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.
April 9, 2024
Prevention
Blood clots are common and can be deadly, but many Americans don't know enough about the risks
Deep vein thrombosis – a blood clot that occurs in deep veins – can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage called a pulmonary embolism – which can be fatal. A blood clot prevention bill from U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester aims to raise national awareness about DVT/PE, and create more action and advocacy for its prevention.April 4, 2024
Illness
Eggs are safe to eat during the bird flu outbreak – as long as they're prepared properly
Cal-Maine Foods – the largest egg producer in the United States – detected avian influenza at one of its facilities in Texas. Health agencies say eggs are safe to eat as long as they are properly cooked. Eggs from infected chickens are very unlikely to wind up in the retail market. Proper storage and preparation of eggs further reduces the risk of contracting avian influenza.April 3, 2024
Adult Health
Temple eye doctor explains the dangers of looking at the sun during an eclipse
An ophthalmology professor at Temple University explains the dangers of looking at the sun without proper safety glasses during an eclipse, saying you could 'end up with a small blind spot where you've burned a hole or burned a scar into the retina.'April 3, 2024
Adult Health
How often should you replace your kitchen sponge? Probably more often than you do
Kitchen sponges provide the perfect environment for bacteria growth. One study found they are among the dirtiest household items, up there with doorknobs and toilets. Health experts recommend replacing them at least once a week and and explain how to sanitize them in between.April 3, 2024
Children's Health
Later bedtimes, irregular sleep habits linked to lower grades for high school students, study finds
High school students who go to bed later – or get up later – have fewer classes in which they earn As, according to a study by Stony Brook University researchers. Those who get up later also are at higher risk of being suspended or expelled. Students with inconsistent sleep patterns have a higher chance of earning Ds than those with consistent sleep patterns. And those who vary the number of hours they sleep a night earn fewer As.April 2, 2024
Addiction
Vaping increases risk of heart failure by nearly 20%, study suggests
A new study found that people who used e-cigarettes at any point were 19% more likely to develop heart failure compared to people who had never used them. The research is the latest to suggest that vaping may cause similar effects on lung and cardiovascular function as smoking.March 29, 2024
Health News
Bird flu has infected U.S. dairy cows for the first time, but the risk to the public is low, health officials say
Dairy cows on farms in Kansas, Texas and possibly Kansas have tested positive for avian influenza. It's the first time the virus has been found in cattle in the U.S. but health officials say the risk to the public is low. The milk supply is safe to drink because it is pasteurized. The virus also hasn't changed in a way that makes transmission to humans likely.March 28, 2024
Mental Health
Happiness levels have fallen in the U.S., and though Americans say therapy has benefits, many aren't receiving it
Though most Americans say they would feel comfortable sharing that they were in therapy, and acknowledge its benefits, less than 1 in 4 are currently receiving it, according to a survey commissioned by mental health care provider Thriveworks. The results come after the 2024 World Happiness Report showed happiness levels in the U.S. have dropped.March 28, 2024
Depression
AI can detect depression in white people based on their social media posts – but not in Black people, Penn study finds
Artificial intelligence models developed to detect depression by analyzing the language a person uses on Facebook can accurately identify the mental health condition in white people, but often miss it in Black people, according to the findings of a study conducted by Penn Medicine. The results underscore the need for caution when using the technology in mental health care – so racial disparities are not perpetuated, researchers say.March 27, 2024
Prevention
New drug protects people with weakened immune systems from COVID-19
Pemgarda, a monoclonal antibody infusion therapy intended to protect people who are immunocompromised from COVID-19, has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The prophylactic treatment is for people who may not develop sufficient resistance to COVID-19 after vaccination because they have medical conditions that weaken their immune system.Just In
- Instant observations: With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined, another late-game collapse sinks Sixers in Toronto
- N.J. becomes latest state to ban cellphones in classrooms as Murphy signs bill into law
- N.J. lawmakers fast-track bills limiting cooperation with ICE after Minneapolis shooting
- Open thread replay: 49ers 23, Eagles 19
- Data centers are straining N.J.'s power grid. A bill would make them pay for it.
- At Philly's new 'Disaster University,' first responders get immersive training for mass-casualty events
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