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.
February 20, 2025
Mental Health
Suicides by guns are far more prevalent in the U.S. than elsewhere in the world
The United States has the highest number of firearm-related suicides in the world, a new study shows. From 1990 to 2021, 55% of suicides in the U.S. by men were with guns, compared to 10% across the globe. Among women, 31% of suicides in the U.S. involved guns, but only 3% globally did.February 18, 2025
Adult Health
'Smart pajamas' can detect sleep disorder symptoms, researchers say
Smart pajamas with sensors in the fabric track symptoms of common sleep disorders. The data can be uploaded to a smartphone or computer, helping people track their own sleep patterns and allowing them to share the information with health providers.February 13, 2025
Addiction
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy help people drink less and smoke fewer cigarettes, new research finds
A new study suggests semaglutide – branded as Ozempic and Wegovy – curbs cravings for alcohol and helps people drink less. People also smoked significantly fewer cigarettes when receiving injections of the weight loss drugs. More research about the potential for semaglutide to treat alcohol use disorder is needed, the researchers said.February 13, 2025
Mental Health
Learn to love yourself this Valentine's Day with these self-care tips
Loving yourself and giving yourself grace is important for fostering healthy relationships. Therapists advise people to start small. Self-care tips include keeping a success journal, practicing positive self-talk and making time for pleasure.February 12, 2025
Health News
Canned tuna sold at Trader Joe's, Walmart recalled due to food poisoning risk
Trader Joe's, Van Camp's and Genova canned tuna products have been voluntarily recalled by Tri-Union Seafoods because they may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that can cause botulism. Some of these products were sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart stores in Pennsylvania and Walmart.February 12, 2025
Illness
Fibromyalgia leaves people with widespread muscle pain – but its cause remains unknown
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue and other chronic, debilitating symptoms. No blood test exists to help diagnose fibromyalgia. Treatment may include a combination of painkillers, cognitive behavioral therapy, gentle message, acupuncture, exercise and occupational therapy.February 11, 2025
Senior Health
More Americans are working past 65, and most say it has a positive effect on their health
More than two-thirds of adults 50 and older say work has a positive impact on their physical and mental health – and that figure is even higher among those 65 and older, a new survey from the University of Michigan shows.February 11, 2025
Health News
Jefferson Health to upgrade its trauma centers in Philly
Jefferson Health is undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade to its two Level 1 trauma centers – Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City and Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital in North Philly. The upgrades include a 30-bed, medical-surgical unit at Jefferson Hospital.February 7, 2025
Healthy Eating
Don't fall for foods advertised during NFL games, researchers warn
The foods that NFL fans see advertised during football games, on average, contain 40% of the daily recommended amount of sodium, a new study finds. Eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. The American Heart Association offers tips to reduce the amount of sodium in your food.February 6, 2025
Adult Health
On Super Bowl Sunday, fans are at higher risk of cardiac events, car crashes and other traumatic injuries
On Super Bowl Sunday, cardiac events, car crashes and traumatic injuries go up, research shows. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is preparing for a potential influx in patients when the Philadelphia Eagles play the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. There are ways to lower your risk of cardiovascular events, too.Just In
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