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.