Health Alert: Nearly Half of Rural Patients Must Drive an Hour for Surgery. According to a recent study, 44% of rural patients must drive longer than one hour to reach a surgical center, up from 37% just a decade ago. Longer travel times increase the risk for delaying procedures, which may lead to worsening health and increased mortality risks. Annals of Surgery, February 2025 Diet: Could Yogurt Lower the Risk for Aggressive Colon Cancer? A new study suggests that regular yogurt consumption may help reduce the risk of developing certain aggressive colon cancers. Researchers found that people who ate at least two servings of yogurt per week had a 20% lower risk of developing tumors on the right side of the colon, a location associated with more lethal cancers. Gut Microbes, February 2025 Exercise: Childhood Activity May Influence Later Mental Health Risks. A recent study identified an association between higher levels of physical activity during childhood and both a greater resilience to stress and a lower risk for mental health challenges during adolescence. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle early in life may set the stage for poor mental health later on. JAMA Network Open, February 2025 Chiropractic: History of Low Back Pain Can Affect a Batter’s Swing. Examinations of 25 collegiate baseball players revealed that those with a history of low back pain exhibited altered pelvic and trunk movement patterns during their swing, reducing their ability to transfer rotational energy from the lower body to the upper extremities. This may not only negatively affect performance, but it may also increase their risk of future musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, March 2025 Mental Attitude: Bilingualism May Benefit Children with Autism. In a recent study, researchers observed that children with autism spectrum disorder who speak more than one language exhibit stronger executive functioning skills, such as impulse control and perspective-taking, than their monolingual autistic peers. The research team suspect bilingualism may promote cognitive flexibility and interventions to promote learning a second language may help children with the neurodevelopmental disorder better integrate into the world at large. Autism Research, November 2024 Wellness/Prevention: Gradual Exposure May Help Overcome Peanut Allergies. New research suggests that up to 70% of children with high-threshold peanut allergies—those who can tolerate at least half a peanut—may develop lasting tolerance through gradually increased doses of peanut butter consumed over an 18-month time frame under medical supervision, starting with an eighth of a teaspoon a day. NEJM Evidence, February 2025 Quote: “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” ~ Joyce Meyer

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

Health Alert: Most People with Mental Health Issues Don’t Know It. New research suggests that only 6.9% of individuals with mental health or substance-use disorders worldwide receive effective treatment. Interestingly, nearly half of those who remain untreated are unaware they suffer from a condition that can be addressed by a healthcare provider. Of those who understand they need care, only a third seek it out and most of these individuals receive what would be considered minimal adequate treatment. The findings highlight a global need for interventions both to improve mental health awareness and to provide access to quality care. JAMA Psychiatry, February 2025 Diet: Familiar Flavors and Food Texture May Help Older Adults Eat Better. Seniors in assisted living facilities who do not prepare their own meals may be at risk of malnutrition if they do not eat the food provided. A recent study found that incorporating familiar flavors and diverse textures into meals may increase the likelihood that elderly adults finish their meals. Journal of Food Science, January 2025 Exercise: Customized Fitness Program Helps Children with Autism Stay Active. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that children with autism spectrum disorder who are allowed to choose physical activities that interest them—such as riding a bike or playing tennis—are more likely to remain engaged, which can help to improve their physical strength, coordination, and self-confidence. Murdoch University, February 2025 Chiropractic: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome May Affect Nerve Function Preceding the Wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is long associated with symptoms in the hands and fingers due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. In a recent study that included 120 adults, 80 with diagnosed CTS, researchers observed 27.45% of CTS patients also experience impaired nerve function extending from the wrist toward the elbow, which may be a sign of a more severe case that may require a more comprehensive treatment approach. Annals of Neurosciences, January 2025 Mental Attitude: Playful Approach to Life Pays Off. Surveys completed by 503 adults revealed that those who adopt a playful attitude toward life are better able to cope with stress and are more likely to take a creative approach to solving problems and addressing challenges. Frontiers in Psychology, February 2025 Wellness/Prevention: Daily Check-Ins May Improve Quality of Life in Cancer Patients. A recent study found that oncology patients who checked in daily with their care teams to report symptoms such as pain or mobility issues were less likely to visit the emergency room and maintained a higher level of well-being during treatment. Nature Medicine, February 2025 Quote: “I never worry about the problem. I worry about the solution.” ~ Shaquille O’Neal

