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.
November 5, 2025
Adult Health
Light pollution doesn't only make it harder to sleep — it also may increase risk for heart disease
Exposure to artificial light at night increases risk of heart disease, a new study says. The researchers found an association between higher levels of light pollution and increased brain stress activity, blood vessel inflammation and heart events.November 4, 2025
Healthy Eating
Need to lower your cholesterol? The portfolio diet might be worth a try
The portfolio diet emphasizes plant-based proteins, fiber and healthy fats to help reduce cholesterol. It may not be suitable for people looking to lose weight or people who are allergic to soy.November 4, 2025
Mental Health
Feeling stressed? Taking a trip to an art museum may help relieve it
Viewing paintings in art museums lowers cortisol levels and other inflammatory markers, thereby helping people reduce stress, a new study suggests. Cortisol is the hormone tied to stress.November 3, 2025
Women's Health
Homelessness during pregnancy presents many challenges — from access to care to complication risks
The number of homeless women who delivered babies rose significantly in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Women who are homeless and pregnant face many challenges, and caring for them requires empathy and collaboration, social service providers say.October 30, 2025
Depression
For mild depression, texting with a therapist works as well as video sessions, study finds
Therapy via email and text is as effective as video appointments for mild depression, a new study says. Expanding insurance coverage for text-based therapy could improve outcomes, according to the researchers.October 30, 2025
Illness
Risk of heart attack and stroke rises after COVID-19 and flu infections
COVID-19, influenza and other viruses significantly increase risk of heart attack and stroke in the weeks after infection, a new study shows. Vaccination is key to reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, researchers say.October 28, 2025
Adult Health
The obesity rate is falling as Americans increasingly turn to weight-loss drugs
The percentage of Americans who are obese fell from 40% in 2022 to 37% in 2025, a new Gallup poll shows. That decline coincides with rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.October 23, 2025
Health Stories
Kim Kardashian has a brain aneurysm — a hard-to-detect condition that often doesn't cause symptoms
Kim Kardashian says she developed a 'little' brain aneurysm following her divorce from Kanye West. Heavy drinking, smoking and drug use are among the risk factors. Stress is not considered a cause, but it contributes to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can cause brain aneurysms to rupture — a potentially fatal scenario.October 23, 2025
Depression
The side effects of antidepressants vary widely — choosing the right one is imperative, study finds
Common antidepressants have wide variation in side effects for weight, blood pressure and heart rate, a new study shows. The findings should guide prescribing of antidepressants, especially for people with diabetes, obesity hypertension, the researchers said.October 22, 2025
Healthy Eating
How to make healthier choices when eating fast food
Fast food poses health risks, but there are ways to make healthier choices when eating it. Enjoying fast food in moderation, choosing lean meats and avoiding fried food can help people find a 'middle ground,' a Jefferson Health dietitian nutritionist says.Just In
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