Health Alert: Lifestyle Plays a Key Role in Atrial Fibrillation Care. Atrial fibrillation is a common heart
rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. Current evidence
shows that limiting alcohol to three or fewer drinks each week reduces the likelihood of recurrent abnormal
heart rhythms, while losing 10% of body weight may help reverse disease progression.
Journal of Cardiology Cases, July 2026
Diet: Processed Red Meat Consumption Linked to Stroke Risk. A review of data concerning more than 1.29
million adults found that people with a high intake of processed red meat had a 12% higher risk of stroke.
Earlier research suggests that the high sodium content and curing preservatives found in foods such as bacon,
ham, sausage, and salami may play a role. Frontiers in Nutrition, June 2026
Exercise: Physical Activity Linked to Higher Work Engagement. Among a group of 378 university
instructors, researchers found that higher physical activity levels were associated with greater work engagement
and higher resilience and cognitive flexibility, which together were associated with greater enthusiasm and
involvement at work. Frontiers in Psychology, June 2026
Chiropractic: Hands-On Care Effective for Chronic Low Back Pain. A meta-analysis of data from 551
randomized trials found that manual therapies are an effective non-surgical treatment option for managing
chronic non-specific low back pain. Chiropractors are trained to provide a variety of manual therapy techniques,
including spinal manipulative therapy, for the management of chronic low back pain. BMJ Medicine, June 2026
Mental Attitude: Depression May Increase Loss of Independence in Older Adults. A longitudinal study
found that older adults with symptomatic arthritis and depression were nearly 50% more likely to develop
difficulty performing everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, and walking.
Frontiers in Medicine, June 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Pregnancy Heart Health and Future Disease Risk. The American Heart Association’s
Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) is a set of health-related behaviors and clinical measures—including not smoking,
getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical
activity, and having healthy blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure—that are associated with a lower
risk of cardiovascular disease. In a study of 1,225 pregnancies, researchers found that women whose lifestyles
most closely aligned with the LE8 during pregnancy were less likely to develop cardiometabolic conditions in
the 5-6 years after giving birth. JAMA Network Open, June 2026
Quote: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” ~ Satchel Paige
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: Parkinson’s Disease and Fractures Share Risk Factors? Using Global Burden of Disease data
from 204 countries and territories, researchers found that Parkinson’s disease and fractures frequently occur
together among adults aged 50 years and older. The study identified smoking, lead exposure, diets high in
processed meat, and diets high in sugar-sweetened beverages as shared risk factors that may contribute to both
conditions. Medicine, June 2026
Diet: More Americans Are Turning to Targeted Dietary Supplements. Following an analysis of data from
the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that the percentage of Americans
taking vitamins, minerals, and specialty supplements—including probiotics, collagen, turmeric, elderberry, and
ashwagandha—to support immune, gut, skin, or joint health increased from 51% in 1999–2000 to 60% in 2021–
2023. JAMA Network Open, June 2026
Exercise: Physical Activity May Help Protect Joints in People with Diabetes. Osteoarthritis is the most
common form of arthritis and is characterized by the slow breakdown of the cartilage within joints, leading to
swelling, stiffness, and pain that tends to worsen with time. A five-year study found that sedentary adults with
diabetes developed osteoarthritis more often than physically active adults (38.9% vs. 29.6%) and were also
more likely to experience joint pain (36.0% vs. 27.3%), highlighting another potential benefit of regular
physical activity. Cureus, June 2026
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Burden Continues to Increase Worldwide. New research suggests that cases of
neck pain among individuals aged 15 to 39 years increased 36.6% between 1990 and 2021 and are expected to
continue rising through 2035. Neck pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek chiropractic care.
Journal of Pain Research, June 2026
Mental Attitude: Poor Metabolic Health May Influence Dementia Risk. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of
conditions—including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal
cholesterol levels—that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. According to a recent study, metabolic
syndrome is also associated with an increased risk of dementia, with worsening metabolic health linked to a
nearly 50% higher risk of developing the neurodegenerative condition. BMC Neurology, July 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Daily Oral Care Linked to Reduced Risk of Stroke. Adding to a growing body of
research linking oral health with overall health, researchers found that individuals who brushed their teeth at
least twice daily and flossed regularly had a 23% lower risk of stroke. Journal of Dentistry, July 2026
Quote: “The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” ~ Marcel Proust

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

Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Affects Nearly 1 in 8 People. Current evidence indicates that obstructive sleep
apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting nearly one billion adults worldwide. Because the
condition is associated with an increased risk of several serious cardiovascular diseases, the authors emphasize
that early screening and appropriate management are important for protecting heart health.
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, June 2026
Diet: Vitamin D Supports Immune Function in Seniors. An analysis of data from nine randomized clinical
trials found that vitamin D supplementation reduced inflammation while boosting immune cell activity and
antioxidant status in older adults. Frontiers in Immunology, May 2026
Exercise: Exercise May Offset Some Early Death Risk of Multimorbidity. Using data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found that having multiple chronic conditions could
reduce life expectancy by 5.64 years. However, the longevity benefits associated with regular physical activity
could recover up to 2.31 of those years. Medicine, July 2026
Chiropractic: Effective Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders. Myogenic temporomandibular
disorders are disorders of the jaw muscles and surrounding tissues that can cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing,
headaches, and limited jaw movement. A recent randomized clinical trial found that patients with myogenic
temporomandibular disorders achieved greater pain relief and functional improvement when manual therapy
was added to standard splint therapy. These findings add to growing evidence that addressing neck dysfunction
may improve outcomes for some people with jaw-related disorders.
