All posts by napachiro4joe

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 7-14-2025

Health Alert: Remnant Cholesterol Linked to Cardiovascular Disease. Using data from the Shanghai Suburban
Adult Cohort and Biobank study, researchers report that high levels of remnant cholesterol—the cholesterol found in
leftover blood particles after fat is processed—are associated with a 32% increased risk of cardiovascular disease
over a five-year period, independent of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) levels. Elevated remnant
cholesterol is commonly linked to high triglycerides, insulin resistance, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, June 2025
Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes. Ultra-processed foods are food products that include added sugars, fats,
and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. An analysis of data from the 2001-2018 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that ultra-processed foods account for more than 50% of total caloric intake
in individuals with either pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and for one-in-five such individuals, ultra-processed foods
account for 75% of their daily calories. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, July 2025
Exercise: What Is Grip Strength? Grip strength is commonly used in scientific studies as a proxy for overall
muscular fitness, much like body mass index (BMI) utilizes height and weight to provide a general indication of
body fat. While grip strength doesn’t capture the full picture of an individual’s health, it has been associated with a
lower risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
The Conversation, May 2025
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain and Hip Asymmetries. Examinations of 93 middle-aged and older adults revealed
that those with low back pain were more likely to exhibit asymmetries between their hips, suggesting altered
biomechanics. Prior research has shown that hip and low back dysfunction often co-occur, with impairment in one
region potentially increasing the risk of issues in the other. North American Spine Society Journal, March 2025
Mental Attitude: Quieter Classrooms May Help Calm Kids. According to a recent study, installing soundabsorbing
ceilings in preschool classrooms reduces noise and helps calm children, which may support early language
development and emotional regulation. Acoustical Society of America, May 2025
Wellness/Prevention: A Less Invasive Option for Prostate Cancer Treatment? Researchers from the University
of California, Los Angeles report that combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with focal therapy—such as
ultrasound, cryotherapy, or laser ablation—to identify and target only the cancerous portion of the prostate can
reduce the need for more invasive treatments like surgery or radiation, while significantly lowering the risk of side
effects such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel problems. Journal of Urology, May 2025
Quote: “Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.” ~ Blaise Pascal

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 7-7-2025

Health Alert: City Living Raises Asthma Risk. A meta-analysis of data from 14 studies featuring a total of nearly
350,000 participants across seven European countries found that about 12% of asthma cases are linked to urban
environmental factors such as air pollution, high-density development, and lack of greenery.
Karolinska Institute, May 2025
Diet: Daily Tea Drinkers May Have Lower Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Using data from the UK Biobank study,
researchers observed that drinking two or more cups of tea a day may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to
14%. Journal of American Nutrition Association, April 2025
Exercise: Exercise Characteristics of Fit Seniors. Among a group of nearly 800 older adults who wore activity
trackers for a week, researchers observed that those who exercised daily, especially at higher intensity levels and
earlier in the day, exhibited better cardiorespiratory fitness and walking efficiency than participants who exercised
less often, at lower intensity, and/or later in the day. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, April 2025
Chiropractic: Do MDs Follow the Guidelines on Acute Non-Specific Low Back Pain? A survey that included
1,253 Swiss medical doctors (MDs) revealed that only 61% were aware of the current clinical guidelines on the
management of acute non-specific low back pain. When presented with two hypothetical and routine cases of acute
non-specific low back pain, respondents recommended several inappropriate treatment approaches including x-rays
and MRI in the absence of red flags, muscle relaxants, oral steroids, strong opioids, spinal injections, and activity
restrictions, including bed rest. Swiss Medical Weekly, January 2025
Mental Attitude: Curiosity May Protect Brain Health. According to a recent study, trait curiosity—the consistent
tendency to seek new information—tends to decline with age. However, state curiosity, which refers to the
momentary desire to learn triggered by novel, ambiguous, or surprising events, appears to increase after midlife.
Researchers suggest that this distinction could help inform strategies to promote healthy brain aging.
PLOS One, May 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Might Fend Off Biological Aging. Telomeres are protective DNA sequences at
the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, serving as a biological clock that contributes to
cellular aging and the overall aging process. In a recent study that included more than 25,000 participants,
researchers observed that taking a daily 2,000 IU vitamin D3 supplement resulted in less telomere shortening over a
four-year period, suggesting that improved vitamin D status may slow biological aging.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2025
Quote: “Advice is one of those things it is far more blessed to give than to receive.” ~ Carolyn Wells
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200
DRJOEMEGNA

