next Heart Attack? Survivors of a first myocardial infarction often experience stress from the fear of a future heart attack. If not effectively managed, this stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors that may increase their risk of another serious cardiac event.
American Heart Association, November 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Take Vitamin D Supplements During Pregnancy? University of Southampton researchers report that children born to mothers who took vitamin D supplements during pregnancy have stronger bones during childhood, potentially reducing their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life.        American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 2024

Quote: “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” ~ Jonathan Swift

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Millions of Diabetics Worldwide Not Receiving Treatment. An estimated 800 million adults worldwide currently have type 2 diabetes. However, more than half are either unaware of their condition or have been diagnosed but are not receiving adequate care. The study’s authors emphasize the need for policies that promote healthier lifestyles, earlier diagnosis, and improved access to treatment.
The Lancet, October 2024

Diet: Food Choices Affect Heart Risks. A study comparing the diets and cardiovascular disease risk scores of 213 working-age adults found that consuming more than 400 grams daily of fruits, vegetables, and legumes is linked to a 53% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, November 2024

Exercise: Keep Tendons Strong. Tendons, the strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, enable movement by transmitting muscle-generated force. To strengthen tendons and reduce injury risk, experts recommend gradually increasing resistance, incorporating isometric holds, diversifying workouts, and allowing adequate rest between sessions.                                                                          The Conversation, November 2024

Chiropractic: Dynamic Seat Cushion Lowers Neck and Low Back Pain Risk in Office Workers. In a study of 133 office workers at high risk for neck or low back pain, researchers found that those who used a dynamic seat cushion—designed to encourage subtle movements that engage core muscles, reduce spinal pressure, and improve posture—for six months were significantly less likely to report neck pain (15% vs. 65%) or back pain (10% vs. 59%) than those who used traditional office chairs.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, October 2024

Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Depression Rates Increasing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 18% of American adults now have an anxiety disorder, up from 15.6% in 2019. Similarly, depression rates have risen from 18.5% to 21.4% over the same period.
National Health Statistics Reports, November 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Drowsy Driving Not Taken as Seriously as Drunk Driving. While drowsy driving poses similar collision risks to drunk driving, the National Sleep Foundation reports that over half of adults admit to driving while sleepy. National Sleep Foundation, October 2024

Quote: “He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” ~ Thomas Carlyle

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna