WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-27-2023

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

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-20-2023

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

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-13-2023

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

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-6-2023

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

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