WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 5-6-2024

Health Alert: Oral Bacteria Linked to Accelerated Colon Tumor Growth. Researchers from the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Center report that when swallowed, a subtype of the common oral bacteria Fusobacterium
nucleatum, called Fna C2, can accelerate tumor growth in the colon and may contribute to up to 50% of colon cancer
cases. It’s hoped this discovery will help scientists craft more effective treatments for colon cancer.
Nature, March 2024
Diet: Unhealthy Diet Before Surgery May Impair Memory. Ohio State University researchers report that rats fed
a diet high in unhealthy fats in the time leading up to surgical procedure experienced increased inflammation in the
brain that hindered their memory during recovery. On the other hand, rats given a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids
did not experience any post-surgical cognitive impairment. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, February 2024
Exercise: Exercise Boosts Beneficial Hormone in Breast Milk. Adiponectin is a metabolic hormone that helps
regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. In a recent study, researchers observed that new mothers who
engaged in vigorous exercise experienced an increase in adiponectin in their breast milk that can benefit the
metabolism of their offspring, potentially reducing the risk for childhood obesity.
Frontiers in Nutrition, December 2023
Chiropractic: Two Manual Therapies That May Benefit Patients with Knee Pain. When trigger points affect the
function of the gluteus medius muscle, it can lead to altered gait, reduced hip stability, misalignment of the patella,
and increased force on the knee, all of which can contribute to patellofemoral pain syndrome. A recent study found
that for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome associated with gluteus medius trigger points, positional release
technique and myofascial release technique–two manual therapies that may be provided by doctors of chiropractic—
are effective treatments for improving pain, function, strength, pressure pain threshold, and quality of life when
combined with exercise therapy. Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, February 2024
Mental Attitude: Social Life During Middle Age Can Protect Against Dementia. Using data from the
Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, researchers report that strong social relationships during midlife are
associated with a reduced risk for dementia over the following three decades. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, April 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Self-Help Techniques for Acute Insomnia. Researchers at Northumbria University report
that the following self-help techniques may benefit individuals with new-onset insomnia: keep the bedroom cool,
dark, and quiet; maintain a sleep diary to track when you go to bed and wake, as well as if you get up in the middle
of the night and how long before you fall back asleep; only use the bedroom for sleep; establish a wind-down routine
in the hour before bedtime; and try word games or visualizations to help you fall asleep. SLEEP, March 2024
Quote: “If you avoid failure, you also avoid success.” ~ Robert Kiyosaki

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