Health Alert: Curling Irons Can Pose a Hazard for Kids. Between 2013 and 2022, nearly 31,000 children
and teens in the United States received treatment for burns associated with hair curler and curling iron use. It’s
crucial for parents and other caregivers to keep such products out of the reach of young children and to educate
and/or supervise older kids and adolescents on how to use them safely.
American Academy of Pediatrics, October 2023
Diet: DASH Diet in Midlife May Benefit Long-Term Brain Health. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension) diet emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy
while limiting the intake of salt, red meat, sweets, and sweetened beverages. A recent study found that greater
adherence to the DASH diet in middle age is associated with a 17% reduction in cognitive complaints in the
following three decades. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, October 2023
Exercise: Best Type of Exercise for Diabetics. For patients with type 2 diabetes, a recent study found that an
exercise regimen that includes both aerobic and resistance training led to greater improvements in body
composition, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose than either form of exercise alone.
BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation, November 2023
Chiropractic: Choose Chiropractic First for Neck Pain. According to a recent study, patients who first visit
a doctor of chiropractic for new-onset neck pain are less likely to undergo costly advanced imaging services and
invasive treatments in the following six months than those initially treated by a medical physician.
Spine, October 2023
Mental Attitude: Short-Duration Sleepers May Be at Greater Risk for Depression. A recent study found
that individuals genetically prone to short sleep (less than five hours a night) have an elevated risk for
depression in the following four to twelve years. On the other hand, adults with a genetic predisposition to
depression are not at increased risk for short sleep. Translational Psychiatry, October 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Menopause Poses Risks for Women’s Heart Health. The American Heart Association
notes that factors linked to menopause—including depression, sleep problems, elevated visceral fat, and
declining estrogen levels—can elevate a woman’s risk for heart disease, especially those who begin menopause
before age 45. American Heart Association, October 2023
Quote: “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”
~ Marilyn vos Savant

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

Health Alert: Concussion Linked to Brain Issues Later in Life. In a recent animal study, researchers
observed that a mild-traumatic brain injury sustained during adolescence resulted in ongoing signs of
neuroinflammation and oxidative stress that persisted into middle age in rats, which manifested as impaired
cognitive function, anxiety, and depression. Frontiers in Neuroscience, October 2023
Diet: Fiber Could Help Chemotherapy Patients. “Chemo brain” refers to thinking and memory problems
caused by an inflammatory response in the body to chemotherapy treatment. In a recent study, researchers
found that increasing fiber intake in patients undergoing chemotherapy led to positive changes in their gut
microbiome, which reduced inflammation in the brain by up to 50%, likely due to the effect gut bacteria have
on regulating the immune system. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, October 2023
Exercise: Activity Key to Preventing Alzheimer’s. The glymphatic system is important for maintaining
cognitive health by removing the waste products from the brain that can contribute to Alzheimer’s and other
neurodegenerative conditions. The function of the glymphatic system is mediated in part by the health of the
cardiovascular system, highlighting the importance for engaging in regular physical activity.
Nature Neuroscience, June 2023
Chiropractic: Fascia Tightness and Neck Pain. Tightness of the fascial tissues in the neck often contribute to
neck pain and disability. In a recent study that included 52 chronic neck pain patients with fascial tightness,
researchers found that manual therapies to address adhesions in fascial tissue—such as those provided by
doctors of chiropractic—led to improvements in both neck pain and range of motion.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2023
Mental Attitude: Job Worries Keeping People Up at Night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine
recently surveyed more than 2,000 American adults and found that nearly three-quarters of those polled have
lost sleep or experienced poor-quality sleep related to worries about losing their job or the state of the economy
as a whole. Academy of Sleep Medicine, October 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Lifestyle Improvements to Combat Chronic Disease. To better manage chronic
disease, researchers recommend focusing on improvements in the following areas: nutrition, sleep health, stress
management, physical activity, social connections, and risky behavior avoidance/reduction.
HSS Journal, November 2023
Quote: “The imagination is the golden pathway to everywhere.” ~ Terence McKenna

