Health Alert: Ancient Viruses May Be Spurring Modern-Day Cancers. It’s estimated that up to 8% of the
human genome is made up of endogenous retroviruses, bits of viral DNA from tens to millions of years ago that
have become embedded in our genetic code. While scientists have thought endogenous retroviruses are harmless, a
recent study found that one such virus, LTR10, is capable of activating nearby genes that aid in the survival of
colorectal and lung tumors. In a laboratory experiment, researchers observed that cancer treatments became more
effective after LTR10 had been neutralized in cancerous tissues samples. Further research is needed but the findings
suggest that targeting these ancient viral DNA fragments may someday prove to be a viable approach in cancer
treatment. University of Colorado, Boulder, July 2024
Diet: Not All Vegetarian Diets Offer the Same Benefits. Despite many studies espousing the benefits of switching
to vegetarian diet, researchers note there are several types of vegetarian diet and some may be healthier than others.
A study that included more than 150,000 adults found that some vegetarian diet patterns may be high in potentially
unhealthy processed food products, while others may have insufficient vitamin D intake or result in higher
triglyceride levels. Additionally, gene variations from individual to individual can influence how the body absorbs
certain nutrients, so those switching to a vegetarian diet may need to try different eating patterns to find which their
body responds to best. PLOS Genetics, July 2024
Exercise: Mini-Bursts of Exercise May Improve Sleep. Conventional wisdom states that exercise before bed can
negatively impact sleep. However, a recent study found that peppering in three-minute sessions of body weight
exercises in the evening can improve sleep duration without affecting sleep quality. The Conversation, July 2024
Chiropractic: Conservative Treatment for Lumbar Disk Herniation. A committee formed by the World
Federation of Neurosurgical Societies on the management of lumbar disk herniation recommends conservative
treatments as a first-line treatment approach in the absence of severe neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome.
Doctors of chiropractic utilize many conservative treatment options for managing lumbar disk herniations.
World Neurosurgery X, February 2024
Mental Attitude: Late Cancer Diagnosis Is a Major Concern. University of Cambridge researchers report that in
a poll of 2,000 adults, 70% fear being diagnosed with cancer when it’s too far progressed for effective treatment.
University of Cambridge, July 2024
Wellness/Prevention: App May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. A recent study found that app-based diabetes
prevention programs may be more cost-effective and even slightly superior to traditional in-person lifestyle
interventions for preventing prediabetes progression to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, July 2024
Quote: “Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” ~ Izaak Walton

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

Health Alert: Adverse Childhood Experiences Can Set the Stage for Future Pain. Using data from the China
Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, researchers report they have identified an association between five or
more adverse childhood experiences—such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and emotional and physical
neglect—and a later risk for musculoskeletal pain. BMC Public Health, July 2024
Diet: Niacin-Rich Diet May Lower Stroke Risk. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that
helps support cellular metabolism and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, nerves, and digestion. An analysis of
data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 1999 and 2018 revealed an
association between a higher intake of niacin and a reduced risk for stroke. Foods rich in niacin include chicken
breast, tuna, salmon, brown rice, and peanuts. Frontiers in Nutrition, July 2024
Exercise: Eccentric-Only Resistance Training Can Lower Passive Muscle Stiffness. Eccentric-only resistance
exercises involve lengthening a muscle while it is under tension, typically during the lowering phase of a movement
(negative bicep curls, for example), helping to build strength, control, and resilience in the muscle. In a recent
experiment, researchers observed that participants who frequently performed eccentric-only stiff-leg deadlifts
experienced a reduction in the passive stiffness of the semimembranosus muscle—something previously thought to
only result from static stretching. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, July 2024
Chiropractic: Treat Knee Pain By Adjusting the Lumbopelvic Region? For patients with patellofemoral pain
syndrome, a recent meta-analysis of data from ten clinical trials found that manipulative therapy applied to the
lumbopelvic region is effective for reducing knee pain, especially when included as part of a multimodal treatment
approach. Doctors of chiropractic are well-versed in the use of manual therapies to manage musculoskeletal
conditions, including patellofemoral pain syndrome. Life (Basel), June 2024
Mental Attitude: An ICU Stay May Raise Risk for Later Mental Health Issues. An analysis of data concerning
more than 8,700 pediatric patients who had undergone treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) revealed these
individuals had an elevated risk for various mental health disorders over the following decade, including posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major
depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, July 2024
Wellness/Prevention: New Urine Test for Cervical Cancer? Scientists from Waseda University have developed a
urine test that can detect proteins produced by HPV 16, the virus strain responsible for most cervical cancers. With
further refinement, lead researcher Dr. Etsuro Ito notes, “This test could reduce the need for traditional Pap tests,
easing the screening process.” Microorganisms, July 2024
Quote: “There are opportunities everywhere, just as there have always been.” ~ Charles Fillmore

