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.

Health Alert: A Third of Kids Have Chronic Illness. Researchers from University of California, Los Angeles
report that a third of children aged 5 to 17 have one or more chronic illnesses, up from 23% in 1999. The research
team attributes this increase to the increased prevalence of poor metabolic and mental health in the youth population.
Academic Pediatrics, March 2025
Diet: Mediterranean Diet Lowers Risk for Obesity-Related Cancers. Using data from the European Prospective
Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, researchers report that greater adherence to the Mediterranean
diet—an eating pattern focused on fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and
processed meats, dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars—is associated with a 6% lower risk for obesity-related
cancers. The benefits are attributed to the diet’s anti-inflammatory effects, improved insulin sensitivity, and
avoidance of ultra-processed foods. JAMA Network Open, March 2025
Exercise: The Benefits of Dancing Are More Than Physical. In addition to being a means of meeting physical
activity guidelines, researchers report that dancing fosters emotional expression, builds social bonds, reduces
anxiety, lowers cortisol levels, and enhances cardiovascular health. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, May 2025
Chiropractic: Guidelines for Managing Spinal Pain. A recent systematic review that included 30 clinical practice
guidelines for the nonpharmacological, nonsurgical management of spine pain revealed that patient education,
therapeutic exercises, and manual therapies are effective treatment options, especially when combined in a
multimodal treatment approach. Doctors of chiropractic use these and many of the therapies in the management of
spinal pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, January 2025
Mental Attitude: Short and Long Sleep Linked to Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment. For patients recovering
from stroke, a recent study found that sleeping fewer than seven hours or more than nine hours a night are each
associated with a significant increased risk for cognitive impairment in the following 18 months. The findings
suggest that healthcare providers should assess stroke survivors for short or long sleep during recovery.
Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Organ Health May Predict Later Health Risks. Using data collected during the long-term
Whitehall II study, researchers report that the various organs in our body age at different rates, and fast-aging organs
are linked to an elevated risk for age-related disease. For example, the research team found that faster immune
system aging is more closely linked to dementia than brain aging. These findings could lead to the development of
special blood tests to assist healthcare providers in identifying a patient’s future risk for disease early on when
preventative efforts may be more effective. The Lancet Digital Health, March 2025
Quote: “The things we hate about ourselves aren’t more real than things we like about ourselves.” ~ Ellen Goodman

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

Health Alert: Gambling Addiction Searches Soar with Legal Sports Betting. In the wake of a 2018 Supreme Court decision in the United States, several states have passed legislation to legalize online sports betting. Since then, online searches for help with gambling addiction have risen significantly in these states, anywhere from 30% to 67%. JAMA Internal Medicine, February 2025 Diet: Dietary Fiber Intake Before Age Two Linked to Celiac Risk. Researchers from Sweden’s Lund University report that a higher intake of dietary fiber—roughly 3 grams a day—during the second year of life increases the risk for celiac disease in the future by up to 40%. The authors posit that early dietary fiber exposure supports a healthy gut microbiome, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and regulates immune responses, reducing inflammation and the risk of an overactive immune reaction to gluten that can lead to celiac disease. Gastroenterology, February 2025 Exercise: Whole Body Vibration May Have Role in Sarcopenia Rehabilitation. A recent study involving 27 elderly sarcopenia patients found that whole-body vibration training—a form of exercise where individuals stand, sit, or perform movements on a vibrating platform to stimulate muscle contractions, improve circulation, and enhance strength, balance, and flexibility—may be as effective as resistance training for improving physical function. The findings suggest that whole body vibration may serve as a viable exercise alternative for older adults who have experienced a substantial loss of skeletal muscle mass. Scientific Reports, February 2025 Chiropractic: Cost-Effective for Spine Pain. A meta-review of eleven systematic reviews found that manual therapies—including chiropractic treatments like spinal manipulative therapy—are likely more cost-effective for the management of spine pain than usual medical care. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, March 2025 Mental Attitude: Cognitive Impairment May Double Risk for Worse Post-Operative Brain Health. Among a group of more than 700 older adults who underwent surgery, researchers found that those with any degree of cognitive decline before the procedure were two-times more likely to develop significant postoperative cognitive impairment, which may also increase their risk of progressing to dementia. JAR Life, February 2025 Wellness/Prevention: Excess Weight and Device Use Linked to Poor Sleep in College Students. Questionnaires completed by more than 17,000 university students revealed that higher body mass index and problematic smartphone usage are each independently linked to an elevated risk for poor sleep. Frontiers in Public Health, February 2025 Quote: “If you make friends with yourself, you will never be alone.” ~ Maxwell Maltz