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 6-30-2025

Health Alert: Stiff Arteries Linked to Stroke Risk in Patients with High Blood Pressure. Among patients with
hypertension, a recent study found that arterial stiffness—as indicated by elevated central systolic blood pressure and
carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity—is associated with a 78% higher risk of stroke. These findings highlight the
importance of lifestyle interventions that support cardiovascular health and improve arterial flexibility, including a
low-sodium, high-potassium diet; regular physical activity; smoking cessation; limiting alcohol; adequate sleep;
stress management; and maintaining a healthy weight. European Journal of Neurology, May 2025
Diet: Gut Bacteria May Be Key to Managing IBD. A recent animal study found that certain gut bacteria can
metabolize resveratrol—a compound found in grapes—producing small molecules that help regulate intestinal
inflammation and enhance resistance to gastrointestinal pathogens associated with inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD). These findings may lead to new microbiome-based approaches for preventing or treating IBD.
Cell, January 2025
Exercise: Move More, Sit Less! For individuals with a history of coronary heart disease, a recent study found that
keeping sedentary time under seven hours a day and engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous
physical activity a week can reduce the risk for a subsequent major adverse cardiovascular event in the following 8.3
years by up to 48%. American Journal of Preventative Cardiology, April 2025
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Will Increasingly Be a Problem for Decades to Come. According to a recent
study, 628.8 million people worldwide experienced at least one episode of low back pain in 2021. If current trends
persist, the total number of low back pain episodes worldwide per year is projected to rise to 890 million by 2050.
Spine, April 2025
Mental Attitude: Apathy May Hint at Future Dementia Risk. In a medical context, apathy is a neuropsychiatric
symptom characterized by diminished motivation, reduced emotional responsiveness, and lack of interest or
initiative, often observed in conditions like depression, dementia, and brain injury. Using data from the preDIVA
study, researchers report that higher levels of apathy are associated with a 49% increased risk for dementia diagnosis
in the following twelve years. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, May 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Blood Test Can Predict Fatty Liver Disease Years in Advance. Scientists have identified
five specific proteins that, when present at certain levels in the blood, can predict the likelihood of developing fatty
liver disease—with 84% accuracy for onset within five years and 76% accuracy for onset within 16 years. With
further refinement, this test could potentially be integrated into routine blood panels to assess liver health and prompt
preventive lifestyle changes well before symptoms appear. Digestive Diseases Week, May 2025
Quote: “You can’t do it unless you can imagine it.” ~ George Lucas
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 6-23-2025

Health Alert: Life’s Essential 8 Also Lowers Cancer Risk. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 is
a set of health-related behaviors and clinical measures—including not smoking, good sleep hygiene, maintaining a
healthy weight, a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and healthy levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood
pressure—that are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. According to data from the REGARDS study,
meeting these eight criteria is also associated with a 52% lower risk of developing cancer over a 14-year period.
JACC. Advances, April 2025
Diet: High-Salt Diet Linked to Depression? A recent animal study found that high sodium intake increases
production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17A, which was associated with depression-like behaviors in mice.
If these findings translate to humans, reducing salt intake could become a consideration in the management or
prevention of certain mood disorders. Journal of Immunology, March 2025
Exercise: Getting Active in Midlife May Improve Brain Health Too. Among a group of 337 middle-aged adults,
those who increased their physical activity levels to meet or exceed exercise guidelines (at least 150 minutes of
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a week) exhibited less beat-amyloid accumulation and greater cortical
thickness, which are key indicators of brain health. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, April 2025
Chiropractic: Treatment for Acute Neck Pain. A systematic review that included eight clinical trials found that
spinal manipulative therapy is a safe and effective intervention for improving pain, disability, and range of motion in
patients with acute neck pain. Spinal manipulative therapy is the primary form of treatment provided by
chiropractors. Systematic Reviews, May 2025
Mental Attitude: Early Menopause May Indicate Future Cognitive Issues. Researchers from Tohoku University
report that middle-aged women in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing who experienced menopause before age
40 showed greater declines in thinking and memory skills over a two-year period than those who entered menopause
after age 50. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, April 2025
Wellness/Prevention: AI May Help Detect Heart Problems During Routine Visits. Heart muscle weakness,
defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction below 50%, affects an estimated 1-3% of women of childbearing age
and can significantly increase the risk of complications during pregnancy for both mother and baby. A recent study
conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers found that tools like digital stethoscopes, when combined with artificial
intelligence (AI), can detect heart dysfunction during routine primary care visits—even before symptoms appear—
allowing for earlier interventions to reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications.
Annals of Family Medicine, April 2025
Quote: “A good goal is like a strenuous exercise – it makes you stretch.” ~ Mary Kay Ash
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 6-16-2025

