New Jersey, with low depression and divorce rates, is among the happiest states in America

Philly Voice (Health) 9/11 5:12A Courtenay Harris Bond

New Jersey ranked as the fourth happiest state in the United States, according to a WalletHub analysis that looked at each state's physical and mental health, work environment and communities. Pennsylvania ranked 18th.

How to strengthen your immune system for cold and flu season

Philly Voice (Health) 9/8 8:22A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

As much as Philly loves the start of football season, fall also signals the return of something far less exciting: cold and flu season. It usually begins in October and can last through May. The best way to stay healthy is to keep your immune...

Parents can help teens navigate online racism, and research shows one strategy works best

Philly Voice (Health) 9/8 6:55A Alvin Thomas, University of Wisc

Good parenting can help protect kids from racism's harmful effects, but what works in person might not work online. Talking over teens' experiences with online racism helps protect them without curbing their autonomy. But closely monitoring their...

Nicotine pouch makers should use childproof packaging, FDA advises

Philly Voice (Health) 9/4 4:54A Courtenay Harris Bond

The FDA is calling on manufacturers of nicotine pouches to use childproof packaging. Accidental poisonings from nicotine pouch ingestions in young children have spiked in recent years.

An over-the-counter nasal spray may protect against COVID-19, study says

Philly Voice (Health) 9/3 7:32A Courtenay Harris Bond

Azelastine nasal spray, commonly used to treat seasonal allergies, also may offer protection against COVID-19, a new study shows. But researchers warn it should not be used as a replacement for vaccination. More studies are needed.

Young children with ADHD are being medicated too quickly, study says

Philly Voice (Health) 9/2 9:30A Courtenay Harris Bond

Young children diagnosed with ADHD are recommended to receive six months of behavioral interventions before being prescribed medication. But a new analysis shows that more than 40% of children with ADHD are given medication within 30 days of...

Most college freshmen feel homesick – recognizing this is the first step toward coping with it

Philly Voice (Health) 9/2 9:18A Courtenay Harris Bond

Starting college can stir homesickness and anxiety. Students who show up for events, sign up for activities and stay on campus in the first several weeks have the best chance of overcoming homesickness, experts say.

Experimental skin cancer test aims to increase early detection of melanoma

Philly Voice (Health) 9/2 5:23A Courtenay Harris Bond

Melanoma is responsible for the most skin cancer deaths. An at-home test being developed by University of Michigan scientists aims to increase the chance of early detection and treatment.

Parenting strategies are shifting as neuroscience brings the developing brain into clearer focus

Philly Voice (Health) 8/31 7:31P Nancy L. Weaver, Saint Louis Uni

Parenting with the understanding of a child's developing brain is much more effective in shaping behavior than outdate models that emphasize rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior, research shows.

Healthy Recipe: Summer Squash and Tofu Curry

Philly Voice (Health) 8/28 1:51A Independence Good Living

This summer squash and tofu curry is a simple, flavorful way to bring fresh vegetables and warm spices together in one dish. Made with tender squash, hearty tofu, kale, and a coconut milk base seasoned with curry powder and ginger, it offers a...

Healthy Recipe: Plant-Based Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

Philly Voice (Health) 8/28 1:25A Independence Good Living

When it comes to healthy snacking, taste should never take a back seat. These plant-based peanut butter chocolate protein bars prove just that, delivering a rich, satisfying flavor with every bite while packing in a serious boost of nutrition.

A breath test developed at Penn State can quickly diagnoses diabetes

Philly Voice (Health) 8/27 8:25A Courtenay Harris Bond

A breath test developed by Penn State University scientists can accurately diagnose diabetes by detecting high acetone levels, research shows. The test could expedite the diagnosis process for the disease.

How to Feel More Balanced Without Changing Your Whole Life

PhillyBite Healthy 8/27 3:00A phillybite.com@gmail.com (Philly

Feeling off balance doesn’t always mean something’s wrong, it can literally mean that yu are just out of sync from your normal routine. Often, it’s a sign that your day-to-day habits aren’t working...

Most U.S. women of reproductive age have elevated risk for birth defects

Philly Voice (Health) 8/26 6:28A Courtenay Harris Bond

Two-thirds of U.S. women of childbearing age have at least one modifiable lifestyle or environmental factor that increases the risk for giving birth to a child with birth defects, new research shows.

Temple's new Women and Families Hospital aims to reduce maternal health disparities

Philly Voice (Health) 8/18 3:20A Courtenay Harris Bond

Temple Health is opening its new Women and Families Hospital on Sept. 3. The hospital aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality. The health system is expanding obstetrical care at a time when 13 of the city's 19 hospitals...