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.
October 23, 2024
Lawsuits
Family of man who died of diabetes complications in Philly jail sues city, alleging his death was preventable
The family of Louis Jung Jr., who died at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility on Nov. 6, filed a lawsuit alleging that his death from diabetes complications was preventable. The suit claims the Philadelphia jail's staff failed to provide him insulin and necessary medical care.October 22, 2024
Health News
Infant death rates were higher than expected after U.S. Supreme Court's abortion ruling, study shows
There were more infant deaths than expected in the months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, eliminating federal protections for abortion, new research from Ohio State University shows. Infant deaths caused by chromosomal and genetic abnormalities particularly rose.October 18, 2024
Health News
Philly-area hospitals are closely monitoring IV fluid supplies as the nationwide shortage wears on
The shortage of IV fluids have forced hospitals, including some in the Philadelphia region to postpone some elective surgeries, reserve IV fluids for patients most in need and use commercial electrolyte drinks to keep other people hydrated.October 17, 2024
Adult Health
Kidney transplants between people with HIV are safe and effective, and may help address donor shortages
HIV-to-HIV kidney transplants are as safe and effective as those between people without HIV, according to new research published by the New England Journal of Medicine. The study calls for the procedure to be expanded beyond research settings, which proponents say will help mitigate the shortage in kidney donors.October 16, 2024
Senior Health
Alzheimer's may cause much of its brain damage before symptoms appear
Alzheimer's may cause brain damage during two distinct phases: an early stage when changes happen gradually and 'quietly,' damaging a few types of cells, and a second phase when more widespread brain damage occurs and symptoms emerge, according to new research funded by the National Institutes of Health.October 16, 2024
Wellness
Why letting your mind wander is essential to your well-being – and how to find time to do it
Brain breaks are important for psychological mental processing, such as recalling memories, envisioning the future, conducting moral reasoning and solving problems. But finding, or even allowing oneself, the time to take these breaks is difficult. Here are some tips to help you.October 15, 2024
Illness
Whooping cough cases are on the rise – particularly in Pennsylvania
Whooping cough cases in the U.S. are more than four times higher than they were at the same point last year, CDC data show. Pennsylvania has recorded the most in the country. The CDC recommends everyone be vaccinated against whooping cough, also known as pertussis.October 11, 2024
Opioids
When primary care includes behavioral health services, people in addiction are more likely to seek treatment
People with opioid use disorder were more likely to fill prescriptions for anxiety drugs and buprenorphine, a medication that helps alleviate cravings for opioids, when they went to primary care providers with integrated behavioral health services, new research from the University of Pennsylvania and Tulane University show.October 7, 2024
Adult Health
Greater diversity among organ donors increases the possibility that people on waiting lists find good matches
Organs are not matched with transplant recipients based on race or ethnicity, but a more diverse donor pool increases the likelihood that a person will find a good match. Gift of Life advocates in Philly, like Cynthia London, are raising awareness about the necessity for more organ donors among people of color.October 4, 2024
Wellness
People who live near airports get worse sleep — and may not realize it
New research shows that people exposed to high levels of aircraft noise at night have poorer quality sleep and disrupted sleep patterns. Other research shows people who live near airports are less likely to sleep seven hours each night and are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, obesity and colorectal cancer.Just In
- VJ Edgecombe doubtful for Sixers-Hawks on Saturday
- Montgomery County resolution blocks ICE from using property it owns
- Philly filmmaker to premiere animated short film at South by Southwest
- Americans desire long, healthy lives, but mistakenly rely on external factors to reach their goals
- SUV driver killed in crash with SEPTA trolley in West Philly
- The Flyers' trade deadline moves, as they happened
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