New cervical cancer screening guidelines endorse the use of self-swab kits

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 9:32A Courtenay Harris Bond

The American Cancer Society endorsed the use of self-swab HPV kits in its new guidelines for cervical cancer screenings. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

What you should know about concussions

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 8:22A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

Most of us have bumped our heads at some point. But sometimes, that hit is more than just a bump. It could be a concussion, which is a type of brain injury that can have lasting effects if not properly treated.

Pediatric cancer treatments are saving kids' lives, but more research funding is needed to improve...

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 7:36A Courtenay Harris Bond

CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment, saved the life of South Jersey's Lianna Munir. But more research into advanced technologies is needed to improve the survival rates of pediatric cancers, a new report says.

Healthy Recipe: Holiday Ricotta Cookies

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 3:10A Independence Good Living

Holiday baking does not have to derail your routine. These lightened-up ricotta cookies offer a festive treat with a few smart swaps, using coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup in place of refined sugar. The result is a soft, subtly...

The brain has 5 stages, but 'adulthood' doesn't begin until age 32, scientists say

Philly Voice (Health) 11/25 6:55A Courtenay Harris Bond

The human brain passes through five structural stages during life marked by four major 'turning points,' new research shows. 'Adolescence' stretches from 9 to 32, when 'adulthood' begins.

Combating loneliness during the holidays

Philly Voice (Health) 11/24 3:20A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they can feel like the opposite. The music, parties, and family gatherings can make loneliness hit even harder — especially if you don't have any plans with...

Healthy Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie Squares

Philly Voice (Health) 11/20 3:41A Independence Good Living

Sweet potato pie is usually the kind of dessert you break out for special occasions, but these sweet potato pie squares make it easy to enjoy the flavor any time without the heaviness. They’re small, creamy and surprisingly light, thanks to a mix...

Singing the national anthem before sporting events has helped this South Jersey woman cope with OCD

Philly Voice (Health) 11/20 2:36A Courtenay Harris Bond

Ryan Brown, 19, of Marlton, New Jersey, says singing in front of crowds helps her cope with her OCD and anxiety. She has performed the national anthem before numerous sporting events and hopes to one day bring music into the classroom as an...

Support groups for alcohol use disorder are more effective when they are attended in person

Philly Voice (Health) 11/18 7:09A Courtenay Harris Bond

People who attend in-person support groups for alcohol use disorder have better recovery outcomes than people who only attend virtually, new research shows.

New insights on weight-loss drug Mounjaro may lead to better treatments for impulsive eating

Philly Voice (Health) 11/18 5:47A Courtenay Harris Bond

Tirzepatide, branded as Mounjaro and Zepbound, may temporarily reduce cravings that can lead to binge eating, a study by University of Pennsylvania scientists suggests. The insights may lead to better treatments for impulsive eating, researchers...

Does Your Taste for Bitter Coffee Reveal a Darker Side?

PhillyBite Healthy 11/18 3:04A phillybite.com@gmail.com (Philly

Philadelphia, PA - Like your coffee black? You're maybe a psychopath, the study says. Are you a vain, selfish, psychopathic, everyday sadist? This is what you might be if you prefer bitter foods like...

Healthy Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Almond Treats

Philly Voice (Health) 11/13 6:59A Independence Good Living

If you’re craving something sweet but still want to keep things on the healthier side, these no-bake chocolate almond treats are a great option. They use basic ingredients you may already have at home, come together without turning on the oven...

What to know before going vegan

Philly Voice (Health) 11/11 3:38A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

Adopting a vegan lifestyle can be both rewarding and challenging. While only about one percent of Americans are vegan, many more are curious about plant-based eating and the potential benefits it brings. Whether your motivation is health, the...

For mild depression, texting with a therapist works as well as video sessions, study finds

Philly Voice (Health) 10/30 9:48A Courtenay Harris Bond

Therapy via email and text is as effective as video appointments for mild depression, a new study says. Expanding insurance coverage for text-based therapy could improve outcomes, according to the researchers.

Risk of heart attack and stroke rises after COVID-19 and flu infections

Philly Voice (Health) 10/30 9:17A Courtenay Harris Bond

COVID-19, influenza and other viruses significantly increase risk of heart attack and stroke in the weeks after infection, a new study shows. Vaccination is key to reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, researchers say.