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Health Alert: Concussion Linked to Brain Issues Later in Life. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that a mild-traumatic brain injury sustained during adolescence resulted in ongoing signs of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress that persisted into middle age in rats, which manifested as impaired cognitive function, anxiety, and depression.      Frontiers in Neuroscience, October 2023

Diet: Fiber Could Help Chemotherapy Patients. “Chemo brain” refers to thinking and memory problems caused by an inflammatory response in the body to chemotherapy treatment. In a recent study, researchers found that increasing fiber intake in patients undergoing chemotherapy led to positive changes in their gut microbiome, which reduced inflammation in the brain by up to 50%, likely due to the effect gut bacteria have on regulating the immune system.                                                  Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, October 2023

Exercise: Activity Key to Preventing Alzheimer’s. The glymphatic system is important for maintaining cognitive health by removing the waste products from the brain that can contribute to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. The function of the glymphatic system is mediated in part by the health of the cardiovascular system, highlighting the importance for engaging in regular physical activity.
Nature Neuroscience, June 2023

Chiropractic: Fascia Tightness and Neck Pain. Tightness of the fascial tissues in the neck often contribute to neck pain and disability. In a recent study that included 52 chronic neck pain patients with fascial tightness, researchers found that manual therapies to address adhesions in fascial tissue—such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic—led to improvements in both neck pain and range of motion.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2023

Mental Attitude: Job Worries Keeping People Up at Night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently surveyed more than 2,000 American adults and found that nearly three-quarters of those polled have lost sleep or experienced poor-quality sleep related to worries about losing their job or the state of the economy as a whole.                Academy of Sleep Medicine, October 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Lifestyle Improvements to Combat Chronic Disease. To better manage chronic disease, researchers recommend focusing on improvements in the following areas: nutrition, sleep health, stress management, physical activity, social connections, and risky behavior avoidance/reduction.
HSS Journal, November 2023

Quote: “The imagination is the golden pathway to everywhere.” ~ Terence McKenna

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Women Less Likely to Get CPR in Public Places. New research that looked at data regarding cardiac arrests in public spaces in the United States and Canada between 2005 and 2015 found that 68% of men received CPR from bystanders compared with just 61% of women.
European Emergency Medicine Congress, September 2023

Diet: Heavy Drinking Linked to Visceral Fat Build-Up. According to a recent study, alcohol affects fat distribution in the body and adipose tissue is more likely to accumulate around the heart, liver, and kidneys of heavy drinkers. Past research has shown a link between visceral fat build-up and an elevated risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2023

Exercise: Is Morning Exercise Best? For people looking to lose weight, the 7am to 9am window appears to be
the optimal time to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.                                                                                                      Obesity, September 2023

Chiropractic: Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain Is Underreported. Among a group of 538 women with
pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain, only 43% reported their pain and discomfort to their healthcare provider and only about 1 in 5 of these expectant mothers received any form of treatment. Doctors of chiropractic often address pregnancy-related and postpartum lumbopelvic pain with manual therapies, nutritional recommendations, and specific exercise instruction.                                                                                   Journal of Women’s Health, August 2023

Mental Attitude: Is Vaping Linked to Chronic Stress? Following an analysis of data from the Canadian Health Measures Surveys, researchers report that young adults who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to experience extreme chronic stress; however, it is unclear if vaping increases susceptibility to stress or stressed individuals are more likely to vape.                                                                                                        European Respiratory Society, September 2023

Wellness/Prevention: When an Earthquake Strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds the public that earthquakes can strike unexpectedly and lead to fires, tsunamis, and landslides. For individuals in quake-prone areas, FEMA recommends securing heavy furniture and appliances to the wall to keep them from falling over; storing heavy and breakable items on lower shelves; forming a plan with family members on where to meet if you they separated; and putting together a supply kit that includes three days of
food and water, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, a whistle, and necessary medications.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, September 2023

Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Inflammation Linked to Recurrent Strokes? It’s estimated that that one-in-four stroke patients
experience recurrent vascular events. In a recent article in the International Journal of Stroke, the authors note that elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein are associated with an increased risk for future stroke, thus treatment to reduce inflammation may be an avenue worth exploring in future studies.                                                                                              International Journal of Stroke, October 2023

Diet: Ancestral Diet? University of New South Wales researchers warn there is a lot of misconception about
what our ancient ancestors ate, and there is no one paleolithic diet as food choices during this epoch could vary based on location, season, and food availability. Additionally, they point out that some aspects of ancestral diets may pose food safety concerns, and the human body has evolved to digest a broader range of foods.
University of New South Wales, September 2023

Exercise: Endurance Training Changes How Genes Express in Muscles. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that regular endurance training activates certain genes in muscle cells that stimulate them to work more efficiently and be more resilient to mechanical stress.                                              Nature Metabolism, September 2023

Chiropractic: Chronic Low Back Pain Can Affect Balance. A systematic review that included 16 studies
found that patients with chronic low back pain experience greater postural sway while standing, suggesting that chronic low back pain affects balance. Doctors of chiropractic commonly assess balance in patients with chronic low back pain and can recommend specific exercises to address these deficits.
Scientific Reports, May 2023

Mental Attitude: Chronic Stress and Depression Boost Alzheimer’s Risk. Following an analysis of longterm data concerning more than 1.3 million Swedish adults, researchers report that the combination of chronic stress and depression during midlife quadruples an individual’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, October 2023

Wellness/Prevention: CPAP Benefits Heart Health Too. A pair of recent studies found that the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device can reduce coronary artery plaque volume and lower the risk for death from heart disease in obstructive sleep apnea patients.
European Respiratory Society International Congress, September 2023

Quote: “I had given up some youth for knowledge, but my gain was more valuable than the loss.”
~ Maya Angelou

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Most Older Adults Have Low Vitamin D Levels. Healthy vitamin D status is essential for bone health, especially in seniors as a serious fracture can threaten both independence and long-term health. However, blood tests of 1,011 older adults revealed that only 22.3% had sufficient vitamin D serum levels.
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, May 2023

Diet: Food Choices Linked to Multi-Site Chronic Pain. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers
report that a diet characterized by a high intake of alcohol, salt, pork, and poultry is associated with an elevated risk for chronic pain in multiple body sites.                                                            Nutrients, August 2023

Exercise: Exercise Helps Patients with Lynch Syndrome. Lynch syndrome is a condition characterized by a
genetic predisposition for several cancers, including colorectal cancer. In a recent study, researchers observed that Lynch syndrome patients who engaged in high-intensity interval training experienced a reduction in inflammation and an increase in certain immune cells that may reduce their cancer risk.
Clinical Cancer Research, September 2023

Chiropractic: Mid-Back Mobilization Helps with Low Back Pain. Among a group of 24 low back pain patients, researchers observed that the application of mobilization therapy—a form of treatment utilized by doctors of chiropractic—to the thoracic spine led to improvements in both lower back pain and range of motion.
Progress in Rehabilitation Medicine, July 2023

Mental Attitude: Finances Decline in Years Before Dementia Diagnosis. A recent study found that finances
tend to significantly decline in patients with dementia up to eight years before diagnosis. While further research is necessary to understand the underlying causes of these drops in net worth—such as productivity loses, impaired money management, or increased healthcare expenditures— financial difficulties later in life may help healthcare providers identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline.                                                                                    JAMA Neurology, September 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Forever Chemicals Linked to Cancers in Women. 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. Researchers note that women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood may be at elevated risk for skin, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, September 2023

