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Health Alert: Phthalates May Lower Fertility. Phthalates are a class of chemicals used to increase the durability of many materials, including some cosmetics and plastics. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors, which can influence hormone levels in the body. In a recent study that included more than 1,200 women attempting to conceive, researchers observed that those with higher levels of phthalates in their blood were up to 18% less likely to become pregnant. Environmental Health Perspectives, December 2023

Diet: Whey Protein May Lower Diabetes Risk. For adults at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a recent umbrella
review that included 13 systematic reviews concluded that taking a daily whey protein supplement “may improve
multiple clinical indicators of glucose control, along with triglycerides and blood pressure…”
Current Developments in Nutrition, October 2023

Exercise: Postpartum Physical Activity Benefits. A review of guidelines from 22 countries found that increased
physical activity and/or less sedentary behavior in the postpartum period is associated with the following benefits:
weight control/management, a reduced risk for depression, and improved well-being.
Journal of Sport and Health Science, December 2023

Chiropractic: The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment. This case study described a patient with anteromedial leg pain that had been diagnosed as shin splints for ten years. Following a review of the patient’s history and chiropractic examination focused on anatomy, biomechanics, and the peripheral nervous system, the patient received a diagnosis of dynamic stenosis of the left L4-5 intervertebral foramen leading to mixed partial mononeuropathy of the L4 spinal nerve, causing pain and hypersensitivity in the anteromedial shin. A treatment plan that included manual therapy targeting the intervertebral foramen resulted in resolution of the patient’s pain and
sensory symptoms.                                                                      Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, August 2023

Mental Attitude: Doctors Are Both Excited and Concerned About AI’s Role in Medicine. The American
Medical Association reports that a survey of their membership revealed about 70% of medical physicians believe artificial intelligence (AI) could enhance workflow efficiency and aid in better patient diagnosis, and roughly half thought it can aid in documentation and reduce red tape associated with prior authorization for insurance coverage. However, about 40% of respondents voiced concern about the impact of AI on patient-doctor interactions and patient privacy.                                American Medical Association, December 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Prospective Dads Should Avoid Alcohol. Texas A&M University researchers note that alcohol can affect sperm quality, reducing the risk for conception and increasing the risk for potential birth defects if pregnancy is achieved. Because these effects can persist during withdrawal, the research team recommends men wishing to become fathers abstain from alcohol for at least three months.                                  Andrology, December 2023

Quote: “Nothing happens unless first we dream.” ~ Carl Sandburg

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Health Alert: One-in-Fifty Young Kids Is Severely Obese. After falling from 2.1% in 2010 to 1.8% in 2016, the
rate of severe obesity among young children in the United States has risen to 2%. The finding is alarming as being overweight early in life often leads to poor lifestyle choices in adolescence and young adulthood that not only increase the risk for chronic disease but also diagnosis at younger ages.                        Pediatrics, December 2023

Diet: Is an Inflammatory Diet Linked to Stroke? Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, researchers report that a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of sugar,
polysaturated vegetable oils, trans fats, dairy products, feed lot-raised meat, red meat, processed meat, alcohol, refined grains, and artificial food additives—is associated with up to an 87% elevated risk for stroke.
BMC Public Health, January 2024

Exercise: Is Exercise Linked to Better Math Scores? Northeastern University researchers note that among 218
grade-school students, those with higher physical fitness scores were more likely to also perform better on arithmetic assessments.                                                                                            Psychology of Sport and Exercise, January 2024

Chiropractic: Non-Invasive Interventions for Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is a
chronic condition characterized by pain and tenderness in specific areas of muscles and the connective tissue surrounding muscles. A systematic review that included 40 studies found that manual therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, and ultrasound therapy are effective, non-invasive treatment options for reducing pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and pain-related disability in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. These therapies are often utilized by doctors of chiropractic when managing myofascial pain syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders.                                                        International Journal of Surgery, November 2023

Mental Attitude: Mood Disorders Common Among Caregivers of Stroke Survivors. Questionnaires completed
by 301 caregivers of stroke patients revealed that between 17% and 28% of such individuals experienced high levels of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The findings highlight the necessity for strong support systems for family members caring for stroke survivors.                                                                                  Neurology, December 2023

