Health Alert: The Heart Has Its Own Nervous System. Challenging the notion that the heart is solely
governed by the autonomic nervous system, researchers from the Karolinska Institute have discovered that the
heart possesses its own internal nervous system capable of independently regulating its rhythm. These findings
could pave the way for new approaches to treating arrhythmias and other heart conditions.
Nature Communications, December 2024
Diet: Plant-Derived Compounds That Protect Brain Health. Phenolics and terpenes are compounds that
influence a plant’s color, flavor, and fragrance. According to a new study, these chemicals also possess
antioxidant properties, which may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions such as
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Food & Function, December 2024
Exercise: Physical Activity Helps the Muscles and Neurons Stay Young. Muscle biopsies from older adults
revealed that those who exercise regularly have motor neurons and muscle cells resembling those of younger
adults, compared to their sedentary peers. These findings highlight how an active lifestyle can promote healthy
aging. Aging Cell, November 2024
Chiropractic: Addressing Trigger Points Improves Low Back Treatment Outcomes. A myofascial trigger
point is a hyperirritable spot within skeletal muscle, often associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent
study involving patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, researchers found that combining spinal
manipulative therapy with trigger point treatment resulted in greater improvements in functional disability
compared to spinal manipulation alone. Chiropractors are not only highly skilled in spinal manipulative therapy
but also in various techniques to address trigger points that impact low back function.
Medicine (Baltimore), September 2024
Mental Attitude: Coping with Anxiety. For patients being treated for anxiety disorders, the Mayo Clinic
recommends positive lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, socializing, and stress
management to help manage the condition. Mayo Clinic, December 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Lung Cancer Is Unfortunately Common Worldwide. According to data from the
GLOBOCAN 2022 study, 1 in 28 people worldwide will develop lung cancer, with two-thirds of these patients
succumbing to the disease. Since a significant proportion of lung cancer cases occur in developing nations, the
overall incidence can be significantly reduced through measures such as reducing environmental pollution,
promoting smoking cessation and other healthy lifestyle practices, improving screening protocols, and
increasing access to treatment. Chinese Medical Journal, November 2024
Quote: “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” ~ Louis Pasteur

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

Health Alert: Some HRT Pills Pose Cardiovascular Risks. New research suggests that women taking
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications such as estrogen or progestin have a 21% elevated risk for
heart disease and a 61% increased risk for stroke. Additionally, postmenopausal women taking tibolone have a
46% greater risk for heart disease, and their risk for serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke is
nearly doubled. The findings suggest that a woman’s cardiovascular profile should be taken into consideration
when evaluating the use of HRT to help manage postmenopausal health. BMJ, November 2024
Diet: Meal Planning Can Reduce Processed Food Consumption. Adults who participated in weekly group
classes focused on meal planning and healthier eating reduced their consumption of ultra-processed foods by
half, lowering their calorie intake by an average of 612 calories a day.
Obesity Science & Practice, December 2024
Exercise: People Do Walk More in Walkable Neighborhoods. A walkable neighborhood is a community
designed with safe, accessible pathways and nearby amenities such as shops, parks, and schools, allowing
residents to comfortably meet daily needs on foot. An analysis of data concerning nearly 11,000 twins revealed
that residents in walkable neighborhoods may walk an additional 19 minutes a week when compared to
counterparts in less pedestrian-friendly areas. American Journal of Epidemiology, October 2024
Chiropractic: Fitness Can Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain Risk. Following an analysis of two decades of
data from the National Health Interview Survey, researchers report that engaging in at least 65 minutes of
aerobic exercise and performing resistance training two or more times a week can significantly reduce the risk
for chronic low back pain. The benefits of exercise in reducing the risk for chronic low back pain appear to peak
at 300 minutes of aerobic exercise and five strength training sessions a week. Spine Journal, December 2024
Mental Attitude: Factors That Effect How Pain Is Experienced. Current research suggests that anxiety,
stress, and inflammation can lower an individual’s pain threshold, or the point at which a stimulus like heat or
pressure becomes painful. On the other hand, relaxation techniques can increase a person’s pain threshold.
The Conversation, December 2024
Wellness/Prevention: AI May Improve Breast Cancer Screening. Researchers have developed an artificial
intelligence (AI) agent capable of identifying early malignancies that may be missed by radiologists. With
further refinement, AI-assisted mammography readings may lead to earlier breast cancer diagnoses and
treatment, leading to better patient outcomes. Trends in Cancer, December 2024
Quote: “Genius is initiative on fire.” ~ Holbrook Jackson

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