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 August 2026
High-intensity sprints can trigger molecular changes in the bloodstream
NPR
August 24, 2026
We all know a sprint feels different than a longer, take-it-slow kind of workout. Your heart is pounding. You gasp for air. Maybe your muscles burn. Now, new research reveals this kind of high-intensity training provokes a remarkably robust response throughout the bloodstream. The training substantially mobilizes more proteins and other molecules in the hours after exercising. The findings were published by a team of scientists in the U.S., Australia and Sweden. The results do not mean that sprint workouts and other forms of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, are better than moderate exercise where your heart rate remains at a steady level.
Physical activity protects brain health but only if you enjoy it, study says
Medical News Today
August 19, 2026
It is well known that being physically active benefits both your body and brain. However, the type of activity that is most beneficial for brain health is not yet entirely clear. A new study has found that when and why you move, rather than just how much you move could influence your risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that leisure activities, such as walking, cycling, running, swimming or playing sports, may decrease your risk of dementia, but physically demanding jobs could actually increase the risk.
Climbing stairs linked to 39% lower risk of heart disease death
Medical News Today
August 14, 2026
Climbing stairs regularly was associated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke, a new review has found. Those who frequently took the stairs were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and all causes than those who climbed stairs less often. As physical inactivity can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stair-climbing, for as little as 6 flights of stairs, could be a simple and accessible way for people to add more exercise to their routines.