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

Health Alert: Women Less Likely to Get CPR in Public Places. New research that looked at data regarding
cardiac arrests in public spaces in the United States and Canada between 2005 and 2015 found that 68% of men
received CPR from bystanders compared with just 61% of women.
European Emergency Medicine Congress, September 2023
Diet: Heavy Drinking Linked to Visceral Fat Build-Up. According to a recent study, alcohol affects fat
distribution in the body and adipose tissue is more likely to accumulate around the heart, liver, and kidneys of
heavy drinkers. Past research has shown a link between visceral fat build-up and an elevated risk for heart
disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2023
Exercise: Is Morning Exercise Best? For people looking to lose weight, the 7am to 9am window appears to be
the optimal time to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Obesity, September 2023
Chiropractic: Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain Is Underreported. Among a group of 538 women with
pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain, only 43% reported their pain and discomfort to their healthcare provider
and only about 1 in 5 of these expectant mothers received any form of treatment. Doctors of chiropractic often
address pregnancy-related and postpartum lumbopelvic pain with manual therapies, nutritional
recommendations, and specific exercise instruction. Journal of Women’s Health, August 2023
Mental Attitude: Is Vaping Linked to Chronic Stress? Following an analysis of data from the Canadian
Health Measures Surveys, researchers report that young adults who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to
experience extreme chronic stress; however, it is unclear if vaping increases susceptibility to stress or stressed
individuals are more likely to vape. European Respiratory Society, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: When an Earthquake Strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
reminds the public that earthquakes can strike unexpectedly and lead to fires, tsunamis, and landslides. For
individuals in quake-prone areas, FEMA recommends securing heavy furniture and appliances to the wall to
keep them from falling over; storing heavy and breakable items on lower shelves; forming a plan with family
members on where to meet if you they separated; and putting together a supply kit that includes three days of
food and water, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, a whistle, and necessary medications.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, September 2023
Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

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

Health Alert: Inflammation Linked to Recurrent Strokes? It’s estimated that that one-in-four stroke patients
experience recurrent vascular events. In a recent article in the International Journal of Stroke, the authors note
that elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein are
associated with an increased risk for future stroke, thus treatment to reduce inflammation may be an avenue
worth exploring in future studies. International Journal of Stroke, October 2023
Diet: Ancestral Diet? University of New South Wales researchers warn there is a lot of misconception about
what our ancient ancestors ate, and there is no one paleolithic diet as food choices during this epoch could vary
based on location, season, and food availability. Additionally, they point out that some aspects of ancestral diets
may pose food safety concerns, and the human body has evolved to digest a broader range of foods.
University of New South Wales, September 2023
Exercise: Endurance Training Changes How Genes Express in Muscles. In a recent animal study,
researchers observed that regular endurance training activates certain genes in muscle cells that stimulate them
to work more efficiently and be more resilient to mechanical stress. Nature Metabolism, September 2023
Chiropractic: Chronic Low Back Pain Can Affect Balance. A systematic review that included 16 studies
found that patients with chronic low back pain experience greater postural sway while standing, suggesting that
chronic low back pain affects balance. Doctors of chiropractic commonly assess balance in patients with
chronic low back pain and can recommend specific exercises to address these deficits.
Scientific Reports, May 2023
Mental Attitude: Chronic Stress and Depression Boost Alzheimer’s Risk. Following an analysis of longterm data concerning more than 1.3 million Swedish adults, researchers report that the combination of chronic
stress and depression during midlife quadruples an individual’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, October 2023
Wellness/Prevention: CPAP Benefits Heart Health Too. A pair of recent studies found that the use of a
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device can reduce coronary artery plaque volume and lower the
risk for death from heart disease in obstructive sleep apnea patients.
European Respiratory Society International Congress, September 2023
Quote: “I had given up some youth for knowledge, but my gain was more valuable than the loss.”
~ Maya Angelou

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

Health Alert: Most Older Adults Have Low Vitamin D Levels. Healthy vitamin D status is essential for bone
health, especially in seniors as a serious fracture can threaten both independence and long-term health.
However, blood tests of 1,011 older adults revealed that only 22.3% had sufficient vitamin D serum levels.
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, May 2023
Diet: Food Choices Linked to Multi-Site Chronic Pain. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers
report that a diet characterized by a high intake of alcohol, salt, pork, and poultry is associated with an elevated
risk for chronic pain in multiple body sites. Nutrients, August 2023
Exercise: Exercise Helps Patients with Lynch Syndrome. Lynch syndrome is a condition characterized by a
genetic predisposition for several cancers, including colorectal cancer. In a recent study, researchers observed
that Lynch syndrome patients who engaged in high-intensity interval training experienced a reduction in
inflammation and an increase in certain immune cells that may reduce their cancer risk.
Clinical Cancer Research, September 2023
Chiropractic: Mid-Back Mobilization Helps with Low Back Pain. Among a group of 24 low back pain
patients, researchers observed that the application of mobilization therapy—a form of treatment utilized by
doctors of chiropractic—to the thoracic spine led to improvements in both lower back pain and range of motion.
Progress in Rehabilitation Medicine, July 2023
Mental Attitude: Finances Decline in Years Before Dementia Diagnosis. A recent study found that finances
tend to significantly decline in patients with dementia up to eight years before diagnosis. While further research
is necessary to understand the underlying causes of these drops in net worth—such as productivity loses,
impaired money management, or increased healthcare expenditures— financial difficulties later in life may help
healthcare providers identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline. JAMA Neurology, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Forever Chemicals Linked to Cancers in Women. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) are chemicals used to imbue heat-, oil-, stain-, grease-, and water-resistant properties to
products such as food containers, clothes, and furniture that can persist in the environment and body for an
extended period of time. Researchers note that women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood may be at
elevated risk for skin, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, September 2023
Quote: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” ~ John Wooden

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

Health Alert: Dental Issues Extremely Common Among Nursing Home Residents. According to a recent
study that looked at data concerning 2.3 million nursing home residents, about 20% of residents had missing
teeth, 8% had broken teeth or cavities, and 11% experienced pain while chewing. Experts note these oral health
issues can make chewing difficult, contributing to malnutrition and serious health problems, including heart
disease. The study highlights the need for better education on the importance of oral health among the elderly,
as well as better access to dental care for nursing home residents. JAMA Network Open, September 2023
Diet: Low-Carb Diet Not Advised for Pediatric Diabetics. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
warns parents of children and teens with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes that there’s little evidence to support
the adoption of low-carbohydrate diets for such individuals, noting the diet may even lead to nutritional
deficiencies. Instead, the AAP recommends eating a balanced diet that includes healthy carbs like vegetables,
legumes, and whole grains while avoiding sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods.
Pediatrics, September 2023
Exercise: Weather-Based Digital Nudges Help Users Stay Fit. Digital alerts from smartphone apps
reminding users to exercise tend to lose effectiveness over time; however, University of Minnesota researchers
have found that tying such alerts to current weather conditions are not only welcomed by users but also
encourage them to stay active. Information Systems Research, August 2023
Chiropractic: Moving More Cuts Back Pain Risk. An analysis of data concerning 3,385 middle-aged adults
found that for each additional 1,000 steps an individual averages per day, their odds for non-specific low back
pain fall by 4%. Scientific Reports, May 2023
Mental Attitude: Parkinson’s Patients Often Battle Self-Stigma. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive
neurological disorder that can cause tremors, difficulty with movement, impaired balance and coordination, and
muscle rigidity. A recent study found that many Parkinson’s patients hide their diagnosis fearing discrimination
or misjudgment, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and undertreatment.
Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Ovulation Tests Can Help Couples Conceive. For couples trying to get pregnant for
less than one year, a systematic review that included data from seven clinical trials found that the use of urine
ovulation tests can improve odds for successful conception by up to 55%. Cochrane Review, September 2023
Quote: “What you get is a living, what you give is a life.” ~ Lillian Gish