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

Health Alert: Nearly Half of Rural Patients Must Drive an Hour for Surgery. According to a recent study, 44% of rural patients must drive longer than one hour to reach a surgical center, up from 37% just a decade ago. Longer travel times increase the risk for delaying procedures, which may lead to worsening health and increased mortality risks. Annals of Surgery, February 2025 Diet: Could Yogurt Lower the Risk for Aggressive Colon Cancer? A new study suggests that regular yogurt consumption may help reduce the risk of developing certain aggressive colon cancers. Researchers found that people who ate at least two servings of yogurt per week had a 20% lower risk of developing tumors on the right side of the colon, a location associated with more lethal cancers. Gut Microbes, February 2025 Exercise: Childhood Activity May Influence Later Mental Health Risks. A recent study identified an association between higher levels of physical activity during childhood and both a greater resilience to stress and a lower risk for mental health challenges during adolescence. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle early in life may set the stage for poor mental health later on. JAMA Network Open, February 2025 Chiropractic: History of Low Back Pain Can Affect a Batter’s Swing. Examinations of 25 collegiate baseball players revealed that those with a history of low back pain exhibited altered pelvic and trunk movement patterns during their swing, reducing their ability to transfer rotational energy from the lower body to the upper extremities. This may not only negatively affect performance, but it may also increase their risk of future musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, March 2025 Mental Attitude: Bilingualism May Benefit Children with Autism. In a recent study, researchers observed that children with autism spectrum disorder who speak more than one language exhibit stronger executive functioning skills, such as impulse control and perspective-taking, than their monolingual autistic peers. The research team suspect bilingualism may promote cognitive flexibility and interventions to promote learning a second language may help children with the neurodevelopmental disorder better integrate into the world at large. Autism Research, November 2024 Wellness/Prevention: Gradual Exposure May Help Overcome Peanut Allergies. New research suggests that up to 70% of children with high-threshold peanut allergies—those who can tolerate at least half a peanut—may develop lasting tolerance through gradually increased doses of peanut butter consumed over an 18-month time frame under medical supervision, starting with an eighth of a teaspoon a day. NEJM Evidence, February 2025 Quote: “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” ~ Joyce Meyer

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

Health Alert: Most People with Mental Health Issues Don’t Know It. New research suggests that only 6.9% of individuals with mental health or substance-use disorders worldwide receive effective treatment. Interestingly, nearly half of those who remain untreated are unaware they suffer from a condition that can be addressed by a healthcare provider. Of those who understand they need care, only a third seek it out and most of these individuals receive what would be considered minimal adequate treatment. The findings highlight a global need for interventions both to improve mental health awareness and to provide access to quality care. JAMA Psychiatry, February 2025 Diet: Familiar Flavors and Food Texture May Help Older Adults Eat Better. Seniors in assisted living facilities who do not prepare their own meals may be at risk of malnutrition if they do not eat the food provided. A recent study found that incorporating familiar flavors and diverse textures into meals may increase the likelihood that elderly adults finish their meals. Journal of Food Science, January 2025 Exercise: Customized Fitness Program Helps Children with Autism Stay Active. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that children with autism spectrum disorder who are allowed to choose physical activities that interest them—such as riding a bike or playing tennis—are more likely to remain engaged, which can help to improve their physical strength, coordination, and self-confidence. Murdoch University, February 2025 Chiropractic: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome May Affect Nerve Function Preceding the Wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is long associated with symptoms in the hands and fingers due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. In a recent study that included 120 adults, 80 with diagnosed CTS, researchers observed 27.45% of CTS patients also experience impaired nerve function extending from the wrist toward the elbow, which may be a sign of a more severe case that may require a more comprehensive treatment approach. Annals of Neurosciences, January 2025 Mental Attitude: Playful Approach to Life Pays Off. Surveys completed by 503 adults revealed that those who adopt a playful attitude toward life are better able to cope with stress and are more likely to take a creative approach to solving problems and addressing challenges. Frontiers in Psychology, February 2025 Wellness/Prevention: Daily Check-Ins May Improve Quality of Life in Cancer Patients. A recent study found that oncology patients who checked in daily with their care teams to report symptoms such as pain or mobility issues were less likely to visit the emergency room and maintained a higher level of well-being during treatment. Nature Medicine, February 2025 Quote: “I never worry about the problem. I worry about the solution.” ~ Shaquille O’Neal

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

Health Alert: Poor Metabolic Health and Drinking Are a Bad Combo for Liver Health. While heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk for liver disease, a new study found that if an individual also has poor metabolic health—central obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc.—then their risk for liver scarring or damage more than doubles. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, February 2025 Diet: Zinc May Reduce Heart Disease Risk in Diabetics. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that a higher intake of dietary zinc—a mineral known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood glucose regulating properties—is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death among type 2 diabetics. Thrombosis Journal, March 2025 Exercise: 2,000 Steps a Day May Be Key for Stroke Rehab. New research suggests that incorporating walking at increased distances toward a goal of 2,000 steps a day can significantly improve outcomes for patients recovering from stroke, particularly with respect to mobility, gait speed, balance, and quality of life. American Stroke Association, February 2025 Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic Care for Tension-Type Headache First. 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 study that compared outcomes of 6,232 tension-type headache patients revealed that those initially treated with spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by chiropractors—were half as likely to eventually be prescribed butalbital, a medication prescribed when firstline treatments fail. Health Science Reports, December 2024 Mental Attitude: Depression Can Hasten Chronic Illness Onset. An analysis of data concerning more than 172,500 adults revealed that those with a history of depression developed chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes up to 30% earlier than their peers without a history of mood disorders. PLOS Medicine, February 2025 Wellness/Prevention: Frailty Is Not Inevitable. Frailty is a condition characterized by weakness, slowed movement, physical inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss, all of which are associated with increased health risks. While gradual declines in physical and mental function are part of the aging process, frailty is not. To reduce the risk of becoming frail, older adults are encouraged to get regular exercise, reduce sedentary time, eat a healthy diet, stay socially engaged, and manage chronic health problems as instructed by their healthcare provider. The Conversation, February 2025 Quote: “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” ~ Albert Einstein

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

of anabolic androgenic steroid use, researchers observed that steroid users had a nearly three-fold increased risk
for acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft, venous
thromboembolism, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure over a ten-year period.
Circulation, February 2025
Diet: Fiber-Rich Foods May Provide Anti-Cancer Benefits. Researchers from Stanford Medicine report that
propionate and butyrate—short-chain fatty acids that are a byproduct of fiber digestion by gut bacteria—
enhance the expression of certain genes that suppress the growth of tumors. The findings highlight the
importance of consuming a fiber-rich diet. Nature Metabolism, January 2025
Exercise: Does Exercise Ease Knee Pain? Patients with knee osteoarthritis are commonly instructed to
exercise to help manage the condition; however, a recent study that looked at 139 clinical trials found that
improvements in pain, function, and quality of life from physical activity alone often fall short of clinical
relevance. The findings suggest that while exercise may have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the
knee, it may need to be combined with other therapies for the patient to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, December 2024
Chiropractic: A Third of New Low Back Pain Cases Will Likely Become Chronic. According to a recent
study, nearly a third (32.2%) of patients who develop acute low back pain will progress to chronic low back
pain and 80.6% of these individuals will continue to report low back pain half a year later. Further analysis
found that the risk for chronic low back pain progression is greatest in patients with high-pain intensity, as well
as those with a history of frequent acute low back pain episodes. Journal of Pain, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Social Activities that Involve Movement May Be Best for Mental Health. A recent study
found that for older adults, engaging in social activities that stimulate the mind and body are more effective at
protecting mental health than social activities without an active component.
Frontiers in Public Health, January 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Lifestyle Changes to Help Avoid Diabetes. For individuals at high risk for type 2
diabetes, making lifestyle changes that include a healthier diet, regular exercise, stress management, reducing
sedentary time, can significantly reduce the risk for developing the metabolic disorder.
Diabetes Care, January 2025
Quote: “Too much of anything isn’t good for anyone.” ~ Ray Bradbury

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

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.

