Health Alert: More Kids Are Accidentally Ingesting Weed Edibles. Researchers report that poison control
centers received over 3,000 calls related to children under age six ingesting marijuana edibles in 2021, usually at
home—a 14-fold increase compared to 2017. Pediatrics, January 2023
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Improve Fertility. The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern focused on eating
fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated
fats, and refined sugars. A recent literature review found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is
associated with improved menstrual cycle regularity, embryo quality, live birth rates, sperm quality, and
endometriosis-related measures. Obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Alex Robles writes, “I recommend that all patients
trying to conceive consider incorporating some Mediterranean dietary elements into their lifestyle… There is no
significant downside risk to doing so, and the potential benefits could be substantial.”
Nutrients, December 2022
Exercise: Silly Walking May Help You Meet Physical Activity Targets. According to a recent experiment,
inefficient walking—such as the silly high-step walk of John Cleese featured in an episode of Monty Python’s
Flying Circus—may burn calories 2.5 times faster than usual walking. Researchers calculate that vigorously
inefficient walking for 11 minutes a day may be enough to meet weekly physical activity guidelines.
BMJ, December 2022
Chiropractic: Treatment for Myofascial Trigger Points. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot found
in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. A systematic review that included 37 studies
concluded that manual therapies—such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic—are an effective intervention
for reducing pain and pain sensitivity in patients with myofascial trigger points.
Clinical Journal of Pain, December 2022
Mental Attitude: Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients at Risk for Depression. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic
inflammatory disease that can cause spinal vertebrae to fuse, making the spine less flexible. An analysis of data
concerning 5,825 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 25,984 age-matched controls found the condition is associated
with a 60% increased risk for major depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, February 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Greener Neighborhood, Better Sleep. Following an analysis of ten years of data concerning
3,925 adults, researchers report that living in neighborhoods with more vegetation and access to parks and natural
environments is associated with a reduced risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
Science of the Total Environment, December 2022
Quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” ~ Jackie Robinson

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

Health Alert: Fatty Liver Disease May Increase Risk for Heart Failure. 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 a number of poor health outcomes. Following an analysis of national
health survey data from 2005-2018, researchers report that NAFLD patients are 3.5 times more likely to
develop heart failure than individuals with healthy liver function. American Heart Association, November 2022
Diet: A Low-Carb Diet Might Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Past research has shown that a low-carbohydrate
diet can lower the risk for type 2 diabetes, but a recent study suggests this may not always be the case.
Researchers analyzed data concerning over 200,000 adults and found that individuals on a low-carb diet
featuring protein and fat that is primarily from animal-based sources had a 35% increased risk for type 2
diabetes. American Heart Association, November 2022
Exercise: When Is Exercise Too Intense for the Heart? When exercising, it’s important to elevate your heart
rate enough to get a good workout, while not too high as to place unnecessary stress on the heart. The American
College of Sports Medicine recommends keeping your heart rate below 85% of your maximum heart rate,
which is calculated by subtracting your age from the number 220. For example, a 50-year-old man should keep
their heart rate under 144.5 beats per minute. WebMD, November 2022
Chiropractic: Managing Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of data
from 119 studies concluded that a combination of active and/or passive non-pharmacological interventions—
such as those provided by a doctor of chiropractic—is an effective approach for the management of non-specific
chronic neck pain. Journal of Physical Therapy, October 2022
Mental Attitude: Why Children May Learn Quicker Than Grownups. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
is responsible for inhibiting the excitability of brain cells and balancing the neuronal activity required for
healthy brain function. With the aid of state-of-the-art neuroimaging, researchers observed that GABA levels
are lower in children, which may help to explain why kids can learn new concepts faster than adults.
Current Biology, November 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Six Dangerous Habits Young Drivers Should Avoid. To improve road safety, Safe
Kids Worldwide recommends that teen drivers avoid the following dangerous driving habits: not wearing seat
belts, texting while driving, riding with two or more teenage passengers, drinking and driving, driving at night,
and speeding. Safe Kids Worldwide, November 2022
Quote: “A decision made in anger is never sound.” ~ Ford Frick

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

Health Alert: Depression Is a Risk Factor for Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity. Cardiometabolic
multimorbidity is characterized as having two of the following three conditions: hypertension, diabetes, and
cardiovascular disease. Past research has shown that individuals who meet these criteria have a 12-15 reduced
life expectancy. A recent study found that depression is associated with up to a 68% increased risk for
developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity during a twelve-year timeframe.
Journal of Affective Disorders, December 2022
Diet: High Sugar Intake Associated with Premature Aging in Childhood Cancer Survivors. In a cohort
study that monitored childhood cancer survivors throughout adulthood, researchers found that the risk for
premature aging—the visible signs of aging appearing earlier in life—increased by as much as 30% for every
25 grams of sugar participants consumed per day, on average. Senior author Dr. Yikyung Park adds, “We need
to find a way to help cancer survivors maintain healthier dietary habits to support their overall health.”
American Association for Cancer Research, November 2022
Exercise: Moms Don’t Get Enough Exercise. Among a group of 848 women, researchers found that less than
50% achieved at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, and the percentage was even
lower in mothers with a young child or multiple children. PLOS One, November 2022
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Common After Sports Collisions. A recent study found that a third of high school
athletes who experience a sport-related collision report acute neck pain, and these individuals tend to experience
more concussion-related symptoms. The authors conclude that concussed athletes with neck pain should be
screened for injury to the neck. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess patients with neck pain following
whiplash-related trauma from sports collision, slip and falls, and motor vehicle collisions.
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, November 2022
Mental Attitude: Trouble Falling Asleep May Be Risk Factors for Mood Disorders. Questionnaires
completed over the course of one year by 779 adults revealed that difficulty falling asleep is linked to an
increased risk for both depression and anxiety over time. Journal of Affective Disorders, February 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Standard Time Should Be Permanent. Due to the adverse effects on health—
especially those related to sleep disruption—caused by time changes, the American Medical Association
recommends eliminating daylight savings time and making standard time permanent in the United States.
American Medical Association, November 2022
Quote: “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” ~ Winston S. Churchill

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

Health Alert: Premature Births Are at 15-Year High. The March of Dimes reports that 10.5% of all babies
born in 2021 were delivered before full term, a level not seen in nearly 15 years. The organization attributes the
increase to reduced access to prenatal care and an increased incidence of gestational diabetes and hypertension.
March of Dimes, November 2022
Diet: Eating Processed Food May Make the Flu Worse. In a laboratory experiment, researchers observed
that mice fed a diet consisting of high amounts of processed food had higher risk of death from influenza
infection and a more difficult time recovering if they survived than mice on a standard diet. The findings
suggest that a diet high in processed food can compromise immune function. Cell Reports, November 2022
Exercise: Exercise Helps Reduce Breast Cancer Treatment-Related Fatigue. Researchers recruited 89
women undergoing treatment for breast cancer to complete a home-based twelve-week resistance training
exercise program. The participants reported both lower fatigue levels as well as improved quality of life.
Breast Cancer, November 2022
Chiropractic: Managing Low Back Pain. According to a study the included 32 patients with low back pain, a
treatment plan that includes stabilization exercises, patient education, and manual therapies—an approach
commonly used by doctors of chiropractic—is effective for improving range of motion in lumbar spine and
reducing low back-related pain, pain sensitivity, and disability.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, September 2022
Mental Attitude: Link Between Life Stressors, Insomnia, and Mood Disorders in Teens. A multi-year
study that included 6,995 teenagers found that life stress, insomnia, and mood disorders have an interconnected
relationship in that the presence of one increases the risk for the other two. The findings suggest that
adolescents under treatment for one condition should be assessed for all three.
Journal of Affective Disorders, February 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Safe Contact Lens Care. To reduce the risk of infection when using contact lenses, the
American Optometric Association recommends the following: don’t wash your hands with a creamy soap that
can leave a film on lenses; never make your own saline solution, which can damage lenses; don’t put lenses in
your mouth to moisten them; don’t store or wash lenses in tap water; don’t let anyone else wear your lenses; and
don’t wear contact lenses to sleep if you’ve been in a hot tub, pool, lake, or ocean.
American Optometric Association, November 2022
Quote: “Forever is composed of nows.” ~ Emily Dickinson

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

Health Alert: Common Pain Relievers May Make Arthritic Knees Worse. An analysis of data from a longterm study on knee arthritis found that regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is
associated with worse knee inflammation and cartilage deterioration. Lead researcher Dr. Johanna Luitjens
writes, “The use of NSAIDs for their anti-inflammatory function has been frequently propagated in patients
with osteoarthritis in recent years and should be revisited, since a positive impact on joint inflammation could
not be demonstrated.” Radiological Society of North America, November 2022
Diet: Almonds May Help You Eat Fewer Calories. Almond consumption is linked to a decreased C-peptide
response, as well as increased levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon, and pancreatic
polypeptides—which are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and improved satiety.
European Journal of Nutrition, October 2022
Exercise: Morning May Be the Best Time for Exercise. Researchers analyzed the activity level and heart
health data of nearly 87,000 participants and found the risk for heart disease and stroke was lowest among those
who exercised in the morning. European Society of Cardiology, November 2022
Chiropractic: Managing Cervicogenic Dizziness. A systematic review and meta-analysis that included 13
studies concluded that the combination of exercise therapy and manual therapy—an approach commonly used
by doctors of chiropractic—is effective for managing dizziness that originates from dysfunction in the cervical
spine. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, October 2022
Mental Attitude: Babies Have a Greater Imagination Than Previously Known. In a recent experiment,
researchers observed that pupil diameter increased in the eyes of infants when they were shown an object that
was not clearly recognizable. The research team suggests this is an indication of increased mental effort and that
that babies have the ability to use their imagination even before they gain the ability to speak.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, November 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Bedtime Tips When Children Share a Bedroom. To help ensure siblings who share a
room get a restful night’s sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends the following: structure each
child’s bedtime routine so that it does not disrupt the other; if an older child will share a room with a baby, wait
until the infant is a few months old to bring them together; explain to the older child that a younger child may
wake during the night; and play white noise in the bedroom to dull distracting sounds.
National Sleep Foundation, November 2022
Quote: “You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.” ~ Sammy Davis, Jr.

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

Health Alert: Bacteria Cause 1 in 8 Deaths Worldwide. In 2019, about 7.7 million people died from
infection from one of 33 common types of bacteria, with over 75% of bacteria-related deaths resulting from
infection in either the lungs, bloodstream, or abdomen. Co-researcher Dr. Christopher Murray notes, “These
new data for the first time reveal the full extent of the global public health challenge posed by bacterial
infections… It is of utmost importance to put these results on the radar of global health initiatives so that a
deeper dive into these deadly pathogens can be conducted and proper investments are made to slash the number
of deaths and infections.” The Lancet, November 2022
Diet: Polyphenol Intake Linked to Lower ADHD Risk. Polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant
properties found abundantly in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. In a recent study that included 400
children under the age of twelve, researchers observed an association between a higher dietary polyphenol
intake and a reduced risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). BMC Pediatrics, December 2022
Exercise: Can Exercise Help Fight Colon Cancer? Examinations of 179 patients under treatment for colon
cancer revealed an association between higher physical activity levels and less inflammation in the colon, which
may aid in the management of the disease. American Journal of Cancer Research, November 2022
Chiropractic: Ankle Joint Mobilization Improves Motion and Balance. A systematic review and metaanalysis that included nine studies concluded that ankle joint mobilization—a treatment provided by doctors of
chiropractic—is an effective intervention for improving dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic balance in
patients with chronic ankle instability. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, September 2022
Mental Attitude: Mood Disorders Common in Parents of Preterm Babies. A systematic review of 79
studies found that depression and anxiety are common in the parents of preterm infants with depression
affecting 29.2% of mothers and 17.4% of fathers and anxiety affecting 37.7% of moms and 18.3% of dads.
Journal of Affective Disorders, February 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Travel Safely on the Highway. The American Red Cross offers the following tips to
stay safe on the road: be particularly cautious in construction zones; take frequent breaks and/or switch drivers
on longer drives; wear your seat belt; drive at a reasonable speed; don’t use a cell phone while driving; be
respectful of other drivers; never follow another vehicle too closely; keep your headlights, windows, and
windshield clean; and turn on your headlights at dusk or any time you need to use your windshield wipers.
American Red Cross, November 2022
Quote: “In order to achieve anything you must be brave enough to fail.” ~ Kirk Douglas

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

Health Alert: Common Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Appears Riskier for Women. Ablation is a surgical
procedure that creates scarring within the heart in an attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial
fibrillation. An analysis of data concerning nearly 59,000 atrial fibrillation patients treated with ablation revealed
that female patients were more likely to experience intermittent atrial fibrillation, as well as heart palpitations, chest
pain, fatigue, and dizziness. Cardiologist Dr. James Freeman adds, “This study is a call to arms to continue efforts to
mitigate the risk of these procedures and continue to try to improve the safety profile for women.”
Heart, October 2022
Diet: Unhealthy Diet Linked to Depression. Kynurenic acid is a normal byproduct of the metabolism of
tryptophan, which is known to affect neurophysiological and neuropathological processes. A recent study that
included 169 adults found that those who consumed a Western-style diet had lower levels of kynurenic acid and a
higher risk for depression than participants who consumed a healthier diet. Neuroscientist Dr. Edwin Lim explains,
“Western-style diets high in fat, sugar, and processed foods were already known to increase the risk of depression,
but this is the first time a biological link involving the kynurenine pathway has been established… People from the
group eating an unhealthy diet had lower levels of [kynurenine acid] and more severe symptoms of depression. This
indicates that [kynurenine acid] may help to protect us against depression.” Frontiers in Nutrition, October 2022
Exercise: Physical Education Classes Help Kids Move More, Sit Less. The current research suggests that
children and teens who take physical education classes are not only more likely to meet physical activity guidelines,
but they also spend less time engaged in sedentary behaviors. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, October 2022
Chiropractic: Mobilization Helps Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. In this study, researchers observed that Maitland
mobilization—a manual therapy provided by doctors of chiropractic—is an effective intervention for improving pain
and function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, October 2022
Mental Attitude: Weight Loss After Parkinson’s Diagnosis Often Signals Mental Decline. Researchers
monitored 358 Parkinson’s disease patients and found that those who lost weight experienced faster cognitive
decline than the patients who maintained their weight or gained weight. Neurology, October 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Even Small Weight Gain Tied to Knee Trouble. A systematic review that included twenty
studies concluded that gaining just eleven pounds increases the risk for osteoarthritis of the knee by up to 33%. The
finding is important as people tend to put on an extra 2.2 pounds each year as they age.
International Congress on Obesity, October 2022
Quote: “There is love enough in this world for everybody, if people will just look.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

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

Health Alert: Being Overweight or Obese Can Elevate Stroke Risk. According to a recent systematic review
that looked at data from 24 studies that included more than 5.7 million total participants, being overweight or
obese can increase the risk for stroke by up to 47%. Journal of Neurology, December 2022
Diet: Kids Snack More When Sleep-Deprived. Following an analysis of data from the Daily Rest, Eating and
Activity Monitoring (DREAM) study, researchers report that sleep-deprived children are more likely to
consume sugary-rich snacks than their peers who get adequate sleep. The findings offer one explanation as to
why insufficient sleep is linked to childhood obesity. International Congress on Obesity, October 2022
Exercise: Benefits of Regular Exercise. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that exercise
provides the following benefits: improves blood circulation, blood cholesterol levels, sleep quality, and selfimage; increases vitality, muscle strength, enthusiasm, and optimism; helps manage stress and a healthy blood
pressure; aids in weight loss; fights anxiety and depression; releases tension; and prevents bone loss.
University of Rochester Medical Center, November 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Helps Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain. A systematic review
that included 30 randomized-controlled trials concluded that manual therapies—such as spinal manipulation,
the primary form of treatment used by doctors of chiropractic—are an effective treatment option for patients
with non-specific low back pain, or low back pain with no underlying disease or pathology, like an infection or
osteoporotic fracture. Cureus, August 2022
Mental Attitude: How Sleep Helps Create Memories That Last. Past research has demonstrated that lack of
sleep can affect the ability to form memories. In a recent study, researchers observed that as the brain cycles
between slow-wave and rapid-eye-movement sleep, the hippocampus relays events of the previous day to the
neocortex where general knowledge-type memories are stored.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, October 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Caring for a Minor Burn. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips for
treating minor burns at home: hold the burned area under cold running water for five minutes to reduce pain and
swelling; never ice or rub a burn, and do not pop a blister that forms as a result of a burn; cover the area with a
clean bandage that won’t stick to the burn; gently wash the area on a regular basis with water and soap; and
avoid ointments unless recommended by your healthcare provider.
American Academy of Pediatrics, November 2022
Quote: “Blind commitment to a theory is not an intellectual virtue: it is an intellectual crime.” ~ Imre Lakatos

