WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 8-25-2025

Health Alert: Type 2 Diabetics at Elevated Fall Risk. Examinations of 66 type 2 diabetics and 66 age-matched
non-diabetic adults revealed that diabetics are more likely to exhibit proprioception errors and postural instability in
the lower extremities, which can increase the risk for serious falls. The research team notes the type 2 diabetics with
poor glycemic control and/or peripheral neuropathy experienced the greatest sensorimotor deficits.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, June 2025
Diet: Lower-Sodium DASH Diet Can Help Manage High Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetics. The DASH diet
(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is an eating plan rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins,
and low-fat dairy designed to lower blood pressure and promote heart health. A recent study found that a lowsodium
version of the DASH diet to accommodate diabetes and kidney disease concerns reduced systolic blood
pressure in hypertensive type 2 diabetics by 5 mmHg—a reduction associated with meaningful decreases in stroke,
cardiovascular events, and heart failure risk. JAMA Internal Medicine, June 2025
Exercise: Tips for Safer Outdoor Workouts. While exercise outdoors has been shown to provide both physical
and mental health benefits, it’s not without risk. To more safely engage in physical activity on the streets or in more
natural settings, experts recommend gradually increasing duration and intensity, stretching, wearing proper footwear,
staying visible, paying attention, and listening to your body. Health & Wellness Journal, June 2025
Chiropractic: Trends in Modifiable Risk Factors for Low Back Pain. Over the last 30 years, the burden of low
back pain attributed to smoking has declined and has nearly been eclipsed by poor metabolic health. However,
occupational exposures continue to be a leading cause of low back pain-related disability.
Arthritis Care & Research (Hoboken), March 2025
Mental Attitude: Teen Night Owls More Likely to Be Impulsive. Among 210 teenagers, researchers found that
those who preferred late bedtimes were more likely to display impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. Since these
traits are linked to a higher risk of substance abuse, the findings suggest that encouraging healthier sleep habits in
adolescents may help reduce alcohol and drug use in this population.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, June 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Fitness Trackers May Be Less Accurate for Some Body Types. Researchers at
Northwestern University report that calorie-burn estimates are often less accurate for overweight and obese
individuals due to differences in gait and body mechanics. The good news: with a few adjustments, app and device
makers can update their algorithms to better reflect the energy expenditure of a more diverse user base.
Scientific Reports, June 2025
Quote: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” ~ Jake LaMotta

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 8-18-2025

Health Alert: Only About 1 in 5 Middle-Aged Women Have a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle. The American Heart
Association’s Life’s Essential 8 is a set of health-related behaviors and clinical measures—including not smoking,
good sleep hygiene, maintaining a healthy weight, a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and healthy levels of
blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure—that are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. An
analysis of data concerning nearly 3,000 middle-aged women revealed that only 21% routinely meet the Essential 8
criteria, suggesting there is ample opportunity to improve the cardiovascular health of women at midlife.
Menopause, July 2025
Diet: Is the Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Mood Disorders? The Mediterranean diet is an eating
pattern focused on fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats,
dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars. Questionnaires completed by 400 older adults revealed that greater
adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
Aging & Mental Health, June 2025
Exercise: Overall Fitness May Preserve Cognitive Abilities. A systematic review that included 19 studies
concluded that overall physical fitness may delay or even prevent the onset of mild-cognitive impairment. The
findings add to a growing body of research linking physical and cognitive health.
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, June 2025
Chiropractic: Lifestyle Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Teens. A comparison of 80 adolescents with low back
pain and 80 without revealed that physical inactivity, poor posture while completing homework, and prolonged
computer use are each associated with an elevated risk for low back pain.
Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, June 2025
Mental Attitude: Positive Outlook May Protect Cognitive Health. Assessments completed by more than 10,000
middle-aged and older adults revealed that greater feelings of autonomy, purpose, and life satisfaction are linked
with better memory recall over a 16-year time frame. Aging & Mental Health, June 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Middle-Age Spread at Bay. Between their 20s and 40s, the average American may
gain between 10-25 lbs. due to factors such as slowing metabolism, unchanged appetite, and declining muscle
mass—a phenomenon known as middle-age spread. To counter this trend, the National Institutes of Health
recommends the following: eat a nutrient-dense diet, avoid snacking, stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol
consumption, don’t smoke, get sufficient sleep, and stay active. National Institutes of Health, June 2025
Quote: “Being aware of your fear is smart. Overcoming it is the mark of a successful person.” ~ Seth Godin

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 8-11-2025

Health Alert: In Utero Toxin Exposure Linked to Lower Birthweight. Mycoestrogens are naturally occurring,
estrogen-like compounds produced by certain fungi that may be ingested through contaminated cereals and grains. In
a recent study, researchers observed that exposure to the mycoestrogen zearalenone among expectant mothers who
also carry a gene variant called ABCG2 Q141K resulted in an increased risk of low birthweight. The findings
highlight how genetics and environmental exposures may jointly affect fetal development.
Environmental Health Perspectives, March 2025
Diet: Low-Fiber Diet May Lead to Unstable Plaques in Arteries. An analysis of data concerning more than
24,000 adults revealed an association between low-fiber intake and an increased risk of unstable plaque in the
coronary arteries, which is linked to an elevated risk of heart attack. Cardiovascular Research, June 2025
Exercise: Everyday Biking May Promote Healthy Brain Aging. Using data from the UK Biobank study,
researchers report that adults who primarily travel by bicycle have a 19% lower risk of dementia and a 22% lower
risk of Alzheimer’s disease—with the greatest risk reduction in those with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s. The
research team hypothesizes that the combination of physical activity and balance requirements required to cycle may
stimulate the brain more than other forms of transportation like walking, driving, or using public transportation.
JAMA Network Open, June 2025
Chiropractic: Forward Head Posture Makes Balancing More Taxing on the Brain. Forward head posture is a
postural misalignment in which the head protrudes in front of the body’s center of gravity, increasing strain on the
neck and upper back muscles. Examinations of 64 adults under age 25 revealed the brain must expend more cortical
resources to maintain stability when forward head posture is present—especially during more physically demanding
balance tasks. Scientific Reports, July 2025
Mental Attitude: Sedentary Behavior Linked to Depression in Older Teens. A systematic review that included
25 studies revealed a link between more time spent engaged in sedentary behaviors and up to a 69% increased risk of
depression in late adolescents. BMC Public Health, July 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Early Pregnancy Blood Test May Predict Preeclampsia Risk. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy
complication characterized by high blood pressure that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. According
to a recent study, blood samples collected during early pregnancy may show signs of cell-free RNA that indicate an
increased risk of preeclampsia up to 18 weeks in advance. The finding may pave the way for a blood test to identify
expectant mothers at risk for the condition. Human Reproduction, June 2025
Quote: “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”
~ John Quincy Adams

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 8-4-2025

Health Alert: Women Who Work Night Shift May Be at Elevated Risk of Asthma. Using data from the UK
Biobank study, researchers report that women who routinely work nights have a 50% increased risk of asthma.
Interestingly, the risk is even greater for postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy, suggesting
the underlying cause may be hormonal in nature. The research team did not observe a link between night shifts and
asthma in men. ERJ Open Research, June 2025
Diet: Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Early Adulthood May Raise Diabetes Risk. Altered glucose homeostasis
refers to a disruption in the body’s ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels, often involving impaired insulin
production, insulin resistance, or abnormal glucose metabolism—which can set the stage for type 2 diabetes. An
analysis of data from the Meta-AIR study revealed that a high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with
altered glucose homeostasis in early adulthood. The findings are especially alarming as ultra-processed foods
account for the majority of calories in the average young adult’s diet. Research Square, July 2025
Exercise: Fitness May Protect Against Depression. An analysis of data pooled from national cohort studies in the
United States and United Kingdom revealed that depression affects about 22% of the population, and higher
cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a reduced risk for the mood disorder. BMC Medicine, July 2025
Chiropractic: Buttock Pain May Be a Symptom of Lumbar Disk Herniation. Examinations of 321 disk
herniation patients revealed that buttock pain is a common and independent symptom affecting three out of four such
individuals—particularly those with contained herniations and an intact annulus.
Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, March 2025
Mental Attitude: Frequent Nightmares May Increase Risk of Premature Death. Telomeres are protective DNA
sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, acting as a biological clock that
contributes to cellular and overall aging. A recent study found that individuals who experience recurring nightmares
show accelerated telomere shortening, likely driven by elevated cortisol levels released in response to stressinducing
dreams. This faster cellular aging is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases at younger ages and may
increase the likelihood of premature death. European Academy of Neurology, June 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Locomotive Syndrome Linked to Metabolic Syndrome. Locomotive syndrome is a
condition characterized by reduced mobility due to impaired musculoskeletal function. A study that included 4,301
middle-aged and older adults revealed that locomotive syndrome raises the risk of metabolic syndrome by up to
34%. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders may also benefit the
metabolic health of the population. Preventative Medicine, June 2025
Quote: “Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.” ~ Don Herold

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