Courtenay Harris Bond

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.

courtenay@phillyvoice.com

April 2, 2026

Adult Health

Newly approved weight-loss pills could expand access to GLP-1s

The Food and Drug Administration's approval of Eli Lilly's weight-loss pill Foundayo could expand access to GLP-1s, but a Temple University obesity expert said the out-of-pockets prices could still be cost prohibitive for some people.

April 1, 2026

Homelessness

Philly's new homeless shelter offers case management and medical services to 'set people up for success'

Hope 220, a new emergency homeless shelter in Center City, offers case management and medical services to 'set people up for success.' The facility is part of Philadelphia's initiative to add 1,000 new shelter beds.

March 31, 2026

Mental Health

Yawning could help cool down the brain and strengthen social bonds

A recent study found that when people yawn, cerebrospinal fluid – which cushions the spine and brain – moves away from the brain. This process may cool the brain and help remove metabolic waste from the body, researchers say.

March 31, 2026

Children's Health

Common chemicals used in plastics linked to millions of premature births

Phthalates, chemicals frequently used in plastics, contributed to nearly 2 million premature births and 74,000 newborn deaths in 2018, a new study finds.

March 31, 2026

Health News

'Male-enhancement' chocolates recalled, because they may be deadly when used with some medications

Two 'male-enhancement' chocolates have been recalled by Gear Isle, because they contain ingredients that may cause deadly interactions when taken with nitrates and other medications, the FDA says.

March 26, 2026

Wellness

Vivid dreams may help sleep feel more restorative, study finds

Vivid dreaming is associated with more restorative sleep than previously thought, a new study found. People reported feeling more rested after waking from an intense, immersive dream, even if their brain waves were not in a slow pattern.

March 26, 2026

Children's Health

Certain ADHD medications may help protect children from developing psychosis later in life

Methylphenidate, the stimulant in the ADHD medications Ritalin and Concerta may have a protective effect against children developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder later in life, new research finds.

March 26, 2026

Mental Health

Dogs can help boost mental and physical health, but it's important to understand their feelings, too

Dogs can help people alleviate stress and depression, but it's important to understand their feelings, too. Learning how to interpret a dog's behavior strengthens the human-canine bond.

March 25, 2026

Wellness

Urban forests improve the health of city residents — that's partly why new trees are planted in Philly every spring

Trees improve the physical and mental health of city residents. With that in mind, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is seeking volunteers to help plant 650 new trees in the Philly region this spring.

March 24, 2026

Children's Health

Fast fashion clothing may put children at risk of lead exposure, study finds

The dying process used in fast fashion may expose children to unhealthy levels of lead, new research says. The study found that brightly colored shirts had higher lead levels than duller colored fabrics, but all samples tested had unsafe lead levels.

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