Health Alert: Metabolic Factors May Hint at Sleep Apnea Risk. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, researchers found that individuals with central obesity and unhealthy blood lipid profiles were 27%
more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea compared with metabolically healthier participants. The authors suggest that
screening for these cardiometabolic factors during routine visits may help clinicians identify individuals at higher risk of
sleep apnea. European Journal of Medical Research, December 2025
Diet: Diet May Influence Skin Cancer Risk. While ultraviolet (UV) exposure is most commonly associated with
malignant melanoma risk, a recent narrative review found evidence that adherence to Mediterranean and Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns, higher intake of anti-inflammatory foods, and coffee
consumption are linked to a lower risk of melanoma. In contrast, Western dietary patterns and alcohol consumption may
increase skin cancer risk. Cureus, December 2025
Exercise: Lifelong Exercise Lowers Metabolic Syndrome Risk. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—
including central obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar—that occur together
and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Analysis of data from 159 participants in a long-term
cohort study revealed that lifelong exercisers were four times less likely to have metabolic syndrome at age 61 than their
sedentary peers. Importantly, inactive adults who became physically active during midlife—particularly those who
incorporated resistance training—were able to cut their risk of future metabolic syndrome roughly in half.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, November 2025
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Patients Less Likely to Experience Longterm Opioid Use. A systematic review and metaanalysis
of two randomized clinical trials and 18 cohort studies found that patients receiving chiropractic care for spinal
pain were 73% less likely to become long-term opioid users, and the likelihood of later opioid prescription was even
lower among those who initiated chiropractic treatment within 30 days of spinal pain onset. Pain Reports, December 2025
Mental Attitude: Mitochondria May Link Psychological Stress to Poor Brain and Mental Health.
Mitochondria are specialized structures within cells that generate energy by converting nutrients into ATP, the molecule
that powers most cellular processes. In a recent study, researchers observed that psychological stress can impair
mitochondrial function, disrupting energy metabolism, increasing inflammation, and altering brain signaling—changes
that have been linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and
other neurological disorders. These findings may help explain how engaging in regular physical activity can reduce
mental health symptoms. Current Directions in Psychological Science, December 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Two Factors Linked to Mortality Risk After Age 50. Among 5,400 middle-aged and older
adults, researchers found that those with abdominal obesity and low muscle mass—a combination known as sarcopenic
obesity—had an 83% higher risk of death over the following decade compared with participants who had neither
condition. The findings suggest that identifying and enrolling such individuals in targeted dietary and fitness interventions
earlier in life may help improve long-term survival. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, November 2025
Quote: “To be able to look back upon one’s past life with satisfaction is to live twice.” ~ John Dalberg-Acton

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