Health Alert: Millions of Diabetics Worldwide Not Receiving Treatment. An estimated 800 million
adults worldwide currently have type 2 diabetes. However, more than half are either unaware of their
condition or have been diagnosed but are not receiving adequate care. The study’s authors emphasize the
need for policies that promote healthier lifestyles, earlier diagnosis, and improved access to treatment.
The Lancet, October 2024
Diet: Food Choices Affect Heart Risks. A study comparing the diets and cardiovascular disease risk
scores of 213 working-age adults found that consuming more than 400 grams daily of fruits, vegetables,
and legumes is linked to a 53% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, November 2024
Exercise: Keep Tendons Strong. Tendons, the strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones,
enable movement by transmitting muscle-generated force. To strengthen tendons and reduce injury risk,
experts recommend gradually increasing resistance, incorporating isometric holds, diversifying workouts,
and allowing adequate rest between sessions. The Conversation, November 2024
Chiropractic: Dynamic Seat Cushion Lowers Neck and Low Back Pain Risk in Office Workers. In a
study of 133 office workers at high risk for neck or low back pain, researchers found that those who used a
dynamic seat cushion—designed to encourage subtle movements that engage core muscles, reduce spinal
pressure, and improve posture—for six months were significantly less likely to report neck pain (15% vs.
65%) or back pain (10% vs. 59%) than those who used traditional office chairs.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Depression Rates Increasing. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reports that 18% of American adults now have an anxiety disorder, up from 15.6% in 2019.
Similarly, depression rates have risen from 18.5% to 21.4% over the same period.
National Health Statistics Reports, November 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Drowsy Driving Not Taken as Seriously as Drunk Driving. While drowsy
driving poses similar collision risks to drunk driving, the National Sleep Foundation reports that over half
of adults admit to driving while sleepy. National Sleep Foundation, October 2024
Quote: “He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” ~ Thomas Carlyle
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: One-in-Four Moms Fall Asleep While Breastfeeding. Researchers from the University of
Virginia report that a quarter of new mothers fall asleep while breastfeeding their infants. These incidents
can significantly increase the risk of harm to the child if they occur on unsafe sleep surfaces, such as sofas
or soft beds. Pediatrics, November 2024
Diet: Fruit and Vegetables May Offer Mental Health Benefits. An analysis of data from four long-term
twin cohort studies found that a high intake of fruits and vegetables during midlife is linked to a reduced
risk of depression over the following five to eleven years. Scientific Reports, November 2024
Exercise: Exercise May Lower Risk of Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart
rhythm disorder associated with stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. A study
involving over 6,000 adults found that engaging in 2.5 to 5 hours of exercise per week was associated with
a 60% lower risk of developing A-Fib. Cardiovascular Medicine, October 2024
Chiropractic: Neck Treatment Helps Musicians with Temporomandibular Disorders. A recent study
found that wind instrument musicians with temporomandibular disorders experienced significant
improvements in maximal mouth opening, jaw pain, and associated disability when posture training was
combined with manual therapies applied to the neck region.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Is Daytime Drowsiness Linked to Pre-Dementia? New research suggests that older
adults who experience daytime drowsiness and lack of motivation may have up to three times the risk of
developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome, a pre-dementia condition. The findings indicate that screening
for these symptoms, along with strategies to improve sleep quality, may help reduce the risk of cognitive
decline. Neurology, November 2024
Wellness/Prevention: New Guidelines for Preventing Stroke. Upcoming stroke prevention guidelines
will include sex-specific recommendations and emphasize healthy lifestyle traits, such as reducing
sedentary behaviors, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol,
getting quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and
cholesterol levels. Associated Press, October 2024
Quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: Most Emergency Rooms Not Fully Equipped to Treat Kids. A review of data collected from
757 emergency departments found that nearly 80% lacked essential equipment and training to address
emergencies in pediatric patients. The authors note that an investment of $260 million could significantly
improve pediatric emergency room readiness, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.
Health Affairs, October 2024
Diet: Heart Health Guidelines on Saturated Fat Need Updating. An article recently published in the journal
Nutrients criticizes the findings of seminal studies from the 1950s that linked saturated fat to heart disease,
which served as the basis for nutrition guidelines still in use today. Instead, the authors advocate for the
formulation of new guidelines based on current research, especially on the negative effects on heart health
linked to the intake of trans-fats and processed vegetable oils. Nutrients, May 2024
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Helps Prevent Chemotherapy Brain Fog. “Chemo brain” refers to thinking and
memory problems caused by an inflammatory response in the body to chemotherapy treatment. In a recent
experiment, researchers observed that engaging in aerobic exercise during chemotherapy treatment helped
breast cancer patients maintain their cognitive functions and quality of life at a level higher than breast cancer
patients who did not exercise. Cancer, October 2024
Chiropractic: Mobilization Therapy Helps Low Back Pain Patients. Among a group of 39 patients with low
back pain, researchers found that mobilization therapy is an effective treatment for reducing pain and improving
motor function. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the use of mobilization and other manual therapies in the
management of several musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, November 2024
Mental Attitude: Music Can Help Dementia Sufferers. Listening to familiar music can activate areas in the
brain involved in memory, emotion, and movement, which may help to improve the mood and wellbeing of
older adults with dementia. The Conversation, October 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Less Than 1% of Adults Get Lipoprotein(a) Levels Checked. Lipoprotein(a) is form
of lipoprotein that’s linked to an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. While roughly 20% of the adult
population in the United States has elevate lipoprotein(a) levels, a recent study found that among a sample of
more than 250,000 adults, less than 1% had their levels tested within a one-year time frame.
American Journal of Preventative Cardiology, October 2024
Quote: “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: Binge Drinking Can Affect Heart Rhythm. According to a recent study, about 1 in 20 young
adults with normal heart health may develop an arrhythmia that can persist for up to 24 hours following a night
of heavy drinking. European Heart Journal, October 2024
Diet: Genes Can Predict Which Diet May Help and IBS Patient. A study that included 250 patients with
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that variations in the hCAZyme genes, which affect how carbohydrates
are broken down, can help determine if such an individual would benefit more from a low-carbohydrate diet or
the more restrictive low-FODMAP diet. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, September 2024
Exercise: Good Physical Fitness Protects Teen Mental Health. Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä
and the University of Eastern Finland report that among a group of 241 adolescents, those with higher
cardiorespiratory and motor fitness were less likely to develop depressive or stress-related symptoms in the
following eight years. Sports Medicine, September 2024
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help Scoliosis Patients. Among a group of 31 adolescent
idiopathic scoliosis patients, researchers observed that twelve sessions of spinal manipulative therapy and
physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises led to greater improvements with respect to spinal curvature,
spinal mobility, movement capability, and quality of life than scoliosis-specific exercises alone. Spinal
manipulative therapy is the primary form of treatment provided by chiropractors.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2024
Mental Attitude: The Brain’s Waste-Disposal System and Alzheimer’s Disease. With the aid of advanced
imaging, researchers have confirmed the existence of perivascular spaces, which are fluid-filled structures that
help remove toxic proteins from cerebrospinal fluid. Because Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the
accumulation of plaques and tangles in the brain, a greater understanding of the perivascular spaces could
someday lead to effective therapies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, October 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Bathrooms May Be Key to Battling Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Northwestern
University researchers examined samples collected from more than 600 bathrooms and found that
toothbrushes and shower heads host a diverse array of viruses called bacteriophages that are generally benign in
humans but can wreak havoc on potentially harmful bacteria. It’s hoped one or more of these bacteriophages
can be harnessed for treating bacteria that have developed antibiotic resistance.
Frontiers in Microbiomes, October 2024
Quote: “The imagination is the golden pathway to everywhere.” ~ Terence McKenna

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: Excessive Cannabis Use May Raise Stroke Risk. New research suggests that individuals with
cannabis use disorder—a condition in which excessive use adversely affects one’s daily life, physical health,
mental health, and relationships—may increase the risk of stroke in young adults by up to 14%.
Frontiers in Neurology, October 2024
Diet: Americans Are Meeting Minimum Needs for Essential Amino Acids. While studies frequently note
deficiencies in important nutrients in the average American’s diet, an analysis of data from the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey found that most adults in the United States meet or exceed the minimum
dietary recommendations for essential amino acids that are important for muscle health, metabolism, and
cellular function. Current Developments in Nutrition, August 2024
Exercise: Vigorous Exercise Can Improve Cognitive Function. A literature review of studies published since
1995 concluded that a single 30-minute session of vigorous exercise can provide immediate short-term
improvements in memory, attention, and executive function in young adults.
Communications Psychology, October 2024
Chiropractic: Treatment to Improve Posture Can Benefit Temporomandibular Disorders Patients. A
study that included 26 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients found that those who received treatment to
improve their neck posture—in this case, manual therapy, postural exercises, deep neck flexor stabilization, and
Kinesio tapping—experienced significant improvement in the TMD symptoms. The finding adds to a growing
body of research linking disorders of the cervical spine and TMD. Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Screen Time Linked to Mental Health Risks for Tweens. An analysis of data concerning
nearly 10,000 pre-adolescents revealed an association between increased time spent watching television or
using electronic devices and an elevated risk for mental health issues such as depression, attentiondeficit/
hyperactivity disorders, and conduct disorders. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
limiting kids in this age group to no more than two hours of screen time a day.
BMC Public Health, October 2024
Wellness/Prevention: New Approach for Managing Delirium in Hospitalized Patients. For older adults in
critical care experiencing delirium, researchers have found that playing pre-recorded audio or video of a family
member can help re-orient the patient and reduce symptoms such as confusion and agitation.
International Journal of Nursing Studies, Australian Critical Care, October 2024
Quote: “Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year.” ~ Franklin Pierce Adams

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: Short Sleep Worsens Effect of Hypertension on the Brain. Using data from the Framingham
Heart Study, researchers report that for individuals with high blood pressure, sleeping fewer than seven hours a
night is associated with a higher presence of white matter hyperintensities and worse performance on cognitive
assessments. The findings suggest that individuals under treatment for hypertension should be screened for poor
sleep as well. Journal of the American Heart Association, November 2024
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements for Heart Health? While omega-3 fatty acids are thought to benefit
heart health, studies have had mixed results. In a recent study, researchers did not observe that a daily fish oil
supplement reduced overall cardiovascular disease risk; however, such supplementation did significantly reduce
the risk for heart attack, especially in individuals with low fish intake or multiple heart disease risk factors.
New England Journal of Medicine, October 2024
Exercise: Physical Activity and its Effect on Diabetes Risk Factors. In a recent experiment, researchers
observed that a single 30-minute light jog can provide notable short-term improvements in glucose metabolism,
leading to reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, April 2024
Chiropractic: The Effect of Low Back Pain on the Hips and Lower Extremities. A systematic review that
included 54 studies found that individuals with non-specific low back pain often exhibit significant reductions
in hip range of motion, particularly in internal rotation; weakness in the hip abductor and extensor muscles; and
greater involvement of the hamstrings and gluteus maximus during functional activities.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, May 2024
Mental Attitude: Bilingualism Changes the Brain. A comparison of brain imaging of individuals who are
either monolingual or bilingual found that those who know two languages have increased connectivity between
brain regions, especially those who learned a second language at a young age. It’s believed greater connectivity
in the brain may support healthier brain aging and recovery from brain injury.
Communications Biology, October 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Some Women May Need Mammograms Before Age 40. Rutgers Cancer Institute
notes that while most guidelines recommend regular mammograms after age 40, women with the following risk
factors may be advised to commence screening at a young age: a family history of breast cancer; genetic
mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2; dense breast tissue; or early radiation exposure.
Rutgers Cancer Institute, October 2024
Quote: “To live without Hope is to cease to live.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region

Health Alert: Wildfires Linked to Immediate Heart Risks. Following an analysis of data from 184 major
cities, researchers report that for every 1-μg/m3 increase in fine-particulate matter air pollution resulting from
wildfires, the risk of hospitalization for either ischemic heart disease or stroke rises by more than .25%.
Particulate matter levels at or below 12 μg/m3 are considered safe. However, even being a few miles from a
wildfire can increase levels to 50 μg/m3 and higher. Nature Communications, November 2024
Diet: Daily Tea Drinkers May Have Lower Stroke Risk. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, researchers estimate that for every 1.5 cups of tea a woman under 60 years of age averages
per day, her risk for stroke falls by 9%. Frontiers in Nutrition, October 2024
Exercise: Take a Daily Walk to Reduce Anxiety. Among a group of 96 college students, researchers found
that those who took a 30-minute walk at least three days a week for four weeks experienced a significant
decline in anxiety-related symptoms. Cureus, September 2024
Chiropractic: Treating Cervicogenic Headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches caused
by dysfunction in the neck. In a recent study that included 64 cervicogenic headache patients, researchers
observed that adding mobilization therapy to a treatment plan that included spinal manipulative therapy, heat
therapy, and isometric exercises resulted in greater improvements with respect to headache frequency, neck pain
intensity, and disability. Doctors of chiropractic commonly employ these and other conservative treatment
options when managing patients with cervicogenic headaches. Pain and Therapy, December 2024
Mental Attitude: 1 in 4 Adults Suspect They Have ADHD. A national survey conducted by researchers from
Ohio State University found that 25% of adults in the United States believe they have undiagnosed attentiondeficit/
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), though only half have spoken to their doctor about it.
Ohio State University, October 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Caffeine May Counteract Effects of Birth Asphyxia. In a recent animal study,
researchers from the University of California, San Francisco observed that administering caffeine—a chemical
with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties–to newborn lambs affected by birth asphyxia significantly
reduced the risk for cerebral palsy. Further research is needed to uncover if such benefits extend to humans.
Stroke, October 2024
Quote: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: A-Fib May Be More Common Than Thought. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart
rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. According to a
recent study by University of California, San Francisco researchers, the condition may affect three times more
people than current estimates—10.5 million American adults vs. 3.3 million American adults—due to factors
like the aging of the population and the increased incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, September 2024
Diet: Try Beans. Beans are a plant-based protein source that contain fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium,
zinc, phosphorus, thiamine, and antioxidants. Healthday, September 2024
Exercise: Endurance Exercise Burns Fat, Even in Absence of Weight Loss. In a recent study, researchers
observed that middle aged men who engaged in high-volume endurance exercise—such as cycling more than
700 miles a week—lost a significant percentage of their body fat and experienced improvements in several key
markers of metabolic health. However, gains in lean muscle appear to have offset much of this weight loss. The
findings highlight the importance of looking at the overall health picture and not just focusing on the scale to
determine one’s progress to a healthier lifestyle.
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, September 2024
Chiropractic: Benefits of Manual Therapies in Managing Lumbar Disk Herniation. While studies on the
effect of manual therapies for musculoskeletal conditions typically focus on outcomes related to pain, disability,
or function, a recent study that included 32 lumbar disk herniation patients noted manual therapies may also
provide benefits with respect to reduced catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and depression, and increased
quality of life. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, September 2024
Mental Attitude: Many Children Have No Friends. According to a recent poll conducted by University of
Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, about 1 in 5 parents of kids aged 6 to 12 years report their child
has few-to-no friends. University of Michigan Health, September 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Blood Test Could Identify Future Lung Trouble. Researchers have identified 32
specific blood proteins that are associated with an elevated risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and other severe lung conditions. It’s hoped such a blood test could identify individuals in the early
course of such diseases when timely treatment may reduce their risk for poor outcomes.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, September 2024
Quote: “Friends are the sunshine of life.” ~ John Hay

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: Asthma and Type 2 Diabetes May Be Linked. According to a recent study, type 2 diabetes and
asthma may share underlying causes as having one condition raises an individual’s risk for the other. More
specifically, type 2 diabetics have an 83% elevated risk for asthma and the risk for type 2 diabetes is 28%
higher among asthmatics—and the risk is even greater for those with more severe symptoms.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2024