Quote: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” ~ John Wooden

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Dental Issues Extremely Common Among Nursing Home Residents. According to a recent study that looked at data concerning 2.3 million nursing home residents, about 20% of residents had missing teeth, 8% had broken teeth or cavities, and 11% experienced pain while chewing. Experts note these oral health issues can make chewing difficult, contributing to malnutrition and serious health problems, including heart disease. The study highlights the need for better education on the importance of oral health among the elderly,
as well as better access to dental care for nursing home residents.                                                                                          JAMA Network Open, September 2023

Diet: Low-Carb Diet Not Advised for Pediatric Diabetics. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
warns parents of children and teens with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes that there’s little evidence to support the adoption of low-carbohydrate diets for such individuals, noting the diet may even lead to nutritional deficiencies. Instead, the AAP recommends eating a balanced diet that includes healthy carbs like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains while avoiding sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods.
Pediatrics, September 2023

Exercise: Weather-Based Digital Nudges Help Users Stay Fit. Digital alerts from smartphone apps reminding users to exercise tend to lose effectiveness over time; however, University of Minnesota researchers have found that tying such alerts to current weather conditions are not only welcomed by users but also encourage them to stay active.                                Information Systems Research, August 2023

Chiropractic: Moving More Cuts Back Pain Risk. An analysis of data concerning 3,385 middle-aged adults found that for each additional 1,000 steps an individual averages per day, their odds for non-specific low back pain fall by 4%.                Scientific Reports, May 2023

Mental Attitude: Parkinson’s Patients Often Battle Self-Stigma. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause tremors, difficulty with movement, impaired balance and coordination, and muscle rigidity. A recent study found that many Parkinson’s patients hide their diagnosis fearing discrimination or misjudgment, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and undertreatment.
Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, September 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Ovulation Tests Can Help Couples Conceive. For couples trying to get pregnant for
less than one year, a systematic review that included data from seven clinical trials found that the use of urine ovulation tests can improve odds for successful conception by up to 55%. Cochrane Review, September 2023

Quote: “What you get is a living, what you give is a life.” ~ Lillian Gish

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Blue Light-Filtering Glasses May Not Help. Blue light-filtering glasses have been marketed to
heavy screen users to protect their eyes, but a systematic review that included 17 trials found the use of such glasses does not reduce eye strain, enhance eye health, or improve sleep quality in the short term.
Cochrane Reviews, August 2023

Diet: Caffeine Intake May Not Raise Sleep Apnea Risk. While it’s widely accepted that caffeine can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing, a recent meta-analysis found no association between caffeine or coffee intake and an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea.                                                          European Journal of Nutrition, September 2023

Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Helps Manage Non-Specific Neck. Non-specific neck pain a term used to describe neck pain that occurs in the absence of an underlying disease or pathology, like an infection or osteoporotic fracture. A recent systematic review found that engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise— such as cycling, brisk walking, aerobics, stationary bike, treadmill running, circuit training, and/or swimming—
three times a week can improve both pain and function in patients with non-specific neck pain. Doctors of chiropractic frequently recommend aerobic exercise in addition to patient-specific exercises as part of management for musculoskeletal conditions, including non-specific neck pain.                          Healthcare, January 2024

Chiropractic: Neck Pain and Range of Motion Improved with Manual Scapular Repositioning. Among a group of 69 patients with both neck pain and scapular dyskinesis, researchers observed that correcting scapular
position resulted in both improvements in neck pain and cervical range of motion. The findings demonstrate
how dysfunction in one area can contribute to or even cause pain and disability in an adjacent region.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2023

Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Yoga May Help Manage Depression. For patients with major depressive disorder, a systematic review that included nine studies found that the combination of yoga and mindfulness can have a positive effect on depressive symptoms and may have a role as part of a multimodal approach for managing the mental health condition. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, September 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Take Vitamin D Daily or Weekly? Following a review of data from 116 clinical trials, researchers report that ingesting a week’s worth of vitamin D supplements all at once may be more effective for improving vitamin D levels than taking a daily dose. Of course, before taking any supplements, consult with a doctor who is familiar with your health history.                                                                                          Frontiers in Nutrition, August 2023

