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.
May 2, 2025
Fitness
Philly teacher to race in Broad Street Run with 75% lung capacity — and an elite bib
Brynn Peterson, of Glenside, is running the Broad Street Run on Sunday – several months after her training for the Philadelphia Marathon was curtailed by blood clots in her lungs and a dying lung. She overcame these medical challenges and will compete with an elite bib.April 30, 2025
Adult Health
Adults with acne are at higher risk of eating disorders
Adults with acne are 2.4 times more likely to have an eating disorder, according to a new study. The research highlights the 'intricate' relationship between dermatological conditions and mental health, scientists say.April 29, 2025
Addiction
Philly health department is beefing up response to powerful vet tranquilizer
A report the Philadelphia health department released Tuesday broke down 2023 overdose deaths, but it didn't include data about a powerful veterinary sedative that is now complicating overdose and withdrawal.April 25, 2025
Health Stories
A Bucks County teen received a kidney from a young New York woman. On Friday, they met for the first time
Meghan Bosack, 21, of New York, had her kidney removed to help her recover from nutcracker syndrome. She donated it to Evelyn Bautista, 17, of Bucks County, who had been on kidney dialysis. The two met for the first time Friday at Temple University Hospital.April 23, 2025
Prevention
A bacterial toxin may be a factor in the rise in colon cancer among young people
New research suggests that a bacterial toxin caused by strains of E. coli may be partly to blame for the rise in colorectal cancer among people under 50. The toxin, called colibactin, leaves specific patterns of DNA mutations that appear in early-onset colorectal cancer.April 23, 2025
Prevention
The ice bucket challenge is back, and this time it's raising money for mental health awareness
The Ice Bucket Challenge has been revived by a University of South Carolina student who wants to normalize conversations about mental health. The Ice Bucket Challenge went viral on social media in 2014 to raise money for ALS research.April 22, 2025
Adult Health
Spring allergies are at their worst; here's how to manage symptoms
Hay fever spikes in April, but there are ways to reduce allergy symptoms. Experts recommend staying indoors when pollen counts are high, or taking medications like Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra.April 22, 2025
Healthy Eating
FDA plans to ban artificial food dyes by the end of the year
The Food and Drug Administration plans to ban eight artificial food dyes by the end of the year, a move advocated by HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. The products are found in thousands of products, from cereal to candy.April 17, 2025
Children's Health
Why are autism rates rising? The CDC released its conclusions – and RFK Jr. immediately disputed them
New CDC data shows rising autism rates are the result of better screening and diagnosis. But HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disputed these conclusions, instead attributing the increase to an 'environmental toxin.' Experts said his claims are not based in science.April 17, 2025
Senior Health
To support people with dementia, IBX teams up with brain health clinic
Independence Blue Cross is offering its Medicare Advantage members with dementia access to Isaac Health a virtual clinic that provides brain health and dementia care services.Just In
- There are many ways to celebrate the new year in Philly, from the Parkway fireworks show to the Mummers Parade
- Dog-friendly bar the Boozy Mutt is closing after two years in business
- Six illegal ketamine shipments seized in Philadelphia by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Looking back at 2025: State budget standoff left SEPTA on the brink of fiscal collapse
- 10 stats that defined 2025 Philly sports
- Joel Embiid questionable for Sixers-Grizzlies on Tuesday; updates provided on Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford
Must Read