Diet: Low Levels of Manganese May Be Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In a recent study,
University of Michigan researchers observed that manganese deficiency is associated with increased intestinal
inflammation and injury, which may contribute to and exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease. The authors of
the study speculate that decreasing dietary manganese in Western diets may be a contributing factor for the
rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease. Nature Communications, October 2024
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Several Menopause-Related Health Risks. Hormone fluctuations during
menopause have been linked to unfavorable changes in blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and fat distribution—
all of which can elevate the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A recent meta-analysis of data from
40 studies concluded that an exercise routine that combines strength and endurance training can assist in
improving these readings, mitigate the increased risk for poor health outcomes commonly observed in older
women. The Conversation, September 2024
Chiropractic: One-in-Five Children and Adolescents Have Chronic Pain. A meta-analysis of data
concerning more than 1 million kids and teens from across 70 countries revealed that approximately 20% suffer
from persistent or recurring pain lasting longer than three months, most often linked to musculoskeletal
conditions, like back pain. Pain, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Smokers More Likely to Have Poor Mental Health. Using data from the Maryland 2020
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, researchers report that smokers are prone to worse mental
health and are 63% more likely than non-smokers to rate their mental health as “not good” on fourteen or more
days per month. Tobacco Use Insights, October 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Safer Sleep for Infants. Safe Kids Worldwide notes that more than 150 young children
die each year due to unsafe sleeping practices. To reduce the risk for suffocation and sudden unexpected infant
death syndrome, experts recommend placing infants to sleep on their back on a firm sleeping surface, avoiding
soft objects or bedding. Safe Kids Worldwide, September 2024
Quote: “If you do not know how to ask the right question, you discover nothing.” ~ W. Edwards Deming

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

Health Alert: Asthma and Pregnancy. An analysis of data concerning nearly 777,000 women revealed that
asthma is associated with a 12% increased likelihood of requiring fertility treatments to conceive and up to an
8% elevated risk for miscarriage. European Respiratory Society, September 2024
Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Ultra-processed foods are food products that
include added sugars, fats, and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. According to a study that looked at
over a decade of health and diet data concerning more than 300,000 adults, for every ten percentage points that
ultra-processed foods comprise an individual’s total caloric intake, their risk for type 2 diabetes rises by 17%.
Current estimates show that roughly half of all calories consumed by the average American are from ultraprocessed
foods. The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, March 2024
Exercise: Both Moderate- and High-Intensity Exercise Benefit Parkinson’s Patients. For patients with
Parkinson’s disease, a recent study found that both moderate- and high-intensity exercise are effective for
improving motor symptoms, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fatigue levels.
Journal of Applied Physiology, March 2024
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Mimics of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. If a patient experiences pain that
radiates into the leg, there are a number of potential causes beyond a disk herniation at the L5 of S1 level.
Mimics of lumbosacral radiculopathy include piriformis syndrome, exertional compartment syndrome, and
plantar fasciitis. Healthcare providers, including doctors of chiropractic, are trained in differential diagnosis to
distinguish a particular disease or condition from others with similar symptoms using the patient’s detailed
history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Muscle & Nerve, May 2024
Mental Attitude: Falling for Financial Scams May Signal Potential Alzheimer’s Disease. In a recent study,
researchers from the University of Southern California observed that seniors who scored poorly on an
assessment that gauges their vulnerability to finance exploitation had a thinner entorhinal cortex. The entorhinal
cortex is an area of the brain crucial for memory and emotional regulation. Past research has shown this portion
of the brain thins before most other Alzheimer’s symptoms are present. Cerebral Cortex, September 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Anemia Raises Preeclampsia Risk. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication
characterized by high blood pressure that can cause serious health problems for mothers and babies if left
untreated. In a recent study that included 337 expectant mothers, researchers observed that those with anemia
had an elevated risk for preeclampsia. It’s estimated that as high as 25% of women experience anemia during
pregnancy. Nutrition and Health, October 2024
Quote: “Today is the only day. Yesterday is gone.” ~ John Wooden

I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.