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.
March 13, 2025
Mental Health
For teens, strong friendships outweigh impact of social media on mental health
Teenagers who had strong, supportive friendships are likely to experience positive mental health, regardless of how much social media they use, a new study shows. They findings are in contrast to studies that suggest social media has a negative impact on children's health.March 12, 2025
Adult Health
Wealth and education may play key roles in determining heart health
Wealth and education levels are significant determinants of cardiovascular disease risk, according to a new study. High-income, college-educated Americans are at much lower risk of developing heart disease than the rest of the population.March 12, 2025
Illness
Measles case reported in Philly; People may have been exposed at CHOP, South Philly health center
A measles case was reported in Philadelphia, health officials said Wednesday. The person caught the virus while traveling internationally. Others may have been exposed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's emergency department or at the South Philadelphia Health and Literacy Center in recent days.March 11, 2025
Prevention
More than 1 in 3 Americans live in homes with guns, which often are stored in unlocked places
More than one-third of U.S. households with firearms do not have them safely locked away, according to a survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Secure gun storage reduces inadvertent use, child access and theft.March 11, 2025
Wellness
Mushroom coffee has all the zing with less caffeine, fans say. But its health benefits may be overstated
Mushroom coffee is increasingly popular. Advocates and manufacturers say it offers the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms and the energizing effects of coffee with less caffeine. But little research has been done to verify those claims.March 10, 2025
Prevention
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the U.S. remains vulnerable to another crisis
Five years after COVID, most Philadelphia health systems aren't commenting on pandemic readiness while vaccination rates decline and measles outbreaks grow. CHOP's Dr. Paul Offit says political fear is silencing medical voices.March 6, 2025
Illness
Large tattoos nearly triple the risk of lymphoma, new study suggests
Tattoos may increase the risk of skin cancer and lymphoma, a new study suggests. Large tattoos double the risk of skin cancer and triple the risk of lymphoma, the research found. But the study had limitations and past research has failed to find a direct causal link between tattoos and cancer.March 4, 2025
Adult Health
Poorly-run meetings leave workers with 'hangovers' that sap their productivity, study shows
Poorly-run meetings can leave workers with so-called 'meeting hangovers' that reduce their productivity and morale, new research shows. But there are steps employers and employees can take to remedy the problem.February 27, 2025
Adult Health
Traumatic brain injuries may one day be treated with a nasal spray
Immediately treating traumatic brain injuries with a nasal spray could be a game-changer for athletes and other people who suffer head injuries. A nasal spray tested on mice with TBIs improved their motor function, coordination and spatial memory. Its next step is human trials.February 27, 2025
Health Stories
Ahead of her Philly show, Kathy Griffin opens up about her battles with cancer, addiction and PTSD
Kathy Griffin has was ostracized, investigated, and lost friends and work after posting a satirical photo of herself with a Donald Trump mask in 2017. She since has beaten lung cancer, been diagnosed with PTSD and gone into recovery for addiction. Now she's back on stage, with a March 15 stop in Philadelphia on her new stand-up tour.Just In
- PECO withdraws plan to raise electric rates by 12.5%
- 5 Eagles draft thoughts: Cornerback is more of a need than you think
- City Council committee to investigate CHOP parking garage collapse
- Man charged with knife attack on 14-year-old girl at Willow Grove Park Mall
- Alzheimer's drugs have no meaningful effect, new analysis says. But other researchers are criticizing the study
- Flyers playoffs: Game 1 vs. Penguins set for Saturday night in Pittsburgh
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