Health Alert: A Declining Sense of Smell May Signal Cardiometabolic Problems. A systematic review and
meta-analysis of 47 studies involving more than 155,000 participants found that individuals with olfactory
dysfunction—a reduced or impaired sense of smell—had 20% higher odds of diabetes, 70% higher odds of atrial
fibrillation, and 60% higher odds of heart failure. The findings suggest that changes in the sense of smell may serve
as an early indicator of underlying metabolic and cardiovascular health issues. The Laryngoscope, June 2026
Diet: Pro-Inflammatory Diet Linked to Poor Metabolic Health. According to a recent study involving 4,890
adults, an inflammatory dietary pattern—often characterized by greater consumption of processed foods and sugarsweetened
beverages and lower intake of fruits and vegetables—was associated with a 14% higher risk of
developing metabolic syndrome over the 18-year study period. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—
including central obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar—that occur
together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Clinical Nutrition, May 2026
Exercise: Isometric Exercise May Dramatically Reduce Arthritic Knee Pain. Knee osteoarthritis is among the
leading causes of chronic pain and physical disability in older adults. A study of adults aged 60 to 75 found that
isometric knee exercises—which involve contracting the muscles around the knee without moving the joint—
reduced pain by more than 90%. Bioinformation, April 2026
Chiropractic: Long Hours at a Computer May Affect the Neck and Arms. A recent study found that workers
who use a computer for four or more hours per day have a 25% higher risk of developing arm, neck, and shoulder
complaints, which can cause pain, stiffness, numbness, or discomfort that interferes with daily activities and work
performance. Work, June 2026
Mental Attitude: Digestive Symptoms Common After Concussion. Among 401 athletes with a history of
concussion, nearly two-thirds reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom following their injury, most commonly
nausea or vomiting (74.3%) and loss of appetite (56.6%). Researchers concluded that additional studies are needed
to better understand the clinical significance of digestive symptoms during concussion recovery.
Nutrients, May 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Waist Size and Blood Fats May Help Predict Stroke Risk. Waist circumference and blood
triglyceride levels are two important indicators of metabolic health, as they often reflect insulin resistance and an
increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A study involving 147,897 adults found that individuals with the least
favorable combination of these measures had a 54% higher likelihood of stroke than those with the healthiest
profiles. BMC Public Health, May 2026
Quote: “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

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

Health Alert: Metabolic Syndrome Raises Parkinson’s Disease Risk. In a study of 363,602 adults followed for
nearly a decade, metabolic syndrome was associated with a 22% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The
findings suggest that maintaining metabolic health—including a healthy weight, normal blood pressure, healthy
cholesterol levels, and good blood sugar control—may help reduce future risk for the neurodegenerative condition.
Epidemiology and Health, June 2026
Diet: Timing of Coffee Intake May Affect Cardiovascular Benefits. Adding to a growing body of research on the
benefits of coffee, a recent study involving 21,553 adults found that consuming the beverage in the morning was
associated with a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. However, late-day coffee consumption did
not confer these benefits. FASEB Journal, June 2026
Exercise: Mind-Body Exercises Helpful for Knee Osteoarthritis Management. Patients with knee osteoarthritis
often experience reduced proprioception—the body’s ability to sense joint position and movement, helping maintain
balance and coordination—due to factors such as muscle weakness, joint degeneration, and pain and inflammation
that can impair sensory input from the knee. A recent study found that land-based mind-body exercises, such as yoga
and tai chi, were effective for improving proprioception in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Sports Medicine and Health Science, July 2026
Chiropractic: Managing Cervical Spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis is an age-related degeneration of the disks
and joints in the neck that can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness radiating into the arm or hand. A recent case
report found that a multimodal approach including myofascial release, cervical sustained natural apophyseal glides,
cervical high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust manipulation, and manual cervical traction reduced symptoms within
one month; home-based neck exercises helped maintain these improvements for at least three years, and follow-up
MRI findings revealed reduced nerve root compression. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2026
Mental Attitude: Active Students Report Greater Resilience and Self-Esteem. Resilience is the ability to adapt
to, recover from, and cope effectively with stress, adversity, or life’s challenges. A survey of 1,560 university
students revealed that those who spent more time engaged in physical activity of any intensity reported greater
resilience, along with higher self-esteem and better quality of life. Healthcare, May 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Physical Function Declines Associated with Future Stroke. Using data from 482,699
participants in the UK Biobank study, researchers found that low grip strength and a slow walking pace—simple
measures of physical function that can provide insight into overall health—were associated with both a greater risk
of stroke and poorer survival after a stroke. Stroke, June 2026
Quote: “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.” ~ Erik Erikson
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200

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

Health Alert: Maternal Sleep Health May Affect Pregnancy Outcomes. A recent review found that sleep
apnea during pregnancy has been associated with fetal growth restriction, impaired neurocognitive
development, and an increased risk of preterm birth, which researchers attribute to disrupted oxygen delivery
and other physiological changes. These findings suggest that prenatal sleep disturbances may have
consequences that extend beyond birth. Journal of Clinical Medicine, May 2026
Diet: Frequent Fish Consumption Linked to Lower Stroke Risk in Men. In a decade-long study of 53,916
adults, men who consumed fish or seafood four or more days per week had a 36% lower risk of stroke than nonconsumers.
Nutrition & Metabolism, May 2026
Exercise: Lifelong Exercise Linked to Healthier Brain Aging. A systematic review of 20 longitudinal studies
found that adults who remained physically active over time tended to maintain healthier brain structure and
cognitive function than their less active peers, particularly in areas related to executive function, processing
speed, and memory. BMC Neurology, June 2026
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Recommended for Tension-Type Headaches. Tension-type headache is
the most common type of headache and is often described as a dull, pressure-like pain that can feel like a tight
band around the head. A recent clinical practice guideline reported that spinal manipulation, previously not
recommended for tension-type headaches, is now supported as part of a multimodal treatment approach that
may also include exercise, soft tissue therapy, education, relaxation, and mindfulness-based self-management
strategies. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, February 2026
Mental Attitude: Depression May Lead to Unhealthy Habits in Teens. A study that followed nearly 6,000
adolescents for three years found that depressive symptoms predicted the development of unhealthy behaviors
such as poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, smoking, alcohol use, and inadequate sleep.
However, the researchers found no evidence that unhealthy lifestyle factors increased the risk of future
depressive symptoms. BMC Medicine, June 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Knowing Weight Status May Reduce Heart Attack Risk. Using data from the UK
Biobank study, researchers found that informing patients of their weight status reduced their long-term risk of
myocardial infarction by 18% over the following 13 to 19 years, even without additional counseling or
treatment recommendations. The authors believe this personalized information may have served as a cue that
motivated healthier lifestyle choices. BMJ Open, 2026
Quote: “There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” ~ William Butler Yeats

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