Reading Room
The reading room includes articles and videos of potential interest to consumers and medical professionals. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the NC Medical Board, its members, and staff. Note: Some links may require registration or subscription.
Reading Room Entries from July 2026
No, You Shouldn’t Avoid Fruits and Vegetables Due to Cyclospora
Consumer Reports
July 22, 2026
The word on everyone’s lips this summer is cyclospora. The microscopic parasite, best known for causing bouts of “explosive” diarrhea, has sickened at least 11,000 people in the U.S. so far this year and generated a spate of panic-inducing headlines that have caused some consumers to eye the entire produce aisle with suspicion. But food safety experts say that’s not the right approach. “You can and should continue to eat fruits and vegetables, but you might want to take additional precautions depending on where you live,” says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety at Consumer Reports.
New study maps how 12 modifiable dementia risks differ around the world
Medical News Today
July 15, 2026
The latest research has identified 14 potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia, including diabetes, obesity, physical activity levels, and social isolation. A new study has found differences in dementia risk factors across regions of the world. Researchers also found global similarities in certain risk factors that tend to cluster in similar patterns.
How to stay safe and still enjoy produce this summer with the outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite
AP News
July 10, 2026
Scores of people in the United States have been sickened by a parasite commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. But there are ways to protect yourself and still enjoy summer’s bounty of fruits and vegetables. The exact source of one of the nation’s largest outbreaks in years of cyclospora infections is still not known. And it can be hard to figure out what food sick people had in common because sometimes it’s a single ingredient that might be common in multiple recipes — like basil or cilantro. Luckily cyclospora infections are generally treatable with antibiotics and rarely cause serious complications. And there are ways to avoid getting it altogether. Click to learn tips for reducing the risk.
Older adults who walk faster may cut their risk of cognitive decline by half
Medical News Today
July 8, 2026
A new study suggests that older adults with a quicker natural walking pace showed better cognitive function and healthier brain measures than those who walked more slowly. A declining walking speed may serve as an early warning sign of cognitive decline, making gait a potential tool for tracking brain health. The researchers note that walking requires complex coordination among the brain, nerves, and muscles, making it a strong overall indicator of healthy aging. However, while the findings suggest walking speed may help identify those at higher risk of cognitive decline, they do not prove that intentionally walking faster prevents dementia.