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

Health Alert: Blue Light-Filtering Glasses May Not Help. Blue light-filtering glasses have been marketed to
heavy screen users to protect their eyes, but a systematic review that included 17 trials found the use of such
glasses does not reduce eye strain, enhance eye health, or improve sleep quality in the short term.
Cochrane Reviews, August 2023
Diet: Caffeine Intake May Not Raise Sleep Apnea Risk. While it’s widely accepted that caffeine can
contribute to sleep-disordered breathing, a recent meta-analysis found no association between caffeine or coffee
intake and an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea. European Journal of Nutrition, September 2023
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Helps Manage Non-Specific Neck. Non-specific neck pain a term used to
describe neck pain that occurs in the absence of an underlying disease or pathology, like an infection or
osteoporotic fracture. A recent systematic review found that engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise—
such as cycling, brisk walking, aerobics, stationary bike, treadmill running, circuit training, and/or swimming—
three times a week can improve both pain and function in patients with non-specific neck pain. Doctors of
chiropractic frequently recommend aerobic exercise in addition to patient-specific exercises as part of
management for musculoskeletal conditions, including non-specific neck pain. Healthcare, January 2024
Chiropractic: Neck Pain and Range of Motion Improved with Manual Scapular Repositioning. Among a
group of 69 patients with both neck pain and scapular dyskinesis, researchers observed that correcting scapular
position resulted in both improvements in neck pain and cervical range of motion. The findings demonstrate
how dysfunction in one area can contribute to or even cause pain and disability in an adjacent region.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2023
Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Yoga May Help Manage Depression. For patients with major depressive
disorder, a systematic review that included nine studies found that the combination of yoga and mindfulness can
have a positive effect on depressive symptoms and may have a role as part of a multimodal approach for
managing the mental health condition. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Take Vitamin D Daily or Weekly? Following a review of data from 116 clinical trials,
researchers report that ingesting a week’s worth of vitamin D supplements all at once may be more effective for
improving vitamin D levels than taking a daily dose. Of course, before taking any supplements, consult with a
doctor who is familiar with your health history. Frontiers in Nutrition, August 2023
Quote: “Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.” ~ D. H. Lawrence

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

Health Alert: Aircraft Noise Raises Risk for Second Heart Attack. Among a group of 737 myocardial
infarction survivors living in the same geographic area, those exposed to higher levels of aircraft noise from
the flight paths of a nearby airport had a 24% higher risk for a second heart attack in the next five years for
every 10-decibel increase in aircraft noise exposure. The findings add to a growing body of research linking
higher levels of transportation noise pollution to worse health outcomes.
Environmental Research, September 2023
Diet: Low-Cal vs. Fasting Diets: How Does Each Affect the Microbiome? Past research has
demonstrated that a diverse microbiome is associated with better health, including a stronger immune
system and less inflammation in the body. A study that included 47 healthy adults found that participants
who switched to either a calorie-restricted or intermittent fasting diet for three months experienced
improvements in gut microbiome diversity. Nutrients, August 2023
Exercise: Sedentary Childhood Can Have Lifelong Effect on Heart. Using data from the Children of
the 90s research project, which monitored 766 participants from age 11 to 24, researchers found that
excessive sedentary time in childhood is linked to more mass in the left ventricle of the heart, which is
associated with an elevated risk for heart disease and stroke later in life.
European Society of Cardiology Congress, August 2023
Chiropractic: Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fall Risk. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory
disease that can cause spinal vertebrae to fuse, making the spine less flexible. A recent study found that
patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a greater risk for fear of falling, falls, and repeated falls.
Frontiers in Medicine, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Heavy Metal Exposure Linked to Anxiety. An analysis of data from the 2007-2012
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys revealed that higher urine levels of cadmium and
antimony are associated with an increased risk for anxiety disorder. Chemosphere, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Too Few Kids Getting Eye Tests. University of Michigan and Duke University
researchers report that more than two-thirds of children are not receiving regular vision tests during checkups, which can be essential for the early identification of vision disorders when they may be easiest to treat.
JAMA Ophthalmology, August 2023
Quote: “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” ~ Neil Peart

