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Health Alert: Tampons May Possess Lead and Other Harmful Metals. Laboratory tests of 30 tampons from 24 brand product lines revealed lead in all samples in addition to the presence of arsenic, barium, cadmium, and mercury in several. Due to the potential for these metals to enter the bloodstream unfiltered by the liver, the findings suggest a greater need for regulatory testing of tampon and other period products.
Environmental International, July 2024

Diet: Produce Intake Lowers Fatty Liver Risk. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, and it is associated with several poor health outcomes. A meta-analysis of data concerning nearly 500,000 participants from eleven
studies found a higher intake of fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk for NAFLD by up to 22%.
Frontiers in Nutrition, June 2024

Exercise: Exercise Brain Boost Can Last for Years. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort—sprinting or stair climbing, for example—separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise—such as jogging or fast walking. University of Queensland researchers report that among a group of old adults, those who volunteered for a six-month HIIT exercise program experienced improvements in cognitive function that persisted for at least the next five years.                                                                                                                                Aging and Disease, July 2024

Chiropractic: Treatment for Chronic Sciatica. For individuals with pain radiating into the leg lasting longer than three months due to disk herniation, a systematic review that included four studies found that conservative care should the first-line course of treatment in the absence of neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome.
Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be an excellent treatment option for patients with chronic sciatica.
Cureus, May 2024

Mental Attitude: Poor Metabolic Health Linked to Depression Risk. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a metric that multiplies waist circumference by triglyceride levels to estimate the risk for metabolic disease (higher score equals greater risk). Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that a higher LAP score is also associated with an elevated risk for depression.                                                                                                                                Frontiers in Psychiatry, July 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Respect Summer Heat Dangers. Experts from UT Southwestern Medical Center note more than 120,000 people visit emergency departments each summer due to heat exposure, which unfortunately claims the
lives of more than 2,300 people annually. To stay safe during the summer season, it’s important to keep hydrated, stay indoors during peak heat, and dress appropriately when you spend time in the sun.
UT Southwestern Medical Center, July 2024

Quote: “The first recipe for happiness is: avoid too lengthy meditation on the past.” ~ Andre Maurois

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Health Alert: Nearly Half of Counties in United States Have No Cardiologists. Due to factors including being largely rural or economically disadvantaged, 46% of counties in the United States lack a practicing cardiologist, which can place residents at a 31% higher risk for heart disease.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, July 2024

Diet: Food Insecure Individuals Experience Health Benefits from Food Bank Access. For individuals facing food insecurity, Northeastern University researchers report that taking advantage of a food bank can be important for improving overall health, including reducing the risk for metabolic disease.
Northeastern University, July 2024

Exercise: Before Taking Up Weightlifting in Older Age… Resistance training later in life can help preserve muscle mass, reducing the risk for frailty and poor health. However, due to the increased likelihood of conditions like cardiovascular disease and joint pain among seniors, it’s important for older adults to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, July 2024

Chiropractic: Back Muscle Stiffness and Low Back Pain. A systematic review that included nine studies found that stiffness in the multifidus and erector spinae muscles is associated with low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize manual therapies and exercises to address core muscle stiffness in low back pain patients.            BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, February 2024

Mental Attitude: Women More Likely to Receive Mental Health Treatment Following Cardiac Arrest. An analysis of long-term data concerning nearly 1,300 heart attack survivors revealed that women are 50% more likely than men to receive treatment for depression and anxiety in the year following cardiac arrest. However, it’s unclear if female patients are at greater risk for post-heart attack mental health issues or if they are more likely to share these concerns with their healthcare provider.
Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, July 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Men’s Cancer Screening Trends Highlight Urgent Need for Health Advocacy. In a recent survey conducted by The Prevent Cancer Foundation, 60% of men admitted to being overdue for at least one routine cancer screening. The group reminds everyone that in the absence of screenings, many cancers may not be detected until they have sufficiently advanced and treatment will be more difficult and less likely to
produce a satisfactory outcome.                                                                                            Prevent Cancer Foundation, June 2024

Quote: “Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one.” ~ Walter Payton

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Health Alert: Transportation Pollution Can Affect Metabolic Health. Using data from the Community of Mine Study, researchers report that the combination of airplane noise and fine-particulate matter air pollution from motor vehicles is associated with an elevated risk for both obesity and metabolic syndrome. The finding adds to a growing body of research linking air and noise pollution with worse health outcomes.
American Journal of Epidemiology, June 2024

Diet: Dad’s Diet May Influence Children’s Health. A recent animal study found that a high-fat diet can influence gene expression in sperm, which can increase an offspring’s risk for metabolic diseases. While it’s unclear if this finding extends to humans, the results suggest men looking to become fathers should take steps to
live a healthier lifestyle, which includes eating a nutritious diet.                                    Nature, June 2024

