Category Archives: Uncategorized

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 7-10-2023

Health Alert: Hazardous Seaweed on Course to Florida’s Coast. Scientists report that a floating mass of
sargassum seaweed is on course for Florida’s coastline, which can release toxic gases like ammonia and
hydrogen sulfide as it decomposes. Health officials advise beachgoers to leave the area if they smell ammonia
or rotten eggs, especially those with respiratory conditions that can be exacerbated by these gases at higher
concentrations. Baylor College of Medicine, May 2023
Diet: Cruciferous Vegetables Protect the Prostate. A systematic review that included 16 studies and over 1.2
million participants found that a high intake of cruciferous vegetables—including broccoli, cauliflower,
cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, and collards—can reduce the risk for prostate cancer by up
to 13%. Urologia Internationalis, June 2023
Exercise: Exercise Important When Arthritis Strikes. While it seems counterintuitive, the most effective and
affordable treatment for managing osteoarthritis is regularly engaging in aerobic exercise, such as walking,
cycling, or swimming. UT Southwestern Medical Center, May 2023
Chiropractic: Many Chiropractic Patients May Have Already Tried Surgery. Using data from a 110-
million patient network in the United States, researchers report that 10.8% of patients who received chiropractic
spinal manipulation had at least one prior spine surgery. Cureus, April 2023
Mental Attitude: Younger Diabetics at Higher Risk for Dementia. According to a recent study, the earlier in
life an individual develops type 2 diabetes, the greater their risk for dementia diagnosis in old age. In particular,
type 2 diabetes before age 40 is associated with a 300% increased risk for dementia. Diabetologia, May 2023
Wellness/Prevention: It’s Tick Season, Beware of Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection
caused by a bite from an infected tick. Symptoms can include a rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and
weakness in the limbs. If the bacteria enters the heart, it can cause a potentially life-threatening arrythmia. To
reduce the risk for Lyme disease, health experts recommend the following: stay out of areas where ticks are
likely to be, such as wooded areas, tall grass, and places with a lot of leaf cover; use an insect repellent; when
heading to where ticks are more prominent, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt that are light in color to
make it easier for you to detect ticks on your clothes; check yourself for ticks before heading indoors; if you
find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers; and visit your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
American Heart Association, June 2023
Quote: “Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.” ~ John Boyle O’Reilly

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, 7-3-2023

Health Alert: Teen Birth Rate Hits Historic Low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the
birth rate among teenagers fell 3% last year and the teen birth rate has fallen from about 60 births per 1,000 15-
to 19-year-old females in the early 1990s to 13.5 births per 1,000 15- to 19-year-old females in 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2023
Diet: Inflammatory Diet May Elevate Risk for Headaches and Joint Pain. Using data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that consuming an inflammatory diet characterized
by a high intake of refined grains, added sugars, processed foods, alcohol, sodium, and trans fats is linked to an
elevated risk for both headaches and joint pain. Nutritional Neuroscience, May 2023
Exercise: Qigong May Help Ease Cancer-Related Fatigue. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that
involves a slow, gentle movements combined with controlled breathing and focused attention. In a recent study,
researchers found that participating in a Qigong intervention reduced fatigue, lowered stress levels, and
improved mood symptoms in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Integrative Cancer Therapies, May 2023
Chiropractic: Migraine Patients Often Have Neck Problems. Patients with a history of migraine headaches
often report pain, hypersensitivity, and reduced range of motion in the neck. Past studies have demonstrated that
treatment to address cervical musculoskeletal disorders in migraineurs can reduce the frequency, duration, and
intensity of their headaches. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Low Iron May Contribute to Mental Health Symptoms. Researchers report that iron plays
a crucial role in brain chemical production, and low iron levels have been linked to conditions such as
depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The findings suggest that individuals with mental health conditions and
those at risk of iron deficiency should consider ferritin testing and potential iron supplementation.
Current Psychiatry, May 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Women’s Health Screenings and Preventive Care. As part of a healthy lifestyle,
women are encouraged to attend the following screenings: mammograms starting at age 40 and done every
other year; Pap and HPV tests starting at age 21 and done every three years thereafter; colorectal cancer
screening starting at age 45; annual STD screening for sexually active women under age 25 and for sexually
active women over age 25 with multiple partners; and annual skin examinations. For women at increased risk
for some diseases or cancers, earlier or more frequent screening may be advised by their healthcare provider.
HealthDay, May 2023
Quote: “A fellow doesn’t last long on what he has done. He has to keep on delivering.” ~ Carl Hubbell

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, 6-26-2023

Health Alert: Naps and A-Fib Risk. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that can lead to
stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. A recent study that included more than 20,000 adults
revealed that regularly napping for less than 30 minutes a day may cut the risk for A-Fib by up to 56%; however,
participants who typically nap for longer than a half hour a day have up to a 90% increased risk for A-Fib.
European Society of Cardiology, April 2023
Diet: Full-Fat Yogurt May Benefit Adults with Prediabetes. Prediabetes is a term used to describe elevated blood
sugar levels that have not yet reached the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. In a recent study, researchers observed
that middle-aged and older prediabetics who consumed three servings of full-fat yogurt a day for three weeks
experienced a drop in their fasting glucose levels sufficient to bring them into the normal range. The finding runs
contrary to usual recommendations for prediabetics, which favor low- or non-fat dairy options.
American Physiological Summit, April 2023
Exercise: What to Do When Need a Break from Working Out. It’s common for individuals who regularly
workout to experience periods of exhaustion, poor performance, and prolonged soreness. When this happens, experts
from Florida International University recommend putting workouts on hold and switching to other physical activities
you enjoy. When returning to your routine, ease into it and take additional rest days as needed.
Florida International University, April 2023
Chiropractic: Managing a Lumbar Disk Herniation with Radiculopathy. A recent study found that the
combination of Mulligan’s mobilization and neurodynamic mobilization is an effective treatment for improving
functional mobility and quality of life in patients with chronic lumbar disk herniation that radiates pain into the leg.
Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the application of several manual therapies for the management of lumbar disk
herniation with radiculopathy, including those used in this study.
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, March 2023
Mental Attitude: Hearing Aids May Lower Risk for Dementia. Past research has shown hearing loss to be a risk
factor for dementia, due to several factors that include depression, social isolation, and reduced mental stimulation.
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers estimate that untreated hearing loss may increase an individual’s
risk for dementia by 42%. However, the research team notes that addressing hearing loss with a hearing aid appears
to completely mitigate this risk. Lancet Public Health, April 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Greenery May Improve Longevity. Following an analysis of data from the 2008-2014
Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, researchers note that seniors who live in neighborhoods with more
greenery not only experience a greater sense of subjective wellbeing, but they may also live longer lives.
Environmental Research, June 2023
Quote: “Time is your friend; impulse is your enemy.” ~ John C. Bogle

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, 6-19-2023

Health Alert: Fatal Falls Among Seniors Have Skyrocketed. In the last 20 years, the number of seniors who have
died from fall-related injuries has increased from 10,100 deaths in 1999 to 36,500 deaths in 2020. While the
population of older adults has increased in that time frame from 35 to 55 million, this does not account for the 3.65
times rise in fall-related deaths. Rather, experts point out that more seniors are surviving serious medical issues,
which may leave them more frail and prone to falls. Older adults also take more medications now than they did 20
years ago, which can interact and cause dizziness and other side effects that may affect balance.
Journal of the American Medical Association, May 2023
Diet: Maternal Diet May Influence Taste Preferences in Offspring. In a recent animal study, researchers
observed that pregnant rats fed a high-fat diet gave birth to pups with a taste for salt. The research team hypothesizes
that high-fat intake may stimulate the expression of a gene that modulates salty taste sensitivity. The findings
demonstrate how food choices during pregnancy can affect an offspring’s early development.
Scientific Reports, April 2023
Exercise: The Right Sports Bra Can Help Women Run Better. Researchers from the Breast Biomechanics
Research Center at the University of Memphis have identified an association between improved support from a
sports bra and greater stiffness of the knee joint when running, which can result in better running performance and a
lower risk for injury. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, April 2023
Mental Attitude: Is the Mind-Body Connection Built into the Brain? Washington University School of Medicine
researchers note that parts of the brain that control movement are linked to networks involved in executive function
skills as well as the control of involuntary bodily functions, like blood pressure and heart rate. They believe this may
help to explain why anxiety makes some people want to pace back and forth, why stimulating the vagus nerve may
alleviate depression, and why people who exercise regularly have a more positive disposition. Nature, April 2023
Chiropractic: Wrist Manipulation Helps Patients with Tennis Elbow. For patients with lateral epicondylitis—
also known as tennis elbow—a recent study found that manipulative therapy applied to the wrist may improve grip
strength. The finding suggests that dysfunction in the wrist may contribute to tennis elbow, and the wrist should be
evaluated in patients seeking care for the condition. Journal of Hand Therapy, March 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Natural Green Spaces May Help Reduce Childhood Allergies. Using data from the
Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) cohort study, researchers report that living in areas
with more natural greenspaces during infancy is associated with greater gut bacteria diversity and a reduced risk for
sensitivity to some allergens. mSystems, April 2023
Quote: “It’s always too early to quit.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

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, 6-12-2023

Health Alert: Childhood Asthma Linked to RSV During Infancy? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a
seasonal lower respiratory tract infection that affects most children by age two. In a recent study that included
more than 1,900 children, researchers found that those who contracted RSV after their first birthday were 26%
less likely to develop asthma by age five. The Lancet, April 2023
Diet: Healthier Beverage Choices May Add Years to Lives of Diabetics. New research suggests that
exchanging one sugary drink a day with coffee, tea, low-fat milk, or plain water can reduce the risk of early
death in type 2 diabetics by up to 18%. BMJ, April 2023
Exercise: Golf Is Good for Arthritis Sufferers. A survey of 459 golfers with osteoarthritis revealed that that
over 90% rated their health as good, very good, or excellent, compared with just 64% of non-golfer
osteoarthritis patients. The data also show that golfers are three times less likely to report severe psychological
distress. Experts note that golfing is a low-impact physical activity that involves plenty of walking and
opportunities for social interaction, which can benefit physical and mental health.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, April 2023
Mental Attitude: Study Reveals Secrets of Reading. According to a recent study, two networks in the brain
activate when reading: one neural pathway focuses on processing individual words while the other works to
derive meaning from the combined words in a sentence.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, April 2023
Chiropractic: Upper Cervical Manual Therapy Benefits TMD Patients. A systematic review and metaanalysis that included eight randomized controlled trials concluded that mobilization and manipulative therapy
applied to the upper cervical spine reduces jaw pain and improves maximal mouth opening in patients with
temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The finding adds to a growing body of research establishing a connection
between TMD and disorders of the cervical spine, of which doctors of chiropractic are well-equipped to
manage. Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, March 2023
Wellness/Prevention: The MIND Diet Works to Reduce Dementia Risk. The Mediterranean-DASH
Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is an eating pattern that is intended to slow or delay the
neurodegenerative decline observed in Alzheimer’s disease patients. A systematic review that included eleven
studies concluded that greater adherence to the MIND diet can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 17%.
JAMA Psychiatry, May 2023
Quote: “We all have the extraordinary coded within us, waiting to be released.” ~ Jean Houston

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, 6-5-2023

Health Alert: New Drug Combo Flagged as Emerging Threat. The combination of fentanyl and the
veterinary tranquilizer xylazine has been designated by the United States Office of National Drug Control
Policy as an emerging threat. Federal officials note that in addition to all the dangers that come with fentanyl
use—such as respiratory failure—xylazine can also lead to necrosis of tissues near injection sites, and there’s no
known cure for an overdose. Associated Press, April 2023
Diet: Diet May Influence Inattention in Kids with ADHD. Among a group of 134 elementary school-aged
children with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers observed that kids with
a lower intake of fruit and vegetables tended to have a harder time maintaining attention than those with a more
produce-rich diet. Nutritional Neuroscience, June 2023
Exercise: Walking Benefits Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central
nervous system in which the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord resulting in symptoms such as
numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness, and paralysis. In a recent
experiment, researchers observed that patients in the early stages of MS who engaged in a 16-week walking
program experienced meaningful improvements in motor processing speed.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, April 2023
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Recommended for Acute Low Back Pain. For acute non-specific low
back pain with or without radiculopathy, several clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulative
therapy as a frontline treatment option. Spinal manipulation is the primary form of treatment provided by
doctors of chiropractic. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, March 2023
Mental Attitude: Autism Linked to Higher Rates of Mental and Physical Illness in Old Age. A pair of
studies recently presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research revealed that
seniors with autism spectrum disorder are at elevated risk for heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), osteoarthritis, anemia, glucose dysregulation, self-harm, loneliness, social isolation, and lower
quality of life. International Society for Autism Research, May 2023
Wellness/Prevention: More Greenspace, Less Childhood Asthma. In a study that included 16,605 children
living in a major city, researchers identified an association between neighborhood greenspace and up to a 23%
reduced risk for childhood asthma. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, May 2023
Quote: “I have made mistakes but I have never made the mistake of claiming that I have never made one.”
~ James Gordon Bennett

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, 5-29-2023

Health Alert: Thyroid Dysfunction Linked to Diabetes. New research that looked at the health histories of nearly
3 million patients with either an under- or over-active thyroid found that thyroid dysfunction is associated with a 66-
77% elevated risk for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes for individuals younger than 65 years old. However, those
under treatment to normalize their thyroid levels have a much lower risk (26-32%). Medicina Clinica, April 2023
Diet: Healthier Eating Tips. To improve the chances of sticking to a healthier eating pattern, the American Heart
Association offers the following tips: don’t cut out your favorite foods, just reduce portion sizes; make sure to eat
plenty of servings of fiber-rich foods such as legumes, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables; opt for healthy snacks
instead of junk food; and limit your intake of sugary drinks and products with added sugars.
American Heart Association, March 2023
Exercise: Exercise Can Reduce Effects of Poor Sleep Habits. While previous research has shown that sleeping
less than seven and more than nine hours a night are both detrimental to longevity, a recent study that included more
than 90,000 adults found that meeting physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise a
week appears to negate some of the negative long-term effects of chronic short and long sleep. Study Dr. Jihui
Zhang adds, “[Our] study indicates that getting sufficient exercise may partially offset the detrimental impact of
missing a good night’s sleep.” European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, March 2023
Chiropractic: Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Alters Hand Proprioception. Proprioception is the body’s
ability to sense where its various parts are in relation to one another for purposes of movement and balance.
Examinations of 60 hands affected by carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 25 non-CTS hands revealed that
proprioception is worse when CTS is present. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize a multimodal approach when
managing CTS patients, which may include exercises and therapies to restore normal hand movement and function.
Joint Diseases and Related Surgery, January 2023
Mental Attitude: Mental Health Issues Increase Cervical Cancer Risk for Women. Following an analysis of
data concerning 4 million women born between 1940 and 1995, researchers report that a history of mental illness is
associated with a two-times increased risk for cervical cancer. The research team points out that women with mental
illness, neuropsychiatric disability, or substance abuse are less likely to attend cervical cancer screenings.
The Lancet Public Health, March 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Lost Weight and Regained Some? Don’t Fret. A literature review that included 124 studies
found that individuals who participate in a weight loss program that includes education on exercise and other healthy
lifestyle choices have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes that may persists for up to five
years, even if they regain some of the lost weight. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, March 2023
Quote: “We see things as we are, not as they are.” ~ Leo Rosten

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

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE form your Rio Vista Chiropractor, 5-22-2023

Health Alert: Fully Legalizing Marijuana May Result in More Automobile Collision Deaths. Since the
legalization of recreational marijuana in Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and
Washington, researchers note there has been a 14-22% increase in car crash-related deaths. Lead author Dr.
Samantha Marinello writes, “Overall, this study provides evidence of the potential harms and benefits of legalizing
recreational markets… Therefore, there is a need for policies and public health initiatives to reduce driving under the
influence.” Social Science & Medicine, January 2023
Diet: High-Salt Diet Linked to Hardened Arteries. According to an analysis of data concerning more than 10,000
middle-aged adults, each 1,000 mg rise in sodium excretion is associated with a 3-4% increased likelihood for worse
results on assessments of arterial health. Study author Dr. Jonas Wuopio adds, “The results show that the more salt
people eat, the higher the burden of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the heart and neck. The increase in
blood pressure due to a high salt intake seems to be an important underlying mechanism for these findings.”
European Heart Journal Open, March 2023
Exercise: Physical Activity Helps Preserve Cognitive Function. Following a review of data from the Behavioral
Risk Factor Surveillance System, researchers report that engaging in physical activity for at least 240 minutes a week
can reduce the risk for subjective cognitive decline by 48%. Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2023
Chiropractic: Jaw Pain, Neck Pain, and Headaches. A retrospective study that included 300 patients with neck
pain and/or temporomandibular joint pain identified an association between higher levels of neck pain and a risk for
tension-type headache, while higher levels of both neck and jaw pain are more closely linked to migraines.
Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for these various conditions.
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, March 2023
Mental Attitude: Harsh Discipline May Cause Mental Health Issues Later in Life. New research that looked at
long-term outcomes of 7,500 children revealed that those regularly shouted at, isolated, physically punished, or
treated unpredictably based on the parent’s mood at age three were 50% more likely at age nine to have mental
health challenges considered to be high risk. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, March 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Experiencing Hearing Loss? The Mayo Clinic notes that signs of hearing loss include
muffled speech/sounds; trouble understanding words, particularly in a crowd or noisy environment; difficulty
hearing consonants; frequently asking a speaker to repeat what they said; needing to listen to the TV/radio at ever
higher volumes; social isolation; and tinnitus. If you regularly experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare
provider to arrange for a hearing test. Mayo Clinic, April 2023
Quote: “Learning never exhausts the mind.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