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

Health Alert: Tampons May Possess Lead and Other Harmful Metals. Laboratory tests of 30 tampons from 24
brand product lines revealed lead in all samples in addition to the presence of arsenic, barium, cadmium, and
mercury in several. Due to the potential for these metals to enter the bloodstream unfiltered by the liver, the findings
suggest a greater need for regulatory testing of tampon and other period products.
Environmental International, July 2024
Diet: Produce Intake Lowers Fatty Liver Risk. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that
occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, and it is associated
with several poor health outcomes. A meta-analysis of data concerning nearly 500,000 participants from eleven
studies found a higher intake of fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk for NAFLD by up to 22%.
Frontiers in Nutrition, June 2024
Exercise: Exercise Brain Boost Can Last for Years. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise
that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort—sprinting or stair climbing, for example—separated by intervals
of moderate-intensity exercise—such as jogging or fast walking. University of Queensland researchers report that
among a group of old adults, those who volunteered for a six-month HIIT exercise program experienced
improvements in cognitive function that persisted for at least the next five years. Aging and Disease, July 2024
Chiropractic: Treatment for Chronic Sciatica. For individuals with pain radiating into the leg lasting longer than
three months due to disk herniation, a systematic review that included four studies found that conservative care
should the first-line course of treatment in the absence of neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome.
Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be an excellent treatment option for patients with chronic sciatica.
Cureus, May 2024
Mental Attitude: Poor Metabolic Health Linked to Depression Risk. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a
metric that multiplies waist circumference by triglyceride levels to estimate the risk for metabolic disease (higher
score equals greater risk). Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report
that a higher LAP score is also associated with an elevated risk for depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, July 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Respect Summer Heat Dangers. Experts from UT Southwestern Medical Center note more
than 120,000 people visit emergency departments each summer due to heat exposure, which unfortunately claims the
lives of more than 2,300 people annually. To stay safe during the summer season, it’s important to keep hydrated,
stay indoors during peak heat, and dress appropriately when you spend time in the sun.
UT Southwestern Medical Center, July 2024
Quote: “The first recipe for happiness is: avoid too lengthy meditation on the past.” ~ Andre Maurois

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

Health Alert: Nearly Half of Counties in United States Have No Cardiologists. Due to factors including
being largely rural or economically disadvantaged, 46% of counties in the United States lack a practicing
cardiologist, which can place residents at a 31% higher risk for heart disease.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, July 2024
Diet: Food Insecure Individuals Experience Health Benefits from Food Bank Access. For individuals
facing food insecurity, Northeastern University researchers report that taking advantage of a food bank can be
important for improving overall health, including reducing the risk for metabolic disease.
Northeastern University, July 2024
Exercise: Before Taking Up Weightlifting in Older Age… Resistance training later in life can help preserve
muscle mass, reducing the risk for frailty and poor health. However, due to the increased likelihood of
conditions like cardiovascular disease and joint pain among seniors, it’s important for older adults to consult
with their healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, July 2024
Chiropractic: Back Muscle Stiffness and Low Back Pain. A systematic review that included nine studies
found that stiffness in the multifidus and erector spinae muscles is associated with low back pain. Doctors of
chiropractic often utilize manual therapies and exercises to address core muscle stiffness in low back pain
patients. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, February 2024
Mental Attitude: Women More Likely to Receive Mental Health Treatment Following Cardiac Arrest.
An analysis of long-term data concerning nearly 1,300 heart attack survivors revealed that women are 50%
more likely than men to receive treatment for depression and anxiety in the year following cardiac arrest.
However, it’s unclear if female patients are at greater risk for post-heart attack mental health issues or if they
are more likely to share these concerns with their healthcare provider.
Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, July 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Men’s Cancer Screening Trends Highlight Urgent Need for Health Advocacy. In a
recent survey conducted by The Prevent Cancer Foundation, 60% of men admitted to being overdue for at least
one routine cancer screening. The group reminds everyone that in the absence of screenings, many cancers may
not be detected until they have sufficiently advanced and treatment will be more difficult and less likely to
produce a satisfactory outcome. Prevent Cancer Foundation, June 2024
Quote: “Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one.” ~ Walter Payton

