John Kopp
John Kopp is the Chief Health Reporter/Assistant Editor at PhillyVoice. He joined the newsroom after spending five years reporting for the Delaware County Daily Times. He spent the prior year covering state and local politics, including a $4 million Pennsylvania state Senate race. He previously covered Chester city government, the Chester Upland School District and high-school sports. A Temple University graduate, John enjoys long-distance running, watching baseball and exploring new places.
February 26, 2020
Health News
Shaving facial hair may help men avoid coronavirus – if they wear a respirator, CDC says
Demand for respirators has surged as the coronavirus has spread. But some men may need to shave their facial hair for the form-fitting devices to work properly, according to the CDC. Beards, goatees and mutton chops all interfere with the respirator's seal. But various types of mustaches are acceptable.February 25, 2020
Illness
As a coronavirus pandemic looms, CDC warns Americans to prepare for 'disruptive' interventions
As a coronavirus pandemic looms, Americans should be prepared for 'disruptive' interventions, CDC officials say. There is a not a vaccine for COVID-19, nor are there any medications to treat it. So non-pharmaceutical interventions, like school closings, may become necessary in the coming weeks. Officials say community spread is likely to occur in the United States within the coming weeks.February 24, 2020
Opioids
Philly takes 'major step forward' in opioid crisis by expanding buprenorphine access
Philadelphia health officials are combating the worst opioid crisis in the United States by drastically increasing access to buprenorphine, a drug commonly used as part of medication-assisted treatment. The city aims to double the number of medical providers prescribing Suboxone by 2022.February 20, 2020
Addiction
More stringent regulations are reducing tobacco retailers in Philly, study finds
The number of tobacco retailers in Philadelphia is falling due to more stringent licensing regulations, according to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health. Still, Philly's tobacco retailer density remains among the highest in the United States.February 17, 2020
Health News
Insulin costs far less on Craigslist – but it's a risky purchase for diabetics, health experts say
Surging insulin prices are forcing diabetics to purchase the life-saving medication on Craigslist. But the deals are sales are both illegal and risky, according to researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and ChristianaCare.February 14, 2020
Prevention
Weight loss drug Belviq pulled from market due to cancer concerns
The weight loss drug Belviq is being pulled from the market by its manufacturer, Eisai Inc., after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found an increased occurrence of cancer among its users. The drug, an oral medication, helped obese patients lose weight without increasing their risk of heart disease.February 13, 2020
Illness
New Jersey among states that received faulty coronavirus test kits from CDC
New Jersey is among the states that received faulty coronavirus test kits from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Until replacement diagnostic tests arrive, patient specimens must be sent to Atlanta for testing.February 7, 2020
Fitness
Looking to begin tracking your physical activity? Choose a smartphone over a wearable, Penn researcher says
Looking to tracking your physical activity? Hold off on purchasing a wearable device. Just go with a smartphone. A Penn Medicine study found people were more likely to keep tracking their steps if they used a smartphone rather than a watch.February 5, 2020
Prevention
Chinese dance team cancels Philly appearance due to travel restrictions stemming from coronavirus outbreak
The Chinese contemporary dance company, Beijing/LDTX, was set to launch a U.S. tour later this month in Philadelphia. But its dancers are stuck in China because of new travel restrictions aimed at preventing the novel coronavirus from strengthening its foothold in the United States.February 4, 2020
Addiction
Local man fighting addiction stigma invited to State of the Union Address
President Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union Address on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Sitting in the capitol building will be Patrick Flynn, an Independence Blue Cross Employee who has worked to reduce the stigma associated with addiction. Flynn, who is in recovery, is the invited guest of U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, a Democrat from Montgomery County.Just In
- Meet Mandy Mango, the second Philly queen to be on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
- The holidays can mess up the healthiest of habits. Here's how to get back on track
- N.J. bill would write Gov. Murphy's 100% clean electricity goal into law before he leaves office
- In latest World Cup ticket phase, which ends Jan. 13, FIFA says requests are over 30 times higher than supply
- Eagles-Commanders Week 18 injury report, with analysis
- A look ahead at an extremely busy 2026 for sports in Philadelphia
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