Quote: “Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.” ~ D. H. Lawrence

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: One Billion People Worldwide Will Have Osteoarthritis in 2050. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the slow breakdown of the cartilage within joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain that tends to worsen with time. Due to the aging of the global population and the rise in sedentary lifestyles and obesity, researchers estimate that as many as one billion people living in 2050 will have osteoarthritis.
The Lancet Rheumatology, August 2023

Diet: A Healthy Diet May Help Some Allergy Sufferers. The current research suggests that excessive calorie intake and nutrient imbalances can contribute to allergies, and for some individuals, allergy management may involve switching to a balanced diet rich in micronutrient and flavonoids to reduce
inflammation and improve the health of the gut microbiome. Nutrients, August 2023

Exercise: Tips for Returning to Exercise Postpartum. For new moms looking to resume their prepregnancy fitness routine, experts from Tufts University recommend first consulting with a doctor. Once cleared to exercise, start slowly, set flexible goals, and pay attention to body cues to avoid injury.
Tufts University, July 2023

Chiropractic: Neck Pain Linked to Worse Migraines. According to a recent study, migraineurs with cooccurring neck pain are more likely to report that their headaches have a greater effect on their ability to carry out their daily activities. Past research has shown that addressing neck disorders in migraine patients—with chiropractic care, for example—can reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraines. Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, June 2023

Mental Attitude: Too Much Screen Time May Slow Baby’s Development. New research suggests that one-year-old children who spend more than four hours a day in front of screens develop skills in the domains of fine-motor, communication, socialization, and problem-solving more slowly than their peers with less exposure to televisions, tablets, and smartphones.                                                                                            JAMA Pediatrics, August 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Eye Scans Could Spot Parkinson’s Earlier. University College London and
Moorfields Eye Hospital researchers report that optical coherence tomography scans are capable of detecting subtle changes in the eyes that develop very early in the course of Parkinson’s disease progression, up to seven years before the condition may even be diagnosed.                                                         Neurology, August 2023

Quote: “Love is the power to see similarity in the dissimilar.” ~ Theodor W. Adorno

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Mid-Life Hypertension Can Dramatically Increase Heart Risks. Among a group of 1,029 middle-aged adults whom researchers monitored for more than two decades, those with elevated blood pressure readings—which accounted for more than half of participants—had up to an eleven-times greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Hypertension, September 2023

Diet: Dietary Fat Can Affect Platelet Counts. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that adding polyunsaturated fatty acids to the diet of mice led to increased platelet counts, while increasing their saturated fat intake reduced platelet counts. The findings suggest that individuals with low platelet counts, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, may benefit from switching from a high-saturated fat Western diet pattern to a polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.                                                                            Nature Cardiovascular Research, July 2023

Exercise: Pilates an Option for Chronic Low Back Pain Patients. Doctors of chiropractic often advise chronic low back pain patients to engage in at-home exercises to strengthen the core muscles to both aid in recovery and reduce the risk for recurrence. An analysis of data from eight clinical trials found that Pilates is an effective option for improving core muscle strength in chronic low back pain patients and can serve as a viable alternative to other core strengthening exercises. Healthcare (Basel), May 2023

Chiropractic: Stressful Events and Low Back Pain. An analysis of data concerning 2,930 older men in the Osteoporotic Fracture in Men Study revealed that 57% had experienced a stressful life event—such as the loss of a pet or partner or financial problems—within the previous year. These individuals were 42% more likely to have present low back pain and 56% more likely to develop back pain in the following year.
European Journal of Pain, August 2023

Mental Attitude: Negative Thoughts and Depression Relapse. New research suggests that patients with a history of major depression can reduce their risk for a future episode by learning to reframe negative thought patterns with the aid of cognitive behavioral therapy. Additional strategies for managing depression include getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, August 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Bystander CPR, Defib Use Saves Lives. If an individual experiences cardiac arrests in a public setting, the use of an automated external defibrillator and CPR by bystanders until emergency medical technicians arrive can more than double their chances for survival.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2023