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

Health Alert: Transportation Pollution Can Affect Metabolic Health. Using data from the Community of
Mine Study, researchers report that the combination of airplane noise and fine-particulate matter air pollution
from motor vehicles is associated with an elevated risk for both obesity and metabolic syndrome. The finding
adds to a growing body of research linking air and noise pollution with worse health outcomes.
American Journal of Epidemiology, June 2024
Diet: Dad’s Diet May Influence Children’s Health. A recent animal study found that a high-fat diet can
influence gene expression in sperm, which can increase an offspring’s risk for metabolic diseases. While it’s
unclear if this finding extends to humans, the results suggest men looking to become fathers should take steps to
live a healthier lifestyle, which includes eating a nutritious diet. Nature, June 2024
Exercise: 10,000 Steps a Day? While the concept of taking 10,000 steps a day is believed to have originated
from a successful marketing campaign for a pedometer in Japan, there’s research to suggest that averaging
7,000 to 8,000 steps a day does offer health benefits. However, health experts note that it’s also important to
engage in more intense physical activity as well as strength training and flexibility exercises each week.
Northeastern University, June 2024
Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First for Radicular Low Back Pain. For patients with radicular low back
pain, an analysis of data concerning 115 million patients revealed that those initially treated with spinal
manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—were 68% less
likely to receive a prescription for the narcotic tramadol in the following year. BMJ Open, May 2024
Mental Attitude: Failure’s “Benefits” May Be Overrated. Contrary to popular belief, a recent study revealed
that most people find failure to be demotivating and ego-threatening, which results in them not learning
important lessons to move them toward future success.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, June 2024
Wellness/Prevention: New App Helps Identify Subtle Signs of Stroke. Engineers from the Royal Melbourne
Institute of Technology have developed a smartphone app that can analyze facial symmetry and muscle
movements to detect the subtle signs of stroke that can easily be missed by paramedics. It’s hoped that with
further refinement, such an app can be rolled out to emergency service providers to aid in identifying if an
individual has suffered a stroke so prompt treatment can be provided.
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, June 2024
Quote: “Procrastination is the thief of time.” ~ Edward Young

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

Health Alert: Obesity May Be Driving Factor for Disturbing Rise in Colorectal Cancers. Tufts University
reports that colorectal cancer cases among patients under 50 have steadily risen in the last 30 years, and these
cancers are often not diagnosed until later stages, which is linked to worse outcomes. Researchers suspect this
increase in colorectal cancers in younger adults is largely due to the obesity epidemic.
Tufts University, June 2024
Diet: Energy Drinks May Trigger Heart Arrhythmia in High-Risk Patients. Researchers note that energy
drinks contain ingredients that can potentially alter heart rate and blood pressure, which may increase the risk
for cardiac arrhythmias in individuals at high elevated risk for heart disease. Heart Rhythm, June 2024
Exercise: Get Off the Couch! Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study, researchers estimate that swapping
out one hour of sedentary TV time with physical activity or even extra sleep can increase the chances for living
beyond age 70 without major chronic disease or memory impairment by up to 28%.
JAMA Network Open, June 2024
Chiropractic: Poor Ergonomics Can Quickly Lead to Musculoskeletal Pain. In a recent experiment,
researchers observed that even as few as five minutes of continuous work in awkward postures can increase the
risk for musculoskeletal pain. The findings suggest that improved ergonomics to minimize time spent in nonneutral
postures could reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Journal Annals of Work Exposures and Health, June 2024
Mental Attitude: Managing Non-Motor Parkinsons’s Symptoms. A systematic review that included 36
studies found evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and repetitive
transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as depression,
anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and autonomic dysfunction.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, April 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Chronic Stress Levels Can Impair Health. Cortisol, more commonly known as the
stress hormone, is important during times of stress to mobilize energy and immune function. However,
chronically elevated cortisol levels can be detrimental to health, highlighting the importance of stress
management strategies like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness.
Tufts University, June 2024
Quote: “Life is precious and time is a key element. Let’s make every moment count and help those who have a
greater need than our own.” ~ Harmon Killebrew

