Category Archives: Uncategorized

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 12-29-2025

Health Alert: Cleaning Chemical Linked to Liver Scarring. Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless, nonflammable
chemical solvent commonly used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing that can enter the body through inhalation or
contaminated drinking water. A recent study found that people with detectable levels of this chemical in their blood
had a three-fold higher risk of significant liver scarring. The finding helps explain how liver disease can develop
even in individuals without traditional risk factors such as heavy alcohol use or metabolic disorders.
Liver International, October 2025
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Have Role in Early Schizophrenia Treatment. Schizophrenia is a serious
mental health condition that can cause symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and
reduced emotional expression, often beginning in early adulthood. A meta-analysis of 16 clinical trials found that
while omega-3 fatty acid supplements show limited benefits for schizophrenia overall, they may help reduce
symptom severity in patients experiencing their first episode of the disorder, particularly with longer-term treatment.
BMC Psychiatry, November 2025
Exercise: Patients with Chronic Conditions Move Less. An analysis of data from nearly 60,000 adults found that
individuals with a single chronic condition (such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia) took about 340 fewer
steps per day than those with no chronic conditions, while those with multiple conditions walked nearly 480 fewer
steps daily. The results are especially worrisome because many people with chronic conditions fail to reach
recommended physical-activity levels, and lower total daily steps have been associated with worse health outcomes
in this population. JMA Journal, October 2025
Chiropractic: Conservative Care for Temporomandibular Disorders. For patients with temporomandibular
disorders, a meta-analysis of data from ten clinical trials found that adding manual therapies—such as those provided
by chiropractors—to a conservative, multimodal treatment plan is associated with improvements in jaw pain and
maximal mouth opening. Cureus, September 2025
Mental Attitude: A Dark Side to Fitness and Diet Apps. Several studies have found that fitness and diet apps can
help to encourage a healthier lifestyle, but a recent study found that there is a tipping point when excessive reminders
and strict limits can make it more difficult for users to succeed, leading to shame, disappointment, and demotivation.
British Journal of Health Psychology, October 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Sobering Stats on Hip Fractures. Among 1,233 older adults followed for 20 years, 236
sustained a hip fracture, and 27% died within a year of their injury. The findings underscore the urgent need for
strategies that both prevent falls and improve long-term outcomes after serious fractures.
Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, November 2025
Quote: “We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided.” ~ Clarence Day

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 12-22-2025

Health Alert: Lung Cancer Risk Nearly Tripled in 9/11 Responders. Researchers from Stony Brook University
monitored the health of more than 12,000 emergency responders who worked at the World Trade Center site
following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and identified an association between severe exposure to toxic dust and fumes
and a nearly three-fold elevated risk of lung cancer in following decades. JAMA Network Open, October 2025
Diet: Keto Diet May Slow Cognitive Decline. A characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease is impaired glucose
metabolism in the brain, which undermines memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance. In a recent animal
study, researchers found that placing mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s on a ketogenic diet—a high-fat,
very low-carbohydrate eating pattern that shifts the body into ketosis—allowed the brain to use ketones as an
alternative fuel source. This metabolic shift appeared to support brain energy needs and may help delay or even
prevent the development of the neurodegenerative condition. Journal of Neurochemistry, August 2025
Exercise: Breathing Exercise Improves Quality of Life in MS Patients. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in
which the immune system mistakenly attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting the signals that control
breathing muscles like the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This can lead to reduced breathing efficiency and
fatigue. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that respiratory muscle training improved
inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and significantly reduced fatigue in people with MS.
Frontiers in Neurology, October 2025
Chiropractic: Lifestyle Habits Linked to Low Back Pain. While we normally think of poor posture or improper
lifting technique as risk factors for low back pain, lifestyle choices can also set the stage for the condition. In a recent
study, researchers found that smoking, alcohol consumption, high body mass index, and dyslipidemia are
significantly associated with low back pain, while smoking and physical inactivity are linked to more severe pain
and a greater likelihood of progressing to chronic low back pain. PLoS One, July 2025
Mental Attitude: Social Media Use May Hinder Tween Cognitive Development. University of California, San
Francisco researchers report that children aged 9 to 13 years who spent an hour or more a day on social media
achieved lower scores on reading, memory, and language assessments two years later than their peers who seldom or
never engage in social media. The findings support limiting screen time use during key times of brain development.
Journal of the American Medical Association, October 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Infrared Sauna May Help Athletes Recover Faster. In a recent experiment, researchers
found that athletes who use an infrared sauna after training sessions experienced less muscle soreness, better jump
performance, and improved sprint speed when compared with teammates who refrained from sauna use.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, March 2025
Quote: “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.” ~ Oliver Goldsmith

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 12-15-2025

Health Alert: Antibiotic Resistance Rising Fast. The World Health Organization reports that antibiotic-resistant
infections are increasing by roughly 15% each year, and that 1 in 6 infections—including urinary tract infections,
gonorrhea, and E. coli—no longer respond to commonly used antibiotics. These findings underscore the need for
more responsible antibiotic use and greater investment in developing new treatment strategies for drug-resistant
bacterial infections. World Health Organization, October 2025
Diet: New Dietary Guidelines for Chronic Constipation. The first comprehensive, evidence-based dietary
guidelines for adults with chronic constipation recommend several foods and nutrition strategies shown to help
manage the condition: kiwifruit, rye bread, mineral-rich water, psyllium, select probiotic strains, and magnesium
oxide. Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, October 2025
Exercise: Sit 30 Minutes Less Each Day. University of Turku researchers report that exchanging 30 minutes of
sitting time each day—even if it means standing while performing a simple task like talking on the phone—can
provide measurable improvements in metabolic health that are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular
disease and type 2 diabetes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, October 2025
Chiropractic: Tight Hamstrings Can Contribute to Lower Limb Radicular Pain. Examinations of 30 young
adults, half with lumbar radiculopathy, revealed an association between lower limb radicular pain and hamstring
tightness—even on the asymptomatic side. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should assess hamstring
function in patients presenting with radiculopathy, as interventions to address hamstring tightness may be necessary
to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Journal of Human Kinetics, May 2025
Mental Attitude: Dementia Linked to Impaired Brain Waste Clearance. Using data from the UK Biobank study,
researchers found that brain imaging markers consistent with glymphatic dysfunction—such as altered water
movement along glymphatic pathways, enlarged choroid plexus, and changes in cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity—
were predictive of dementia diagnosis within the following decade. The findings suggest that adopting lifestyle
habits that support cardiometabolic health may enhance the brain’s waste-clearance system and potentially reduce
dementia risk. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, October 2025
Wellness/Prevention: New Cell Discovery Could Change Type 1 Diabetes Treatment. Scientists from Scripps
Research have identified a population of vascular-associated fibroblastic cells that help shield pancreatic beta cells
from immune system attacks. The discovery could pave the way for new prevention and treatment strategies for type
1 diabetes, a condition driven by an aggressive immune response targeting insulin-producing cells.
Cell Reports, October 2025
Quote: “To live without Hope is to Cease to live.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 12-8-2025

Health Alert: Half a Billion Women Under 50 Will Have Musculoskeletal Pain by 2050! An analysis of Global
Burden of Disease data found that the number of women under age 50 affected by musculoskeletal disorders—
including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, neck pain, and gout—increased from about 245 million
in 1990 to roughly 401 million in 2021. If current trends continue, the authors estimate that approximately half a
billion women under 50 will be living with musculoskeletal disorders by 2050. Scientific Reports, October 2025
Diet: Why Magnesium Matters… Magnesium is a mineral that supports muscle and nerve function, energy
production, and cardiac health. When levels are low, an individual may experience symptoms such as muscle cramps
and twitching, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety or irritability, constipation, numbness or tingling, heart
palpitations, and difficulty concentrating. For most people, supplementation isn’t necessary, as adequate magnesium
can be obtained through a diet rich in nuts, whole grains, seafood, meat, legumes, and leafy greens.
The Conversation, October 2025
Exercise: Physical Activity’s Influence on Brain Health. New research suggests that higher physical fitness levels
are associated with stronger excitatory and inhibitory activity in the brain’s motor cortex—functions that play key
roles in learning and development. On the other hand, passive sedentary time, such as doom-scrolling or watching
videos, appears to have the opposite effect on cortical function. Neuroscience, September 2025
Chiropractic: Incorrect Beliefs About Low Back Pain Can Impede Recovery. Central sensitization is a state
where the nervous system becomes overly reactive, causing the body to amplify pain signals and feel pain more
easily than it should, which can hinder recovery from low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. In a sample
of 119 chronic low back pain patients, questionnaires revealed that beliefs inconsistent with current evidence—such
as believing back pain means permanent damage, will inevitably worsen, makes movement unsafe, requires rest, or
leaves little chance of recovery—were associated with higher central sensitization scores, underscoring the
importance of patient education as part of a multimodal treatment approach. Physiotherapy, May 2025
Mental Attitude: Seniors Benefit from Helping Others. According to a recent study, helping friends with small
tasks, like running errands or providing rides to a doctor appointment, can help older adults feel happier and find
purpose. Research on Aging, October 2025
Wellness/Prevention: New Vision Test for Toddlers. University of Waterloo has developed a simple shapematching
game called the Waterloo Differential Acuity Test that can assess vision in children as young as 18 months
old, which can assist in earlier diagnosis of vision problems such as amblyopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism than
current pediatric vision assessments. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, October 2025
Quote: “The antiquity and general acceptance of an opinion is not assurance of its truth.” ~ Pierre Bayle

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATES from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 12-1-2025

Health Alert: Neighborhood Design Can Influence Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Researchers from Florida Atlantic
University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine report that children residing in neighborhoods with limited
greenery, poor walkability, easily accessible processed food, and limited access to healthier fare may have an
elevated risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings highlight the influence living spaces can have on public health.
Pediatric Research, October 2025
Diet: Supplement Could Support Long-Term Brain Health. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that a
supplement containing polyphenols, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids helped stave off age-related cognitive
decline in mice. The authors attribute these benefits to improved microbiome health and its downstream effects on
reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can contribute to neurodegeneration.
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, October 2025
Exercise: Just a Little Movement Can Pay Off the Next Day. According to a recent study that included more than
350 young adults, exchanging just 30 minutes of sedentary time with light activity—like walking or doing chores—
is sufficient to produce noticeably improvements in mood and vitality the following day.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise, January 2026
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Reduces Productivity. Among 411 academic and administrative employees at a
university, researchers found that although only 2.3% missed work because of low back pain, nearly 1 in 5 continued
working while in pain, which can hinder productivity. The authors suggest that workplace wellness initiatives could
help reduce the burden of low back pain among staff and, in turn, decrease presenteeism. Work, August 2025
Mental Attitude: Midlife Stress Linked to Dementia Risk. In a recent narrative review, researchers noted that
stress during midlife is associated with a higher risk of dementia decades later. The findings suggest that stressmanagement
strategies during this critical period may help reduce the risk of serious cognitive decline in older age.
Cureus, October 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Ever Heard of the Mycobiome? Several studies in recent years have underscored the
importance of the microbiome—the community of bacteria that live in the body and support overall health.
However, the body also maintains a potentially beneficial relationship with fungi residing in the gut, skin, lungs,
brain, and other tissues, collectively known as the mycobiome. Research on how to influence mycobiome
composition is ongoing, as imbalances can lead to an overgrowth of species such as Candida, which has been linked
to conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and vaginal yeast infections.
The Conversation, October 2025
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.

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-24-2025

Health Alert: Sepsis Risk Increases with Type 2 Diabetes. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the
body’s extreme response to an infection causes widespread inflammation leading to organ dysfunction and
potentially death. A study that looked at long-term data concerning more than 7,000 adults revealed that type 2
diabetics have double the risk of sepsis over a ten-year time frame, especially those who smoke, don’t effectively
manage their blood sugar, or have experienced diabetes complications.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2025
Diet: Keto Diet Benefits University Students with Depression. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very lowcarbohydrate
eating plan that shifts the body’s metabolism into a state of ketosis, causing it to burn fat for fuel
instead of carbohydrates. Researchers from Ohio State University report that college students with major depressive
disorder who followed the ketogenic diet for longer than ten weeks experienced a 70% reduction in their depressive
symptoms, as well as significant improvement in well-being, cognitive performance, and metabolic health.
Translational Psychiatry, September 2025
Exercise: How Exercise Suppresses Hunger. Past studies have shown that exercise suppresses appetite, but the
precise mechanism remained a mystery. Now, researchers from Baylor College of Medicine report that when lactate
accumulates in the muscles during intense or prolonged physical activity and subsequently enters the bloodstream,
it’s combined with the amino acid phenylalanine by the enzyme CNDP2 to form a compound called Lac-Phe. This
molecule then travels to the brain, where it directly inhibits hunger-promoting neurons in the hypothalamus, helping
to reduce appetite. Nature Metabolism, September 2025
Chiropractic: Most Dancers Develop Low Back Pain. A survey of 77 recreational and professional dancers
revealed that 64 (~83%) experienced at least one episode of low back pain during the previous year. Interestingly,
dance style did not appear to influence low back pain risk. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, June 2025
Mental Attitude: New Dementia Cases Have More Than Doubled in Last 30 Years! Using data from the Global
Burden of Disease study, researchers report that the annual incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
worldwide increased by 157% between 1990 and 2021. While much of this rise is attributable to the growing and
aging global population, researchers suggest that addressing modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline—such as
high blood sugar, obesity, and smoking—could help slow the global dementia epidemic.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, September 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Low Birthweight Can Have Lifelong Reproductive Health Implications. An analysis of
data from 40,795 middle-aged and older women revealed that having a low birthweight was associated with a shorter
reproductive span (by about eight months), a higher risk of menstrual irregularities, and a greater likelihood of not
having children. Journal of Epidemiology, October 2025
Quote: “Perception is reality.” ~ Steve Young

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-17-2025

information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions
must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Week of: Monday, November 17th, 2025
Courtesy of:
Health Alert: Microplastic Exposure May Contribute to Alzheimer’s. According to a recent animal study,
exposure to polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics at levels higher than those observed in humans produced
Alzheimer-like symptoms in mice carrying the APOE4 gene—a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease—after
just three weeks. Notably, the researchers observed sex-specific differences similar to those seen in human patients:
male mice were less cautious and more impulsive when exploring new environments, while females had greater
difficulty remembering objects they had seen before. The findings suggest that environmental toxins may heighten
vulnerability in individuals with genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases.
Environmental Research Communications, August 2025
Diet: Fruit and Veggies Benefit Brain Health. A systematic review of 38 studies found that individuals who eat
more fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment compared with those who
consume less produce. Nutrición Hospitalaria, September 2025
Exercise: Active Lifestyle Linked to Lower Risk of Some Cancers. An analysis of data from more than 140,000
middle-aged and older adults found that compared with their inactive peers, men with the highest levels of physical
activity had a lower risk of colon cancer, while physically active women had a lower risk of bladder and endometrial
cancers. Journal of Epidemiology, October 2025
Chiropractic: Risk Factors for Low Back Pain. A study comparing the demographics, lifestyle, posture, and
health behaviors of 64 low back pain patients and 64 age-matched controls found that frequent bending or twisting,
obesity, and less than six hours of sleep per night were each linked to a higher risk of low back pain. The researchers
also found that a higher body mass index was associated with an increased likelihood of low back pain becoming a
chronic condition. Mymensingh Medical Journal, July 2025
Mental Attitude: Heading Soccer Ball Linked to Poorer Brain Health. Brain imaging of 352 amateur soccer
players and 77 athletes from sports without head impacts revealed that frequent heading of the ball was linked to
microstructural changes in the orbitofrontal region—an area involved in memory and thinking—and to lower scores
on cognitive tests. The findings add to growing evidence that repetitive heading in soccer may have harmful effects
on brain health. Neurology, September 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Detecting Which Kids May Be at Highest Risk for Respiratory Disorders. Mayo Clinic
researchers report that young children with recurrent wheezing, allergic conditions, or a family history of asthma are
at increased risk for pneumonia, influenza, and asthma-related hospital visits. The findings may help healthcare
providers identify children at highest risk for severe asthma flare-ups and respiratory infections early on, allowing
for preventive care that could improve long-term outcomes.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, September 2025
Quote: “The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build.” ~ Margaret Thatcher

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor,11-10-2025

Health Alert: Radiation from Medical Imaging Scans Linked to Childhood Blood Cancers. Following an
analysis of health records from 3.7 million children, researchers report that cumulative exposure to radiation from
advanced medical imaging—particularly CT scans—was associated with a significantly increased risk of cancers
affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. For example, children who underwent one or two CT scans
had about an 80% higher risk of blood cancer, while those who received three or more scans faced nearly a threefold
increase in risk. Although CT scans are sometimes medically necessary, the authors emphasize that physicians
should use them judiciously and prioritize non-radiation alternatives such as ultrasound or MRI whenever possible.
New England Journal of Medicine, September 2025
Diet: Swap Out Some Meat Servings with Legumes. University of Helsinki researchers note that in a six-week
trial, men who replaced some servings of red and processed meat with legumes such as peas or faba beans
experienced improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health. European Journal of Nutrition, September 2025
Exercise: Resistance Training May Improve Nerve Health and Slow Aging Process. It’s common for peripheral
nerve function to decline with age, affecting coordination and increasing the risk of falls. A recent study involving
48 adults found that four weeks of resistance training improved nerve conduction velocity, indicating enhanced
communication between nerves and muscles. These findings help explain why lifelong exercisers tend to maintain
better physical performance and brain health into older age compared to their less active peers.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, September 2025
Chiropractic: How Common Is Back Pain Among Adolescents? Using data from the Global Burden of Disease
study, researchers estimate that 38 million teenagers—about 1 in 33 teens worldwide—experience a new case of low
back pain each year and at any given point in the year, 19 million have the condition.
Journal of Pain Research, June 2025
Mental Attitude: Manage Anxiety by Imagining Positive Outcomes. Researchers from University of Plymouth
report that vividly imagining successful results can help students feel more empowered, in control, and capable of
managing everyday challenges, lessening the impact of anxiety on their lives.
Behaviour Research and Therapy, September 2025
Wellness/Prevention: The Gut Can Influence Lung Cancer Risk. While smoking remains the leading cause of
lung cancer, new research suggests that changes in the gut microbiome may be associated with lung cancer risk and
progression. The findings raise the possibility that interventions (such as diet, probiotics, or microbiome modulation)
could someday play a role in lung cancer prevention or therapy. Medicine (Baltimore), October 2025
Quote: “To do a common thing uncommonly well brings success.” ~ Henry J. Heinz