Health Alert: Is Poor Sleep Linked to Elevated Risk of Organ Failure? Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM)
syndrome is an interconnected cluster of conditions—including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic
disorders like diabetes and obesity—that collectively increase the risk of organ failure and premature death. An
analysis of data concerning more than 10,600 adults revealed an association between poor sleep quality and
advanced stages of CKM syndrome. The findings suggest that poor sleep hygiene may hasten the progression of
CKM syndrome, though further studies are needed to better understand the relationship.
Journal of the American Heart Association, March 2025
Diet: Time-Restricted Eating May Improve Benefits of Exercise. New research suggests that combining timerestricted
eating—such as only eating during an eight-hour window, for example—with exercise provides greater
results with respect to fat loss and reduced body fat percentage than exercise alone, without a loss of lean muscle
mass. International Journal of Obesity, April 2025
Exercise: Exercise Has Role in Cancer Treatment. An umbrella reviews that pooled findings from 80 previously
published articles found that exercise not only reduces harmful side effects of cancer treatments like heart and nerve
damage, brain fog, and fatigue, but it also provides benefits such as improved sleep, mood, social functioning, and
overall quality of life. British Journal of Sports Medicine, April 2025
Chiropractic: Text Neck Syndrome Common Among Medical Students. Text neck syndrome is a repetitive
strain injury caused by prolonged forward head posture—typically from looking down at phones or screens—which
leads to neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes headaches or shoulder discomfort. Questionnaires completed by 555
medical students revealed about 1 in 4 suffer from text neck syndrome, and the condition is associated with using
digital devices in excess of four hours a day, especially among those who are overweight and sedentary.
Work, March 2025
Mental Attitude: Liver Disease Linked to Dementia? Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
(MAFLD) is a form of liver disease caused by poor metabolic health rather than excessive alcohol consumption.
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that MAFLD is associated with a 52% elevated risk of
dementia. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, March 2025
Wellness/Prevention: School-Based Asthma Programs Improve Kids’ Health. A pilot program conducted in two
Ohio school districts found that students with asthma who received daily medication from school nurses had better
asthma control and were approximately 50% less likely to visit the emergency room for breathing-related issues.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global, May 2025
Quote: “Nothing is harder than to accept oneself.” ~ Max Frisch
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 6-9-2025

Health Alert: Antibiotics Might Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma and Allergies. A large-scale study by
Rutgers University found that children who received multiple courses of antibiotics before age two had a 24% higher
risk of developing asthma, a 33% increased risk of food allergies, and a 6% greater risk of seasonal allergies by age
twelve. These findings suggest that early antibiotic exposure may disrupt immune system development, leading to
long-term allergic conditions. Journal of Infectious Diseases, April 2025
Diet: Plant-Based Diet May Benefit Kidney Disease Patients. A recent clinical trial conducted by the University
of Wollongong found that for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), adopting a diverse, plant-based diet—
comprising over 30 different plant foods per week—significantly improved gut microbiome diversity and reduced
levels of harmful toxins in the blood and urine. These findings suggest that such a dietary approach may slow disease
progression and enhance quality of life for individuals living with CKD.
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, March 2025
Exercise: Physical Activity Lowers Risk of Premature Death in Depression Patients. Using data from the
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found that among individuals with depression, those
who engaged in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had a 40% lower risk of allcause
mortality over the next 13 years compared to those who remained inactive.
Frontiers in Public Health, April 2025
Chiropractic: Treatment for Mechanical Neck Pain. For patients with mechanical neck pain, a recent study found
cervical spine manipulation—a treatment commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic—combined with neck
retraction exercises was more effective at improving pain intensity and cervical range of motion than neck exercises
alone. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, May 2025
Mental Attitude: Brain Pathway May Play Role in Depression. A recent study involving 150 adolescents found
that an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway—specifically, reduced levels of the neuroprotective metabolite
kynurenic acid and increased levels of the neurotoxic metabolite quinolinic acid—is associated with a higher risk of
depression, particularly among teenage girls. The researchers suggest that interventions targeting this pathway, such
as dietary modifications, exercise, and inflammation reduction, may help manage or prevent depression in
adolescents. Biological Psychiatry, March 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer. Current research suggests that healthy vitamin D status
is associated with a lower risk for colorectal cancer, and sufficient vitamin D levels are linked to better outcomes
among those who do develop the disease. The Conversation, May 2025
Quote: “Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.” ~ Paul Tournier
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 6-2-2025