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

Health Alert: Poor Metabolic Health and Drinking Are a Bad Combo for Liver Health. While heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk for liver disease, a new study found that if an individual also has poor metabolic health—central obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc.—then their risk for liver scarring or damage more than doubles. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, February 2025 Diet: Zinc May Reduce Heart Disease Risk in Diabetics. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that a higher intake of dietary zinc—a mineral known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood glucose regulating properties—is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death among type 2 diabetics. Thrombosis Journal, March 2025 Exercise: 2,000 Steps a Day May Be Key for Stroke Rehab. New research suggests that incorporating walking at increased distances toward a goal of 2,000 steps a day can significantly improve outcomes for patients recovering from stroke, particularly with respect to mobility, gait speed, balance, and quality of life. American Stroke Association, February 2025 Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic Care for Tension-Type Headache First. 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 study that compared outcomes of 6,232 tension-type headache patients revealed that those initially treated with spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by chiropractors—were half as likely to eventually be prescribed butalbital, a medication prescribed when firstline treatments fail. Health Science Reports, December 2024 Mental Attitude: Depression Can Hasten Chronic Illness Onset. An analysis of data concerning more than 172,500 adults revealed that those with a history of depression developed chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes up to 30% earlier than their peers without a history of mood disorders. PLOS Medicine, February 2025 Wellness/Prevention: Frailty Is Not Inevitable. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowed movement, physical inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss, all of which are associated with increased health risks. While gradual declines in physical and mental function are part of the aging process, frailty is not. To reduce the risk of becoming frail, older adults are encouraged to get regular exercise, reduce sedentary time, eat a healthy diet, stay socially engaged, and manage chronic health problems as instructed by their healthcare provider. The Conversation, February 2025 Quote: “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” ~ Albert Einstein

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

of anabolic androgenic steroid use, researchers observed that steroid users had a nearly three-fold increased risk
for acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft, venous
thromboembolism, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure over a ten-year period.
Circulation, February 2025
Diet: Fiber-Rich Foods May Provide Anti-Cancer Benefits. Researchers from Stanford Medicine report that
propionate and butyrate—short-chain fatty acids that are a byproduct of fiber digestion by gut bacteria—
enhance the expression of certain genes that suppress the growth of tumors. The findings highlight the
importance of consuming a fiber-rich diet. Nature Metabolism, January 2025
Exercise: Does Exercise Ease Knee Pain? Patients with knee osteoarthritis are commonly instructed to
exercise to help manage the condition; however, a recent study that looked at 139 clinical trials found that
improvements in pain, function, and quality of life from physical activity alone often fall short of clinical
relevance. The findings suggest that while exercise may have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the
knee, it may need to be combined with other therapies for the patient to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, December 2024
Chiropractic: A Third of New Low Back Pain Cases Will Likely Become Chronic. According to a recent
study, nearly a third (32.2%) of patients who develop acute low back pain will progress to chronic low back
pain and 80.6% of these individuals will continue to report low back pain half a year later. Further analysis
found that the risk for chronic low back pain progression is greatest in patients with high-pain intensity, as well
as those with a history of frequent acute low back pain episodes. Journal of Pain, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Social Activities that Involve Movement May Be Best for Mental Health. A recent study
found that for older adults, engaging in social activities that stimulate the mind and body are more effective at
protecting mental health than social activities without an active component.
Frontiers in Public Health, January 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Lifestyle Changes to Help Avoid Diabetes. For individuals at high risk for type 2
diabetes, making lifestyle changes that include a healthier diet, regular exercise, stress management, reducing
sedentary time, can significantly reduce the risk for developing the metabolic disorder.
Diabetes Care, January 2025
Quote: “Too much of anything isn’t good for anyone.” ~ Ray Bradbury

