Health Alert: One-in-Fifty Young Kids Is Severely Obese. After falling from 2.1% in 2010 to 1.8% in 2016, the
rate of severe obesity among young children in the United States has risen to 2%. The finding is alarming as being
overweight early in life often leads to poor lifestyle choices in adolescence and young adulthood that not only
increase the risk for chronic disease but also diagnosis at younger ages. Pediatrics, December 2023
Diet: Is an Inflammatory Diet Linked to Stroke? Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, researchers report that a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of sugar,
polysaturated vegetable oils, trans fats, dairy products, feed lot-raised meat, red meat, processed meat, alcohol,
refined grains, and artificial food additives—is associated with up to an 87% elevated risk for stroke.
BMC Public Health, January 2024
Exercise: Is Exercise Linked to Better Math Scores? Northeastern University researchers note that among 218
grade-school students, those with higher physical fitness scores were more likely to also perform better on arithmetic
assessments. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, January 2024
Chiropractic: Non-Invasive Interventions for Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is a
chronic condition characterized by pain and tenderness in specific areas of muscles and the connective tissue
surrounding muscles. A systematic review that included 40 studies found that manual therapy, laser therapy, shock
wave therapy, and ultrasound therapy are effective, non-invasive treatment options for reducing pain intensity,
pressure pain threshold, and pain-related disability in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. These therapies are
often utilized by doctors of chiropractic when managing myofascial pain syndrome and other musculoskeletal
disorders. International Journal of Surgery, November 2023
Mental Attitude: Mood Disorders Common Among Caregivers of Stroke Survivors. Questionnaires completed
by 301 caregivers of stroke patients revealed that between 17% and 28% of such individuals experienced high levels
of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The findings highlight
the necessity for strong support systems for family members caring for stroke survivors. Neurology, December 2023
Wellness/Prevention: How to Tackle Dandruff. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that dandruff isn’t
a sign of poor hygiene and can have myriad causes such as oily skin, improper hair care habits, and certain medical
conditions. Before consulting a professional, the Academy recommends the following for mild cases: use a specially
formulated shampoo for persistent dandruff that contains ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur,
selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or coal tar; if one shampoo proves ineffective, alternate between shampoos with
different active ingredients; and try changing the frequency in which you wash your hair.
American Academy of Dermatology, December 2023
Quote: “Good things happen to those who hustle.” ~ Chuck Noll

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

Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Linked to Heart Disease. Following an analysis of data concerning more than
500,000 adults, researchers report that individuals with a history of sleep apnea have a 35% increased risk for
coronary artery disease. MedRxiv, November 2023
Diet: Can Broccoli Sprouts Protect Against IBD? In a recent experiment, researchers found that mice with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) given a supplement of broccoli sprouts along with their normal diet
experienced more mild disease symptoms and developed a healthier gut bacteria population.
mSystems, November 2023
Exercise: Fitness Can Help Mitigate Anxiety-Related Low Back Pain Risk. Past research has identified
anxiety as a risk factor for low back pain. According to a recent study that included more than 13,000 adults,
researchers observed that those with self-reported anxiety and high cardiorespiratory fitness levels are nearly
four times less likely to develop low back pain in the following five years than those with anxiety and low
fitness. Journal of Sports Science, June 2023
Chiropractic: Hamstring Tightness Linked to Neck and Low Back Pain. Examinations of 104 adults under
40 years of age revealed that nearly three-quarters of those with either chronic neck or low back pain reported
tight hamstrings in one or both legs. The authors note that hamstring tightness can affect the biomechanics of
the spine, increasing the risk for disorders such as low back pain and neck pain.
Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, August 2023
Mental Attitude: Biological Age May Affect Risk and Dementia. Using data from the UK Biobank study,
researchers report that individuals whose blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and pulmonary function resemble
those of someone more than five years older than them are 40% more likely to develop vascular dementia or
stroke than their peers with a biological age closer to their actual age.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, November 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Pill-Sized Device Can Track Breathing and Heart Rate. Scientists from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a “technopill” that when swallowed, can monitor an
individual’s breathing and cardiac function with high accuracy until it’s excreted a few days later. It’s hoped
such a device can provide doctors with a non-invasive tool for collecting real-time information on patient
health. Cell Press, November 2023
Quote: “The only durable sense of success is if you’ve followed your calling.” ~ Jim Harrison

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

Health Alert: Most Americans Unaware of Harmful PFAS. 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. Past research suggests that higher PFAS exposure is linked to several poor outcomes including fertilities
issues, developmental challenges, and some cancers. A survey of 1,100 American adults revealed that 45% had
never heard of PFAS, 32% had heard the term but didn’t know what they are, and 97% did not believe their
drinking water contains any. PLOS One, November 2023
Diet: Parents Less Likely to Buy Children Sugary Drinks If… The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health
reports that if the contents of beverages marketed for kids are clearly noted on the front of the package, then
parents will be less likely to purchase sugary drinks for their children. Public Health Nutrition, November 2023
Exercise: Weekend Workouts Are a Viable Option. According to a recent study, achieving 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity) physical activity during the weekend is as effective at
reducing the risk for early death and cardiovascular events as spreading the same amount of exercise over the
full week. Mayo Clinic, November 2023
Chiropractic: Poor Ergonomics Linked to More than 100 Million Low Back Pain Cases Annually. An
analysis of global datasets suggests that poor work ergonomics may contribute to more than 126 million cases
of low back pain each year, leading to $216.1 billion in productivity losses and $47 billion in healthcare costs.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, October 2023
Mental Attitude: Cognitive Impairments and Osteoporosis. A meta-analysis that pooled data from ten
studies found that patients with cognitive impairment—Alzheimer’s disease especially—have a 50% increased
risk for developing osteoporosis. BMC Geriatrics, December 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Special Toothpaste May Help Curb Peanut Allergy. Researchers are currently testing
a new toothpaste that contains peanut proteins intended to desensitize patients with a peanut allergy, without
triggering systemic reactions in the process. The toothpaste is current undergoing testing for approval by the
Food and Drug Administration in the United States.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, November 2023
Quote: “Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.” ~ James Thurber

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

Health Alert: Syphilis Cases in Newborns Have Jumped Dramatically in Recent Years. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 3,700 babies in the United States were born with
syphilis in 2022, a ten-fold increase from 2012. The CDC notes that timely testing and treatment during
pregnancy can prevent 90% of congenital syphilis cases, underscoring the need for improved public outreach
and screening. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2023
Diet: Cutting Glutamate May Reduce Odds for Post-Brain Injury Mood Disorders. For patients recovering
from traumatic brain injury (TBI), a recent study found that reducing glutamate intake may reduce the risk for
post-TBI depression and other mood disorders. Some common dietary sources of glutamate include soy
products and processed food products and additives, including MSG. Nutrients, November 2023
Exercise: Adding Brain Games along with Tai Chi May Provide Greater Benefits to Seniors. Past research
has shown that tai chi interventions can lead to better cognitive and physical health outcomes among older
adults, and now a new study has demonstrated that combining tai chi with cognitive challenges may lead to
even greater benefits. It’s hoped this new hybrid intervention can reduce the risk for falls among seniors, which
can help them remain independent longer into old age. Annals of Internal Medicine, October 2023
Chiropractic: Nearly a Third of Adults Have Shoulder Pain. Among a group of 1,128 middle-aged adults,
31.4% reported experiencing shoulder pain within the previous month. Further analysis revealed that those
whose work activities included physical or heavy manual labor were 66% more likely to have shoulder pain.
Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat patients with shoulder pain using a multimodal approach that combines
manual therapies and specific exercises. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, November 2023
Mental Attitude: Brain Injury Linked to Later Heart Risks. Using the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance
Research Database, researchers report that men with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a 14%
increased risk for heart failure. Additionally, women under age 50 with a history of TBI have a 32% elevated
risk for coronary heart disease. PLoS One, December 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Shark Healing Ability May Help Humans. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute
in Stockholm and the Marine Biological Laboratory note that shark skin has exceptional wound healing
abilities, which may lead to the creation of novel wound-healing treatments inspired by shark skin properties.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, November 2023
Quote: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” ~ Walt Disney

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

Health Alert: Poor Sleep Raises Post-Concussion Depression Risk. Past studies have linked post-concussion
depression with worse outcomes for patients with mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Evaluations of 249 mTBI
patients revealed a link between poor sleep quality and an elevated risk for post-concussion depression among
participants. The findings suggest that assessing and implementing strategies to address sleep quality in mTBI
patients may help to ameliorate post-concussion depression. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, November 2023
Diet: Flavonoids Can Help Manage Endometriosis Symptoms. Endometriosis is a potentially painful
condition that occurs when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. In a recent study, researchers observed
that flavonoids—specifically quercetin and kaempferol—that are found in apples, broccoli, berries, tea, onions,
and red wine improve the function of receptors involved in regulating inflammation commonly associated with
endometriosis. The findings suggest improving flavonoid intake can benefit endometriosis patients.
Endocrinology, August 2023
Exercise: Try to Exercise at a Consistent Time Each Day. University of Manchester researchers report that
engaging in physical activity at a consistent time each day helps regulate the body’s clock, which can reduce the
risk for chronic disease. Nature Communications, November 2023
Chiropractic: Treatment for Kneecap Pain. Among a group of 25 people with patellofemoral pain syndrome,
those treated with soft tissue mobilization twice a week for four weeks experienced improvements in knee pain
and function that persisted after the conclusion of care. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in a variety of
manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization, in the management of patellofemoral pain
syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders. Frontiers in Medicine, November 2023
Mental Attitude: Keeping a Secret Can Bring Joy. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that
participants instructed to keep a positive secret experienced mental health benefits, even if they had no intention
to share the news at a later time. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, June 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Air Filters Probably Won’t Reduce Risk of Illness. Researchers from the University
of East Anglia report that following an analysis of data from 32 studies conducted in real-world settings, they
found no evidence that air treatment technologies, including filtration and germicidal lights, provide significant
protection against respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Preventive Medicine, November 2023
Quote: “Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” ~ William Plomer

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

Health Alert: Life Expectancy Is Back on the Rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
reports that after a brief decline, life expectancy increased 1.1 years from 2021 to 2022. The current life
expectancy for men in the United States is 74.8 years and 80.2 years for women.
Provisional Life Expectancy Estimates for 2022, November 2023
Diet: Swapping Some Animal Protein for Plant-Based Protein Can Benefit the Heart. A systematic
review that included 24 cohort studies found that substituting 50 grams of daily processed meat, red meat,
or egg intake with nuts, legumes, and whole grains can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease by 27%.
BMC Medicine, November 2023
Exercise: High Altitude Training May Be Helpful for Patients Before Surgery. In a recent experiment,
researchers observed that sedentary adults who spent two weeks in a hypoxic environment, similar to high
altitude, experienced a significant increase in hemoglobin levels. Because improved oxygen delivery can
aid healing, the findings suggest that so-called “altitude prehabilitation” could reduce the risk for postsurgical
complications and speed recovery. Anaesthesia, October 2023
Chiropractic: Manipulative Treatment for Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain. Among a group of
46 women with lumbopelvic pain in the third trimester of pregnancy, those treated with manipulative
therapies—such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic—reported significant improvements in low
back and pelvic pain intensity, as well as their overall quality of life. Healthcare, September 2023
Mental Attitude: Eczema Can Take a Big Toll on Mental Health. The American College of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology reports that nearly three quarters of individuals with eczema experience poor
mental health symptoms on ten or more days each month; however, the majority have not discussed their
concerns with their allergists. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, November 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Removal of All Lead Pipes by the 2030s. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has unveiled a proposal to replace the remaining lead pipes that deliver water to homes in the United
States within the next decade. It’s currently estimated that drinking water to about nine million homes and
businesses flows through lead pipes, which can result in severe health consequences.
Environmental Protection Agency, November 2023
Quote: “A healthy outside starts from the inside.” ~ Robert Urich