Health Alert: Nearly a Quarter of American Children Affected by Parental Substance Abuse. Using data from
the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, researchers estimate that nearly 19 million children in the United
States live with a parent or primary caregiver who abuses alcohol, cannabis, or illicit or prescription drugs.
JAMA Pediatrics, May 2025
Diet: Nuts and Seeds Safe for Diverticulitis Patients. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill report that contrary to long-standing dietary advice, patients with diverticulitis should have no issue consuming
nuts, seeds, or even fruits with seeds. Annals of Internal Medicine, May 2025
Exercise: One Reason Physical Activity Declines with Age… Northeastern University researchers report that
physical activity has a positive effect on the salience network—a part of the brain that regulates attention and selfcontrol,
including the ability to resist sedentary impulses. In less active individuals, this network begins to lose
integrity around age 50, which may help explain the decline in physical activity commonly seen in midlife. In
contrast, individuals who remain physically active throughout life tend to maintain better function in this network,
supporting continued engagement in exercise.
Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, May 2025
Chiropractic: Deep Spinal Muscles May Contribute to Chronic Low Back Pain. The lumbar multifidus is a deep
spinal stabilizing muscle situated along the vertebrae in the lower back, essential for providing segmental support
and controlling precise movements of the lumbar spine. Current research indicates that atrophy, fatty infiltration, and
abnormal function of the lumbar multifidus are correlated with non-specific chronic low back pain. These findings
suggest that healthcare providers should assess the condition of the lumbar multifidus and incorporate targeted
interventions to strengthen and restore its function as part of a comprehensive chronic low back pain management
strategy. Pain Practice, June 2025
Mental Attitude: ADHD May Slow Concussion Recovery. According to a study that looked at the outcomes of
nearly 1,000 student athletes who sustained a concussion, those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
took 17% and 16% longer to return to sports and class, respectively. Journal of Athletic Training, May 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Breastfeeding Benefits Mother and Child. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences notes that breast milk provides infants with essential antibodies and beneficial microbes that
support the development of their immune system and can protect them from infection and auto-immune-related
conditions such as asthma. Additionally, women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of high blood pressure, type 2
diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Unfortunately, only 24.9% of infants in the United States are exclusively
breastfed during the first six months of life. University of Florida, May 2025
Quote: “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” ~ Margaret Fuller
Joseph T. Megna, D.C.
(707) 226-5200
DRJOEMEGNA
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Rio Vista region.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 5-26,2025

Health Alert: Narcolepsy Linked to Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological
disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, causing excessive daytime sleepiness and
sudden, uncontrollable episodes of sleep. An analysis of data that included 22,293 narcolepsy patients revealed the
condition is associated with an elevated risk for several cardiovascular disease risk factors including hypertension,
diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hyperlipidemia, even in young adults, regardless of any medications
used to regulate their sleep. Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2025
Diet: Dietary Changes May Reduce Risk of Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other
sounds in the ears or head without an external sound source. An analysis of data concerning more than 300,000
people revealed an association between a higher intake of fruits, dairy, fiber, and caffeine and a lower risk for
tinnitus. The researchers suspect these food choices may lower inflammation and protect the nerves related to
auditory function. BMJ, March 2025
Exercise: Fitness Recommendations for New Mothers. Following a review of findings from 574 studies, a panel
of health experts has updated fitness guidelines for new moms to include engaging in at least 120 minutes of
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a week and daily pelvic floor muscle training.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, March 2025
Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First for Low Back Pain! A review of Medicare claims data concerning 3,042
older adults treated for an acute episode of low back pain revealed that those who initially received
nonpharmacologic therapies—such as chiropractic care—were 87% less likely to subsequently be hospitalized in
relation to an opioid overdose. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, April 2025
Mental Attitude: Retiring Abroad Could Lead to Loneliness. A study that monitored Dutch retirees found that
those who moved to another country during retirement were more likely to feel social isolation, despite having better
health and financial stability than their peers who remained in the Netherlands, unless they actively maintained
relationships with friends and family and worked to integrate into their new communities.
Psychology and Aging, March 2025
Wellness/Prevention: An Alternative to Invasive Bladder Tests for Women with Incontinence? While invasive
bladder pressure tests are presently the standard for diagnosing and treating complex or unclear urinary incontinence
in women, a recent study found that a comprehensive clinical assessment—including medical history, bladder
diaries, and physical exams—is likely just as effective, which can help make this process more accessible and less
distressing for female patients. The Lancet, March 2025
Quote: “Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 5-19-2025

