Health Alert: Opioid Overdose Survivors at Greater Risk for Death in Following Year. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention reports that among a sample of 8,300 patients treated in the emergency room
for an opioid overdose, 900 died within the next twelve months, most commonly from subsequent drug
overdose. National Health Statistics Reports, May 2023
Diet: Custom Diet May Help Fight Cancer in Future. Scientists from the Spanish National Cancer Research
Center report that tailoring a diet to a patient that considers genetics, physiological characteristics, and lifestyle
factors may someday serve as a treatment to combat tumor growth. Trends in Molecular Medicine, May 2023
Exercise: Physical Activity Useful for Managing Low Back Pain in Late Pregnancy. For women
experiencing low back pain and/or sciatic pain during late pregnancy, a recent study found that engaging in
aerobic exercise for 60 minutes three times a week led to better improvements in pain, disability, and the ability
to carry out social activities. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, July 2023
Chiropractic: Mid-Back Pain? In a recent experiment that included 100 patients with mid-back pain, those
who received eight treatments that included a combination of thoracic spinal manipulative therapy and
therapeutic exercises experienced better outcomes than participants in a therapeutic exercise-only group.
Doctors of chiropractic often utilize a multimodal treatment approach when managing mid-back pain that
includes manipulative therapy and exercises. Biomed Research International, April 2023
Mental Attitude: Loneliness Reduces Survival Following Cancer Diagnosis. An analysis of data concerning
more than 3,400 cancer patients revealed that those who reported any level of loneliness were less likely to
survive the disease. The authors of the study add that loneliness can lead to negative emotions, unhealthy
behaviors, and immune system disorders that can contribute to a worse outcome for patients under cancer
treatment. American Society of Clinical Oncology, June 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Computerized Tomography Helpful for Calculating Mid-Life Heart Risk. A study
published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that using computerized tomography (CT)
scans to detect calcium deposits in the heart arteries is better for assessing mid-life heart disease risk than
analyzing an individual’s genes, which offered no predictive value.
Journal of the American Medical Association, May 2023
Quote: “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.” ~ Erik Erikson

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

Health Alert: Many People Unaware of the Suicide Hotline. The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in
the United States (US) went live in July 2022, but according to a recent survey, only 13% of American adults
are aware of it. Health officials note that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can dial 9-8-8 from any
phone in the US to connect with a mental health professional. CNN, May 2023
Diet: Heavy Drinking Increases Frailty Risk. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowness,
physical inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss that is associated with an increased
risk for poor health outcomes. A recent analysis of data from the UK Biobank study identified an association
between increased alcohol intake and reduced muscle mass, which raises the risk for frailty in old age.
Calcified Tissue International, May 2023
Exercise: Exercise Can Boost Pain Tolerance. An analysis of data concerning more than 10,000 adults found
that physically active individuals have greater pain tolerance than their sedentary peers. The findings suggest
that getting regular exercise could be a useful component in a treatment plan to manage chronic pain.
PLOS ONE, May 2023
Chiropractic: Whole-Body Vibration and Neck Pain. According to a recent study that included 805 workingage adults found that exposure to whole-body vibration for more than 50% of a workday is associated with an
increased risk for neck pain in men, but not women. The finding adds to a growing body of research linking
occupational exposure to whole-body vibration and musculoskeletal disorders, including neck pain.
Ergonomics, May 2023
Mental Attitude: Low or High BMI May Be Dementia Risk Factor for Women. An eight-year study that
monitored more than 13,000 middle-aged and older adults found that women who are either underweight or
overweight, as per their body mass index (BMI), may be two times more likely to develop dementia as their
peers who maintain a normal weight. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Microbiome Changes May Explain Increase in Colon Cancer. New research suggests
that negative changes in the gut microbiome may partially explain the rise of colon cancer cases among younger
adults. In particular, researchers point to the increased prevalence of bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum,
which can suppress immune responses and facilitate tumor growth.
American Society of Clinical Oncology, May 2023
Quote: “Testing leads to failure, and failure leads to understanding.” ~ Burt Rutan

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

Health Alert: Blood Pressure Management Saves Lives. Among a group of 9,361 middle aged and older
adults with hypertension and at least one additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease, researchers observed
that those able to bring their blood pressure under control were 27% less likely die in the following three years.
American Journal of Hypertension, June 2023
Diet: Flavanols May Have Role in Frailty Prevention. Flavanols are compounds found in fruit and vegetables
that can help prevent cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals. While protein intake is often emphasized to
help older adults maintain their muscle mass, a recent study found that increasing one’s daily flavanol intake by
10 mg can reduce the risk for frailty by 20%. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2023
Exercise: Exercise May Help Counteract Genetic Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. While some individuals may
carry genes that raise their risk for type 2 diabetes, a recent study suggests that getting regular exercise can
mitigate much of this risk. In particular, the study found that individuals who met physical activity
recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise a week had a 74% lower risk for developing
type 2 diabetes than sedentary participants, regardless of their genetics.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, June 2023
Chiropractic: Spinal Pain Is Common in Basketball Players. According to a recent systematic review and
meta-analysis, nearly half (43%) of amateur and professional basketball players note spinal pain with the neck
as the most commonly affected region of the spine. Presently, nearly all professional sports teams in the United
States have a chiropractor on staff to help manage musculoskeletal conditions in their players, including neck
pain and low back pain. Healthcare (Basel), April 2023
Mental Attitude: Too Much Coffee May Raise Risk for Mood Disorders. Using data from the UK Biobank
study, researchers report that consuming more than three servings of coffee a day may be linked to an elevated
risk for depression and anxiety disorder. Psychiatry Research, June 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Can the Bacteria and Viruses in the Gut Help You Reach 100 Years Old?
Examinations of stool samples collected from nearly 400 adults (half age 100 or older) revealed that
centenarians had a greater diversity of gut bacteria and viruses than younger participants. While it’s not
currently clear if a more diverse gut microbiome promotes longevity, past research has shown a connection
between a healthier gut and better immune function. Nature Microbiology, May 2023
Quote: “Successful people breed success.” ~ Phil Crosby

