Health Alert: Sleep Behaviors That Increase Stroke Risk. Using data from the INTERSTROKE study,
researchers report the following sleep characteristics are associated with an elevate risk for stroke: short sleep
(less than five hours), long sleep (longer than nine hours), poor quality sleep, difficulty falling asleep or staying
asleep, prolonged napping, snoring, and sleep apnea. Neurology, April 2023
Diet: Fasting Can Reduce Risk Markers of Type 2 Diabetes. New research suggests that restricting eating to
a four-hour window at least three days a week can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity within six
months, which may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. Nature Medicine, April 2023
Exercise: Older Adults Benefit from High-Intensity Exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a
form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort—such as sprinting or stair climbing—
separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise—such as jogging or fast walking. A study that included 68
physically inactive older adults found that those who participated in an HIIT intervention experienced greater
improvement in knee muscle strength and working memory and similar improvements in blood pressure and
oxygen intake as participants who performed medium-intensity continuous training.
Journals of Gerontology: Series A, March 2023
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Helps COPD Patients Breathe Better. Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the
United States. A study that included 33 COPD patients found that including muscle energy technique (MET)
sessions in a COPD rehabilitation program led to better outcomes with respect to subjective breathing. Doctors
of chiropractic are trained in the delivery of MET and other forms of manual therapy.
Journal of Integrative Medicine, March 2023
Mental Attitude: Depression May Be Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease. Among a group of 1,028
adults whom researchers monitored for more than five years, those with more severe anxiety and/or depressive
symptoms were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for traditional risk
factors. Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Tips for Preventing Falls Among Older Adults. The Mayo Clinic reports that 1-in-4
seniors fall every year, which can dramatically affect their ability to remain independent. To reduce the risk for
falls, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: keep clutter off the floor; secure throw rugs to the floor or
remove them; keep stairs and walkways clear; and clean up spills right away. Mayo Clinic, April 2023
Quote: “The right time is any time that one is still so lucky as to have.” ~ Henry James

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

Health Alert: Parents Often Give Fever Meds to Kids Too Soon. A survey of nearly 1,400 parents revealed
that a third would still give their child fever-reducing medication at a temperature below 100.4 degrees
Fahrenheit and half would provide such pharmaceuticals at a temperature below 101.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, one-in-four parents would give their child an additional dose in an effort to keep such a low-grade
fever from returning. Pediatrician Dr. Susan Woolford adds, “Some parents may immediately rush to give their
kids medicine, but it’s often better to let the fever run its course… Lowering a child’s temperature doesn’t
typically help cure their illness any faster. In fact, a low-grade fever helps fight off the infection. There’s also
the risk of giving too much medication when it’s not needed, which can have side effects.”
University of Michigan, February 2023
Diet: Foods to Avoid for Reducing Salt Intake. The Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition
Sciences notes that the following foods may be most responsible for excessive sodium intake in the American
diet: pizza; bread, rolls, and buns; cold cuts and cured meats; soups; burritos and tacos; savory snacks; poultry;
cheese; pasta dishes; burgers; cookies, brownies, and cakes; bacon, frankfurters, and sausages; and chicken
nuggets. Nutrients, February 2023
Exercise: Just 20 Minutes of Exercise a Day Can Lower Risk for Hospital Stays. For adults in middle and
old age, a recent study found that getting just twenty minutes of exercise a day can reduce the risk of
hospitalization from pneumonia, stroke, diabetes complications, and severe urinary tract infections by as much
as 23%. JAMA Network Open, February 2023
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Is Common in Adolescents. Questionnaires completed by 2,000 teenagers
revealed that 57% experienced an episode of low back pain in the previous year.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, September 2022
Mental Attitude: Poor Sleep Late in Pregnancy Linked to Postpartum Depression. A systematic review
that included ten studies concluded that poor sleep in the weeks prior to giving birth is associated with a 2.71
times increased risk for postpartum depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, April 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Greenspaces May Help Protect Eyes of Diabetes Patients. Adding to a growing body
of research on the benefits of greenery on public health, an analysis of data from a long-term study that included
nearly 60,000 diabetics found that living in a neighborhood with better access to greenspaces is associated with
a lower risk for diabetic retinopathy. Environmental Research, March 2023
Quote: “Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.” ~ John Updike

