Health Alert: The Heart Has Its Own Nervous System. Challenging the notion that the heart is solely
governed by the autonomic nervous system, researchers from the Karolinska Institute have discovered that the
heart possesses its own internal nervous system capable of independently regulating its rhythm. These findings
could pave the way for new approaches to treating arrhythmias and other heart conditions.
Nature Communications, December 2024
Diet: Plant-Derived Compounds That Protect Brain Health. Phenolics and terpenes are compounds that
influence a plant’s color, flavor, and fragrance. According to a new study, these chemicals also possess
antioxidant properties, which may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions such as
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Food & Function, December 2024
Exercise: Physical Activity Helps the Muscles and Neurons Stay Young. Muscle biopsies from older adults
revealed that those who exercise regularly have motor neurons and muscle cells resembling those of younger
adults, compared to their sedentary peers. These findings highlight how an active lifestyle can promote healthy
aging. Aging Cell, November 2024
Chiropractic: Addressing Trigger Points Improves Low Back Treatment Outcomes. A myofascial trigger
point is a hyperirritable spot within skeletal muscle, often associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent
study involving patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, researchers found that combining spinal
manipulative therapy with trigger point treatment resulted in greater improvements in functional disability
compared to spinal manipulation alone. Chiropractors are not only highly skilled in spinal manipulative therapy
but also in various techniques to address trigger points that impact low back function.
Medicine (Baltimore), September 2024
Mental Attitude: Coping with Anxiety. For patients being treated for anxiety disorders, the Mayo Clinic
recommends positive lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, socializing, and stress
management to help manage the condition. Mayo Clinic, December 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Lung Cancer Is Unfortunately Common Worldwide. According to data from the
GLOBOCAN 2022 study, 1 in 28 people worldwide will develop lung cancer, with two-thirds of these patients
succumbing to the disease. Since a significant proportion of lung cancer cases occur in developing nations, the
overall incidence can be significantly reduced through measures such as reducing environmental pollution,
promoting smoking cessation and other healthy lifestyle practices, improving screening protocols, and
increasing access to treatment. Chinese Medical Journal, November 2024
Quote: “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” ~ Louis Pasteur

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