Health Alert: Accelerated Aging Raises Risk for Some Cancers. Using data from the UK Biobank study,
researchers found that accelerated aging—the presence of biomarkers in the blood more akin to an individual of
an older age—is associated with an elevated risk for several early-onset cancers, including the lungs (42%),
gastrointestinal system (22%), and uterus (36%). While genetics play a role in the aging process, an unhealthy
lifestyle can lead to accelerated aging. Some factors include poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive sun
exposure, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, poor sleep, and exposure to environmental pollutants.
American Association for Cancer Research, April 2024
Diet: Diet May Slow Brain Shrinkage. New research suggests that a traditional Japanese diet characterized by
a high intake of rice, fish, shellfish, miso, and seaweed may slow brain shrinkage in women, which may help
protect against age-related cognitive decline. The Conversation, April 2024
Exercise: One Way Exercise Protects the Cardiovascular System. A recent animal study found that late-life
aerobic exercise appears to prevent genomic instability in mice, particularly in cells associated with the
circulatory system. The researchers suspect this may be one pathway by which exercise reduces the risk for
cardiovascular disease. American Physiological Society, April 2024
Chiropractic: Persistent Pain Following Endometriosis Surgery? For women with persistent myofascial and
pelvic pain following surgical treatment for endometriosis, a recent study found that manual therapies—such as
those provided by doctors of chiropractic—may be an effective intervention for addressing such symptoms.
Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology, November 2023
Mental Attitude: Managing Stress During Standardized Tests. The Baylor College of Medicine offers the
following tips to help teens manage stress related to studying for and taking standardized tests: don’t skimp on
sleep, don’t skip meals, avoid junk food, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, take breaks while studying to
stretch and get fresh air, manage expectations, and limit social media use.
Baylor College of Medicine, April 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Tips for Getting Rosacea Under Control. Rosacea is a skin disease that causes the skin
to redden, become sensitive, and take on a bumpy texture, typically on the face. To help recognize and avoid
triggers for rosacea flare-ups, look for rosacea-friendly products, test skin care products before use, protect your
skin from the sun, and use gentle cleansers and moisturizers. American Academy of Dermatology, April 2024
Quote: “Be first the master of yourself.” ~ Balthasar Gracian

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

Health Alert: Risk Factors for Chronic Post-Concussion Headaches. Headaches are common in patients
recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI), with most resolving within three months. However, 1 in 4 such
individuals will continue to experience headaches for a year or longer. An analysis of data from the
Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury study identified the
following predictors for recurrent headaches in TBI patients: younger age, severe TBI symptoms, fatigue, neck
pain, and vision problems. Journal of Headache and Pain, March 2024
Diet: Probiotics In Kombucha Mimic Fasting, Reduce Fat Stores. An animal study conducted at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that microbes in kombucha tea can alter gene expression
related to fat metabolism in worms in a manner similar to intermittent fasting. Future research is needed to
determine if these benefits extend to humans. PLOS One, April 2024
Exercise: Active Lifestyle May Protect Against Pain Linked to Prolonged Sitting at a Desk. An analysis
from a long-term study that included more than 2,000 German workers found that the risk for musculoskeletal
pain in employees who spend most of their workday sitting is 30-46% greater among those who rarely, if ever,
engage in leisure time physical activity. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, March 2024
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Helps Radicular Low Back Pain Patients Avoid Opioids. Among a group of
more than 2,300 patients with new-onset radicular low back pain, those who initially sought treatment from a
doctor of chiropractic were 68% less likely to receive a subsequent prescription for tramadol, a less potent
opioid, in the following year than patients who first received usual medical care. BMJ Open, May 2024
Mental Attitude: Mood Disorders May Affect Teen Driving Privileges. According to a recent study,
adolescents with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder are 30% less likely than their peers to obtain a driver’s
license. Additionally, teenagers with mood disorders are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle collisions
and to lose their license. JAMA Network Open, April 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Blood Test Shows Promise in Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer. Due to nonspecific
symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often only diagnosed at advanced stages when a good outcome is less
likely. Researchers have developed a blood test that looks for small RNA particles and larger DNA fragments
linked to early-stage pancreatic cancer with a 97% accuracy. Once approved, it’s hoped this blood test can serve
as a non-invasive tool for early pancreatic cancer detection.
American Association for Cancer Research, April 2024
Quote: “Losing an illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth.” ~ Ludwig Borne

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

Health Alert: Cardiac Comorbidities Can Worsen Knee Replacement Outcomes. Among a sample of more
than 380,000 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA), researchers observed that those with preexisting
cardiac comorbidities (such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular dysfunction,
and arrhythmia) have an elevated risk for adverse outcomes including a longer hospital stay, heart attack, acute
kidney injury, transfusion, thromboembolic events, and infection. The authors conclude, “As our use of TKA
rises, a lower threshold for preoperative cardiology referral in older individuals and early preoperative
counseling/intervention in those with known cardiac disease may be necessary to reduce adverse outcomes.”
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery, April 2024
Diet: Vitamin C May Benefit Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory
disorder that usually affects the small joints in the hands and feet. A recent animal study found that a vitamin C
supplement given to mice with rheumatoid arthritis stimulated changes in the gut microbiota that led to a
reduction in several inflammatory biomarkers. The findings suggest that vitamin C has a role in the
management of rheumatoid arthritis. Bioscience Trends, April 2024
Exercise: Just an Extra 1,500 Steps a Day… For patients at elevated risk for heart disease, a recent study
found that increasing one’s daily step count by 1,500 steps can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease-related
death by 10%. Circulation, April 2024
Chiropractic: Treating Frozen Shoulder. Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is described as
a painful restriction of the shoulder’s range of motion. Among a group of 20 adhesive capsulitis patients, those
who received a multimodal treatment plan that included specific exercises, heat therapy, and manual
therapies—an approach that patients may encounter in a chiropractic setting—reported significant
improvements with respect to pain, function, and range of motion. Cureus, January 2024
Mental Attitude: Spending Time in Nature Benefits Kids’ Mental Health. Researchers from the Frank
Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina report that the more green space
(parks, trails, and other nature settings) within .75 miles of a young child’s home, the less likely they’ll
experience symptoms of a mood disorder by age five. JAMA Network Open, April 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Even Small Vision Issues Lead to Worse Grades. To underscore the importance of
regular eye exams, a recent study found that children with nearsighted vision that remains uncorrected receive
lower grades than their peers who wear glasses or do not have vision problems. BMC Pediatrics, March 2024
Quote: “Everybody’s gotta learn, nobody’s born knowing.” ~ Harper Lee

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

Health Alert: Gene Discovery May Offer New Avenue to Combat Alzheimer’s. In a recent study that
included individuals at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers observed that those who did not
develop the neurodegenerative condition carried a gene variant that helps the brain more efficiently remove the
beta amyloid plaques from the brain that are a hallmark of the disease. If scientists are able to develop a therapy
that mimics the gene’s effect in the brain, it’s hoped that Alzheimer’s cases may be reduced by up to 70%.
Columbia University, April 2024
Diet: Intermittent Fasting Benefits Intestinal Health. Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that alternates
between periods of eating and fasting, typically within a structured time frame each day or week. A recent
animal study found that intermittent fasting is associated with reduced inflammation and improved glucose
control in the small intestine, which suggests this dietary practice may improve intestinal health.
American Physiology Summit, April 2024
Exercise: Sedentary Behaviors Raises COPD Risk. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a
chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. An
analysis of data from several long-term studies found that for every 2.8 hours an individual averages per day
watching television, their risk for COPD doubles. BMJ Open Respiratory Research, April 2024
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy’s Impact on Ankle Dorsiflexion. For individuals with reduced ankle
dorsiflexion following a lower limb injury, a recent study found that ankle joint mobilization and calf muscle
massage are effective interventions for improving ankle range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in
the use of these and other therapies in the management of musculoskeletal disorders of the extremities,
including the ankle and foot. Journal of Bodyworks and Movement Therapies, January 2024
Mental Attitude: Long Commute and Musculoskeletal Pain Linked to Burnout. Questionnaire completed
by 1,615 healthcare professionals revealed that the combination of a commute lasting longer than 50 minutes
and either neck and shoulder pain or ankle pain alone are linked to an elevated risk for burnout.
BMC Health Services Research, April 2024
Wellness/Prevention: New Urine Test May Streamline Bladder Cancer Follow-Up. Researchers have
developed a new urine test that can look for genetic markers of bladder cancer, which may reduce the need for
follow-up cystoscopies in bladder cancer survivors while also detecting cancer recurrence for earlier treatment.
European Association of Urology, April 2024
Quote: “The only failure is not to try.” ~ George Clooney

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