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

Health Alert: Ketamine Use on the Rise. Ketamine is a medication with analgesic, sedative, and antidepressant
properties that’s used for anesthesia, pain management, and psychiatric treatment. Unfortunately, this drug is also
used recreationally at an increasing rate, up 40% in the United States between 2021 and 2022 alone, often by young
adults in conjunction with other illicit drugs such as MDMA and cocaine. Experts warn that ketamine abuse can
result in dissociation, hallucinations, memory impairment, cognitive decline, mood disorders, bladder and kidney
damage, cardiovascular complications, respiratory depression, gastrointestinal issues, neurological effects, risky
behaviors, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. Journal of Affective Disorders, January 2025
Diet: Elderberry Juice Enhances Metabolic Health. New research suggests that drinking twelve ounces of
elderberry juice a day can result in improved gut microbiota health, enhanced blood glucose management, and
increased fat oxidation during meals and exercise within just a week. The authors of the study hypothesize these
benefits may be attributed to the high content of anthocyanin in elderberries, a compound with known antiinflammatory
and metabolic health properties. Nutrients, October 2024
Exercise: Exercise to Lower Blood Pressure. The Cleveland Clinic notes that exercise strengthens the heart and
promotes weight loss, both of which can improve blood pressure. To improve cardiovascular health, including blood
pressure, experts recommend engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, such as
brisk walking, swimming, or dancing. Cleveland Clinic, January 2025
Chiropractic: Mid-Back Adjustment May Benefit Patients with Shoulder Pain. Subacromial impingement
syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or irritated as they pass through the subacromial
space, which can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. A recent literature review
found that including thoracic spinal manipulation—a manual therapy provided by chiropractors—in a multimodal
treatment plan for subacromial impingement syndrome results in more significant improvements in shoulder pain,
disability, and range of motion. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, January 2025
Mental Attitude: Active Lifestyle Protects Against Dementia Progression. Among a group of 356 patients with
mild-cognitive impairment, researchers observed that those with a more active lifestyle were less likely to progress
to dementia over the following three years. European Journal of Neurology, February 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Dual Approach Significantly Increases Chance to Quit Smoking. According to a study
that included 630 smokers over age 50, combining nicotine replacement therapy with counseling from a smoking
cessation specialist nearly doubles the chance an individual will be smoke-free after three months when compared
with smokers trying a single approach. JAMA Internal Medicine, January 2025
Quote: “Failure is a part of success.” ~ Henry Aaron

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

Health Alert: Tips for Safe Sauna Use for Seniors. Before using a sauna, experts recommend that older
adults consult their healthcare provider, as certain health conditions and medications can increase sensitivity to
heat and raise the risk of heat stroke. It’s also important to stay properly hydrated and avoid prolonged use
(more than 15 minutes) or extreme temperatures. BMJ Case Reports, January 2025
Diet: An Easier Approach for Long-Term Weight Loss? Dietary changes that involve drastic calorie
reduction can result in hormonal adaptations that can make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off. To give
yourself a better chance, experts recommend reducing daily calorie intake by just 100-200 calories, which can
lead to gradual and sustainable weight loss. The Conversation, January 2025
Exercise: Exercisers Are Less Likely to Die from Cancer. According to a study that looked at the outcomes
of more than 28,000 stage 1 cancer patients, a history of regular physical activity, even just an hour a week, can
reduce the risk of progression by 16% and death from cancer by 33%, while engaging in higher levels of
exercise can reduce the risk for progression and cancer mortality by 27% and 47%, respectively.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, January 2025
Chiropractic: Insufficient Sleep Linked to Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Using data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that short sleepers (less than seven hours a night)
have a 61.1% increased risk for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne), September 2024
Mental Attitude: Peer Pressure Influences Older Adult Alcohol Consumption. Following an analysis of
data from the Framingham Heart Study, researchers have found that older adults’ alcohol consumption mirrors
the drinking habits of their social connections over time. The findings suggest that seniors looking to reduce
their alcohol intake could benefit from spending more time with friends who don’t drink alcohol.
Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, January 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Breathing Training Help Intensive Care Patients Recover. Intensive care unitacquired
weakness syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by widespread muscle weakness and
functional impairment that develops in critically ill patients due to prolonged immobilization, systemic
inflammation, and critical illness-related neuropathy or myopathy. A recent study found that adding inspiratory
muscle training to traditional physical therapy led to better functional outcomes for patients with intensive care
unit-acquired weakness syndrome. Irish Journal of Medical Science, February 2025
Quote: “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ~ James A. Michener
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200
DRJOEMEGNA