Wellness/Prevention: How to Tackle Dandruff. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that dandruff isn’t
a sign of poor hygiene and can have myriad causes such as oily skin, improper hair care habits, and certain medical
conditions. Before consulting a professional, the Academy recommends the following for mild cases: use a specially
formulated shampoo for persistent dandruff that contains ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur,
selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or coal tar; if one shampoo proves ineffective, alternate between shampoos with different active ingredients; and try changing the frequency in which you wash your hair.
American Academy of Dermatology, December 2023

Quote: “Good things happen to those who hustle.” ~ Chuck Noll

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Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Linked to Heart Disease. Following an analysis of data concerning more than 500,000 adults, researchers report that individuals with a history of sleep apnea have a 35% increased risk for coronary artery disease. MedRxiv, November 2023

Diet: Can Broccoli Sprouts Protect Against IBD? In a recent experiment, researchers found that mice with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) given a supplement of broccoli sprouts along with their normal diet
experienced more mild disease symptoms and developed a healthier gut bacteria population.
mSystems, November 2023

Exercise: Fitness Can Help Mitigate Anxiety-Related Low Back Pain Risk. Past research has identified anxiety as a risk factor for low back pain. According to a recent study that included more than 13,000 adults, researchers observed that those with self-reported anxiety and high cardiorespiratory fitness levels are nearly four times less likely to develop low back pain in the following five years than those with anxiety and low
fitness.                                                                                                      Journal of Sports Science, June 2023

Chiropractic: Hamstring Tightness Linked to Neck and Low Back Pain. Examinations of 104 adults under 40 years of age revealed that nearly three-quarters of those with either chronic neck or low back pain reported tight hamstrings in one or both legs. The authors note that hamstring tightness can affect the biomechanics of the spine, increasing the risk for disorders such as low back pain and neck pain.
Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, August 2023

Mental Attitude: Biological Age May Affect Risk and Dementia. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that individuals whose blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and pulmonary function resemble those of someone more than five years older than them are 40% more likely to develop vascular dementia or stroke than their peers with a biological age closer to their actual age.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, November 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Pill-Sized Device Can Track Breathing and Heart Rate. Scientists from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a “technopill” that when swallowed, can monitor an individual’s breathing and cardiac function with high accuracy until it’s excreted a few days later. It’s hoped such a device can provide doctors with a non-invasive tool for collecting real-time information on patient
health. Cell Press, November 2023

Quote: “The only durable sense of success is if you’ve followed your calling.” ~ Jim Harrison

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Health Alert: Most Americans Unaware of Harmful PFAS. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used to imbue heat-, oil-, stain-, grease-, and water-resistant properties to products such as food containers, clothes, and furniture that can persist in the environment and body for an extended period of time. Past research suggests that higher PFAS exposure is linked to several poor outcomes including fertilities issues, developmental challenges, and some cancers. A survey of 1,100 American adults revealed that 45% had never heard of PFAS, 32% had heard the term but didn’t know what they are, and 97% did not believe their drinking water contains any.                                                                          PLOS One, November 2023

Diet: Parents Less Likely to Buy Children Sugary Drinks If… The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health
reports that if the contents of beverages marketed for kids are clearly noted on the front of the package, then parents will be less likely to purchase sugary drinks for their children.        Public Health Nutrition, November 2023

Exercise: Weekend Workouts Are a Viable Option. According to a recent study, achieving 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity) physical activity during the weekend is as effective at
reducing the risk for early death and cardiovascular events as spreading the same amount of exercise over the
full week.                                                                                          Mayo Clinic, November 2023

Chiropractic: Poor Ergonomics Linked to More than 100 Million Low Back Pain Cases Annually. Ananalysis of global datasets suggests that poor work ergonomics may contribute to more than 126 million cases of low back pain each year, leading to $216.1 billion in productivity losses and $47 billion in healthcare costs.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, October 2023

Mental Attitude: Cognitive Impairments and Osteoporosis. A meta-analysis that pooled data from ten
studies found that patients with cognitive impairment—Alzheimer’s disease especially—have a 50% increased risk for developing osteoporosis.                                                                      BMC Geriatrics, December 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Special Toothpaste May Help Curb Peanut Allergy. Researchers are currently testing
a new toothpaste that contains peanut proteins intended to desensitize patients with a peanut allergy, without triggering systemic reactions in the process. The toothpaste is current undergoing testing for approval by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, November 2023

Quote: “Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.” ~ James Thurber

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Health Alert: Syphilis Cases in Newborns Have Jumped Dramatically in Recent Years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 3,700 babies in the United States were born with syphilis in 2022, a ten-fold increase from 2012. The CDC notes that timely testing and treatment during pregnancy can prevent 90% of congenital syphilis cases, underscoring the need for improved public outreach and screening.                                                                        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2023

Diet: Cutting Glutamate May Reduce Odds for Post-Brain Injury Mood Disorders. For patients recovering
from traumatic brain injury (TBI), a recent study found that reducing glutamate intake may reduce the risk for post-TBI depression and other mood disorders. Some common dietary sources of glutamate include soy products and processed food products and additives, including MSG.                                          Nutrients, November 2023

Exercise: Adding Brain Games along with Tai Chi May Provide Greater Benefits to Seniors. Past research has shown that tai chi interventions can lead to better cognitive and physical health outcomes among older adults, and now a new study has demonstrated that combining tai chi with cognitive challenges may lead to even greater benefits. It’s hoped this new hybrid intervention can reduce the risk for falls among seniors, which can help them remain independent longer into old age. Annals of Internal Medicine, October 2023

Chiropractic: Nearly a Third of Adults Have Shoulder Pain. Among a group of 1,128 middle-aged adults, 31.4% reported experiencing shoulder pain within the previous month. Further analysis revealed that those whose work activities included physical or heavy manual labor were 66% more likely to have shoulder pain. Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat patients with shoulder pain using a multimodal approach that combines manual therapies and specific exercises.                      Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, November 2023

Mental Attitude: Brain Injury Linked to Later Heart Risks. Using the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance
Research Database, researchers report that men with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a 14% increased risk for heart failure. Additionally, women under age 50 with a history of TBI have a 32% elevated risk for coronary heart disease.    PLoS One, December 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Shark Healing Ability May Help Humans. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and the Marine Biological Laboratory note that shark skin has exceptional wound healing abilities, which may lead to the creation of novel wound-healing treatments inspired by shark skin properties.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, November 2023

Quote: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” ~ Walt Disney

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Health Alert: Poor Sleep Raises Post-Concussion Depression Risk. Past studies have linked post-concussion
depression with worse outcomes for patients with mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Evaluations of 249 mTBI
patients revealed a link between poor sleep quality and an elevated risk for post-concussion depression among participants. The findings suggest that assessing and implementing strategies to address sleep quality in mTBI
patients may help to ameliorate post-concussion depression. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, November 2023

Diet: Flavonoids Can Help Manage Endometriosis Symptoms. Endometriosis is a potentially painful condition that occurs when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. In a recent study, researchers observed that flavonoids—specifically quercetin and kaempferol—that are found in apples, broccoli, berries, tea, onions, and red wine improve the function of receptors involved in regulating inflammation commonly associated with endometriosis. The findings suggest improving flavonoid intake can benefit endometriosis patients.
Endocrinology, August 2023

Exercise: Try to Exercise at a Consistent Time Each Day. University of Manchester researchers report that engaging in physical activity at a consistent time each day helps regulate the body’s clock, which can reduce the
risk for chronic disease.                                                              Nature Communications, November 2023

Chiropractic: Treatment for Kneecap Pain. Among a group of 25 people with patellofemoral pain syndrome, those treated with soft tissue mobilization twice a week for four weeks experienced improvements in knee pain and function that persisted after the conclusion of care. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in a variety of manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization, in the management of patellofemoral pain
syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders.                                Frontiers in Medicine, November 2023

Mental Attitude: Keeping a Secret Can Bring Joy. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that participants instructed to keep a positive secret experienced mental health benefits, even if they had no intention to share the news at a later time.                                                                                        Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, June 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Air Filters Probably Won’t Reduce Risk of Illness. Researchers from the University
of East Anglia report that following an analysis of data from 32 studies conducted in real-world settings, they found no evidence that air treatment technologies, including filtration and germicidal lights, provide significant protection against respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.                                          Preventive Medicine, November 2023

Quote: “Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” ~ William Plomer

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Health Alert: Life Expectancy Is Back on the Rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that after a brief decline, life expectancy increased 1.1 years from 2021 to 2022. The current life expectancy for men in the United States is 74.8 years and 80.2 years for women.
Provisional Life Expectancy Estimates for 2022, November 2023

Diet: Swapping Some Animal Protein for Plant-Based Protein Can Benefit the Heart. A systematic review that included 24 cohort studies found that substituting 50 grams of daily processed meat, red meat, or egg intake with nuts, legumes, and whole grains can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease by 27%.
BMC Medicine, November 2023

Exercise: High Altitude Training May Be Helpful for Patients Before Surgery. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that sedentary adults who spent two weeks in a hypoxic environment, similar to high altitude, experienced a significant increase in hemoglobin levels. Because improved oxygen delivery can aid healing, the findings suggest that so-called “altitude prehabilitation” could reduce the risk for postsurgical complications and speed recovery.          Anaesthesia, October 2023

Chiropractic: Manipulative Treatment for Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain. Among a group of 46 women with lumbopelvic pain in the third trimester of pregnancy, those treated with manipulative therapies—such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic—reported significant improvements in low back and pelvic pain intensity, as well as their overall quality of life.                                                                                            Healthcare, September 2023

Mental Attitude: Eczema Can Take a Big Toll on Mental Health. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that nearly three quarters of individuals with eczema experience poor mental health symptoms on ten or more days each month; however, the majority have not discussed their concerns with their allergists.                  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, November 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Removal of All Lead Pipes by the 2030s. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a proposal to replace the remaining lead pipes that deliver water to homes in the United States within the next decade. It’s currently estimated that drinking water to about nine million homes and businesses flows through lead pipes, which can result in severe health consequences.
Environmental Protection Agency, November 2023

Quote: “A healthy outside starts from the inside.” ~ Robert Urich

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Health Alert: Steroids Linked to Concussion in High School Athletes. Using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, researchers report that 55% of high school athletes with a history of steroid use have sustained a mild-traumatic brain injury, which is more than twice the rate of non-steroid teen athletes at 20%. The research team notes that steroid use may lead to more aggressive play, increasing the risk of head injury.                                                                                Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, October 2023

Diet: Processed Red Meat Intake Linked to Heart Disease and Diabetes. University of Hong Kong researchers estimate that increasing one’s processed red meat intake by 50 grams a day may elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease by 26% and the risk for type 2 diabetes by 44%.                                    European Heart Journal, October 2023

Exercise: Time of Day for Exercise May Not Matter for Bone Health. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that time of day is not a factor when it comes to exercise that promotes stronger, healthier bones in rats. Of course, further research is needed to determine if these results are consistent in human subjects.
Frontiers in Physiology, October 2023

Chiropractic: Is Poor Knee Balance Linked to Low Back Pain? Assessments of 49 women, 25 with chronic non-specific low back pain, revealed an association between abnormal knee joint proprioception and chronic non-specific low back pain. The findings demonstrate how abnormal biomechanics in one area of the body may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders in adjacent areas.
Journal of Bodyworks and Movement Therapies, July 2023

Mental Attitude: Most Concussed College Athletes Miss About Two Weeks of Play. Among a group of 1,049 collegiate athletes who sustained a sports-related concussion, researchers observed that symptoms tended to resolve within 6-9 days and athletes returned to play within 11-17 days.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering, November 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Alcohol Abuse Affects the Muscles. A literature review that included 96 studies found
that alcohol impairs mitochondrial function and extracellular matrix remodeling, which can have detrimental effects on skeletal muscle mass and function in individuals with a long-term history of alcohol abuse.
Alcohol Research, November 2023

