Health Alert: Symptoms Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risks in Menopausal Women. According to
a recent study, the combination of migraine and vasomotor symptoms (night sweats or hot flashes, for example)
is linked to a more than 50% increased risk for either heart attack or stroke in women undergoing menopause.
Menopause Society, February 2024
Diet: Sweetened Beverages Linked to Atrial Fibrillation. An analysis of data concerning more than 200,000
adults revealed that consuming more than two liters of either sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened
beverages a week is linked to a 10-20% increased risk for atrial fibrillation diagnosis in the next decade.
Meanwhile, drinking a liter a week of pure fruit juice can cut the risk for heart arrhythmia disorder by 8%.
Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, March 2024
Exercise: Isometric Exercises for Lower Blood Pressure. Isometric exercises are performed in static
positions using the body’s weight to build strength and stability such as planks, bridges, and wall sits. New
research suggests that isometric exercises offer an excellent approach for reducing both systolic and diastolic
blood pressure. Mayo Clinic, January 2024
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Is a Worldwide Problem. In 2020, more than 203 million people worldwide
experienced at least one episode of neck pain. Due to a variety of factors, including the aging of the world
population, experts estimate that cases of neck pain will increase by 32.5% by 2050, affecting nearly 270
million people. The Lancet Rheumatology, March 2024
Mental Attitude: Relationship Between Loneliness and Back Pain in Later Life. Using data from the
English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, researchers found that older adults experiencing loneliness had a higher
risk for back pain in the following one-to-two years. Likewise, seniors with back pain were more likely to report
loneliness in the same time frame. The findings suggest that back pain and loneliness may be risk factors for
one another in older adults. Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research, December 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Ergonomic Seat Design May Help Make Mountain Biking Easier on the Back.
Researchers report that a new mountain bike seat featuring a raised rear, longitudinal dip, and subtle lateral
instability may have a positive effect on muscle activation and pelvic-spine kinematics, reducing the risk for
low back pain associated with mountain biking. Sports Biomechanics, February 2024
Quote: “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”
~ Douglas Adams

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

Health Alert: Hypertension and Stoke Risk. An analysis of data concerning nearly one million middle-aged
adults revealed that stage 1 hypertension (blood pressure 130-139/80-89 mmHG) is linked to a 1.4 times
increased risk for stroke in men and a 2.4 times elevated risk for stroke in women in the following decade. The
findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure readings during midlife.
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, March 2024
Diet: Fructose Overconsumption Can Have Lifelong Effect on Offspring’s Health. A recent animal study
found that the offspring of rats fed a high-fructose diet experienced disturbances to their autonomic nervous,
cardiovascular, and metabolic systems early in life that elevated the risk for metabolic disorders and poor
cardiovascular health in adulthood. International Journal of Obesity, November 2023
Exercise: Tai Chi Can Help Reduce Blood Pressure. Among a group of 349 pre-hypertensive adults, those
who practiced tai chi for one year experienced greater improvement in their blood pressure and were less likely
to progress to hypertension than participants in an aerobic exercise group. JAMA Network Open, February 2024
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Affects Walking Ability. Examinations of 14 older adults with chronic neck pain
and 36 seniors without neck pain revealed that when walking with head movement, chronic neck pain is
associated with a slower, more laborious, and asymmetrical gait. The authors of the study speculate this
alteration in walking ability may be the result of structural instability and proprioception impairments in the
cervical spine. Doctors of chiropractic often address chronic neck pain and its associated symptoms with a
multimodal approach that includes manual therapies and specific exercises.
Frontiers in Medicine, February 2024
Mental Attitude: Childhood Bullying Can Result in Long-Term Mental Health Issues. In a recent study
that monitored nearly 10,000 boys and girls from age 11 until 17 found that those subjected to bullying at age
11 who developed interpersonal trust issues by age 14 were 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with
significant mental health problems by age 17. Nature Mental Health Month and Year, February 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Status and Pregnancy. A systematic review that included 42 studies found
that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk for miscarriage, preterm labor,
preeclampsia, and postpartum depression and healthy vitamin D status during pregnancy is associated with a
reduced risk for gestational diabetes and low birth weight.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, March 2024
Quote: “Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few.” ~ George Berkeley