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

Health Alert: Hazardous Seaweed on Course to Florida’s Coast. Scientists report that a floating mass of
sargassum seaweed is on course for Florida’s coastline, which can release toxic gases like ammonia and
hydrogen sulfide as it decomposes. Health officials advise beachgoers to leave the area if they smell ammonia
or rotten eggs, especially those with respiratory conditions that can be exacerbated by these gases at higher
concentrations. Baylor College of Medicine, May 2023
Diet: Cruciferous Vegetables Protect the Prostate. A systematic review that included 16 studies and over 1.2
million participants found that a high intake of cruciferous vegetables—including broccoli, cauliflower,
cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, and collards—can reduce the risk for prostate cancer by up
to 13%. Urologia Internationalis, June 2023
Exercise: Exercise Important When Arthritis Strikes. While it seems counterintuitive, the most effective and
affordable treatment for managing osteoarthritis is regularly engaging in aerobic exercise, such as walking,
cycling, or swimming. UT Southwestern Medical Center, May 2023
Chiropractic: Many Chiropractic Patients May Have Already Tried Surgery. Using data from a 110-
million patient network in the United States, researchers report that 10.8% of patients who received chiropractic
spinal manipulation had at least one prior spine surgery. Cureus, April 2023
Mental Attitude: Younger Diabetics at Higher Risk for Dementia. According to a recent study, the earlier in
life an individual develops type 2 diabetes, the greater their risk for dementia diagnosis in old age. In particular,
type 2 diabetes before age 40 is associated with a 300% increased risk for dementia. Diabetologia, May 2023
Wellness/Prevention: It’s Tick Season, Beware of Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection
caused by a bite from an infected tick. Symptoms can include a rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and
weakness in the limbs. If the bacteria enters the heart, it can cause a potentially life-threatening arrythmia. To
reduce the risk for Lyme disease, health experts recommend the following: stay out of areas where ticks are
likely to be, such as wooded areas, tall grass, and places with a lot of leaf cover; use an insect repellent; when
heading to where ticks are more prominent, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt that are light in color to
make it easier for you to detect ticks on your clothes; check yourself for ticks before heading indoors; if you
find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers; and visit your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
American Heart Association, June 2023
Quote: “Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.” ~ John Boyle O’Reilly

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

Health Alert: Teen Birth Rate Hits Historic Low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the
birth rate among teenagers fell 3% last year and the teen birth rate has fallen from about 60 births per 1,000 15-
to 19-year-old females in the early 1990s to 13.5 births per 1,000 15- to 19-year-old females in 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2023
Diet: Inflammatory Diet May Elevate Risk for Headaches and Joint Pain. Using data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that consuming an inflammatory diet characterized
by a high intake of refined grains, added sugars, processed foods, alcohol, sodium, and trans fats is linked to an
elevated risk for both headaches and joint pain. Nutritional Neuroscience, May 2023
Exercise: Qigong May Help Ease Cancer-Related Fatigue. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that
involves a slow, gentle movements combined with controlled breathing and focused attention. In a recent study,
researchers found that participating in a Qigong intervention reduced fatigue, lowered stress levels, and
improved mood symptoms in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Integrative Cancer Therapies, May 2023
Chiropractic: Migraine Patients Often Have Neck Problems. Patients with a history of migraine headaches
often report pain, hypersensitivity, and reduced range of motion in the neck. Past studies have demonstrated that
treatment to address cervical musculoskeletal disorders in migraineurs can reduce the frequency, duration, and
intensity of their headaches. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Low Iron May Contribute to Mental Health Symptoms. Researchers report that iron plays
a crucial role in brain chemical production, and low iron levels have been linked to conditions such as
depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The findings suggest that individuals with mental health conditions and
those at risk of iron deficiency should consider ferritin testing and potential iron supplementation.
Current Psychiatry, May 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Women’s Health Screenings and Preventive Care. As part of a healthy lifestyle,
women are encouraged to attend the following screenings: mammograms starting at age 40 and done every
other year; Pap and HPV tests starting at age 21 and done every three years thereafter; colorectal cancer
screening starting at age 45; annual STD screening for sexually active women under age 25 and for sexually
active women over age 25 with multiple partners; and annual skin examinations. For women at increased risk
for some diseases or cancers, earlier or more frequent screening may be advised by their healthcare provider.
HealthDay, May 2023
Quote: “A fellow doesn’t last long on what he has done. He has to keep on delivering.” ~ Carl Hubbell

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