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 11-3-2025

Health Alert: Has Life Expectancy Plateaued? Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the
Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research report that people born in high-income countries between 1900 and
1938 experienced unprecedented gains in life expectancy, driven largely by reductions in infant and maternal
mortality and improvements in sanitation, medicine, and food safety. In contrast, progress since then has been more
gradual, leading some experts to suggest that life expectancy in affluent nations may be approaching a plateau—
around 76 years for men and 81 years for women in the United States, for example.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, September 2025
Diet: Eat More Fruit! Carotenoids are antioxidant compounds that give yellow, orange, and red fruits and
vegetables their color. An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that
higher serum carotenoid levels were associated with a 31% lower risk of premature death and a 47% lower risk of
cancer mortality over a 19-year follow-up period. British Journal of Nutrition, October 2025
Exercise: Fast Walking Linked to Lower Cancer Risk. Using data from two long-term cohort studies, researchers
report that a faster walking pace is associated with a 13–45% lower risk of developing cancer. The findings suggest
that walking speed may serve as a simple, real-world indicator of metabolic and cardiovascular fitness—factors that
can enhance immune function and make it less likely for cancerous cells to take hold.
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, April 2025
Chiropractic: Hip Problems May Play a Role in Disabling Low Back Pain. In a study of 79 patients receiving
treatment for severe hip disorders, researchers found that many who also had disabling low back pain experienced
significant improvements in back pain and function after treatment. The findings highlight how dysfunction in one
part of the body can contribute to musculoskeletal problems in neighboring regions. Hip International, June 2025
Mental Attitude: Brain Stimulation May Help Alleviate Depression. High-definition transcranial direct current
stimulation (HD-tDCS) is a noninvasive brain-stimulation technique that delivers low-intensity electrical currents
through multiple small scalp electrodes to precisely modulate neural activity in targeted cortical regions. Researchers
from University of California, Los Angeles report that this technology helped 40% of patients with moderate-tosevere
depression achieve remission within twelve days with benefits manifesting within the first six days. It’s hoped
with further testing and refinement that HD-tDCS could have a role in managing depression and other mood
disorders. JAMA Network Open, September 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Smokeless Tobacco Dramatically Increases Oral Cancer Risk. New research indicates
that chewing or sucking on tobacco products can increase the risk of oral cancer by as much as 800%, and that
individuals who also smoke face roughly double that risk. The findings reinforce that smokeless tobacco is far from
a harmless habit. Tobacco Use Insights, October 2025
Quote: “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” ~ William Penn

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 10-27-2025

Health Alert: Forever Chemicals May Contribute to Central Obesity in Teens. Perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used to make products such as food containers, clothing, and
furniture resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Because they persist in the environment and the human
body for long periods, they can accumulate over time. In a study of 186 adolescents, those with higher blood
levels of PFAS showed greater central weight gain than peers with lower exposure—an indicator of
compromised metabolic health. Obesity, August 2025
Diet: Shift Work Linked to Poor Diet Habits. Past studies have linked shift work with unhealthy habits that
raise risk for poor health outcomes. In an analysis of data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, shift workers were more likely to skip breakfast and consume fewer fresh fruits, nonpickled
vegetables, and protein-rich foods than day workers. These findings suggest that interventions targeting
these dietary behaviors could help protect shift workers’ cardiometabolic health.
Journal of Occupational Health, September 2025
Exercise: Daily Steps to Help Control Asthma. While exercise is known to benefit people with asthma, it has
been unclear how much physical activity is needed for meaningful clinical improvement. In a study of 55
physically inactive asthma patients, researchers observed that an additional 1,400 steps per day—roughly eight
minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity—is the minimum increase needed to achieve measurable
improvements in symptoms and quality of life. ERJ Open Research, September 2025
Chiropractic: Headaches Are a Common Reason Patients Seek Chiropractic Care. An analysis of 20 days
of visit data from 695 Danish chiropractors found that 12% of all new patient consultations involved headaches,
with half of those cases presenting headache as the primary reason for seeking care. Previous studies suggest
that chiropractic treatment can reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of several headache types,
including cervicogenic, tension-type, and migraine headaches. Cephalalgia, August 2025
Mental Attitude: Acute and Chronic Stress Affect Mood Differently. A recent animal study found that acute
stress triggers anxiety-like behaviors in rats, while chronic stress is associated with depressive symptoms. The
findings suggest that future research may need to distinguish between acute and chronic stress when
investigating the effects of stress on mood disorders. Behavioural Brain Research, August 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Even Light Drinking Linked to Liver Damage. Using data from the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Surveys, researchers found that even low levels of regular alcohol consumption are
linked to an increased risk of alcohol-related liver death compared with abstinence. A healthy diet and exercise
mitigate much of this excess risk, but do not appear to fully eliminate it. Journal of Hepatology, August 2025
Quote: “A man is as old as his arteries.” ~ Thomas Sydenham

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