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, May 2026
Mental Attitude: More Physical Activity Was Linked to Less Self-Harm in Teens. Researchers monitoring
the daily movement patterns of 536 adolescents found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was
associated with lower non-suicidal self-injury scores, while increased sedentary time was associated with higher
scores. The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that replacing sedentary time with physical
activity offers mental health benefits. BMC Psychology, July 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Poor Oral Health Associated with Higher Heart Disease Risk. Periodontitis is a
serious form of gum disease in which chronic inflammation damages the gums and the bone supporting the
teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated. A meta-analysis of data from 30 cohort studies found
that periodontitis is associated with a 31% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. BMC Oral Health, July 2026
Quote: “Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.” ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
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: Combustion Pollution Worsens Outcomes for Diabetics with Kidney Disease. Fine
particulate matter is a mixture of microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, often produced by
combustion sources such as motor vehicles, wood burning, and fossil fuels. In a study that included nearly
13,000 participants, researchers found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution was associated with
an increased occurrence of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular death, and worsening kidney
disease among adults with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, May 2026
Diet: High-Fat Diet May Increase Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk. Thickening and fibrosis of the
subsynovial connective tissue surrounding the flexor tendons that pass through the wrist is a potential
contributor to carpal tunnel syndrome. A recent animal study found that a high-fat diet promoted thickening of
this tissue and increased the expression of genes associated with fibrosis, suggesting dietary factors may
influence tissue changes linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. Scientific Reports, July 2026
Exercise: Physical Activity Associated with Lower Academic Burnout. Academic burnout is a state of
physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged school-related stress that can affect motivation,
concentration, and academic performance. In a study of 1,529 middle-school students, higher levels of physical
activity were associated with a lower risk of academic burnout. Frontiers in Psychology, June 2026
Chiropractic: Looking Beyond the Knee May Improve Knee Arthritis Outcomes. A systematic review of
18 randomized controlled trials suggests that a multimodal treatment approach including hip strengthening, core
stabilization, manual therapy, and knee exercises can improve pain and physical function more effectively than
treatment focused on the knee alone. Cureus, June 2026
Mental Attitude: Staying Connected and Active May Boost Sense of Purpose. Researchers found that
people feel more purposeful on days they socialized face-to-face, exercised, cared for children, worked on
hobbies, or tackled household projects. A greater sense of purpose in life has been associated with better
physical health, mental well-being, and healthy aging. International Journal of Wellbeing, January 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Higher B Vitamin Intake Linked to a Lower Risk of Stroke. Using data from the
Women’s Health Initiative, researchers found that higher intake of the B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin,
pyridoxine, and folate was associated with up to a 20% lower risk of stroke over a nearly 20-year time frame.
American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, March 2026
Quote: “Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.” ~ Margaret Walker
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: Sleep Apnea May Raise the Risk of Fatal Stroke. Cerebrovascular disease is a group of
conditions that affect blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and other
forms of brain injury. A review of national mortality data found that deaths among adults diagnosed with both
obstructive sleep apnea and cerebrovascular disease increased by an average of about 9% per year between
1999 and 2020. Sleep and Breathing, July 2026
Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods Make Up Half of Most Kids’ Daily Calorie Intake. Ultra-processed foods are
industrially formulated products that typically contain added sugars, fats, and salt to enhance flavor and extend
shelf life. According to a recent review, ultra-processed foods now account for 50–60% of total daily energy
intake among children and adolescents in many high-income countries, including the United States. A high
intake of ultra-processed foods has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, early
cardiovascular risk, dental caries, and allergic diseases. Frontiers in Nutrition, June 2026
Exercise: Sedentary Activities May Raise GERD Risk. An analysis of data concerning nearly 400,000 adults
revealed that each additional hour of daily leisure-time sitting was associated with a 4% higher risk of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), suggesting that reducing sedentary time may help support digestive
health. Scientific Reports, July 2026
Chiropractic: Restoring Hip Movement May Help Relieve Chronic Low Back Pain. In a study of 36
patients undergoing treatment for chronic low back pain, researchers found that improvements in hip mobility
were associated with reductions in lower back pain. The findings highlight the close relationship between the
hips and lower back, suggesting that evaluating movement throughout the kinetic chain may help identify
factors contributing to persistent low back pain. Sensors, June 2026
Mental Attitude: Consistent Weekday Sleep May Help Reduce Anxiety in Teenagers. Among a group of
3,686 children and teens, researchers found that shorter weekday sleep duration was associated with a higher
risk of anxiety symptoms and sleeping longer on weekends did not appear to offset this increased risk.
Chronobiology International, July 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Quality Sleep May Be Most Important Lifestyle Factor for Teen Students.
Following an analysis of Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study data, researchers found that sleep
quality was more strongly linked to school performance in early adolescence than screen time, physical activity,
or adherence to the Mediterranean-style eating pattern. Psychological Medicine, July 2026
Quote: “A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.” ~ Jean de La Fontaine
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.