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.
June 25, 2024
Health News
U.S. surgeon general declares gun violence a public health crisis. A specialist on child victims weighs in
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy on Tuesday declared gun violence to be a public health emergency. A Philadelphia health advocate hopes that move will lead to more resources for programs that work with child victims of firearm-related violence in the city.June 20, 2024
Mental Health
When the weather gets hot, tempers also tend to flare
Heat makes people vulnerable to intense emotions and irritability, which can make them more likely to engage in impulsive behaviors. Heat waves increase anxiety, irritability and aggression, leading to more violence and crime, research shows. But people can take steps to reduce feelings agitated by heat.June 20, 2024
Addiction
Philly's 'dope' is ever changing, and that poses challenges for health care workers on the front lines
Philadelphia's drug supply is ever changing. 'Dope' bags now contain less fentanyl and greater amounts of xylazine, experts say. These changes create constant challenges for front-line health care workers treating overdoses and managing patients experiencing withdraw or wounds tied to drug use.June 19, 2024
Fitness
When exercising in hot weather, hydration and other precautions are critical to avoiding heat-related illnesses
Exercising in extremely hot weather can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To ensure safety and improve athletic performance, a Philadelphia physical therapist advises people to acclimate themselves, hydrate, replenish electrolytes, and cool off afterward.June 18, 2024
Children's Health
To reduce childhood obesity, U.S. task force advises intensive counseling
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends children and adolescents with obesity receive behavioral interventions, including counseling on goal-setting and problem-solving, and supervised exercise sessions. It did not recommend the use of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, saying more research is needed on their long-term effects.June 13, 2024
Health News
EPA warns of unhealthy air quality levels in Philly region on Friday
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is warning vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activities Friday due to high temperatures and humidity and unhealthy air pollution levels in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties.June 13, 2024
Illness
Honeybees can detect lung cancer by smelling a person's breath, research shows
Honeybees can detect lung cancer in humans through their powerful sense of smell, new research shows. A new study found they could differentiate the breath of healthy people and those with lung cancer. Dogs also have shown capable of sniffing out lung cancer and other illnesses.June 13, 2024
Health Stories
A nurse learned she was pregnant and had MS on the same day. An advanced therapy helps her thrive
Shanel Gamboa, a nurse with Lehigh Valley Health Network, learned she was pregnant and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on the same day. Doctors used to recommend that women with MS not get pregnant, but new treatments now allow them to safely control the illness while they are expecting.June 11, 2024
Health News
Diamond Shruumz microdose chocolate may cause seizures, FDA warns
At least 12 people, including one Pennsylvania resident, have fallen ill after eating Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars, cones and gummies, U.S. health officials say. The FDA issued a warning advising people not to consume Diamond Shruumz products because they have caused a variety of 'severe symptoms,' including seizures, loss of consciousness and abnormal heart rates.June 11, 2024
Adult Health
Getting gray hairs and wondering why? There often are many factors at play
There are many factors that impact when a person's hair turns gray, including age, gender, race and genetics. Medical conditions, stress and smoking also can play a role. Gray hair tends to be thinner and more course, so people may want to change the way they care for their hair.Just In
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