Quote: “Today, you have 100% of your life left.” ~ Tom Landry

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Gastrointestinal Tumors Are Increasing Among Young Americans. Researchers report that the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers—which includes cancers of the colon, appendix, bile ducts, and pancreas—are the fastest growing group of cancers among adults under age 50. The authors of the study add that screening strategies for gastrointestinal cancers may need reconsideration in addition to new strategies for reducing the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and smoking.
JAMA Network Open, August 2023

Diet: Antioxidants May Protect Against Alzheimer’s. According to a recent study, the brains of patients with
Alzheimer’s disease contain lower levels of antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and vitamin E, which help reduce the oxidative damage that can impair brain function. The findings suggest that eating an antioxidant-rich diet may be essential for maintaining good cognitive health.
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2023

Exercise: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Linked to Lower Cancer Risk. Following an analysis of Swedish health registry data, researchers report that individuals with good cardiorespiratory fitness at age 18 have a lower risk for head and neck, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, bowel, kidney, and lung cancers later in life.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, August 2023

Chiropractic: Poor Mid-Back Posture Linked to Neck Pain. Examinations of 148 adults, half with neck pain, revealed an association between higher thoracic kyphosis (rounding of the mid back) and neck pain. Doctors of chiropractic routinely assess posture and employ passive and active strategies for addressing postural faults that may contribute to the patient’s chief complaint.
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, April 2023

Mental Attitude: Could Adult Education Classes Buffer Against Dementia? Past research has shown that educational attainment early in life is associated with a reduced risk for dementia. According to a new study, taking classes in middle age and later in life can lower the risk for dementia diagnosis by up to 19% in the following five years. The finding falls in line with previous studies demonstrating that mental stimulation has a protective effect on cognitive health.                        Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, August 2023

Wellness/Prevention: AI Model Detects Diabetes Through Chest X-Rays. Scientists have developed an
artificial intelligence (AI) model that can evaluate routine chest x-ray images to identify visceral fat build-up associated with a diagnosis for diabetes as far as a decade into the future.    Nature Communications, July 2023

Quote: “There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.” ~ Han Suyin

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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

Health Alert: Reducing Inflammation Helps the Heart. Chronic inflammation has been linked with several poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease. A systematic review that included 27 randomized clinical trials found that treatment to reduce inflammation resulted in a lower risk for heart
attack and stroke in participants. The findings suggest that reducing inflammation should be a goal for individuals seeking to lower their risk for cardiovascular disease.                                Atherosclerosis, July 2023

Diet: Sugary Drinks May Raise Alzheimer’s Risk. An analysis of data concerning more than 200,000 middle-aged and older adults revealed that consuming two or more servings of sugary beverages a day is associated with an elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis during a ten-year period.
GeroScience, August 2023

Exercise: Low-Intensity Exercise and Brain Health. According to a recent study, engaging in lowintensity aerobic exercise three times a week for three months can improve executive function skills in middle-aged and older adults. GeroScience, June 2023

Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First! A recent study found that patients with acute non-specific low back pain who initially seek chiropractic care to manage the condition have lower overall healthcare utilization costs over the following year than those who first visit the emergency room.
Physical Therapy, June 2023

Mental Attitude: Nearly 1 in 10 Children Have a Developmental Disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 9% of children in the United States have a developmental disability, which can include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.                                                                                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 2023

Wellness/Prevention: Half of People with Glaucoma Don’t Know They Have It! Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss, though symptoms may not be apparent until irreversible vision loss occurs. It’s estimated that three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the condition. Health experts remind adults over age 50 or those with a
family history of glaucoma to attend regular eye exams because while there’s no known cure, treatment can help control the disease and slow its progression if caught early.                              Penn State Health, July 2023

Quote: “Wisdom denotes the pursuing of the best ends by the best means.” ~ Francis Hutcheson

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna