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.
What are food deserts, and how do they impact health?
Medical News Today
January 16, 2026
Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthy food. This can be due to obstacles such as a lack of grocery stores, transportation, or affordability. Without access to healthy food, people living in food deserts may be at higher risk of diet-related conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now refers to these areas as “low-access” areas. Continue reading to learn more about food deserts and their impact on health.
10 things to know about measles as cases rise in North Carolina
NC Health News (Co-published with The Charlotte Ledger)
January 16, 2026
Measles, once considered eliminated in the U.S., is back in a big way. Driven by declining vaccine rates and growing vaccine hesitancy, the United States experienced its largest number of measles cases in decades in 2025, with 2,242 cases reported across the country and outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, Utah and South Carolina. In North Carolina, seven cases have been confirmed since early December. Most are linked to a fast-spreading outbreak in Spartanburg, S.C., near the state border, where more than 430 cases have been reported.
