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

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

Your Rio Vista Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

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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

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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

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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

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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