Health Alert: Six Cancers Increasingly Affecting Adults Under Age 50. New research suggests that at least six
cancers—colorectal, cervical, pancreatic, prostate, kidney, and multiple myeloma—are occurring at increasing rates
globally among people under age 50. Investigators attribute this rise to population-wide increases in obesity, proinflammatory
dietary patterns, and physical inactivity. Military Medical Research, November 2025
Diet: Fiber Supports Brain Health Too. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced when gut bacteria ferment
dietary fiber. In addition to supporting intestinal health, it can also help reduce inflammation that affects the brain
and nervous system. In a recent animal study, rats fed a fiber-free diet showed impaired activity in the amygdala—a
brain region involved in fear and emotional memory—suggesting that adequate fiber intake may play an important
role in brain health. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, February 2026
Exercise: Dance Class Benefits the Brain. Brain imaging of 53 older adults with subjective cognitive decline
revealed that taking part in a twelve-week dance class increased oxytocin levels and enhanced functional
connectivity in the default mode network—both of which are important for cognitive health.
Innovation in Aging, November 2025
Chiropractic: Scapular Dyskinesis May Contribute to Neck Pain. Among a group of 83 office workers with
chronic neck pain, researchers observed that scapular dyskinesis—abnormal positioning or movement of the
shoulder blade—was associated with greater neck disability. The findings suggest that altered shoulder mechanics
may contribute to neck pain and functional limitation. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, March 2026
Mental Attitude: Post-Seizure Brain State May Offer Critical Treatment Window. According to a recent study,
the brain enters a deep sleep state after a seizure that resembles memory consolidation, inadvertently strengthening
seizure-related neural pathways. Researchers suggest this post-seizure period may provide a critical window for
interventions—such as neuromodulation or adaptive brain stimulation—to disrupt this reinforcement and potentially
reduce the risk of future seizures. Journal of Neuroscience, February 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Several Health Conditions Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk. Vanderbilt University Medical
Center researchers analyzed health histories of more than 450,000 adults and found that individuals later diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely to have developed a range of mental health, neurologic, sleep-related,
cardiovascular, and endocrine/metabolic conditions in the preceding decade. The findings may help researchers
develop tools to identify individuals at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially enabling earlier
interventions to delay or prevent the neurodegenerative disorder.
Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, December 2025
Quote: “We tend to live up to our expectations.” ~ Earl Nightingale
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200
DRJOEMEGNA

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

Health Alert: Binge Drinking Raises Mortality Risk in Adults Over Age 50. Using data from the Canadian
Community Health Survey, researchers report that binge drinking—defined as consuming five or more drinks within
a few hours at least once per week—is associated with a 19% increased risk of death over the following decade
among middle-aged and older adults. The authors conclude, “Targeted interventions and screening campaigns are
needed to address binge drinking among older adults.” Alcohol, March 2026
Diet: Inflammatory Diet May Promote High Blood Pressure. A diet high in processed or fried foods, red or cured
meat, sweets and sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and excessive alcohol intake has been linked to increased
inflammation in the body. In an analysis of data from the Fasa Adult Cohort Study, researchers found that
individuals with a more inflammatory dietary pattern had more than double the risk of developing hypertension over
the following five years. Hypertension Research, February 2026
Exercise: Inexperienced Exercisers May Face Psychological Risks from Fitness Trackers. Nottingham Trent
University researchers warn that individuals new to fitness are more likely to become dependent on fitness tracker
metrics for validation and experience negative emotions when failing to meet exercise targets.
Internet Research, February 2026
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy May Improve the Body’s Internal Balance System. Proprioception is the body’s
ability to sense the position and movement of its parts, contributing to coordination and balance. Because
proprioceptors are concentrated in muscles, tendons, and joints, musculoskeletal injuries can disrupt their function,
potentially impairing recovery and increasing the risk of secondary injuries due to altered biomechanics. An analysis
of data from seven clinical trials found that the manipulative and mobilization therapies frequently used by
chiropractors to restore joint movement may also help improve proprioception.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, January 2026
Mental Attitude: Tinnitus Harms 1 in 5 Careers. Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in
the ears or head without an external sound source. The condition is estimated to affect up to 15% of adults, and
according to a recent study, nearly 1 in 5 tinnitus sufferers have reduced workhours or left jobs due to tinnitus’ effect
on concentration difficulties, fatigue, and communication challenges. Brain Sciences, February 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Status Linked to Bladder Cancer. An umbrella review that included eight
systematic reviews found an association between vitamin D status and bladder cancer risk. Specifically, the data
show that the risk of bladder cancer increases by 32% when vitamin D levels are deficient or insufficient, while
optimal levels are associated with a 14% lower risk. Cancer Medicine, March 2026
Quote: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” ~ Albert Einstein

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

Health Alert: Women Face Higher Heart Risk at Lower Plaque Levels. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the
hardening and narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to potentially dangerous blockages if left untreated. A recent
study found that a woman’s risk of heart attack or hospitalization for chest pain begins at a lower level of arterial
blockage (20% vs. 28% in men), suggesting that standard risk thresholds may underestimate heart disease danger in
women and support the need for sex-specific prevention guidelines.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, February 2026
Diet: Healthier Diet Linked to Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk. A large international study that included nearly
one million adults found that a diet pattern characterized by a high intake of fruit and vegetables (especially leafy
greens), legumes, dairy, coffee, and tea, and lower consumption of red and processed meats and sugary drinks is
associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2026
Exercise: One Reason Too Much Sitting Is Unhealthy. Serum osmolality is a measure of the concentration of
dissolved particles in the liquid portion of the blood, reflecting the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. Higher
serum osmolality has been associated with poorer cardiovascular outcomes. A recent study found that as sitting time
increases, so does serum osmolality—possibly due to reduced hydration, greater consumption of diuretic beverages,
delayed bathroom breaks, and elevated blood sugar levels from snacking. The findings point to one potential
mechanism by which prolonged sitting may negatively affect cardiometabolic health.
Acta Cardiology, February 2026
Chiropractic: Cycling and Low Back Pain. Among 1,521 cyclists, researchers found that 29.2% reported
experiencing low back pain within the previous year. Further analysis showed that younger riders, those with greater
body mass, and mountain bikers were at higher risk. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, December 2025
Mental Attitude: Cognitive Training Benefits Chronic Brain Injury Patients. Brain imaging conducted before
and after a 14-week computerized cognitive training program revealed significant improvements in white matter
microstructure among adults with chronic traumatic brain injury, particularly in regions associated with processing
speed, attention, and working memory. Journal of Neurotrauma, January 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Clean Indoor Air Key to Reducing Adult Asthma Attacks. New research suggests that
homes with air purifiers, proper airflow, no exposure to secondhand smoke, and fewer allergens—such as mold,
pests, or pet dander—are associated with fewer asthma attacks, better sleep, and improved daily activity among
adults with asthma. Atmosphere, February 2026
Quote: “The regrets of yesterday and the fear of tomorrow can kill you.” ~ Liza Minnelli
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200
DRJOEMEGNA

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

Health Alert: Artery Hardening Can Start in Childhood. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the hardening and
narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to potentially dangerous blockages if left untreated. Examinations of 130
pre-adolescent children revealed that excess weight is associated with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation—
key precursors to atherosclerosis. The findings add to a growing body of research on the lifelong effects that being
overweight or obese early in life can have on cardiometabolic health.
International Journal of Obesity, November 2025
Diet: Carb Quality Matters. While low-carbohydrate diets are often promoted for improving health, a study
involving nearly 200,000 adults found that carbohydrate quality also matters. Whole and minimally processed
carbohydrate sources were associated with more favorable metabolic biomarkers—including lower triglycerides,
higher HDL cholesterol, and reduced inflammation—while refined and processed carbohydrates were linked to
poorer cardiometabolic profiles. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, February 2026
Exercise: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Linked to Higher Emotional Resilience. In a study involving 40 healthy
young adults, researchers observed that participants with higher cardiorespiratory fitness experienced lower levels of
negative emotions, such as anger and anxiety, when exposed to stress-inducing images. The findings suggest that
regular physical activity may help improve emotional regulation during stressful situations.
Acta Psychologica, April 2026
Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Disorders Common in Office Workers. Questionnaires completed by 99 office
workers revealed that 80 reported musculoskeletal pain, most commonly in the neck, lower back, and shoulders.
Further analysis identified poor workstation ergonomics and higher levels of job stress as risk factors for workrelated
musculoskeletal disorders. Scientific Reports, November 2025
Mental Attitude: Lifelong Learning Protects Against Alzheimer’s. A study that included more than 1,900 older
adults revealed that those with the highest lifelong levels of intellectual engagement were not only 38% less likely to
be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but of those who did, the neurodegenerative condition developed nearly five
years later in life. Neurology, February 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Factors May Indicate Poor Metabolic Health. Among 3,551 children and teens,
researchers found that napping for more than one hour per day and snoring were each associated with an elevated
risk of metabolic syndrome. The findings suggest that sleep behaviors—particularly snoring and long daytime
naps—may serve as early indicators of metabolic risk in children and adolescents.
Sleep & Breathing, February 2026
Quote: “The test of character is having the ability to meet challenges.” ~ Walter Annenberg

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