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

WEEKLYN HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 5-15-2023

Health Alert: Severe Sleep Apnea May Double Risk for Hospitalization for Pneumonia. An analysis of data
from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study revealed that older adults with severe obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA) were nearly two times more likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia during the 20-year study. The authors of
the analysis conclude, “OSA patients may benefit from more aggressive efforts to prevent pneumonia and other
infectious conditions.” Chest, April 2023
Diet: Modified Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet May Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk. Gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA) is responsible for inhibiting the excitability of brain cells and balancing the neuronal activity required for
healthy brain function. Past research has associated GABA dysfunction with neuropsychiatric conditions such as
Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent study, researchers observed that patients with mild-cognitive impairment
experienced an increase in GABA-producing microbes in the gut after switching to a modified Mediterraneanketogenic diet (low carb emphasizing healthy fats and proteins), which researchers suspect may lower the risk for
progression to Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, March 2023
Exercise: Exercise Cuts Depression Risk Nearly in Half. Following an analysis of data from the Brazilian
Longitudinal Health Study, researchers report that engaging in 150-300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical
activity each week can reduce the risk for clinical depression by 45%. Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2023
Chiropractic: Postural Faults Common in Office Workers with Neck and Back Pain. Examinations of 99 office
workers with neck and mid-back pain—a common combination in this population—revealed that 90 exhibited
scapular dyskinesis (abnormal movement of the shoulder blade) on one of both sides. Additionally, the majority had
postural deviations that include rounded shoulders, forward head posture, and thoracic hyperkyphosis (slumped
upper back). Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat office workers with neck and mid-back pain using a multimodal
approach that includes manual therapies, posture correction exercises, and ergonomic assessments.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, March 2023
Mental Attitude: Short Sleepers More Likely to Have ADHD? Assessments of 381 preschoolers revealed that
small children who do not get sufficient sleep each night (10-13 hours) are nearly two times more likely to exhibit
symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anales de Pediatría, April 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Pets May Help Prevent Food Allergies in Children. Past research suggests that owning a
pet is linked to a reduced risk for respiratory allergies in kids. Now, a new study notes this protection may extend to
food allergies as well, particularly allergies related to eggs, milk, and nuts. First study author Dr. Hisao Okabe notes,
“In terms of food allergies, pet exposure during fetal and early infancy may be good in some cases… We hope that
this message will help alleviate some of the concerns about pet ownership.” PLOS ONE, March 2023
Quote: “We think too much and feel too little.” ~ Charlie Chaplin

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, 5-8-2023

Health Alert: Asthma and Eczema Increase Arthritis Risk. Following a review of data concerning nearly 1.4
million adults, researchers report that individuals with either asthma or eczema are up to 58% more likely to develop
osteoarthritis, and the risk is even greater for those with both conditions.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, March 2023
Diet: Pregnancy and Proper Nutrition. Dietary assessments of 2,450 women during pregnancy revealed that 90%
did not consume adequate nutrients via diet alone. Furthermore, researchers note that nearly all affordable dietary
supplements do not contain the appropriate doses of key nutrients to make up for these deficiencies. Lead author Dr.
Katherine Sauder writes, “This research will inform pregnant patients and their doctors about key nutrients they may
be missing in their diet and help them choose prenatal vitamins that can provide the nutrients they need… Dietary
supplement manufacturers can also use these results to inform better dosing in their products.”
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2023
Exercise: Strength Training Can Reduce Blood Pressure. A recent literature review concluded that just eight-toten weeks of strength training is sufficient to reduce systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg and diastolic blood
pressure by 4.79 mmHg. Researcher Dr. Giovana Rampazzo Teixeira explains, “In clinical practice and gyms or
fitness centers, strength training can be a treatment option for people with high blood pressure as a nonpharmacological intervention as long as you know enough about the key variables and take the subject’s goals into
account.” Scientific Reports, March 2023
Chiropractic: Back Surgery Is Not for Everyone. In a recent paper published in the Medical Journal of Australia,
the authors noted that while spinal surgeries have increased over time, the current data does not support surgical
intervention for low back pain outside of cases of lumbar radiculopathy that doesn’t respond to non-surgical care and
when low back pain is associated with cancer, infection, or gross spinal instability. Otherwise, treatment guidelines
strongly emphasize utilizing conservative, non-surgical approaches to manage low back pain, of which chiropractic
care is an excellent choice. Medical Journal of Australia, January 2023
Mental Attitude: Serious Pediatric Mental Health Issues in Kids Has Increase in the Last Decade. Between
2009 and 2019, the number of children hospitalized for mental health-related issues in the United States increased
26%. During the same time frame, the rate of attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-injury among American
kids and teens rose between 31-64%. Journal of the American Medical Association, March 2023
Wellness/Prevention: A Good Walk Even Once a Week Has Longevity Benefits. Using data from the United
States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers report that logging 8,000 steps just one day a
week can lower the risk for early death by 15%. Neurology, March 2023
Quote: “The beginning is always today.” ~ Mary Wollstonecraft

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