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.
August 29, 2025
Senior Health
Worried about getting dementia? Finding a sense of purpose may help stave it off
Having a sense of purpose may help ward off dementia. A new study found a sense of purpose protects against cognitive decline, even in people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease.August 28, 2025
Addiction
For some, Overdose Awareness Day is more than a remembrance. It's a way to protest the city's approach to the crisis
Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place Sunday, Aug. 31, is a time to remember people lost to the addiction, but harm reduction advocates say it's also an opportunity to protest Philly's new approach to the drug crisis.August 27, 2025
Illness
A breath test developed at Penn State can quickly diagnose diabetes
A breath test developed by Penn State University scientists can accurately diagnose diabetes by detecting high acetone levels, research shows. The test could expedite the diagnosis process for the disease.August 26, 2025
Women's Health
Most U.S. women of reproductive age have elevated risk for birth defects
Two-thirds of U.S. women of childbearing age have at least one modifiable lifestyle or environmental factor that increases the risk for giving birth to a child with birth defects, new research shows.August 18, 2025
Women's Health
Temple's new Women and Families Hospital aims to reduce maternal health disparities
Temple Health is opening its new Women and Families Hospital on Sept. 3. The hospital aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality. The health system is expanding obstetrical care at a time when 13 of the city's 19 hospitals do not deliver babies.August 15, 2025
Prevention
The key to a better toothpaste may be a protein found in human hair
Toothpaste that includes keratin, a protein found in hair and wool, may better prevent dental issues. New research suggests keratin stops tooth decay and regenerates enamel. Current products only slow tooth decay.August 14, 2025
Health News
Wegmans recalls camembert cheese due to potential listeria contamination
Wegmans has recalled its medium soft ripened camembert cheese and some products containing it due to a potential listeria contamination. So far, there are no reported illnesses.August 14, 2025
Addiction
Americans are abstaining from alcohol at a record rate, with many pointing to its harmful effects
Only 54% of Americans say they drink alcohol — a record low, a new Gallop poll shows. Drinking among young people continued a downward trend, and more Americans than ever before believe that moderate drinking is unhealthy.August 13, 2025
Health News
Long COVID lacks universal definition, leading to misdiagnosis and misguidance
A vast discrepancy in how researchers define long COVID is hindering the understanding and treatment of the disease, a new study says. The lack of a universal definition has led some people to being misdiagnosed, researchers say.August 13, 2025
Addiction
TikTok, Reddit users share horror stories of addictive tonic sold at gas stations, vape shops and online
TikTok and Reddit users are warning about Feel Free, a drink that contains kratom and kava. People are reporting opioid-like withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings for the product.Just In
- Joel Embiid questionable for Sixers-Wizards on Wednesday; Kelly Oubre Jr., Trendon Watford questionable to return
- At Trump's directive, CDC lowers amount of recommended vaccines for children
- The Philly region's blood supply dropped sharply at the holidays; here's how to donate
- Four survivors of Bristol nursing home explosion sue facility's operator, PECO for negligence
- World Cup tickets are in high demand, but Verizon has a giveaway Friday
- My dad is gone, I'll just keep swinging
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