WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 10-21-2024

Health Alert: Opioid Misuse Common Among Chronic Pain Patients. A literature review that included 148 studies published between 1985 and 2021 found that nearly 10% of chronic pain patients prescribed opioids end up addicted, with almost 30% exhibiting symptoms of drug dependence. The findings contradict earlier claims that opioids carried a low risk for addiction. Addiction, August 2024 Diet: Fruit and Vegetable Intake May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. Dietary questionnaires completed by 395 women with breast cancer and 395 with no history of breast cancer revealed a higher intake of leafy green vegetables is associated with up to a 45% reduced risk for breast cancer. Nutrition Research, August 2024 Exercise: If a Child Wants to Weight Train… Despite myths that lifting weights can stunt a child’s growth, current literature suggests properly supervised resistance training does not harm growth plates or cause growth stunting. If a child shows interest in lifting weights, experts recommend starting with light weights and simple exercises, focusing on proper technique to reduce the risk of injury and avoid developing bad habits. The Conversation, August 2024 Chiropractic: Neck Pain is Common in Military Personnel. A systematic review that included 16 studies found that neck pain is extremely common among members of the armed services with more than 80% experiencing an episode each year. Further analysis revealed the following risk factors for neck pain in military personnel: poor neck mobility, shoulder pain, low back pain, piloting or crewing aircraft, and wearing heavy helmets or other gear on the head. EFORT Open Reviews, August 2024 Mental Attitude: Persistent Sadness Down Among American Girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the percentage of teen girls in the United States reporting persistent sadness fell to 53% in 2023, down from 57% in 2021. Despite this improvement, mental health challenges remain significant among this vulnerable population. Youth Risk Behavior Survey, August 2024 Wellness/Prevention: Living in a Sunny Area Is Good for Overall Health. Even when accounting for the risk of skin cancer, University of Edinburgh researchers report that individuals living in areas with greater exposure to ultraviolet light have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Health & Place, September 2024 Quote: “Form follows function.” ~ Louis Sullivan

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