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

Health Alert: Fatty Liver Patients at Elevated Risk for Heart Failure. 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 a number of poor health outcomes. An analysis of data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has found that NAFLD patients had a 3.5 times increased risk for heart
failure and twice the risk of early death during a 13-year time frame.
Current Problems in Cardiology, December 2022
Diet: Gardening May Be Healthier for Seniors Than Exercise. According to an analysis of data from the
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, older adults who maintain a garden eat a healthier diet and have a
lower risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and early death than their peers who regularly exercise.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, October 2022
Exercise: Find a More Active Friend. A recent experiment found that when sedentary individuals have social
interactions with more active people, they become more active in the long term. The findings suggest that people
looking to increase their physical activity levels should spend more time interacting with people who already lead
active lives. PLOS ONE, October 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies for Post-Operative Elbow Stiffness. For patients with post-operative elbow
stiffness, a recent study found that both instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and muscle energy technique are
effective interventions for improving pain intensity, range of motion, and function. Doctors of chiropractic utilize
these and other manual therapies when managing musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow and other areas of the body.
Journal of Manual Manipulative Therapy, September 2022
Mental Attitude: Oxygen Therapy May Help Treat Alzheimer’s. The current research suggests that hypoxia—a
condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in body tissues—can affect several pathological processes that are
associated with Alzheimer’s such as amyloid-beta metabolism, tau phosphorylation, autophagy, neuroinflammation,
oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial and synaptic dysfunction. An article recently
published in the journal Neural Regenerative Research speculates that oxygen therapy could improve oxygen levels
in the body, potentially slowing or even reversing Alzheimer’s progression.
Neural Regenerative Research, January 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Lack of Sleep Elevates Risk for Illness and Early Death. Following an analysis of the
sleep routines of nearly 8,000 middle-aged and older adults, researchers found that compared with sleeping seven
hours a night, averaging five hours or less each night increases the risk for multiple illnesses by up to 40% and can
raise the risk for early death by 25%. PLOS Medicine, October 2022
Quote: “Happiness does not lie in happiness, but in the achievement of it.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

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

Health Alert: Many Parents Have Leftover Meds at Home. A recent survey of 2,000 parents of children under
the age of 18 revealed that half have leftover or expired medications in the home. To reduce the risk for prescription
drug misuse by kids and teens, experts recommend properly disposing of unused medications.
University of Michigan, October 2022
Diet: Polyphenol Intake Linked to Better Cardiovascular Health in Adolescents. Polyphenols are micronutrients
with antioxidant properties found abundantly in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, red wine, and cocoa.
Examinations of 1,326 teenagers revealed an association between higher polyphenol levels in urine samples and
better cardiovascular health. Scientific Reports, October 2022
Exercise: Digital Nudges Can Encourage More Exercise. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that
“digital nudges” such as text messages, app alerts, or emails in the form of motivational messages had a positive
effect on increasing physical activity levels among normally sedentary individuals.
Journal of Association of Information Systems, October 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Benefit Patients with a Lateral Ankle Sprain. A systematic review of data
from three randomized-controlled studies concluded that a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises is
more effective for improving range of motion, pain, and function in patients with an acute lateral ankle sprain than
specific exercises alone. Doctors of chiropractic often use such an approach when managing an acute lateral ankle
sprain patient. Journal of Clinical Medicine, August 2022
Mental Attitude: Video Gaming Associated with Higher Cognitive Performance. A study that included 2,000
children revealed that those who play video games for three or more hours a day scored higher on cognitive, impulse
control, and working memory assessments than kids who do not play video games. The National Institute on Drug
Abuse’s Dr. Nora Volkow adds, “This study adds to our growing understanding of the associations between playing
video games and brain development… Numerous studies have linked video gaming to behavior and mental health
problems. This study suggests that there may also be cognitive benefits associated with this popular pastime, which
are worthy of further investigation.” JAMA Network Open, October 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Caregivers Need to Take Care of Themselves. The American Heart Association offers the
following recommendations for caregivers to better manage their own health and wellbeing: indulge in something
calming and relaxing on a daily basis, such as walking or yoga; set aside time just for yourself daily; and pay
attention to your emotional health and seek counseling and support if needed.
American Heart Association, October 2022
Quote: “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” ~ George S. Patton

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