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.