Exercise: 10,000 Steps a Day? While the concept of taking 10,000 steps a day is believed to have originated from a successful marketing campaign for a pedometer in Japan, there’s research to suggest that averaging 7,000 to 8,000 steps a day does offer health benefits. However, health experts note that it’s also important to engage in more intense physical activity as well as strength training and flexibility exercises each week.
Northeastern University, June 2024

Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First for Radicular Low Back Pain. For patients with radicular low back pain, an analysis of data concerning 115 million patients revealed that those initially treated with spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—were 68% less likely to receive a prescription for the narcotic tramadol in the following year.                                              BMJ Open, May 2024

Mental Attitude: Failure’s “Benefits” May Be Overrated. Contrary to popular belief, a recent study revealed that most people find failure to be demotivating and ego-threatening, which results in them not learning important lessons to move them toward future success.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, June 2024

Wellness/Prevention: New App Helps Identify Subtle Signs of Stroke. Engineers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have developed a smartphone app that can analyze facial symmetry and muscle movements to detect the subtle signs of stroke that can easily be missed by paramedics. It’s hoped that with
further refinement, such an app can be rolled out to emergency service providers to aid in identifying if an individual has suffered a stroke so prompt treatment can be provided.
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, June 2024

Quote: “Procrastination is the thief of time.” ~ Edward Young

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Health Alert: Obesity May Be Driving Factor for Disturbing Rise in Colorectal Cancers. Tufts University reports that colorectal cancer cases among patients under 50 have steadily risen in the last 30 years, and these cancers are often not diagnosed until later stages, which is linked to worse outcomes. Researchers suspect this
increase in colorectal cancers in younger adults is largely due to the obesity epidemic.
Tufts University, June 2024

Diet: Energy Drinks May Trigger Heart Arrhythmia in High-Risk Patients. Researchers note that energy drinks contain ingredients that can potentially alter heart rate and blood pressure, which may increase the risk for cardiac arrhythmias in individuals at high elevated risk for heart disease.                                                              Heart Rhythm, June 2024

Exercise: Get Off the Couch! Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study, researchers estimate that swapping out one hour of sedentary TV time with physical activity or even extra sleep can increase the chances for living beyond age 70 without major chronic disease or memory impairment by up to 28%.
JAMA Network Open, June 2024

Chiropractic: Poor Ergonomics Can Quickly Lead to Musculoskeletal Pain. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that even as few as five minutes of continuous work in awkward postures can increase the risk for musculoskeletal pain. The findings suggest that improved ergonomics to minimize time spent in nonneutral
postures could reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Journal Annals of Work Exposures and Health, June 2024

Mental Attitude: Managing Non-Motor Parkinsons’s Symptoms. A systematic review that included 36 studies found evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and autonomic dysfunction.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, April 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Chronic Stress Levels Can Impair Health. Cortisol, more commonly known as the stress hormone, is important during times of stress to mobilize energy and immune function. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can be detrimental to health, highlighting the importance of stress management strategies like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness.
Tufts University, June 2024

Quote: “Life is precious and time is a key element. Let’s make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own.” ~ Harmon Killebrew

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Health Alert: 9/11 Responders May Face Greater Risk for Dementia. New research suggests that individuals exposed to higher levels of toxic dust during rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center site following the September 11 attacks have an elevated risk for early-onset dementia when compared with their peers with no exposure or who wore effective personal protective equipment.
JAMA Network Open, June 2024

Diet: Healthy Eating Makes Teens Happier. Using data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study, researchers report that eating breakfast and fruit and vegetables daily are both associated with a greater sense of life satisfaction in adolescents.
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, May 2024

Exercise: Sit Less to Reduce Back Pain Risk. An analysis of data from the UK Biobank study revealed that for each hour of sedentary behavior per day that an individual exchanges for physical activity, their risk for low back pain falls by up to 8%. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, April 2024

Chiropractic: Trigger Points and Tension-Type Headache. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot found in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent experiment that included 32 tension-type headache patients, researchers observed that addressing trigger points in the head and neck muscles resulted in a significant decline in headache intensity. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to recognize and resolve trigger points when managing musculoskeletal conditions, including tension-type headaches.                                                                  Journal of Personalized Medicine, March 2024

Mental Attitude: Excessive Social Media Use Can Take a Toll on Mental Health. Questionnaires completed by 600 medical school students revealed an association between using social media for five or more hours a day and an elevated risk for anxiety, sadness, and stress.
Journal of Education and Health Promotion, April 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Summertime Skin Protection Tips for Parents. To best protect a child’s skin this summer, pediatric dermatologist Dr. Jayden Galamgam recommends avoiding insect-heavy areas; dressing your child in protective clothing; using appropriate insect repellents; properly cleaning minor scrapes and cuts; using
a broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least 30 SPF); minimizing sun exposure during peak hours; and in the event of sunburn, use a cool compress, calamine lotion, and aloe vera-based gels.
Pediatric Dermatology, February 2024

