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.
December 29, 2021
Health News
CHOP, Independence executives named among most influential in health care
Modern Healthcare included Children's Hospital of Philadelphia CEO Madeline Bell and Independence Blue Cross CEO Gregory Deavens on its 2021 list of the "100 Most Influential People in Healthcare." The leaders of Pfizer and Moderna topped the rankings.December 22, 2021
Health Insurance
Pennsylvanians who buy health insurance using Pennie could pay more expensive premiums in 2022
Many Pennsylvania residents shopping for health plans on the state's exchange, Pennie, should expect their monthly premiums to increase due to several changes. The American Rescue Plan benefit that made thousands of unemployed people eligible for zero-dollar premiums has expired. And the way Pennie distributes enhanced subsidies will impact bills.November 2, 2021
Mental Health
Lane Johnson shines a spotlight on anxiety disorders and the drugs used to treat them
Eagles star Lane Johnson experienced withdrawal symptoms after he stopped taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, an anti-depressant he used to treat his anxiety and depression symptoms. SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa are commonly prescribed because they typically relieve symptoms without many side effects. But it can take time for them to work, and patients must sometimes try multiple medications before finding the most effective drug.September 10, 2021
Adult Health
Where were you on 9/11? Why our 'flashbulb' memories aren't as accurate as we believe
People are confident in their recollections of where they were when the 9/11 attacks occurred, as well as other historic events, but often those flashbulb memories contain inaccuracies, research shows. False memories inadvertently slip into these accounts of historic events due to errors made by our brains.July 14, 2021
Healthy Eating
Millennials are turning to non-alcoholic beer, but nutritionists stress it's not a health drink
Non-alcoholic beers have been touted as a healthier alternative for people who enjoy the taste of beer but want to reduce their alcohol consumption. Nutritionists caution that NA beer is not a health drink. They say its nutritional benefits are overstated, including its polyphenol content and potential as a post-workout drink.July 4, 2021
Travel
Ocean City voted New Jersey's favorite beach — again
Ocean City was named New Jersey's favorite beach by voters who participated in an annual poll by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium. The next best best? Sea Isle City.July 4, 2021
Holiday
Philly hosted the first Fourth of July celebration — with fireworks, of course
The first July 4 celebration took place in Philadelphia on Independence Day in 1777. The festivities included a 13-gun salute from ships on the Delaware River, a Congressional dinner and plenty of fireworks. The first fireworks were crude, with elaborate aerial displays becoming more common in the 19th Century.July 4, 2021
Protests
Patriot Front — the hate group that marched through Philly — has defaced several George Floyd memorials
Patriot Front, a white supremacist group that evolved from Vanguard America following the 2017 "United the Right" rally in Charlottesville, has increased its activity in Philadelphia over the last month. The racist group marched through Center City on July 3, 2021, carrying flags and fighting with bystanders. That came a month after its members defaced a George Floyd mural in Olney.July 1, 2021
Arts & Culture
Rare signers' copy of Declaration of Independence fetches $4.42 million at auction
An 1823 printing of the Declaration of Independence sold for $4.42 million at Freeman's Auction in Philadelphia. The print is one of 201 copies produced by engraver William J. Stone and was presented to Charles Carroll, the last surviving member of the original document. The estimated value of the document prior to the auction was $500,000 to $800,000.June 20, 2021
Parenting
Einstein's DadLab helps new fathers navigate the transition to parenthood
DadLab, a support group run by Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia, provides a safe space for new dads to discuss the challenges they face as first-time parents. The group meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. and is open to any fathers-to-be, new fathers and their partners.Just In
- Kevin Hart's five performances at the Met kick off December's comedy lineup
- Sixers rule out Joel Embiid for Saturday's game, Paul George fully participates in practice
- Manufacturing already has made a comeback in most states, but Pennsylvania lags behind
- Twisted Gingers Brewing Co. works with street artist to release Shamcow IPA
- This Cherry Hill clinic provides free services to uninsured men – and hopes to change male attitudes on health care
- Eagles-Ravens Week 13 injury report, with analysis
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