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

Health Alert: Air Travel Noise May Affect the Heart. According to a recent study that looked at the
cardiovascular health of residents throughout the United Kingdom, those living near airports were more likely
to have thicker and stiffer heart muscles, which can quadruple the risk for heart attack, stroke, and irregular
heart rhythms. The authors believe the primary driver of increased cardiovascular risks for individuals living
near airports is prolonged exposure to noise from aircraft as they take off, land, and pass overhead.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, January 2025
Diet: Best Time to Intermittent Fast for Weight Loss? Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that alternates
between periods of eating and fasting, typically within a structured time frame each day or week. A recent study
found that not eating between 9am and 5pm led to greater reductions in total weight loss, fat loss around the
mid-section, and glucose regulation than other eight-hour fasting windows. Nature Medicine, January 2025
Exercise: Teens Who Move More Have Better Body Composition. An assessment of 309 adolescents found
that higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week were associated with a lower body mass
index, reduced central obesity, and less visceral fat—factors that contribute to a healthier adulthood.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, February 2025
Chiropractic: Lower Limb Malalignment Linked to Low Back Pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis
that included thirteen studies concluded that lower extremity misalignments such as foot pronation, hip internal
rotation, and knee internal rotation are associated with an elevated risk for low back pain. Doctors of
chiropractic often assess the alignment of the lower extremities when examining a patient with low back pain as
addressing these issues may be necessary to effectively reduce the patient’s low back pain and disability.
PLoS One, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Volunteer Work Can Reduce Depression Risk in Seniors. New research suggests that
older adults who regularly engage in volunteer activities are 43% less likely to report depression, especially
those who are newly retired and experiencing difficulties adjusting to their new lifestyle.
Journal of American Geriatrics Society, January 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Loneliness and Social Isolation Can Lead to Poor Health. An analysis of blood
samples collected from more than 42,000 adults revealed an association between social isolation/loneliness and
proteins that have been linked to stress regulation, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and
cancer progression. Nature Human Behavior, January 2025
Quote: “Life is something that happens to you while you’re making other plans.” ~ Margaret Millar

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

Health Alert: Significant Decrease in Rate of Heart Attack Deaths Among Cancer Patients. While acute
myocardial infarction remains a concern for adult cancer patients, new research indicates that the risk of heart
attack-related death for patients with cancer fell roughly three-fold from 1999 to 2020. The authors of the study
credit the drop to improvements in diagnostics and treatment, as well as increased coordination of care between
oncologists and cardiologists.
International Journal of Cardiology. Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention, January 2025
Diet: Food Choices Affect Gut Bacteria Composition. Examinations of samples collected from 21,561
individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy revealed that the foods you eat influence the
types of bacteria that inhabit your gut microbiome. For instance, individuals with a diet rich in fruit and
vegetables are more likely to have gut bacteria involved in fiber fermentation, which can provide antiinflammatory
effects. On the other hand, a high intake of red and processed meat may cater to bacteria linked to
an increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Nature Microbiology, January 2025
Exercise: Pilates Is Okay During Pregnancy. A systematic review that included 25 studies concluded that
Pilates is a safe form of physical activity that can be performed during all three trimesters, unless
contraindicated. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2024
Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First! An analysis of data concerning 372,471 sciatica patients revealed that
those who initially received spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of
chiropractic—were three times less likely to be prescribed an opioid in the following year than individuals who
first consulted with a medical physician. PLoS One, January 2025
Mental Attitude: Brain Activity Changes with Age. A recent animal study found that as mice age, some
regions of the brain associated with learning and memory exhibit reduced function; however, the research team
observed increased activity in areas of the brain linked to immune and inflammatory functions.
Nature, January 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Nasal Swab Can Help Diagnose Asthma Type. Asthma is a complex disease with a
variety of subtypes that may require different treatment approaches. Currently, accurate diagnosis requires
invasive procedures such as collecting lung tissue samples. Now, researchers have developed a nasal swab test
that looks for specific immune cells that are associated with different asthma subtypes, which can speed
diagnosis and lead to more targeted treatments. Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2025
Quote: “Common sense is very uncommon.” ~ Horace Greeley

