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.

The side effects of antidepressants vary widely — choosing the right one is imperative, study finds

Philly Voice (Health) 10/22 9:46A Courtenay Harris Bond

Common antidepressants have wide variation in side effects for weight, blood pressure and heart rate, a new study shows. The findings should guide prescribing of antidepressants, especially for people with diabetes, obesity hypertension, the...

How to make healthier choices when eating fast food

Philly Voice (Health) 10/22 8:43A Courtenay Harris Bond

Fast food poses health risks, but there are ways to make healthier choices when eating it. Enjoying fast food in moderation, choosing lean meats and avoiding fried food can help people find a 'middle ground,' a Jefferson Health dietitian...

Despite the hoopla, vaccines should be in reach this cough-and-cold season

Philly Voice (Health) 10/22 4:02A Michelle Andrews, KFF Health New

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2025 fall immunization schedule is not different from last year's. That should clear the way for most people who want COVID, flu and RSV shots this fall to get them, public health experts say.

As pickleball has surged in popularity, so have eye injuries

Philly Voice (Health) 10/21 6:38A Courtenay Harris Bond

Pickleball-related eye injuries have surged in recent years, alongside a rise in the sport's popularity. The number of eye injuries resulting from the sport is not high, but the injuries can be severe, a new study says.

Peanut allergies have declined since doctors began recommending early exposure

Philly Voice (Health) 10/20 7:05A Kristin Hunt

Peanut and other immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergies have dropped since doctors began recommending children be exposed to allergens as babies, a new study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds.

Better health literacy means better preventive care

Philly Voice (Health) 10/19 2:49A Lia Scalzo, DrPH, MPH, CHES, CMI

Did you know that understanding health information better can help us lead healthier lives? As a Population Health Specialist at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), I see every day how much knowing more about our health really matters. One important...

Receiving gene therapy for hemophilia changed this South Jersey man's life

Philly Voice (Health) 10/16 9:17A Courtenay Harris Bond

Receiving gene therapy for hemophilia at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia changed the life of Domenic Catrine, a senior at Montclair State University in New Jersey. He no longer has to do weekly infusions of medication to help his blood...

Championing mental health in the workplace

Philly Voice (Health) 10/16 7:23A Dr. Ryan Connolly, M.D., M.S., f

Supporting employee mental and behavioral health is a business imperative. Organizations that make this support a priority not only improve employee well-being but also protect the long-term health and success of their business.

How to enroll in an Independence Blue Cross health insurance plan

Philly Voice (Health) 10/15 8:22A The IBX Insights Team

We know health insurance can be complicated. That’s why we try to make it easy to find a health plan that works for you.

ADHD fosters creativity due to a tendency to let the mind wander, study shows

Philly Voice (Health) 10/15 5:25A Courtenay Harris Bond

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is linked to greater creativity, new research shows. The tendency to let the mind wander — a trait of ADHD — fosters creativity. The finding could have practical implications for the education and treatment...

Social media use hurts preteens' development of reading and memory skills

Philly Voice (Health) 10/14 6:19A Courtenay Harris Bond

Children who increasingly used social media over multiple years scored worse on reading and memory tests than those who consumed little or no social media, a new study finds. The researchers say their findings underscore a need for more stringent...

Opioid used by millions for pain management only has 'slight effect,' study warns

Philly Voice (Health) 10/8 6:17A Courtenay Harris Bond

Tramadol, a common opioid, is only slightly effective at treating chronic pain, a new study says. It also puts people at higher risk for adverse cardiac events including congestive heart failure.

How aromatherapy works and what it can do for you

Philly Voice (Health) 10/8 4:52A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

Scents can influence the way you feel, both mentally and physically. That’s the idea behind aromatherapy, a practice that uses essential oils to help reduce stress, boost mood, and support overall well-being. Some people use it to relax before...