Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution

Philly Voice (Health) 5/29 11:00P Sarah Kwon, KFF Health News

Congress' decision last year not to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternatives to comprehensive health insurance, which have lower premiums but don’t meet ACA standards for coverage or...

Could a four-day work week help reduce obesity rates? It's a question America may want to consider

Philly Voice (Health) 5/28 11:00P Louis Bezich

New research links reduced working hours to lower obesity rates. This has renewed the push for a four-day work week, a change that American employers have been hesitant to adapt.

Colorectal cancer screening guidelines now include new stool and blood tests

Philly Voice (Health) 5/27 9:50A Courtenay Harris Bond

Updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines recommend the use of two new at-home stool tests and, for the first time, a blood test. Colonoscopies remain the gold standard, but the American Cancer Society says alternatives may help improve...

Understanding depression to get the right care

Philly Voice (Health) 5/27 5:11A The IBX Insights Team

Understanding depression to get the right care

Getting too much or too little sleep could accelerate aging, study says

Philly Voice (Health) 5/26 11:00P Kristin Hunt

New research suggests that getting too much or too little sleep could accelerate the human aging process and increase one's biological age. The study found links to numerous diseases and increased risk of death.

As a child of the '80s, I got sunburn all the time. Now, I get regular check-ups for skin cancer

Philly Voice (Health) 5/25 11:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

As a child of the 1980s, I've had my fair share of sunburns, having grown up at a time when wearing sunscreen wasn't prioritized. Here are some tips for protecting your skin and preventing skin cancer.

How does your body lose weight? An obesity doctor explains why one size doesn’t fit all in weight...

Philly Voice (Health) 5/24 11:00P Kim Pfotenhauer, Michigan State

There are several theories as to why it is difficult to lose weight. Some focus on genetics and metabolism while others claim environmental and social factors are more important.

Flavored vapes led to a major shake‑up at the FDA – here's the science behind the controversial...

Philly Voice (Health) 5/23 11:00P Claire L. Ma, University of Mich

The authorization of two fruit-flavored vapes — a move opposed by former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary — marks a pivotal moment in U.S. e-cigarette regulation. Here's why the vapes may be beneficial to smokers but harmful to others, particularly...

Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates

Philly Voice (Health) 5/22 11:00P Julie Appleby, KFF Health News

Affordable Care Act enrollment is declining, with some customers struggling to pay their premiums. This is creating market uncertainty and likely will lead to increased health insurance rates next year.

Jefferson Methodist Hospital to reopen Saturday after power outage forced temporary closure

Philly Voice (Health) 5/22 9:38A Michaela Althouse

Jefferson Methodist Hospital is reopening at 7 a.m. Saturday. A power outage Tuesday forced the South Philly hospital to close down for several days. About 150 patients were transferred to other medical facilities.

Philly may crack down on smoke shops that sell kratom and hemp products. But some say the proposal...

Philly Voice (Health) 5/21 11:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

Philadelphia is considering ways to crack down on smoke shops that sell unregulated drugs, including kratom and hemp-derived products. Legislation would limit the sale of kratom and hemp-derived products, and penalize landlords that rent to smoke...

Jefferson Methodist Hospital closed indefinitely after power outage forces evacuation

Philly Voice (Health) 5/20 5:18A Michaela Althouse

Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia was evacuated Tuesday night after a power outage. The issue was reportedly caused by flooding in the facility's basement. Backup generators failed.

Children are increasingly visiting doctors for anxiety and other mental health issues, study shows

Philly Voice (Health) 5/19 11:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

Pediatricians have seen a surge in anxiety and other mental health issues among children in recent years, a new study found. The research highlights a need for more training among pediatricians to screen and treat mental health issues.

You know exercise is good for you – so why is it so hard to put it into practice?

Philly Voice (Health) 5/16 11:00P Laura Baehr, Drexel University

Despite knowing the benefits of exercise, many people struggle to consistently work out. Education alone does not predict changes in behavior. Instead, shifting beliefs about the barriers preventing exercise might actually be the key to getting...

Using AI for health questions? Here’s what to know before you trust the answer.

Philly Voice (Health) 5/15 6:12A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

AI tools are becoming a go-to for people with health questions. They’re fast, easy to use, and can sound surprisingly confident. But that confidence can be misleading.