Quote: “No one wants to quit when he’s losing and no one wants to quit when he’s winning.” ~ Richard Petty

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Health Alert: One-in-Three People Know Someone Who Had a Fatal Overdose. A survey of nearly 2,300 Americans conducted in spring 2023 found that 32% have lost someone due to a fatal overdose, and for more than half of these individuals, that person was a close friend or family member.
JAMA Health Forum, May 2024

Diet: Ketogenic Diet May Benefit Some Neurological Conditions. The ketogenic diet is an eating pattern that aims to shift the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Because the diet can also reduce inflammation in the brain, it’s suggested that it may benefit patients with
neurological conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder. However, experts caution that such individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before switching their diet.                                                                    Leiden University, June 2024

Exercise: Walking Helps Keep Back Pain from Returning. For patients who have recovered from an episode of low back pain, a recent study found that walking for 30 minutes three times a week significantly reduces the risk of recurrence in the following six months.                                                                                                                        The Lancet, June 2024

Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Reduces Pain Catastrophizing Too. Among a group of 98 chronic low back pain patients, those treated with spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—not only experienced greater improvements in pain than participants
who received a sham treatment, but they were also less likely to describe their pain in exaggerated terms (pain catastrophizing).                                                                                Journal of Pain, February 2024

Mental Attitude: Service Dogs Reduce PTSD Risk in Veterans. According to a recent study, pairing former soldiers with a service dog reduces the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by 66%. Veterans with service dogs also reported lower anxiety and depression levels, as well as a greater sense of both emotional and social wellbeing.                                                                                                                                    JAMA Network Open, June 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D and Post-Surgical Complications. An analysis of data concerning 314 patients who underwent surgery to address osteoporotic hip fracture found that those with low vitamin D status were two times more likely to experience post-surgical complications than those with healthy vitamin D levels. Nutrients, June 2024

Quote: “It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.”
~ Thomas Sowell

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Health Alert: Fentanyl Presence Has Skyrocketed Since 2017. In 2023, law enforcement officers in the United States seized more than 115 million fentanyl pills, a dramatic increase from fewer than 50,000 pills seized as recently as 2017. Health officials note that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and poses a
significant overdose risk for users.                                                                              International Journal of Drug Policy, May 2024

Diet: Dried Fruit May Lower Risk for Ulcerative Colitis. According to a recent study, a high intake of dried fruit is associated with a nearly 50% reduced risk for ulcerative colitis. However, the researchers were unable to
detect similar benefits from a high intake of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, or cereals.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2024

Exercise: Seniors with High Blood Pressure Should Exercise in the Evening. In a recent experiment that included 23 hypertensive older adults, researchers observed that those who engaged in aerobic exercise in the evening experienced better improvements in blood pressure control than those who worked out in the morning.
Journal of Physiology, May 2024

Chiropractic: Nonpharmacological Treatment for Cervicogenic Headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck. A systematic review that included eight studies concluded that manual therapies and therapeutic exercises are effective interventions for managing cervicogenic headaches. Doctors of chiropractic routinely adopt a multimodal approach when treating patients with cervicogenic headaches that involves one or more manual therapies and at-home neck-specific exercises.
Cureus, March 2024

Mental Attitude: Recent Release from Jail Elevates Suicide Risk. An analysis of data concerning nearly 7.1 million adults revealed that former inmates are at a nine-fold increased risk for suicide in the year following their incarceration, and these individuals account for nearly 20% of adult suicide deaths.
JAMA Network Open, May 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Food Choices Can Affect Susceptibility to Infectious Disease. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that a high intake of red and processed meat is linked to an increased risk for infectious disease. On the other hand, the data indicate that a diet rich in fish, cheese, fruit, and vegetables is
associated with a lower risk for infection.                                                                          Journal of Biomedical Research, May 2024

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

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Drug Overdose Deaths Decline for First Time in Five Years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there was a 3% reduction in drug overdose deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year, the first instance of a year-over-year decline since 2018.                                                                                                          National Center for Health Statistics, May 2024

Diet: Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet Benefits Advanced Breast Cancer Patients. New research suggests that switching to a diet emphasizing fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while avoiding animal-based foods, oils, and added solid fats can improve metabolic health, reduce fatigue, and increase mental
acuity in women with stage four breast cancer.                                                                            Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, March 2024

Exercise: Exercise Benefits COPD Patients. 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. Among a group of 71 COPD patients, those who participated in a 16-week exercise intervention experienced improvement in pulmonary function, walking capacity, and overall quality of life.
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, June 2024