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

Health Alert: 9/11 Responders May Face Greater Risk for Dementia. New research suggests that
individuals exposed to higher levels of toxic dust during rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade
Center site following the September 11 attacks have an elevated risk for early-onset dementia when compared
with their peers with no exposure or who wore effective personal protective equipment.
JAMA Network Open, June 2024
Diet: Healthy Eating Makes Teens Happier. Using data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children
study, researchers report that eating breakfast and fruit and vegetables daily are both associated with a greater
sense of life satisfaction in adolescents.
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, May 2024
Exercise: Sit Less to Reduce Back Pain Risk. An analysis of data from the UK Biobank study revealed that
for each hour of sedentary behavior per day that an individual exchanges for physical activity, their risk for low
back pain falls by up to 8%. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, April 2024
Chiropractic: Trigger Points and Tension-Type Headache. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable
spot found in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent experiment that
included 32 tension-type headache patients, researchers observed that addressing trigger points in the head and
neck muscles resulted in a significant decline in headache intensity. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to
recognize and resolve trigger points when managing musculoskeletal conditions, including tension-type
headaches. Journal of Personalized Medicine, March 2024
Mental Attitude: Excessive Social Media Use Can Take a Toll on Mental Health. Questionnaires completed
by 600 medical school students revealed an association between using social media for five or more hours a day
and an elevated risk for anxiety, sadness, and stress.
Journal of Education and Health Promotion, April 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Summertime Skin Protection Tips for Parents. To best protect a child’s skin this
summer, pediatric dermatologist Dr. Jayden Galamgam recommends avoiding insect-heavy areas; dressing your
child in protective clothing; using appropriate insect repellents; properly cleaning minor scrapes and cuts; using
a broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least 30 SPF); minimizing sun exposure during peak hours; and in the event of
sunburn, use a cool compress, calamine lotion, and aloe vera-based gels.
Pediatric Dermatology, February 2024
Quote: “No one wants to quit when he’s losing and no one wants to quit when he’s winning.” ~ Richard Petty

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

Health Alert: One-in-Three People Know Someone Who Had a Fatal Overdose. A survey of nearly
2,300 Americans conducted in spring 2023 found that 32% have lost someone due to a fatal overdose, and
for more than half of these individuals, that person was a close friend or family member.
JAMA Health Forum, May 2024
Diet: Ketogenic Diet May Benefit Some Neurological Conditions. The ketogenic diet is an eating pattern
that aims to shift the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
Because the diet can also reduce inflammation in the brain, it’s suggested that it may benefit patients with
neurological conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder. However,
experts caution that such individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before switching their
diet. Leiden University, June 2024
Exercise: Walking Helps Keep Back Pain from Returning. For patients who have recovered from an
episode of low back pain, a recent study found that walking for 30 minutes three times a week significantly
reduces the risk of recurrence in the following six months. The Lancet, June 2024
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Reduces Pain Catastrophizing Too. Among a group of 98 chronic
low back pain patients, those treated with spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment
provided by doctors of chiropractic—not only experienced greater improvements in pain than participants
who received a sham treatment, but they were also less likely to describe their pain in exaggerated terms
(pain catastrophizing). Journal of Pain, February 2024
Mental Attitude: Service Dogs Reduce PTSD Risk in Veterans. According to a recent study, pairing
former soldiers with a service dog reduces the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by 66%.
Veterans with service dogs also reported lower anxiety and depression levels, as well as a greater sense of
both emotional and social wellbeing. JAMA Network Open, June 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D and Post-Surgical Complications. An analysis of data concerning
314 patients who underwent surgery to address osteoporotic hip fracture found that those with low vitamin
D status were two times more likely to experience post-surgical complications than those with healthy
vitamin D levels. Nutrients, June 2024
Quote: “It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.”
~ Thomas Sowell