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

Health Alert: Short Sleepers at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Following an analysis of data concerning nearly
250,000 adults, researchers report that consistently sleeping only five hours a night is associated with a 16%
elevated risk for type 2 diabetes in the next decade. For individuals averaging three to four hours a night of
sleep, the risk jumps to 41%. JAMA Network Open, March 2024
Diet: What Are “Naked” Carbs? Individuals looking to make healthier food choices may be confused by the
term naked carbs. In essence, naked carbs are added sugars found in sugary drinks and pre-packaged snacks that
cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels when consumed. On the other hand, dressed carbs are those found in
whole foods accompanied by vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that are absorbed more slowly into the body
without a corresponding spike in blood sugar levels. The Conversation, March 2024
Exercise: Exercise Helps Concussion Recovery. For children and teens who sustain a mild-traumatic brain
injury, new research suggests that engaging in at least 40 minutes of total moderate-to-vigorous exercise a day
in the first two weeks post-injury can result in a greater reduction in post-concussion symptoms than less or no
exercise at all. JAMA Network Open, February 2024
Chiropractic: Excess Weight Increases Low Back Pain Risk in Youth Population. A meta-analysis that
included 34 studies concluded that obesity is a risk factor for low back pain in children and adolescents. In
particular, the research team found that obese kids and teens have a 27% elevated risk for low back pain.
International Journal of Obesity (London), January 2024
Mental Attitude: Pets Help Boost Mental Health. A survey conducted jointly by the American Psychiatric
Association and American Veterinary Medical Association found that 84% of pet owners in the United States
believe that pets positively affect their mental health. The team that interpreted the survey results believes this
may be due to several factors including stress reduction, companionship, comfort, and increased physical
activity. American Psychiatric Association & American Veterinary Medical Association, March 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Personality and Cancer Screenings. Using data from the German National Cohort
study, which included nearly 133,000 middle-aged adults, researchers found that individuals with certain
personality traits—particularly high levels of extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness—are more likely
to attend cancer screenings. The findings suggest that efforts to increase cancer screening should take
personality traits into account. Preventative Medicine Reports, March 2024
Quote: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh

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

Health Alert: Extreme Heat Affects Pregnancy & Premature Birth Risk. Following an analysis of data
concerning 1.2 million births in Sydney, Australia between 2000 and 2022, researchers report that extreme heat
during the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for premature birth. The authors
speculate that high temperatures overnight can disrupt an expectant mother’s circadian rhythms and blood
pressure, which have been linked to premature birth in past studies. JAMA Pediatrics, February 2024
Diet: Many Kids Consume Too Many Ultra-Processed Foods. A commentary published in the American
Journal of Medicine warns that a high intake of ultra-processed foods—food products include added sugars,
fats, and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life—has been linked to several poor health outcomes
including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Unfortunately, ultra-processed food
products make up a significant portion of the American diet, including 70% of the average child’s total calorie
intake. American Journal of Medicine, February 2024
Exercise: Sitting Less, Moving More Reduces Depression and Stress in College Students. Questionnaires
completed by more than 8,000 university students revealed that exchanging 30 minutes of sedentary behavior
for physical activity of any intensity can reduce depressive symptoms and stress.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise, February 2024
Chiropractic: See a Chiropractor First for Spine Pain. A systematic review that included 44 studies
concluded that patients who initially consult with a doctor of chiropractic for spinal conditions are less likely to
subsequently receive an opioid prescription or injection, undergo surgery, be hospitalized, visit the emergency
room, or be referred to a specialist—all of which results in reduced healthcare expenditures overall.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, March 2024
Mental Attitude: Grief Takes a Toll on the Body. According to a recent study, grief can manifest in the body
as low-grade inflammation, increased sensitivity to pain, and disruption to the gut microbiome—all of which
may hinder the immune system and increase the risk for illness.
University of California, Los Angeles, February 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Can Vitamin D Reduce Breast Cancer Risk? Past research has identified various
pathways by which vitamin D can inhibit breast cancer tumors, both directly and indirectly. In a recent literature
review, the authors concluded that maintaining vitamin D serum levels above 40 ng/mL is necessary to
experience vitamin D’s protective effects against breast cancer. Nutrients, February 2024
Quote: “The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress.” ~ Philip Roth

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