Menstrual pads and tampons can contain toxic substances – here’s what to know about this emerging...

Philly Voice (Health) 2/28 10:00P Jenni Shearston, University of C

Studies have found small amounts of toxic heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances in some menstrual pads and tampons. They often are in low enough concentrations to make their health impacts unclear.

Picky eating starts in the womb – here's how to expand your child's palate

Philly Voice (Health) 2/27 10:00P Kathleen Keller, Penn State

For parents who want to help picky eaters expand their palates, the most important thing they can do is give children repeated opportunities to taste foods without pressuring or coercing them.

The overlooked nutrient your diet may be missing

Philly Voice (Health) 2/26 2:19A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

Most Americans don’t get enough fiber, even though it’s essential for digestive health and disease prevention. Found in plant foods, fiber is a carbohydrate your body can’t digest but still relies on for key functions.

Women's arteries are less clogged than men's, but that doesn't protect them from heart attack risks

Philly Voice (Health) 2/24 10:00P Michael Tanenbaum

Women who have clogged arteries don't need as much plaque buildup as men to develop serious heart problems, according to new research. Experts say new guidelines are needed to account for the differences.

Pro athletes are turning to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but for most people the benefits are still in...

Philly Voice (Health) 2/22 10:00P Michael Tanenbaum

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used by pro athletes for healing and managing wear and tear. While HBOT is accepted as a treatment for some conditions, medical experts say more research is needed to prove its benefits for injuries.

You've reached your weight loss goal on GLP-1 medications – what now?

Philly Voice (Health) 2/21 10:00P Amy J. Sheer, University of Flor

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have ushered in a new era in weight loss. But what happens after the weight comes off? And what should patients do when their progress suddenly stalls, even while still on a GLP-1 medication?

Do positive affirmations work? A psychologist unpacks the evidence

Philly Voice (Health) 2/20 10:00P Madeleine Fraser, Australian Cat

Self-affirmation theory suggests repeating positive ideas about yourself can protect you from negative mental health symptoms, boosting your mood and sense of self-worth. Scientific research suggests this works in some cases, but there are...

GLP-1 drugs are great weight-loss tools. But they work best with lifestyle changes, experts say

Philly Voice (Health) 2/20 8:38A Louis Bezich

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are a positive development, but they do not eliminate the need for lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, experts say. Making a permanent dent in Americans' weight crisis will take a combination of strategies.

How busy families can stay healthy throughout the school year

Philly Voice (Health) 2/20 8:00A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

By the time the school year settles into its rhythm, most families are juggling packed calendars, long to-do lists, and very little downtime. When schedules feel nonstop, healthy routines can slip without anyone noticing. A few steady habits can...

Winter can leave your skin dry, itchy and red. Here's how to protect it

Philly Voice (Health) 2/17 10:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

Using lukewarm water and gentle cleansers can help protect the skin during the cold, dry winter months. Also, moisturizing frequently and using sunblock can help prevent damage, dermatologists say.

Exercise can be as effective as medication for depression and anxiety, new study shows

Philly Voice (Health) 2/14 10:00P Neil Munro, James Cook Universit

Exercise is a evidence-based treatment option for depression and anxiety, but telling patients to 'exercise more' is unlikely to be effective. A new study shows structured, supervised exercise with a social component is best for improving these...

National Cancer Institute is studying ivermectin's 'ability to kill cancer cells'

Philly Voice (Health) 2/13 10:00P Rachana Pradhan, KFF Health News

The National Cancer Institute is studying ivermectin as a potential cancer treatment despite having no new evidence suggesting the antiparasitic drug may be effective. The drug's popularity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as fringe medical...

Grays Ferry residents advised to stay indoors after trash fire creates air quality issues

Philly Voice (Health) 2/13 3:16A Molly McVety

A trash fire at the Philadelphia Transfer Station in Grays Ferry on Thursday night prompted city health officials to warn residents to stay indoors due to potential poor air quality. No hazardous substances were immediately identified by inspectors.

Vast majority of baby food products are ultra-processed, study finds

Philly Voice (Health) 2/11 10:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

More than 70% of baby foods contain additives that classify them as ultra-processed foods, a new study found. Common ingredients include emulsifiers, flavor enhancers and thickeners. Researchers say the use of these products in infant foods is...

Worrying about aging doesn't help — it actually may speed up the process

Philly Voice (Health) 2/11 6:11A Courtenay Harris Bond

Women who worry about declining health may be accelerating the biological aging process, a new study finds. NYU researchers found psychological stress about deteriorating physical health and vulnerability to illness may show up on a cellular level.