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

Health Alert: Fentanyl Presence Has Skyrocketed Since 2017. In 2023, law enforcement officers in the
United States seized more than 115 million fentanyl pills, a dramatic increase from fewer than 50,000 pills
seized as recently as 2017. Health officials note that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and poses a
significant overdose risk for users. International Journal of Drug Policy, May 2024
Diet: Dried Fruit May Lower Risk for Ulcerative Colitis. According to a recent study, a high intake of dried
fruit is associated with a nearly 50% reduced risk for ulcerative colitis. However, the researchers were unable to
detect similar benefits from a high intake of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, or cereals.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2024
Exercise: Seniors with High Blood Pressure Should Exercise in the Evening. In a recent experiment that
included 23 hypertensive older adults, researchers observed that those who engaged in aerobic exercise in the
evening experienced better improvements in blood pressure control than those who worked out in the morning.
Journal of Physiology, May 2024
Chiropractic: Nonpharmacological Treatment for Cervicogenic Headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are
secondary headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck. A systematic review that included eight studies
concluded that manual therapies and therapeutic exercises are effective interventions for managing cervicogenic
headaches. Doctors of chiropractic routinely adopt a multimodal approach when treating patients with
cervicogenic headaches that involves one or more manual therapies and at-home neck-specific exercises.
Cureus, March 2024
Mental Attitude: Recent Release from Jail Elevates Suicide Risk. An analysis of data concerning nearly 7.1
million adults revealed that former inmates are at a nine-fold increased risk for suicide in the year following
their incarceration, and these individuals account for nearly 20% of adult suicide deaths.
JAMA Network Open, May 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Food Choices Can Affect Susceptibility to Infectious Disease. Using data from the
UK Biobank study, researchers report that a high intake of red and processed meat is linked to an increased risk
for infectious disease. On the other hand, the data indicate that a diet rich in fish, cheese, fruit, and vegetables is
associated with a lower risk for infection. Journal of Biomedical Research, May 2024
Quote: “There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” ~ William Butler Yeats

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

Health Alert: Drug Overdose Deaths Decline for First Time in Five Years. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention reports that there was a 3% reduction in drug overdose deaths in 2023 compared to the previous
year, the first instance of a year-over-year decline since 2018. National Center for Health Statistics, May 2024
Diet: Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet Benefits Advanced Breast Cancer Patients. New research suggests
that switching to a diet emphasizing fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while avoiding
animal-based foods, oils, and added solid fats can improve metabolic health, reduce fatigue, and increase mental
acuity in women with stage four breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, March 2024
Exercise: Exercise Benefits COPD Patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung
disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. Among a group of
71 COPD patients, those who participated in a 16-week exercise intervention experienced improvement in
pulmonary function, walking capacity, and overall quality of life.
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, June 2024
Chiropractic: Chronic Tension-Type Headache? Tension-type headache is a common form of headache
characterized by a dull, aching pain and tightness or pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck.
A recent case study described how a 63-year-old man with chronic tension-type headaches experienced full
resolution of his symptoms following three treatments to address myofascial trigger points in the levator
scapulae muscle. Past research has demonstrated a link between musculoskeletal disorders in the neck,
shoulders, and upper back and several types of headaches, including tension-type headache.
Clinical Case Reports, April 2024
Mental Attitude: Constantly Talking About Stress Can Backfire. Individuals who constantly talk about their
stress levels to signify how important they are in the workplace are viewed by colleagues as less competent and
less likeable, both of which reduce their willingness to offer help or support. Personnel Psychology, May 2024
Wellness/Prevention: Fruit and Veggies for Reduced Bladder Cancer Risk. A meta-analysis of data from
eleven case-control studies revealed that a high intake of vegetables (particularly shoot vegetables) and a high
intake of fruit (especially citrus, pome, and tropical fruit) are each associated with about a 20% reduced risk for
bladder cancer. European Journal of Nutrition, June 2024
Quote: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” ~ Vince Lombardi

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