Chiropractic: Chronic Tension-Type Headache? Tension-type headache is a common form of headache characterized by a dull, aching pain and tightness or pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck. A recent case study described how a 63-year-old man with chronic tension-type headaches experienced full resolution of his symptoms following three treatments to address myofascial trigger points in the levator
scapulae muscle. Past research has demonstrated a link between musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, and upper back and several types of headaches, including tension-type headache.
Clinical Case Reports, April 2024

Mental Attitude: Constantly Talking About Stress Can Backfire. Individuals who constantly talk about their stress levels to signify how important they are in the workplace are viewed by colleagues as less competent and less likeable, both of which reduce their willingness to offer help or support. Personnel Psychology, May 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Fruit and Veggies for Reduced Bladder Cancer Risk. A meta-analysis of data from eleven case-control studies revealed that a high intake of vegetables (particularly shoot vegetables) and a high intake of fruit (especially citrus, pome, and tropical fruit) are each associated with about a 20% reduced risk for
bladder cancer.                                                                                                                            European Journal of Nutrition, June 2024

Quote: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” ~ Vince Lombardi

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Congenital Heart Issues and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, researchers report that children with a congenital heart disorder are at elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, including difficulties with speech and language. While a causal mechanism
has not been established, the findings suggest that kids with congenital heart disorders should be monitored for potential neurodevelopmental issues.                                      Italian Journal of Pediatrics, April 2024

Diet: Avoid Caffeine and Big Meals Before Bedtime. Baylor College of Medicine notes that drinking caffeine before bed can significantly delay the time it takes to fall asleep, while high-calorie meals in the late evening can redirect blood from the brain to the gut to aid digestion, altering sleep cycles.
Baylor College of Medicine, May 2024

Exercise: Fitness Benefits Cancer Survivors. Following an analysis of data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, researchers report that individuals who increase their physical activity levels (or remain active) following cancer diagnosis can reduce their risk for ischemic stroke in the following four years by about 15%. Unfortunately, the majority of sedentary cancer patients remain physically inactive after their diagnosis.
Cancer, May 2024

Chiropractic: Rotator Cuff Injury? A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 24 studies concluded that the combination of manual therapy and specific exercises can improve pain and function in patients with a rotator cuff injury. Doctors of chiropractic often employ manual therapies and exercises as part of a multimodal
approach to address musculoskeletal disorders, including shoulder injuries.                      Biomed Reports, April 2024

Mental Attitude: One-in-Ten Kids Has ADHD? It’s estimated that 6.5 million children in the United States currently have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with the majority exhibiting moderate-to-severe symptoms. However, 44% have not received any treatment for ADHD of any kind in the previous year and a
third has never undergone any ADHD-specific care.
Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, May 2024

Wellness/Prevention: A Matcha Mouthwash Might Fight Gum Disease. A recent experiment revealed that using mouthwash twice a day that contains matcha green tea can inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria linked to gum disease.                                                                                                                            Microbiology Spectrum, May 2024

Quote: “Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.” ~ Anne Frank

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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Health Alert: Concussions May Raise Later Cardiovascular Risks. Examinations of 4,080 former professional football players at midlife revealed that those with a history of concussion had an elevated risk for both hypertension and high cholesterol, both of which are linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, May 2024

Diet: A Low-Calorie Keto Diet May Help Ease Acne. The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that aims to shift the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In a recent weight loss study, researchers observed a reduction in acne among young women on a low-calorie ketogenic diet. Lead author Dr. Luigi Barrea writes, “These findings represent an opportunity to control a skin disease that affects most teenagers and many adults at some point in their lifetimes, causing distress, embarrassment, anxiety, and low self-confidence among sufferers, robbing them of their quality of life.”
European Congress on Obesity, May 2024

Exercise: Is It Safe to Run Every Day? While the concept of running at least a mile a day is gaining popularity, health experts caution runners the practice can result in overtraining, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk for injury. To reap the most benefit, recreational runners are encouraged to include rest days in their training regimen.                                                                                                                              The Conversation, May 2024

Chiropractic: Manual Therapy vs. Oral Pain Medications for Neck Pain. A systematic review and metaanalysis that included nine clinical trials found that manual therapy interventions are likely more effective than oral pain medications for managing neck pain in both the short- and long-term, with a lower risk for adverse events. Doctors of chiropractic are well-versed in the application of several manual therapies for addressing neck pain.                                                                                                                    BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, April 2024

Mental Attitude: Subtle Mental Decline Occurs Before Seniors Quit Driving. According to a recent study that monitored 283 older adults for nearly six years, slight changes in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities often lead to the decision to stop driving an automobile, more so than advancing age or declining physical function. Neurology, May 2024

Wellness/Prevention: Concussion May Have Long-Term Effect on Kids’ Wellbeing. Using data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, researchers report that children with a history of concussion have an
elevated risk for current depression, anxiety, and difficulty making friends.                      Brain Injury, July 2024

Quote: “True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in the worth and choice.” ~ Ben Jonson

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna