Courtenay Harris Bond
Courtenay Harris Bond is the staff writer covering health for PhillyVoice. She enjoys writing about behavioral health, maternal health and inequities in the healthcare system, as well as human rights and criminal justice. A veteran daily newspaper reporter, Courtenay has also written for national outlets, including KFF Health News, Undark Magazine and Filter. She was a 2018 Rosalynn Carter Fellow for Mental Health Journalism and has master's degrees from Columbia Journalism School and the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.
March 31, 2026
Mental Health
Yawning could help cool down the brain and strengthen social bonds
A recent study found that when people yawn, cerebrospinal fluid – which cushions the spine and brain – moves away from the brain. This process may cool the brain and help remove metabolic waste from the body, researchers say.March 31, 2026
Children's Health
Common chemicals used in plastics linked to millions of premature births
Phthalates, chemicals frequently used in plastics, contributed to nearly 2 million premature births and 74,000 newborn deaths in 2018, a new study finds.March 31, 2026
Health News
'Male-enhancement' chocolates recalled, because they may be deadly when used with some medications
Two 'male-enhancement' chocolates have been recalled by Gear Isle, because they contain ingredients that may cause deadly interactions when taken with nitrates and other medications, the FDA says.March 26, 2026
Children's Health
Certain ADHD medications may help protect children from developing psychosis later in life
Methylphenidate, the stimulant in the ADHD medications Ritalin and Concerta may have a protective effect against children developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder later in life, new research finds.March 26, 2026
Wellness
Vivid dreams may help sleep feel more restorative, study finds
Vivid dreaming is associated with more restorative sleep than previously thought, a new study found. People reported feeling more rested after waking from an intense, immersive dream, even if their brain waves were not in a slow pattern.March 26, 2026
Mental Health
Dogs can help boost mental and physical health, but it's important to understand their feelings, too
Dogs can help people alleviate stress and depression, but it's important to understand their feelings, too. Learning how to interpret a dog's behavior strengthens the human-canine bond.March 25, 2026
Wellness
Urban forests improve the health of city residents — that's partly why new trees are planted in Philly every spring
Trees improve the physical and mental health of city residents. With that in mind, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is seeking volunteers to help plant 650 new trees in the Philly region this spring.March 24, 2026
Adult Health
People leaving prison face unique health challenges. This new Center City clinic seeks to help them
The nonprofit Philadelphia FIGHT is opening a health clinic catered toward people reentering society from prison. The Sam Morales clinic offers low-barrier primary care, mental health treatment and other services.March 24, 2026
Children's Health
Fast fashion clothing may put children at risk of lead exposure, study finds
The dying process used in fast fashion may expose children to unhealthy levels of lead, new research says. The study found that brightly colored shirts had higher lead levels than duller colored fabrics, but all samples tested had unsafe lead levels.March 19, 2026
Fitness
To gain the benefits of strength training, consistency matters more than intensity
Consistency is the most important part of strength training, sports medicine experts now say. Doing any form of strength or resistance training is beneficial to muscles and overall health.Just In
- Penn professor who translated 'The Odyssey' slams Christopher Nolan's movie as 'gimmicky' and 'abysmal'
- Street artist 'irregular' installs LeBron James-shaped mirror on Center City wall
- Philly men stole guns, credit cards out of parked cars in casinos, prosecutors say
- Exposure to common weedkiller may increase the risk of premature labor
- Which Eagles have the most at stake headed into training camp?
- The Eagles need a healthy O-line now more than ever
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