Health Alert: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Linked to Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of
conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive waist
circumference—that occur together and elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A recent metaanalysis
of data from twelve studies found that inflammatory bowel disease patients have a 21% increased risk for
metabolic syndrome, particularly those with ulcerative colitis.
Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, April 2025
Diet: Try Potatoes! Countering the perception that potatoes are unhealthy, researchers from Louisiana State
University note that when boiled or roasted, potatoes are low in energy density and rich in fiber and potassium. In an
experiment in which participants replaced 40% of their meat intake with potatoes, they lost an average of 5.6% of
their total body weight within eight weeks without feeling hungry. Louisiana State University, February 2025
Exercise: Listen to Music During Workouts. University of Jyväskylä researchers note that listening to music while
working out reduces perceived exertion by up to 10%, faster-tempo music (120–140 BPM) enhances endurance, and
choosing your own music makes workouts more enjoyable so you’re likely to continue exercising into the future.
medRxiv, December 2024
Chiropractic: Help in Predicting Which Whiplash Patients Will Develop Chronic Pain. It’s estimated that
roughly half of patients with whiplash associated disorders will develop chronic symptoms that can persist for a year
or longer. A recent study involving 203 whiplash patients found that individuals with moderate-to-severe neck pain
lasting two-to-six weeks after the incident and those experiencing pain beyond the neck were significantly more
likely to develop chronic symptoms. These findings may help clinicians identify patients at higher risk for poor
recovery, allowing for earlier and more comprehensive interventions to potentially prevent chronicity.
Pain, September 2024
Mental Attitude: Night Owls at Greater Risk for Depression. A survey of 550 university students revealed that
those who tend to stay up late are less mindful of the present moment, less likely to get sufficient quality sleep, and
more likely to consume alcohol—all of which are linked to an elevated risk for depression. PLOS One, March 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Waterpipes Linked to Several Health Risks. A systematic review that included 191 studies
concluded that waterpipe smoking—such as a hookah—is associated with multiple poor health outcomes including
gastric cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic
syndrome, infertility, chronic bronchitis, cough, sputum, and poor oral health. Systematic Reviews, March 2025
Quote: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” ~ Samuel Beckett

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 5-12-2025

Health Alert: Microplastics Detected in IV Bags. Experiments conducted by researchers from Fudan University
revealed that a standard 8.4-ounce intravenous (IV) fluid bag could deliver about 7,500 microplastic particles—
mainly polypropylene from the bags themselves—into a patient’s bloodstream. Microplastic exposure has been
linked to several poor health outcomes, including heart disease, stroke, reproductive issues, and cognitive decline.
While research is needed to better understand the potential risk for microplastics delivered via IV bags and possibly
to develop alternative delivery mechanisms, the authors recommend keeping the bags away from heat and ultraviolet
light and possibly implementing filtration systems to reduce the risk for contamination.
Environment & Health, March 2025
Diet: Is Salt Linked to Stomach Cancer? According to a recent study, high salt intake is associated with an
elevated risk for gastric cancer, even among individuals who typically consume a healthy diet pattern featuring
plenty of servings of vegetables. The findings suggest that individuals who may have an increased risk for stomach
cancer should monitor their sodium intake. BMC Medicine, November 2024
Exercise: Any Kind of Exercise Benefits Brain Health. A comprehensive review that pooled data from 133
systematic reviews that included more than 2,700 randomized clinical trials concluded that exercise of any intensity
can lead to notable improvements in cognitive function and memory within a short time period, regardless of age.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, March 2025
Chiropractic: Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain. Among a group of 40 chronic low back pain patients,
researchers observed that a single session of myofascial release technique—a manual therapy that involves applying
sustained, gentle pressure to the myofascial connective tissue—resulted in immediate improvements in low back
pain and flexibility. Doctors of chiropractic often use myofascial release and other manual therapies when managing
patients with chronic low back pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, March 2025
Mental Attitude: Age of Menopause Onset May Raise Risk for Depression. Following an analysis of data from
the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, researchers report that early menopause (before age 45) is associated with
both an elevated risk for depression and worse cognitive performance at age 65 when compared with participants
who entered menopause at or after age 50. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, April 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Continuous Glucose Monitors Help Those with Diabetes Drive More Safely. Researchers
at Nagoya University report that people with diabetes who use continuous glucose monitors to alert them of low
blood glucose levels are less likely to experience hypoglycemic episodes while driving, helping to reduce their risk
for an accident. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, February 2025
Quote: “The greatest virtue of man is perhaps curiosity.”~ Anatole France

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