Quote: “Our power lies in our small daily choices, one after another, to create eternal ripples of a life well
lived.” ~ Mollie Marti

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Courtesy of: Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna                                                                                                              Health Alert: Is Pediatric Brain Injury Linked to Epilepsy? Among a group of nearly 72,000 children treated for traumatic brain injury, researchers observed that such patients had a fourteen-times increased risk for developing epilepsy in the following four years, and the risk remained elevated in the following decade.
Epilespsia, October 2023

Diet: Children with Diabetes or Prediabetes Should Avoid Low-Carb Diets. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against a low-carb or ketogenic diet for children and teens with prediabetes or diabetes, except when closely supervised by a specialized diabetes care team. Instead, the AAP recommends getting regular exercise, avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks, and eating nutrient-rich carbohydrates as
part of a balanced diet.                                                              American Academy of Pediatrics, October 2023

Exercise: Walking Helps Peripheral Artery Disease Patients. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is described as
the narrowing of leg arteries, which limits blood flow to muscles, making it difficult to stand or walk. A systematic review that included five studies found that a home-based walking program can serve as a convenient and efficient intervention for improving walking ability in PAD patients.
JAMA Network Open, September 2023

Chiropractic: Neck and Back Pain Common in College Students. Questionnaires completed by 289 university students revealed that about two thirds experienced either neck or low back pain in the previous year with close to half having either condition in the previous week.                                                BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, June 2023

Mental Attitude: Mindfulness App Can Improve Kids’ Mental Health. Mindfulness is described as the ability to be fully present, aware of where you are, and calm about what’s going on around you. In a recent study, researchers observed that children who used a mindfulness app at home for 40 days experienced improvements in mental health, stress, and negative emotions.                                                                                  PLOS One, October 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Healthier Lifestyle Can Help Address Fatty Liver. Metabolic dysfunction-associated
fatty liver disease (MAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring, and serious complications. A systematic review that included twelve studies found that poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle is common among MAFLD patients and adopting a healthier eating pattern, reducing sedentary time, and engaging in regular exercise can improve liver health, weight status, blood sugar levels, and overall quality of life.                                                                                Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, November 2023

Quote: “Information’s pretty thin stuff unless mixed with experience.” ~ Clarence Day

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Health Alert: Curling Irons Can Pose a Hazard for Kids. Between 2013 and 2022, nearly 31,000 children and teens in the United States received treatment for burns associated with hair curler and curling iron use. It’s crucial for parents and other caregivers to keep such products out of the reach of young children and to educate and/or supervise older kids and adolescents on how to use them safely.
American Academy of Pediatrics, October 2023

Diet: DASH Diet in Midlife May Benefit Long-Term Brain Health. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension) diet emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy while limiting the intake of salt, red meat, sweets, and sweetened beverages. A recent study found that greater adherence to the DASH diet in middle age is associated with a 17% reduction in cognitive complaints in the following three decades.                        Alzheimer’s & Dementia, October 2023

Exercise: Best Type of Exercise for Diabetics. For patients with type 2 diabetes, a recent study found that an
exercise regimen that includes both aerobic and resistance training led to greater improvements in body composition, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose than either form of exercise alone.
BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation, November 2023

Chiropractic: Choose Chiropractic First for Neck Pain. According to a recent study, patients who first visit a doctor of chiropractic for new-onset neck pain are less likely to undergo costly advanced imaging services and invasive treatments in the following six months than those initially treated by a medical physician.
Spine, October 2023

Mental Attitude: Short-Duration Sleepers May Be at Greater Risk for Depression. A recent study found that individuals genetically prone to short sleep (less than five hours a night) have an elevated risk for depression in the following four to twelve years. On the other hand, adults with a genetic predisposition to depression are not at increased risk for short sleep.                                                                                                      Translational Psychiatry, October 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Menopause Poses Risks for Women’s Heart Health. The American Heart Association
notes that factors linked to menopause—including depression, sleep problems, elevated visceral fat, and declining estrogen levels—can elevate a woman’s risk for heart disease, especially those who begin menopause before age 45.                                        American Heart Association, October 2023

Quote: “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”
~ Marilyn vos Savant

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna