Health Alert: Most Older Adults Have Low Vitamin D Levels. Healthy vitamin D status is essential for bone
health, especially in seniors as a serious fracture can threaten both independence and long-term health.
However, blood tests of 1,011 older adults revealed that only 22.3% had sufficient vitamin D serum levels.
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, May 2023
Diet: Food Choices Linked to Multi-Site Chronic Pain. Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers
report that a diet characterized by a high intake of alcohol, salt, pork, and poultry is associated with an elevated
risk for chronic pain in multiple body sites. Nutrients, August 2023
Exercise: Exercise Helps Patients with Lynch Syndrome. Lynch syndrome is a condition characterized by a
genetic predisposition for several cancers, including colorectal cancer. In a recent study, researchers observed
that Lynch syndrome patients who engaged in high-intensity interval training experienced a reduction in
inflammation and an increase in certain immune cells that may reduce their cancer risk.
Clinical Cancer Research, September 2023
Chiropractic: Mid-Back Mobilization Helps with Low Back Pain. Among a group of 24 low back pain
patients, researchers observed that the application of mobilization therapy—a form of treatment utilized by
doctors of chiropractic—to the thoracic spine led to improvements in both lower back pain and range of motion.
Progress in Rehabilitation Medicine, July 2023
Mental Attitude: Finances Decline in Years Before Dementia Diagnosis. A recent study found that finances
tend to significantly decline in patients with dementia up to eight years before diagnosis. While further research
is necessary to understand the underlying causes of these drops in net worth—such as productivity loses,
impaired money management, or increased healthcare expenditures— financial difficulties later in life may help
healthcare providers identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline. JAMA Neurology, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Forever Chemicals Linked to Cancers in Women. 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. Researchers note that women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood may be at
elevated risk for skin, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, September 2023
Quote: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” ~ John Wooden

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

Health Alert: Dental Issues Extremely Common Among Nursing Home Residents. According to a recent
study that looked at data concerning 2.3 million nursing home residents, about 20% of residents had missing
teeth, 8% had broken teeth or cavities, and 11% experienced pain while chewing. Experts note these oral health
issues can make chewing difficult, contributing to malnutrition and serious health problems, including heart
disease. The study highlights the need for better education on the importance of oral health among the elderly,
as well as better access to dental care for nursing home residents. JAMA Network Open, September 2023
Diet: Low-Carb Diet Not Advised for Pediatric Diabetics. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
warns parents of children and teens with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes that there’s little evidence to support
the adoption of low-carbohydrate diets for such individuals, noting the diet may even lead to nutritional
deficiencies. Instead, the AAP recommends eating a balanced diet that includes healthy carbs like vegetables,
legumes, and whole grains while avoiding sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods.
Pediatrics, September 2023
Exercise: Weather-Based Digital Nudges Help Users Stay Fit. Digital alerts from smartphone apps
reminding users to exercise tend to lose effectiveness over time; however, University of Minnesota researchers
have found that tying such alerts to current weather conditions are not only welcomed by users but also
encourage them to stay active. Information Systems Research, August 2023
Chiropractic: Moving More Cuts Back Pain Risk. An analysis of data concerning 3,385 middle-aged adults
found that for each additional 1,000 steps an individual averages per day, their odds for non-specific low back
pain fall by 4%. Scientific Reports, May 2023
Mental Attitude: Parkinson’s Patients Often Battle Self-Stigma. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive
neurological disorder that can cause tremors, difficulty with movement, impaired balance and coordination, and
muscle rigidity. A recent study found that many Parkinson’s patients hide their diagnosis fearing discrimination
or misjudgment, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and undertreatment.
Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Ovulation Tests Can Help Couples Conceive. For couples trying to get pregnant for
less than one year, a systematic review that included data from seven clinical trials found that the use of urine
ovulation tests can improve odds for successful conception by up to 55%. Cochrane Review, September 2023
Quote: “What you get is a living, what you give is a life.” ~ Lillian Gish

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

Health Alert: Blue Light-Filtering Glasses May Not Help. Blue light-filtering glasses have been marketed to
heavy screen users to protect their eyes, but a systematic review that included 17 trials found the use of such
glasses does not reduce eye strain, enhance eye health, or improve sleep quality in the short term.
Cochrane Reviews, August 2023
Diet: Caffeine Intake May Not Raise Sleep Apnea Risk. While it’s widely accepted that caffeine can
contribute to sleep-disordered breathing, a recent meta-analysis found no association between caffeine or coffee
intake and an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea. European Journal of Nutrition, September 2023
Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Helps Manage Non-Specific Neck. Non-specific neck pain a term used to
describe neck pain that occurs in the absence of an underlying disease or pathology, like an infection or
osteoporotic fracture. A recent systematic review found that engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise—
such as cycling, brisk walking, aerobics, stationary bike, treadmill running, circuit training, and/or swimming—
three times a week can improve both pain and function in patients with non-specific neck pain. Doctors of
chiropractic frequently recommend aerobic exercise in addition to patient-specific exercises as part of
management for musculoskeletal conditions, including non-specific neck pain. Healthcare, January 2024
Chiropractic: Neck Pain and Range of Motion Improved with Manual Scapular Repositioning. Among a
group of 69 patients with both neck pain and scapular dyskinesis, researchers observed that correcting scapular
position resulted in both improvements in neck pain and cervical range of motion. The findings demonstrate
how dysfunction in one area can contribute to or even cause pain and disability in an adjacent region.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2023
Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Yoga May Help Manage Depression. For patients with major depressive
disorder, a systematic review that included nine studies found that the combination of yoga and mindfulness can
have a positive effect on depressive symptoms and may have a role as part of a multimodal approach for
managing the mental health condition. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Take Vitamin D Daily or Weekly? Following a review of data from 116 clinical trials,
researchers report that ingesting a week’s worth of vitamin D supplements all at once may be more effective for
improving vitamin D levels than taking a daily dose. Of course, before taking any supplements, consult with a
doctor who is familiar with your health history. Frontiers in Nutrition, August 2023
Quote: “Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.” ~ D. H. Lawrence

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

Health Alert: Aircraft Noise Raises Risk for Second Heart Attack. Among a group of 737 myocardial
infarction survivors living in the same geographic area, those exposed to higher levels of aircraft noise from
the flight paths of a nearby airport had a 24% higher risk for a second heart attack in the next five years for
every 10-decibel increase in aircraft noise exposure. The findings add to a growing body of research linking
higher levels of transportation noise pollution to worse health outcomes.
Environmental Research, September 2023
Diet: Low-Cal vs. Fasting Diets: How Does Each Affect the Microbiome? Past research has
demonstrated that a diverse microbiome is associated with better health, including a stronger immune
system and less inflammation in the body. A study that included 47 healthy adults found that participants
who switched to either a calorie-restricted or intermittent fasting diet for three months experienced
improvements in gut microbiome diversity. Nutrients, August 2023
Exercise: Sedentary Childhood Can Have Lifelong Effect on Heart. Using data from the Children of
the 90s research project, which monitored 766 participants from age 11 to 24, researchers found that
excessive sedentary time in childhood is linked to more mass in the left ventricle of the heart, which is
associated with an elevated risk for heart disease and stroke later in life.
European Society of Cardiology Congress, August 2023
Chiropractic: Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fall Risk. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory
disease that can cause spinal vertebrae to fuse, making the spine less flexible. A recent study found that
patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a greater risk for fear of falling, falls, and repeated falls.
Frontiers in Medicine, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Heavy Metal Exposure Linked to Anxiety. An analysis of data from the 2007-2012
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys revealed that higher urine levels of cadmium and
antimony are associated with an increased risk for anxiety disorder. Chemosphere, September 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Too Few Kids Getting Eye Tests. University of Michigan and Duke University
researchers report that more than two-thirds of children are not receiving regular vision tests during checkups, which can be essential for the early identification of vision disorders when they may be easiest to treat.
JAMA Ophthalmology, August 2023
Quote: “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” ~ Neil Peart

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

Health Alert: One Billion People Worldwide Will Have Osteoarthritis in 2050. Osteoarthritis is
characterized by the slow breakdown of the cartilage within joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain
that tends to worsen with time. Due to the aging of the global population and the rise in sedentary lifestyles
and obesity, researchers estimate that as many as one billion people living in 2050 will have osteoarthritis.
The Lancet Rheumatology, August 2023
Diet: A Healthy Diet May Help Some Allergy Sufferers. The current research suggests that excessive
calorie intake and nutrient imbalances can contribute to allergies, and for some individuals, allergy
management may involve switching to a balanced diet rich in micronutrient and flavonoids to reduce
inflammation and improve the health of the gut microbiome. Nutrients, August 2023
Exercise: Tips for Returning to Exercise Postpartum. For new moms looking to resume their prepregnancy fitness routine, experts from Tufts University recommend first consulting with a doctor. Once
cleared to exercise, start slowly, set flexible goals, and pay attention to body cues to avoid injury.
Tufts University, July 2023
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Linked to Worse Migraines. According to a recent study, migraineurs with cooccurring neck pain are more likely to report that their headaches have a greater effect on their ability to
carry out their daily activities. Past research has shown that addressing neck disorders in migraine
patients—with chiropractic care, for example—can reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of
migraines. Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Too Much Screen Time May Slow Baby’s Development. New research suggests that
one-year-old children who spend more than four hours a day in front of screens develop skills in the
domains of fine-motor, communication, socialization, and problem-solving more slowly than their peers
with less exposure to televisions, tablets, and smartphones. JAMA Pediatrics, August 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Eye Scans Could Spot Parkinson’s Earlier. University College London and
Moorfields Eye Hospital researchers report that optical coherence tomography scans are capable of
detecting subtle changes in the eyes that develop very early in the course of Parkinson’s disease
progression, up to seven years before the condition may even be diagnosed. Neurology, August 2023
Quote: “Love is the power to see similarity in the dissimilar.” ~ Theodor W. Adorno

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

Health Alert: Mid-Life Hypertension Can Dramatically Increase Heart Risks. Among a group of 1,029
middle-aged adults whom researchers monitored for more than two decades, those with elevated blood pressure
readings—which accounted for more than half of participants—had up to an eleven-times greater risk for
developing cardiovascular disease. Hypertension, September 2023
Diet: Dietary Fat Can Affect Platelet Counts. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that adding
polyunsaturated fatty acids to the diet of mice led to increased platelet counts, while increasing their saturated
fat intake reduced platelet counts. The findings suggest that individuals with low platelet counts, such as those
undergoing chemotherapy, may benefit from switching from a high-saturated fat Western diet pattern to a
polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. Nature Cardiovascular Research, July 2023
Exercise: Pilates an Option for Chronic Low Back Pain Patients. Doctors of chiropractic often advise
chronic low back pain patients to engage in at-home exercises to strengthen the core muscles to both aid in
recovery and reduce the risk for recurrence. An analysis of data from eight clinical trials found that Pilates is an
effective option for improving core muscle strength in chronic low back pain patients and can serve as a viable
alternative to other core strengthening exercises. Healthcare (Basel), May 2023
Chiropractic: Stressful Events and Low Back Pain. An analysis of data concerning 2,930 older men in the
Osteoporotic Fracture in Men Study revealed that 57% had experienced a stressful life event—such as the loss
of a pet or partner or financial problems—within the previous year. These individuals were 42% more likely to
have present low back pain and 56% more likely to develop back pain in the following year.
European Journal of Pain, August 2023
Mental Attitude: Negative Thoughts and Depression Relapse. New research suggests that patients with a
history of major depression can reduce their risk for a future episode by learning to reframe negative thought
patterns with the aid of cognitive behavioral therapy. Additional strategies for managing depression include
getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, August 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Bystander CPR, Defib Use Saves Lives. If an individual experiences cardiac arrests in
a public setting, the use of an automated external defibrillator and CPR by bystanders until emergency medical
technicians arrive can more than double their chances for survival.
European Society of Cardiology, August 2023
Quote: “Today, you have 100% of your life left.” ~ Tom Landry

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

Health Alert: Gastrointestinal Tumors Are Increasing Among Young Americans. Researchers report that
the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers—which includes cancers of the colon, appendix, bile ducts, and
pancreas—are the fastest growing group of cancers among adults under age 50. The authors of the study add
that screening strategies for gastrointestinal cancers may need reconsideration in addition to new strategies for
reducing the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and smoking.
JAMA Network Open, August 2023
Diet: Antioxidants May Protect Against Alzheimer’s. According to a recent study, the brains of patients with
Alzheimer’s disease contain lower levels of antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and vitamin E, which
help reduce the oxidative damage that can impair brain function. The findings suggest that eating an
antioxidant-rich diet may be essential for maintaining good cognitive health.
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2023
Exercise: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Linked to Lower Cancer Risk. Following an analysis of Swedish health
registry data, researchers report that individuals with good cardiorespiratory fitness at age 18 have a lower risk
for head and neck, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, bowel, kidney, and lung cancers later in life.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, August 2023
Chiropractic: Poor Mid-Back Posture Linked to Neck Pain. Examinations of 148 adults, half with neck
pain, revealed an association between higher thoracic kyphosis (rounding of the mid back) and neck pain.
Doctors of chiropractic routinely assess posture and employ passive and active strategies for addressing postural
faults that may contribute to the patient’s chief complaint.
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, April 2023
Mental Attitude: Could Adult Education Classes Buffer Against Dementia? Past research has shown that
educational attainment early in life is associated with a reduced risk for dementia. According to a new study,
taking classes in middle age and later in life can lower the risk for dementia diagnosis by up to 19% in the
following five years. The finding falls in line with previous studies demonstrating that mental stimulation has a
protective effect on cognitive health. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, August 2023
Wellness/Prevention: AI Model Detects Diabetes Through Chest X-Rays. Scientists have developed an
artificial intelligence (AI) model that can evaluate routine chest x-ray images to identify visceral fat build-up
associated with a diagnosis for diabetes as far as a decade into the future. Nature Communications, July 2023
Quote: “There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.” ~ Han Suyin

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

Health Alert: Reducing Inflammation Helps the Heart. Chronic inflammation has been linked with
several poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease. A systematic review that included 27
randomized clinical trials found that treatment to reduce inflammation resulted in a lower risk for heart
attack and stroke in participants. The findings suggest that reducing inflammation should be a goal for
individuals seeking to lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis, July 2023
Diet: Sugary Drinks May Raise Alzheimer’s Risk. An analysis of data concerning more than 200,000
middle-aged and older adults revealed that consuming two or more servings of sugary beverages a day is
associated with an elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis during a ten-year period.
GeroScience, August 2023
Exercise: Low-Intensity Exercise and Brain Health. According to a recent study, engaging in lowintensity aerobic exercise three times a week for three months can improve executive function skills in
middle-aged and older adults. GeroScience, June 2023
Chiropractic: Try Chiropractic First! A recent study found that patients with acute non-specific low
back pain who initially seek chiropractic care to manage the condition have lower overall healthcare
utilization costs over the following year than those who first visit the emergency room.
Physical Therapy, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Nearly 1 in 10 Children Have a Developmental Disability. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention reports that nearly 9% of children in the United States have a developmental
disability, which can include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders,
Down syndrome, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Half of People with Glaucoma Don’t Know They Have It! Glaucoma is a group
of eye disorders that can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss, though symptoms may not be
apparent until irreversible vision loss occurs. It’s estimated that three million Americans have glaucoma,
but only half are aware they have the condition. Health experts remind adults over age 50 or those with a
family history of glaucoma to attend regular eye exams because while there’s no known cure, treatment can
help control the disease and slow its progression if caught early. Penn State Health, July 2023
Quote: “Wisdom denotes the pursuing of the best ends by the best means.” ~ Francis Hutcheson

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

Health Alert: Large Waist May Be Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor for Diabetics. Using data from
the UK Biobank study, researchers report that central obesity (as defined by a waist circumference
exceeding 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women) is associated with elevated risks for early death, heart
attack, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy, even for individuals who do not meet
the criteria for being overweight or obese based on their body mass index.
Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, July 2023
Diet: Cancer Patients Need More Fiber. For patients battling cancer, the current data suggests the chance
for survival rises by 13% for every ten-gram increase in fiber intake. Mayo Clinic, July 2023
Exercise: Intense Exercise May Help Keep Parkinson’s Disease at Bay. According to a recent animal
study, engaging in high-intensity aerobic exercise for four weeks may reduce the spread of pathological
alpha-synuclein aggregates with resulting improvements in motor control and visuospatial learning.
Science Advances, July 2023
Chiropractic: Migraines and Neck Pain. Questionnaires completed by 295 migraine headache patients
revealed that 51.9% experience neck pain, which is associated with increased headache frequency. Past
research has shown that using chiropractic care to address musculoskeletal disorders of the neck can reduce
the frequency, intensity, and duration of many forms of headache, including migraines.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Benefits of Laughter. A good laugh releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good
chemicals that enhance mood and reduce stress; increases oxygen intake; stimulates the heart, lungs, and
muscles; and strengthens social connections. Nature Mental Health, July 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D and Juvenile Rheumatic Diseases. Past research has shown vitamin D
to have anti-inflammatory properties, and patients with juvenile rheumatic diseases often have lower serum
levels of vitamin D. These data suggest that individuals with idiopathic arthritis, juvenile systemic lupus
erythematosus, juvenile systemic scleroderma, and Behcet disease may benefit by improving their vitamin
D levels via diet, supplementation, and/or increased time in the sun.
Rheumatology International, August 2023
Quote: “The more credit you give away, the more will come back to you. The more you help others, the
more they will want to help you.” ~ Brian Tracy

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

Health Alert: Postpartum Check-Up Offers a Great Opportunity to Talk Heart Health. Researchers report
that only 60% of women at elevated risk for heart disease receive counseling about healthy eating, exercise, and
weight loss during their postpartum “fourth trimester” check-up appointment. Study author Dr. Sadiya Khan
adds, “We need to find ways to take advantage of this prime opportunity when we have a captive audience of
people who are already in the doctor’s office, talking about their health at a critical juncture in life. It is hard to
create new opportunities. The fourth-trimester visit is an already-ready moment to prioritize maternal heart
health.” Journal of the American Medical Association, July 2023
Diet: Backyard Cookouts Don’t Have to Be Unhealthy. To help make summer backyard get-together fare
healthier, UT Southwestern Medical Center offers the following tips: swap out fried shells for corn tortillas;
remove the skin and bake or grill wings; use vinegar-base sauces; add a salad to your plate; and opt for leaner
cuts of meat. UT Southwestern Medical Center, July 2023
Exercise: Kidney Patients Benefit from Workouts. Technical University of Munich report that among a
group of 1,000 kidney dialysis patients, those who participated in a one-year combined aerobic and strength
training fitness program experienced significant improvements in health, quality of life, and autonomy, along
with less frequent and shorter hospital stays. NEJM Evidence, June 2023
Chiropractic: Whiplash-Associated Headaches Are Common. A literature review that included 26 studies
found that headaches are a common complaint after whiplash injury and are associated with higher levels of
disability. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the evaluation and management of patients with whiplash
injuries, including whiplash-associated headaches. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, June 2023
Mental Attitude: Pets May Not Help Patients with Severe Mental Illness. While pets are often considered
beneficial for their owner’s mental health, a recent study found that pet ownership may not enhance wellbeing
or improve depression, anxiety, or loneliness in individuals with bipolar disorder or psychosis.
Human-Animal Interactions, July 2023
Wellness/Prevention: Good Diabetes Management Can Reduce Heart Attack Risks. Using Taiwan’s
Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patient Database, researchers found that type 2 diabetics who do a better job at
managing the disease—getting regular check-ups and maintain healthy blood glucose, blood pressure, and
blood lipid levels—were up to 63% less likely to suffer a heart attack in the next decade.
World Journal of Diabetes, July 2023
Quote: “Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” ~ Izaak Walton

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