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.
31 types of medical doctors and when to see them
Medical News Today
June 26, 2025
The medical field includes many types of doctors, from primary care physicians providing general healthcare to cardiologists treating heart conditions, dermatologists managing skin disorders, and surgeons performing operations. Medical specialization developed as knowledge became too complex for one doctor to master everything. Specialization allows physicians to focus on specific body systems, age groups, or conditions, leading to better diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes. Doctors complete 3- to 7-year residency programs after medical school, with some pursuing additional fellowship training. This extensive education develops the advanced skills needed to handle complex conditions in their specialty.
Study finds almost sevenfold higher risk of vision problems tied to instant coffee
Medical News Today
June 26, 2025
About 200 million people around the world are living with the vision loss condition age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Of the two types of AMD, most people have dry AMD. Past research shows there are several risk factors for AMD, including nonmodifiable factors such as genetics, and modifiable ones like eating a healthy diet. A new study has found that a combination of genetics and drinking instant coffee may increase a person’s risk of developing dry AMD.
Planning to be outside on a hot and humid day? Take these precautions.
NPR
June 23, 2025
This story was published on June 19, 2025, and has been updated.
Summer is in full swing and from the Midwest to the East Coast, extreme heat and humidity levels will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, according to the National Weather Service. So if you’re planning to be outside, whether it’s for fun or for work, take measures to stay cool and protect yourself against heat-related illness, says Ashley Ward, director of Duke University’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub.
Read More…Long-term study ties midlife vascular health to later dementia risk
Medical Express
June 10, 2025
Dementia before age 80 is potentially preventable through early intervention on common vascular risk factors, according to research led by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Findings suggest that up to 44% of dementia cases could be attributed to vascular risk factors, specifically hypertension, diabetes, or smoking.
As dementia rates continue to rise globally, efforts to prevent or delay onset remain constrained by an incomplete understanding of its origins. Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking are commonly implicated risk factors, likely acting through arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).
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