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

Health Alert: Steroids Linked to Concussion in High School Athletes. Using data from the Youth Risk
Behavior Surveillance System, researchers report that 55% of high school athletes with a history of steroid use
have sustained a mild-traumatic brain injury, which is more than twice the rate of non-steroid teen athletes at
20%. The research team notes that steroid use may lead to more aggressive play, increasing the risk of head
injury. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, October 2023
Diet: Processed Red Meat Intake Linked to Heart Disease and Diabetes. University of Hong Kong
researchers estimate that increasing one’s processed red meat intake by 50 grams a day may elevate the risk for
cardiovascular disease by 26% and the risk for type 2 diabetes by 44%. European Heart Journal, October 2023
Exercise: Time of Day for Exercise May Not Matter for Bone Health. In a recent animal study, researchers
observed that time of day is not a factor when it comes to exercise that promotes stronger, healthier bones in
rats. Of course, further research is needed to determine if these results are consistent in human subjects.
Frontiers in Physiology, October 2023
Chiropractic: Is Poor Knee Balance Linked to Low Back Pain? Assessments of 49 women, 25 with chronic
non-specific low back pain, revealed an association between abnormal knee joint proprioception and chronic
non-specific low back pain. The findings demonstrate how abnormal biomechanics in one area of the body may
contribute to musculoskeletal disorders in adjacent areas.
Journal of Bodyworks and Movement Therapies, July 2023
Mental Attitude: Most Concussed College Athletes Miss About Two Weeks of Play. Among a group of
1,049 collegiate athletes who sustained a sports-related concussion, researchers observed that symptoms tended
to resolve within 6-9 days and athletes returned to play within 11-17 days.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering, November 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Alcohol Abuse Affects the Muscles. A literature review that included 96 studies found
that alcohol impairs mitochondrial function and extracellular matrix remodeling, which can have detrimental
effects on skeletal muscle mass and function in individuals with a long-term history of alcohol abuse.
Alcohol Research, November 2023
Quote: “Our power lies in our small daily choices, one after another, to create eternal ripples of a life well
lived.” ~ Mollie Marti

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

Health Alert: Is Pediatric Brain Injury Linked to Epilepsy? Among a group of nearly 72,000 children
treated for traumatic brain injury, researchers observed that such patients had a fourteen-times increased risk for
developing epilepsy in the following four years, and the risk remained elevated in the following decade.
Epilespsia, October 2023
Diet: Children with Diabetes or Prediabetes Should Avoid Low-Carb Diets. The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) advises against a low-carb or ketogenic diet for children and teens with prediabetes or
diabetes, except when closely supervised by a specialized diabetes care team. Instead, the AAP recommends
getting regular exercise, avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks, and eating nutrient-rich carbohydrates as
part of a balanced diet. American Academy of Pediatrics, October 2023
Exercise: Walking Helps Peripheral Artery Disease Patients. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is described as
the narrowing of leg arteries, which limits blood flow to muscles, making it difficult to stand or walk. A
systematic review that included five studies found that a home-based walking program can serve as a
convenient and efficient intervention for improving walking ability in PAD patients.
JAMA Network Open, September 2023
Chiropractic: Neck and Back Pain Common in College Students. Questionnaires completed by 289
university students revealed that about two thirds experienced either neck or low back pain in the previous year
with close to half having either condition in the previous week. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Mindfulness App Can Improve Kids’ Mental Health. Mindfulness is described as the
ability to be fully present, aware of where you are, and calm about what’s going on around you. In a recent
study, researchers observed that children who used a mindfulness app at home for 40 days experienced
improvements in mental health, stress, and negative emotions. PLOS One, October 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Healthier Lifestyle Can Help Address Fatty Liver. Metabolic dysfunction-associated
fatty liver disease (MAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring, and
serious complications. A systematic review that included twelve studies found that poor diet and a sedentary
lifestyle is common among MAFLD patients and adopting a healthier eating pattern, reducing sedentary time,
and engaging in regular exercise can improve liver health, weight status, blood sugar levels, and overall quality
of life. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, November 2023
Quote: “Information’s pretty thin stuff unless mixed with experience.” ~ Clarence Day

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

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.