Health Alert: Ketamine Use on the Rise. Ketamine is a medication with analgesic, sedative, and antidepressant
properties that’s used for anesthesia, pain management, and psychiatric treatment. Unfortunately, this drug is also
used recreationally at an increasing rate, up 40% in the United States between 2021 and 2022 alone, often by young
adults in conjunction with other illicit drugs such as MDMA and cocaine. Experts warn that ketamine abuse can
result in dissociation, hallucinations, memory impairment, cognitive decline, mood disorders, bladder and kidney
damage, cardiovascular complications, respiratory depression, gastrointestinal issues, neurological effects, risky
behaviors, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. Journal of Affective Disorders, January 2025
Diet: Elderberry Juice Enhances Metabolic Health. New research suggests that drinking twelve ounces of
elderberry juice a day can result in improved gut microbiota health, enhanced blood glucose management, and
increased fat oxidation during meals and exercise within just a week. The authors of the study hypothesize these
benefits may be attributed to the high content of anthocyanin in elderberries, a compound with known antiinflammatory
and metabolic health properties. Nutrients, October 2024
Exercise: Exercise to Lower Blood Pressure. The Cleveland Clinic notes that exercise strengthens the heart and
promotes weight loss, both of which can improve blood pressure. To improve cardiovascular health, including blood
pressure, experts recommend engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, such as
brisk walking, swimming, or dancing. Cleveland Clinic, January 2025
Chiropractic: Mid-Back Adjustment May Benefit Patients with Shoulder Pain. Subacromial impingement
syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or irritated as they pass through the subacromial
space, which can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. A recent literature review
found that including thoracic spinal manipulation—a manual therapy provided by chiropractors—in a multimodal
treatment plan for subacromial impingement syndrome results in more significant improvements in shoulder pain,
disability, and range of motion. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, January 2025
Mental Attitude: Active Lifestyle Protects Against Dementia Progression. Among a group of 356 patients with
mild-cognitive impairment, researchers observed that those with a more active lifestyle were less likely to progress
to dementia over the following three years. European Journal of Neurology, February 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Dual Approach Significantly Increases Chance to Quit Smoking. According to a study
that included 630 smokers over age 50, combining nicotine replacement therapy with counseling from a smoking
cessation specialist nearly doubles the chance an individual will be smoke-free after three months when compared
with smokers trying a single approach. JAMA Internal Medicine, January 2025
Quote: “Failure is a part of success.” ~ Henry Aaron

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