Ads for GLP‑1 drugs are flooding the internet – here's how to know if it's safe to buy them online

Philly Voice (Health) 4/18 11:00P Sujith Ramachandran and Liang-Yu

The high cost of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, combined with the lack of adequate coverage by insurance plans, has helped fuel a booming online market for cheaper alternatives. Ads for the medications are all over the internet.

Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday signs letter supporting federal PBM transparency rule

Philly Voice (Health) 4/17 11:00P Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital

A proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor would require more transparency from PBMs managing health care plans provided by employers. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is among dozens of attorneys general to sign a letter broadly...

The playbook that lowered smoking rates also can help Americans reduce many chronic health...

Philly Voice (Health) 4/16 11:00P Louis Bezich

The same playbook used to reduce American smoking rates from 47% in 1953 to 10% in 2024 can be used to improve heart disease, obesity and diabetes rates.

New AI tool that predicts 5-year breast cancer risk should be available to women at 35, NCCN...

Philly Voice (Health) 4/15 8:06A Courtenay Harris Bond

The use of artificial intelligence in reading mammograms may help make breast cancer screening more precise. The first AI tool to read mammograms and assess individual risk is now available.

ChristianaCare CEO Janice Nevin to retire in September; Jenn Schwartz to take her place

Philly Voice (Health) 4/14 7:18A Courtenay Harris Bond

ChristianaCare's longtime CEO, Dr. Janice Nevin, is retiring after 12 years at the helm of the Delaware-based health system. Executive Vice President Jenn Schwartz will take over beginning Sept. 1.

Research finds no link between fluoride in tap water and lower adolescent IQ

Philly Voice (Health) 4/14 6:56A Kristin Hunt

A recent study from University of Minnesota researchers found no link between fluoride in tap water and lower IQ scores in subjects over their lifetimes. The conclusion refutes claims by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Can I opt out of having my doctor take notes with AI?

Philly Voice (Health) 4/11 11:00P Katherine Ruppelt, Cara Anthony

Nearly a third of physician practices are using AI scribes to automatically generate a visit summaries based on conversations between doctors and patients. But patients can opt out of the technology.

States face another challenge with Medicaid work rules: staffing shortages

Philly Voice (Health) 4/10 11:00P Sam Whitehead, KFF Health News

State Medicaid agencies can struggle to keep enough staff to help people sign up for benefits and field calls from enrollees with questions. President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act soon will demand more from staff at state agencies in places...

Estrogen patches for menopause are getting harder to find due to shortages and increased demand

Philly Voice (Health) 4/10 1:21A Courtenay Harris Bond

Many women who use hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause symptoms are struggling to find estrogen patches due to nationwide shortages. To cope, some patients are changing products or altering doses.

Shriners Children's hospital starts its own 'Carpool Karaoke' for kids in its care

Philly Voice (Health) 4/9 7:37A Kristin Hunt

Shriners Children's Philadelphia has started its own 'Carpool Karaoke' to help kids feel more comfortable with hospitals, care providers and medical devices. Music therapist Rebecca Dadi hosts the weekly social media series.

U.S. fertility rate dropped to another record low in 2025, CDC report shows

Philly Voice (Health) 4/9 6:47A Courtenay Harris Bond

The U.S. fertility rate dropped to another record low in 2025, continuing a trend that has persisted for years. A declining fertility rate means there are fewer people entering the workforce and contributing to Social Security and Medicare.

Wait times for medical imaging results have doubled amid a radiologist shortage

Philly Voice (Health) 4/7 11:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

Turnaround times for MRIs, ultrasounds and CT scans have doubled in recent years in part due to radiologist shortage, new research shows. People from lower income communities particularly have been impacted.

Eating the same foods may improve weight-loss results, Drexel researchers say

Philly Voice (Health) 4/6 11:00P Kristin Hunt

A new study suggests that eating the same foods repeatedly can improve weight loss. The Drexel University researchers found that repetitive diets were associated with better results.

Taking a GLP-1? Doctors say not to forget about movement and mental health

Philly Voice (Health) 4/4 11:00P Emily Siner, Cara Anthony and Bl

GLP-1s have quickly become one of the most popular types of weight loss drug in America. But doctors say it takes more than a regular shot for patients to achieve their weight goals in the long run.

Why many older adults skip hard candy – how aging can change chewing and swallowing

Philly Voice (Health) 4/3 11:00P Sundeep Venkatesan, Binghamton U

As people age, the swallowing process can change. Chewing muscles may lose a bit of strength. Saliva production can decrease, which makes dry or sticky foods harder to manage.