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

Health Alert: One Billion People Worldwide Will Have Osteoarthritis in 2050. Osteoarthritis is
characterized by the slow breakdown of the cartilage within joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain
that tends to worsen with time. Due to the aging of the global population and the rise in sedentary lifestyles
and obesity, researchers estimate that as many as one billion people living in 2050 will have osteoarthritis.
The Lancet Rheumatology, August 2023
Diet: A Healthy Diet May Help Some Allergy Sufferers. The current research suggests that excessive
calorie intake and nutrient imbalances can contribute to allergies, and for some individuals, allergy
management may involve switching to a balanced diet rich in micronutrient and flavonoids to reduce
inflammation and improve the health of the gut microbiome. Nutrients, August 2023
Exercise: Tips for Returning to Exercise Postpartum. For new moms looking to resume their prepregnancy fitness routine, experts from Tufts University recommend first consulting with a doctor. Once
cleared to exercise, start slowly, set flexible goals, and pay attention to body cues to avoid injury.
Tufts University, July 2023
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Linked to Worse Migraines. According to a recent study, migraineurs with cooccurring neck pain are more likely to report that their headaches have a greater effect on their ability to
carry out their daily activities. Past research has shown that addressing neck disorders in migraine
patients—with chiropractic care, for example—can reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of
migraines. Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Too Much Screen Time May Slow Baby’s Development. New research suggests that
one-year-old children who spend more than four hours a day in front of screens develop skills in the
domains of fine-motor, communication, socialization, and problem-solving more slowly than their peers
with less exposure to televisions, tablets, and smartphones. JAMA Pediatrics, August 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Eye Scans Could Spot Parkinson’s Earlier. University College London and
Moorfields Eye Hospital researchers report that optical coherence tomography scans are capable of
detecting subtle changes in the eyes that develop very early in the course of Parkinson’s disease
progression, up to seven years before the condition may even be diagnosed. Neurology, August 2023
Quote: “Love is the power to see similarity in the dissimilar.” ~ Theodor W. Adorno

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

Health Alert: Mid-Life Hypertension Can Dramatically Increase Heart Risks. Among a group of 1,029
middle-aged adults whom researchers monitored for more than two decades, those with elevated blood pressure
readings—which accounted for more than half of participants—had up to an eleven-times greater risk for
developing cardiovascular disease. Hypertension, September 2023
Diet: Dietary Fat Can Affect Platelet Counts. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that adding
polyunsaturated fatty acids to the diet of mice led to increased platelet counts, while increasing their saturated
fat intake reduced platelet counts. The findings suggest that individuals with low platelet counts, such as those
undergoing chemotherapy, may benefit from switching from a high-saturated fat Western diet pattern to a
polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. Nature Cardiovascular Research, July 2023
Exercise: Pilates an Option for Chronic Low Back Pain Patients. Doctors of chiropractic often advise
chronic low back pain patients to engage in at-home exercises to strengthen the core muscles to both aid in
recovery and reduce the risk for recurrence. An analysis of data from eight clinical trials found that Pilates is an
effective option for improving core muscle strength in chronic low back pain patients and can serve as a viable
alternative to other core strengthening exercises. Healthcare (Basel), May 2023
Chiropractic: Stressful Events and Low Back Pain. An analysis of data concerning 2,930 older men in the
Osteoporotic Fracture in Men Study revealed that 57% had experienced a stressful life event—such as the loss
of a pet or partner or financial problems—within the previous year. These individuals were 42% more likely to
have present low back pain and 56% more likely to develop back pain in the following year.
European Journal of Pain, August 2023
Mental Attitude: Negative Thoughts and Depression Relapse. New research suggests that patients with a
history of major depression can reduce their risk for a future episode by learning to reframe negative thought
patterns with the aid of cognitive behavioral therapy. Additional strategies for managing depression include
getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, August 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Bystander CPR, Defib Use Saves Lives. If an individual experiences cardiac arrests in
a public setting, the use of an automated external defibrillator and CPR by bystanders until emergency medical
technicians arrive can more than double their chances for survival.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2023
Quote: “Today, you have 100% of your life left.” ~ Tom Landry

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