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.
January 13, 2026
Illness
7 in 10 people diagnosed with cancer now live longer than 5 years
Seventy percent of people diagnosed with cancer now live at least another five years, up from about 50% in the 1970s and just over 60% in the mid-1990s, findings published Tuesday by the American Cancer Society show.January 9, 2026
Health Stories
Montgomery County man survives rare, flesh-eating bacterial infection that caused sepsis, kidney failure
Peter Atkinson, of North Wales, survived necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, flesh-eating bacterial infection that he believes he got when he cut himself while towing a vehicle. He is still recovering from the illness, which led to sepsis and stopped his kidneys.January 9, 2026
Health News
At Philly's new 'Disaster University,' first responders get immersive training for mass-casualty events
Philadelphia's new Disaster University puts first responders through simulations on active shooter situations, biological weapons attacks and other mass-casualty events. The training is part of the city's preparations to host the FIFA World Cup and celebrations for America's 250th birthday in 2026.January 7, 2026
Illness
Century-old tumor samples may help explain rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults
Thousands of bowel tumor samples stored in a London hospital may help scientists determine why colorectal cancer rates have been rising among younger adults. Researchers plan to conduct a DNA analysis on the specimens, which are up to 100 years old.January 7, 2026
Healthy Eating
New dietary guidelines call for eating more meat and full-fat dairy, but less sugary foods
The 2025-2030 dietary guidelines advise Americans to prioritize protein at every meal and to consume more full-fat dairy products. They also recommend against consuming highly-processed and sugary foods, but no longer provide specific guidelines for alcohol consumption.January 6, 2026
Health News
The Philly region's blood supply dropped sharply at the holidays; here's how to donate
New Jersey has declared blood shortage emergency, and the Red Cross says Southeastern Pennsylvania is on the 'cusp' of one. Inclement weather, the holidays and a severe flu season have led to a drop in blood donations. Here's how to donate.January 3, 2026
Healthy Eating
Ginger can add zing to your recipes and help boost your overall health
Ginger offers many health benefits, including nausea and pain relief and improved digestion. It can be added to recipes or consumed in tea and other drinks.January 2, 2026
Mental Health
Not all people who die by suicide are depressed — despite common thought
Not everyone who dies by suicide has a mental illness. A new study suggests some people may have different underlying genetic risk factors than people with known histories of suicidal behavior. Conventional screening tools may not be comprehensive enough.January 1, 2026
Wellness
The holidays can mess up the healthiest of habits. Here's how to get back on track
The holidays can disrupt healthy eating and exercise routines. A local therapist offers tips for getting back on track in the new year. Among them: set attainable goals and avoid trying to do too much at once.December 26, 2025
Health Stories
As a health writer, here are five steps I took in 2025 that improved my life
In 2025, I made a few strides toward a better diet — and improving my overall physical and mental health. Eating Grape-Nuts, saying the Ho’oponopono forgiveness prayer and napping may help you, too.Just In
- Joel Embiid out for Sixers-Celtics on Sunday and at least two more games with right oblique strain
- Joel Embiid misses Sixers practice after reporting ‘increased soreness’ in right side
- Picky eating starts in the womb – here's how to expand your child's palate
- Free Library picks 'Our Missing Hearts' for this year's One Book, One Philadelphia reading program
- Voters to weigh in on longstanding rule requiring Philly elected officials to resign before running for a new office
- SEPTA awards contract for residential development at Ambler Station
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