WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-4-2024

Health Alert: Obesity Raises Infection Risk. New research suggests that for every 5-point increase in body
mass index (BMI), an individual’s risk for severe viral or bacterial infection rises by at least 30%.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2024
Diet: Eating Unhealthy Food Is Bad for the Cardiovascular System. The Nutri-Score system requires food
manufacturers in several European countries to include a score on the front of the package to better inform
consumers about the healthiness of the product. An analysis of data concerning more than 345,000 adults
revealed a high intake of foods ranked low on the Nutri-Score scale is associated with an elevated risk for poor
cardiovascular outcomes like heart attack and stroke. The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, September 2024
Exercise: Isometric Vs. Isotonic Core Stabilization Exercise for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.
Core stabilization exercises are often recommended as part of a multimodal treatment plan for chronic low back
pain; however, it’s unclear whether isometric exercises (muscle contractions without movement, such as planks)
or isotonic exercises (muscle contractions with movement, such as performing sit-ups) offer superior results. A
recent study that included 41 patients under treatment for chronic low back pain revealed both types of exercise
are effective for reducing pain and disability. Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, February 2024
Chiropractic: Back Pain Has Less Impact on People Who Exercise. Among a group of 991 low back pain
patients, researchers observed that those who engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical
activity a week—in line with current fitness guidelines—had less intense pain and a lower risk for activity
limitations. European Spine Journal, May 2024
Mental Attitude: Isolation May Rapidly Age Teen’s Brains. Cortical thinning commonly occurs with age,
but researchers have observed thinning can accelerate in periods of social isolation, potentially due to a
reduction in social interactions. Examinations of brain imaging of adolescent brains following pandemic
lockdowns revealed aging in teen brains sped up by 1.4 years for boys and 4.2 years for girls.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, September 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Protect Your Vision. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are
leading causes of vision loss for older adults, but the American Society of Retina Specialists notes one can help
keep their retinas healthy by not smoking, staying active, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular eye exams,
especially if you have a family history for a serious eye condition.
American Society of Retinal Specialists, September 2024
Quote: “There is beauty and humility in imperfection.” ~ Guillermo del Toro

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