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

Health Alert: Irregular Sleep Schedule Increases Heart Risks for Seniors. New research suggests that adults
with an inconsistent sleep schedule have an elevated risk for a high coronary artery calcium score, plaque build-up in
the carotid artery, and abnormal results on assessments of blood vessel stiffness. Sleep expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta adds,
“If you have any risk factors for [heart disease] such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, family
history of heart disease, or are overweight, having a regular sleep schedule should be a priority along with addressing
other modifiable risk factors to reduce your chance of developing atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or
stroke.” Journal of the American Heart Association, February 2023
Diet: Diverse Diet Benefits Women’s Cognitive Health. Following an analysis of ten years of data concerning
nearly 40,000 adults, researchers report that women who consume a diverse diet may be up to a third less likely to
develop dementia than those who eat only a limited number of foods. Clinical Nutrition, April 2023
Exercise: Physically Demanding Work May Increase Male Fertility. According to a recent study, men whose
work activities include frequent lifting and moving of heavy objects have higher sperm counts and concentration
than those with less physical jobs. First author Dr. Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón writes, “What these new findings suggest
is that physical activity during work may also be associated with significant improvement in men’s reproductive
potential.” Human Reproduction, February 2023
Chiropractic: Many People Are Misguided on Low Back Pain. A recent survey found that 68% of adults falsely
believe that rest is the best treatment for low back pain and incorrectly think remaining physically active while
dealing with low back pain is unnecessary. Doctors of chiropractic routinely advise patients to stay active within
pain tolerance and avoid prolonged bed rest when managing an episode of low back pain.
Joint Bone Spine, January 2023
Mental Attitude: Breathing Exercises May Hasten Concussion Recovery. In this study, researchers recruited 30
teenagers with concussion symptoms lasting longer than one month to participate in a breathing exercise intervention
with or without aerobic exercise and found that the combination of breathing and aerobic exercise contributed to a
speedier recovery. American Academy of Neurology, April 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Lifestyle Changes for Better Blood Pressure Management. The Mayo Clinic offers the
following natural recommendations for individuals to lower their blood pressure: lose weight, get regular exercise,
reduce sodium intake, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, learn to manage stress, get adequate sleep,
monitor blood pressure at home, and let your family and friends know your goals so they can support your choices.
Mayo Clinic, February 2023
Quote: “Success is the sweetest revenge.” ~ Vanessa Williams

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

Health Alert: Check Your Water Heater Settings. Between 2016 and 2018, more than 52,000 Americans visited
the emergency room to receive treatment for scalding burns caused by hot tap water. Researchers note that water
from a water heater set at 130 degrees Fahrenheit (~54 degrees Celsius) can cause a second-degree burn in 25
seconds, while setting the water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (~60 degrees Celsius) can cause a burn in just three
seconds. Many experts recommend setting water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (~49 degrees Celsius).
Injury Prevention, March 2023
Diet: Too Little Sodium May Harm Heart Failure Patients. To reduce fluid build-up and swelling, heart failure
patients are advised to reduce their sodium intake to 2.5 grams a day (most Americans consume 3.4 grams in their
daily diet). However, an analysis of data from nine studies found that cutting sodium to less than 2.5 grams a day
does not confer additional heart benefits and may even increase the risk of early death. First author Dr. Anirudh
Palicherla adds, “Limiting sodium is still the way to go to help manage heart failure, but the amount of restriction
has been up for debate… This study shows that the focus should be on establishing a safe level of sodium
consumption instead of overly restricting sodium.” American College of Cardiology, February 2023
Exercise: Even Exercise Once a Month Helps! An analysis of data concerning 1,417 adults born in 1946 revealed
that engaging in any intensity of physical activity at least once a month is associated with better cognitive function
later in life. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, February 2023
Chiropractic: Fitness May Lower Low Back Risks in a Physically Demanding Job. Questionnaires completed
by 204 warehouse workers revealed that one in four had low back pain. However, the researchers found greater
handgrip strength—a measure used to assess physical fitness—is associated with a lower risk for pain in the low
back. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Research, February 2023
Mental Attitude: Access to Nature May Help Cut Stress. According to a study that looked at the health outcomes
of more than 40,000 older adults, living within a half-mile of either green outdoor spaces or water reduces the risk of
serious psychological distress by 17%. American Academy of Neurology, April 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Weight. Kids who are overweight are not only more
at risk for diabetes and problems with peers but are also more likely to be overweight as adults and at risk for several
chronic diseases. Experts from OSF Healthcare offer the following tips for parents of an overweight child: help your
child understand hunger/fullness cues; provide healthy snack options; encourage your child to exercise and spend
time outside; set limits on screen time; take your child shopping and let them help you choose healthier foods; and be
a model for your child by living a healthy lifestyle yourself. OSF Healthcare, January 2023
Quote: “The best way out is always through.” ~ Robert Frost

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

Health Alert: Regular Laxative Use Linked to Dementia. An analysis of data concerning more than a half
million adults revealed that regular laxative use increases the risk for dementia over the following decade by
28% and regular use of two or more laxatives boosts the risk up to 90%. Study author Dr. Feng Sha adds,
“Regular use of laxatives, even without short-term severe adverse events, may have the potential long-term risk
of dementia, especially when it comes to osmotic laxatives and combination use of two or more types of
laxatives.” Neurology, February 2023
Diet: Psyllium Fiber May Protect Against Colitis. A recent animal study found that mice on a psyllium fiberrich diet were less likely to develop colitis than rodents on a standard diet. The researchers note this is likely
due to suppression of pro-inflammatory activity in the digestive tract.
Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, February 2023
Exercise: Exercise Lowers the Risk for Many Diseases. The Mayo Clinic reports that regular exercise can
help lower the risk and aid in the management of several diseases including stroke, metabolic syndrome,
hypertension, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety disorder, arthritis, and some cancers.
Mayo Clinic, February 2023
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain. Among a group of 83
patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, those who received six treatments of spinal manipulative
therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—experienced improvements in low
back-related pain, disability, and range of motion. Medicine (Baltimore), February 2023
Mental Attitude: Alcohol May Speed Alzheimer’s Progression. In a recent study, researchers observed that
mice at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease experienced faster increases in brain atrophy and amyloid plaque
build-up if they consumed the human equivalent of 1-2 alcoholic drinks a day for about ten years. The findings
suggest that alcohol consumption may be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s, though further research is
needed. Neurobiology of Disease, February 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Living Near Green Spaces Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Following an analysis of
long-term data on nearly 380,000 adults, researchers report that living within 1,000 feet of a residential green
space is associated with a 14.4% lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes over the following twelve years.
Science of the Total Environment, March 2023
Quote: “Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react
to it.” ~ Mia Hamm

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

Health Alert: Bad Sleep in Teen Years May Raise MS Risk. 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. A survey
of 2,100 adult MS patients and 3,000 otherwise healthy adults revealed that sleeping less than seven hours a
night during adolescence is associated with a 40% higher risk for developing MS in adulthood.
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, January 2023
Diet: Vitamin A Deficiency May Affect Metabolic Health. In a recent animal study, researchers observed an
association between vitamin A deficiency and reduced expression of genes associated with metabolic function
(extraction of energy from fat, extraction of energy from glucose, and the production of the energy-carrying
molecule adenosine triphosphate).
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, January 2023
Exercise: Staying Active Can Slow Mental Decline. Researchers analyzed long-term data from the Women’s
Health Initiative study and found that for about every half hour of moderate-to-vigorous activity a woman over
age 65 averages per day, her risk for developing mild-cognitive impairment or dementia decreases by 21%.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia, January 2023
Chiropractic: Is Working Nights Linked to Back Pain? An analysis of data from 40 studies found that
working nights is associated with an elevated risk for low back pain, especially among healthcare workers.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, January 2023
Mental Attitude: A Healthy Lifestyle May Reduce Depression Risk. Using data from the UK Biobank study,
researchers calculate that living a healthy lifestyle (not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption,
eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly) may decrease an individual’s risk for depression over the
following fifteen years by more than 50%. Journal of Affective Disorders, February 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Drive Safely with Children. The Department of Health and Human Services offers the
following guidelines for driving safely with a child in the car: make sure the child is in an age-appropriate car
seat or booster seat (and always wear a seatbelt yourself); never drive while impaired (alcohol, drugs,
medication, or drowsy); don’t text and drive; keep your eyes on the road; don’t speed; drive according to road
conditions; and maintain a three-second distance behind the car traveling in front of yours.
Health and Human Services, January 2023
Quote: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ~ Frederick Douglass

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

Health Alert: Frequent Use Antibiotics Associated with Greater Risk for IBD. With the aid of information
from the Danish national medical database, researchers observed an association between frequent antibiotic use
and an elevated risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The finding underscores the importance of avoiding
antibiotic overuse as several studies have found up to half of antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary.
Gut, January 2023
Diet: Nitrite Additives Linked to Type 2 Diabetes. Using data from the NutriNet-Santé study, researchers
report that a higher intake of nitrite food additives is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. The
researchers add, “These results provide a new piece of evidence in the context of current discussions regarding
the need for a reduction of nitrite additives’ use in processed meats by the food industry, and could support the
need for better regulation of soil contamination by fertilizers. In the meantime, several public health authorities
worldwide already recommend citizens to limit their consumption of foods containing controversial additives,
including sodium nitrite.” PLOS Medicine, January 2023
Exercise: Is Walking As Beneficial As Running? The American Heart Association reports that mile-for-mile
(or kilometer-for-kilometer), both brisk walking and running offer similar benefits in terms of lowering the risk
for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. American Heart Association, January 2023
Chiropractic: Neural Mobilization for Managing Low Back and Radicular Pain? For patients with low
back and radicular pain, a systematic review that included eight studies found that neural mobilization—a form
of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—may be an effective intervention for improving pain,
function, and disability. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, February 2023
Mental Attitude: Child Maltreatment Linked to Multiple Mental Health Problems. An analysis of 34
studies found that maltreatment during childhood is associated with small increases in the risk for depression,
anxiety, self-harm, suicide attempts, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and
conduct problems. American Journal of Psychiatry, January 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Tips for Safer Morning Blood Glucose Levels. To reduce the risk for a potentially
dangerous rise in blood glucose levels in the morning, the American Diabetes Association recommends the
following for diabetics: eat your dinner earlier in the evening; go for a walk or engage in another form of
physical activity after dinner; and if your fasting blood glucose remains high after these steps, see your
healthcare provider. American Diabetes Association, January 2023
Quote: “Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.” ~ Ernest Shackleton

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

Health Alert: Traffic Noise May Contribute to Tinnitus Risk. Following an analysis of data concerning 3.5
million Danish adults, researchers report that for every 10-decibel increase in noise in an individual’s home
from nearby roadways, the risk for tinnitus increases by 6%. The research team speculates that traffic noise may
indirectly affect tinnitus risk as living near a busy road may affect sleep quality, which has been linked to the
condition. Environmental Health Perspectives, February 2023
Diet: Health Benefits of Eating Fish. Healthline reports that fish is high in important nutrients, and regularly
eating fish may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, aid fetal and infant development, boost brain health,
improve vitamin D status and sleep quality, reduce the risk for autoimmune diseases and asthma, and protect
vision in old age. Healthline, January 2023
Exercise: Vitamin D Reduces Muscle Inflammation and Pain Post Exercise. A systematic review that
included ten studies concluded that taking a minimum dose of 2,000 IU of vitamin D for longer than seven days
can help reduce post-exercise muscle damage and inflammation.
Journal Of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, September 2022
Chiropractic: Back Pain Increases Frailty Risk in Older Women. Frailty is a condition characterized by
weakness, slowness, physical inactivity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss that is
associated with an increased risk for poor health outcomes. In a recent study, researchers observed that older
women with low back pain were 2.83 times more likely to develop frailty over the following year, especially
those with greater pain intensity or disability. European Geriatric Medicine, February 2023
Mental Attitude: Cancer Increases Suicide Risk. Researchers report that the risk of suicide increases sevenfold in the six months following cancer diagnosis and remains 26% higher than the general population over
time. Study author Dr. Xuesong Han adds, “Our findings highlight the importance of timely symptom
management and targeted interventions or suicide prevention in individuals with cancer.”
JAMA Network Open, January 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Summer Footwear Can Cause Problems. As the warmer months approach, the
American Podiatric Medical Association notes the risk of injury can increase with the following footwear
choices: sprained or twisted ankles from wedges or espadrilles; bunions and hammertoes from peep toe sandals;
poor support, heel pain, and arch pain from flats and slides; and calluses, poor support, and irritation between
the toes from strappy or lace-up sandals. American Podiatric Medical Association, January 2023
Quote: “Make a difference today for someone who’s fighting for their tomorrow.” ~ Jim Kelly

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

Health Alert: Many People Are Not Prepared for Medical Emergencies. The American College of
Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recently conducted a poll of 2,199 adults and found that only 55% could
provide CPR, 47% knew how to apply a tourniquet to control severe bleeding, and 29% felt they could use an
automated external defibrillator to address sudden cardiac arrest.
American College of Emergency Physicians, January 2023
Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help Manage Chronic Low Back and TMJ Pain. According to a recent
study, a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the blood is associated with less intense pain in
patients with either chronic low back pain or chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
Journal of Pain, October 2022
Exercise: Great Home Cardio Workouts. Current fitness guidelines recommend engaging in a minimum of
30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day. Some activities you can perform at home to meet these
guidelines include jumping rope, climbing stairs, yoga, house/yard work, and gardening.
MedicineNet, January 2023
Chiropractic: The Sacroiliac Joints Are an Overlooked Pain Generator. In a recent literature review,
researchers found disorders of the sacroiliac joints (which connect the sacrum and pelvis) may be a primary or
contributing cause of 27% of back pain cases. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess the function of the
sacroiliac joints when patients present with low back or pelvic pain and to apply manual therapies with the aim
of reducing pain and improving function.
Journal of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (Germany), October 2022
Mental Attitude: Osteoporosis May Raise Cognitive Impairment Risk. Following a review of data from
eight studies that included more than 130,000 participants, researchers report that individuals with osteoporosis
may have a two-times increased risk for cognitive impairment.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, March 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Laser Treatment May Prevent Skin Cancer Recurrence. A review of records of
patient with a history of basal or squamous cell cancer found that those treated with a laser were nearly 50%
less likely to develop new skin cancers in the area, and for those who did experience recurrence, it took longer
than in patients treated by other means. Dermatologic Surgery, January 2023
Quote: “All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.”
~ Galileo Galilei

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

Health Alert: One-in-Four Young Adults Do Not Have a Close Relationship with Their Dad. Using data
from two nationally representative surveys, researchers report that 26% of young adults are estranged from their
fathers, while 6% are estranged from their mothers. Journal of Marriage and Family, December 2022
Diet: Walnuts Can Be a Good Snack for College Students. A recent study found that university students who
consumed a half cup of walnuts each day experienced improvements in their mental health, metabolic health,
and sleep quality. Nutrients, November 2022
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Benefits Perimenopausal Women. Among a group of 289 perimenopausal
women, researchers observed that those who participated in an eight-week aerobic exercise intervention
experienced improvements with respect to depression, anxiety, and sleep quality.
Frontiers in Psychiatry, November 2022
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Helps Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis. A systematic review that included
ten studies concluded that long-axis distraction, mobilization, and thrust manipulation—treatments provided by
doctors of chiropractic—are effective interventions for reducing pain and range of hip motion in patients with
osteoarthritis of the hip. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, December 2022
Mental Attitude: Adverse Childhood Experiences Can Have Lifelong Effect on Mental Health. Following
a review of data from two longitudinal studies, researchers report that kids who experience four or more adverse
childhood experiences (ACEs) are 2.65 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression in adulthood.
Examples of ACEs include abuse (physical, sexual, emotional); neglect (physical, emotional); witnessing
domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental illness in the household; and the loss of a parent (separation,
divorce, incarceration, death). Journal of Affective Disorders, February 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Be Cautious of Drug and Food Interactions. The American Academy of Family
Physicians offers the following tips to avoid potentially harmful food and drug interactions: read medication
labels before using and ask the pharmacist or your healthcare provider about anything you do not understand;
read interaction precautions, instructions, and warnings on medication labels; unless instructed otherwise, drink
a full glass of water when taking medication; unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so, don’t split
or break apart medication pills or capsules or mix medications with food or hot drinks; make sure your doctor
and pharmacist are aware of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently using; and don’t take
medications with alcohol. American Academy of Family Physicians, January 2023
Quote: “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” ~ George Burns

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