Health Alert: Tips for Safe Sauna Use for Seniors. Before using a sauna, experts recommend that older
adults consult their healthcare provider, as certain health conditions and medications can increase sensitivity to
heat and raise the risk of heat stroke. It’s also important to stay properly hydrated and avoid prolonged use
(more than 15 minutes) or extreme temperatures. BMJ Case Reports, January 2025
Diet: An Easier Approach for Long-Term Weight Loss? Dietary changes that involve drastic calorie
reduction can result in hormonal adaptations that can make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off. To give
yourself a better chance, experts recommend reducing daily calorie intake by just 100-200 calories, which can
lead to gradual and sustainable weight loss. The Conversation, January 2025
Exercise: Exercisers Are Less Likely to Die from Cancer. According to a study that looked at the outcomes
of more than 28,000 stage 1 cancer patients, a history of regular physical activity, even just an hour a week, can
reduce the risk of progression by 16% and death from cancer by 33%, while engaging in higher levels of
exercise can reduce the risk for progression and cancer mortality by 27% and 47%, respectively.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, January 2025
Chiropractic: Insufficient Sleep Linked to Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Using data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that short sleepers (less than seven hours a night)
have a 61.1% increased risk for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne), September 2024
Mental Attitude: Peer Pressure Influences Older Adult Alcohol Consumption. Following an analysis of
data from the Framingham Heart Study, researchers have found that older adults’ alcohol consumption mirrors
the drinking habits of their social connections over time. The findings suggest that seniors looking to reduce
their alcohol intake could benefit from spending more time with friends who don’t drink alcohol.
Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, January 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Breathing Training Help Intensive Care Patients Recover. Intensive care unitacquired
weakness syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by widespread muscle weakness and
functional impairment that develops in critically ill patients due to prolonged immobilization, systemic
inflammation, and critical illness-related neuropathy or myopathy. A recent study found that adding inspiratory
muscle training to traditional physical therapy led to better functional outcomes for patients with intensive care
unit-acquired weakness syndrome. Irish Journal of Medical Science, February 2025
Quote: “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ~ James A. Michener
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.

Health Alert: Air Travel Noise May Affect the Heart. According to a recent study that looked at the
cardiovascular health of residents throughout the United Kingdom, those living near airports were more likely
to have thicker and stiffer heart muscles, which can quadruple the risk for heart attack, stroke, and irregular
heart rhythms. The authors believe the primary driver of increased cardiovascular risks for individuals living
near airports is prolonged exposure to noise from aircraft as they take off, land, and pass overhead.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, January 2025
Diet: Best Time to Intermittent Fast for Weight Loss? Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that alternates
between periods of eating and fasting, typically within a structured time frame each day or week. A recent study
found that not eating between 9am and 5pm led to greater reductions in total weight loss, fat loss around the
mid-section, and glucose regulation than other eight-hour fasting windows. Nature Medicine, January 2025
Exercise: Teens Who Move More Have Better Body Composition. An assessment of 309 adolescents found
that higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week were associated with a lower body mass
index, reduced central obesity, and less visceral fat—factors that contribute to a healthier adulthood.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, February 2025
Chiropractic: Lower Limb Malalignment Linked to Low Back Pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis
that included thirteen studies concluded that lower extremity misalignments such as foot pronation, hip internal
rotation, and knee internal rotation are associated with an elevated risk for low back pain. Doctors of
chiropractic often assess the alignment of the lower extremities when examining a patient with low back pain as
addressing these issues may be necessary to effectively reduce the patient’s low back pain and disability.
PLoS One, October 2024
Mental Attitude: Volunteer Work Can Reduce Depression Risk in Seniors. New research suggests that
older adults who regularly engage in volunteer activities are 43% less likely to report depression, especially
those who are newly retired and experiencing difficulties adjusting to their new lifestyle.
Journal of American Geriatrics Society, January 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Loneliness and Social Isolation Can Lead to Poor Health. An analysis of blood
samples collected from more than 42,000 adults revealed an association between social isolation/loneliness and
proteins that have been linked to stress regulation, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and
cancer progression. Nature Human Behavior, January 2025
Quote: “Life is something that happens to you while you’re making other plans.” ~ Margaret Millar

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