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

Health Alert: Lung Cancer Expected to Nearly Double by 2050. Globally, lung cancer is the most common
cancer diagnosis and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite efforts to promote smoking cessation
and reduce air pollution, experts predict the number of new lung cancer cases diagnosed in 2050 will jump to
4.62 million from 2.48 million in 2022. Additionally, annual deaths from lung cancer are expected to reach 3.55
million in 2050, up from 1.8 million in recent years. Cancer Epidemiology, December 2024
Diet: Drink Plenty of Water. A meta-analysis of data from 18 clinical trials found that drinking at least eight
cups of water a day can help prevent kidney stones, aid in weight loss, ease headaches, lower the risk for
migraines and urinary tract infections, and help maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure readings.
JAMA Network Open, November 2024
Exercise: Handgrip Strength as a Tool for Predicting Fitness. Handgrip strength is a tool used by
researchers to estimate an individual’s overall fitness level. Following an analysis of data concerning 2.4
million adults from 69 countries, researchers report that low hand grip strength is associated with an elevated
risk of early death, cardiovascular disease, and physical disability. The findings confirm that handgrip strength
is a useful tool for assessing physical fitness. Journal of Sport and Health Science, December 2024
Chiropractic: Obesity Can Prolong Low Back Pain. Not only does carrying excess weight increase the risk
of low back pain, but a recent study also found that being overweight or obese can raise the likelihood of it
becoming chronic and recurring in the future. BMC Public Health, September 2024
Mental Attitude: Managing Seasonal Depression. Seasonal depression is a recurring mood disorder
characterized by feelings of sadness and low energy that occur during specific seasons, typically in the fall and
winter, due to reduced sunlight exposure. Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and
difficulty concentrating. Managing seasonal depression may take a multi-factorial approach including cognitive
behavioral therapy, light therapy, vitamin D supplements, spending time outdoors, social engagement, exercise,
healthier dietary choices, and in some cases, medication. Dallas Morning News, December 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Pregnancy Diet Boosts a Child’s Emotional Regulation. According to a
recent study, children born to women who ate a healthy diet and exercised during pregnancy had fewer
behavioral problems and exhibited better self-control and attentional focus than their peers.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2024
Quote: “You don’t always win your battles, but it’s good to know you fought.” ~ John Greenleaf Whittier
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200
DRJOEMEGNA

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

Health Alert: Secondhand Smoke May Raise Multiple Sclerosis Risk. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of
the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord resulting in symptoms
such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness, and paralysis. Brain
imaging of children who carry genes linked to MS revealed that exposure to secondhand smoke in the home is
associated with reduced brain volume and gray matter, which may exacerbate inflammation and immune
dysfunction, increasing the risk for developing MS in adulthood.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, December 2024
Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods Could Elevate Risk for Osteoarthritis. Ultra-processed foods are food products
that include added sugars, fats, and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. In a recent study, researchers
reviewed dietary data and magnetic resonance imaging of 666 individuals and identified an association between
higher ultra-processed food intake and fat infiltration into the thigh muscles, which may raise the risk for
osteoarthritis of the knee. Radiological Society of North America, December 2024
Exercise: Exercise Can Enhance Brain Function for 24 Hours. In a recent experiment involving middleaged
and older adults, researchers observed that a single bout of exercise can improve performance on cognitive
assessments the following day, especially if participants followed physical activity with a good night’s sleep.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, December 2024
Chiropractic: Sedentary Time and Chronic Back Pain. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers
observed that sitting for six or more hours a day can increase the risk for developing chronic back pain by 33%.
On the other hand, limiting sedentary activities to two hours a day may reduce the risk for chronic back pain by
up to 29%. BMC Public Health, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Limiting Screen Time Could Help Kids Better Manage Emotion and Attention. New
research suggests that the more time a child aged 3 to 6 years spends interacting with screens, the less likely
they’ll get sufficient quality sleep at night, increasing their risk for emotion- and attention-related issues.
Early Child Development and Care, December 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Phone-Based Coaching Helps Young Adults Quit Vaping. A recent study found that a
vaping cessation program that included phone-based coaching helped nearly half of young adults aged 18 to 24
years quit using electronic cigarettes, even though this demographic would seem less inclined to talk on the
phone. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, December 2024
Quote: “Creativity takes courage.” ~ Henri Matisse

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