WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 4-20-2026

Health Alert: Binge Drinking Raises Mortality Risk in Adults Over Age 50. Using data from the Canadian
Community Health Survey, researchers report that binge drinking—defined as consuming five or more drinks within
a few hours at least once per week—is associated with a 19% increased risk of death over the following decade
among middle-aged and older adults. The authors conclude, “Targeted interventions and screening campaigns are
needed to address binge drinking among older adults.” Alcohol, March 2026
Diet: Inflammatory Diet May Promote High Blood Pressure. A diet high in processed or fried foods, red or cured
meat, sweets and sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and excessive alcohol intake has been linked to increased
inflammation in the body. In an analysis of data from the Fasa Adult Cohort Study, researchers found that
individuals with a more inflammatory dietary pattern had more than double the risk of developing hypertension over
the following five years. Hypertension Research, February 2026
Exercise: Inexperienced Exercisers May Face Psychological Risks from Fitness Trackers. Nottingham Trent
University researchers warn that individuals new to fitness are more likely to become dependent on fitness tracker
metrics for validation and experience negative emotions when failing to meet exercise targets.
Internet Research, February 2026
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy May Improve the Body’s Internal Balance System. Proprioception is the body’s
ability to sense the position and movement of its parts, contributing to coordination and balance. Because
proprioceptors are concentrated in muscles, tendons, and joints, musculoskeletal injuries can disrupt their function,
potentially impairing recovery and increasing the risk of secondary injuries due to altered biomechanics. An analysis
of data from seven clinical trials found that the manipulative and mobilization therapies frequently used by
chiropractors to restore joint movement may also help improve proprioception.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, January 2026
Mental Attitude: Tinnitus Harms 1 in 5 Careers. Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in
the ears or head without an external sound source. The condition is estimated to affect up to 15% of adults, and
according to a recent study, nearly 1 in 5 tinnitus sufferers have reduced workhours or left jobs due to tinnitus’ effect
on concentration difficulties, fatigue, and communication challenges. Brain Sciences, February 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Status Linked to Bladder Cancer. An umbrella review that included eight
systematic reviews found an association between vitamin D status and bladder cancer risk. Specifically, the data
show that the risk of bladder cancer increases by 32% when vitamin D levels are deficient or insufficient, while
optimal levels are associated with a 14% lower risk. Cancer Medicine, March 2026
Quote: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” ~ Albert Einstein

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