Getting outside despite your 9‑to‑5 job can improve your mental health

Philly Voice (Health) 8/8 11:00P Todd Lookingbill, University of

Even brief, routine interactions with green space can reduce stress, improve mood and promote overall well-being. Here's how to spend more time outdoors during the work day.

Kennedy, Oz contend fraud crackdown, not skyrocketing prices, led millions to leave Obamacare

Philly Voice (Health) 8/7 11:00P Julie Appleby, KFF Health News

The Trump administration says fraud control efforts led to the sharp drop in Affordable Care Act enrollments, but policy experts dispute that claim, suggesting the rise in premiums caused millions of Americans to lose health insurance.

National health observances like Wellness Month are no silver bullet, but they can help boost men's...

Philly Voice (Health) 8/6 11:00P Louis Bezich

National health observances are dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Research shows they rarely trigger long-term behavioral changes, but they boost online activity, educate the public on medical conditions, and reduce...

Pediatricians and health departments sidestep Trump’s CDC on vaccine guidance

Philly Voice (Health) 8/5 11:00P By Karen Brown, New England Publ

This rupture of scientific trust in the CDC has put many pediatricians in a bind, as they no longer turn to the country’s preeminent public health agency and instead search for ways to fill the information gap.

Should you wash your prewashed lettuce during the cyclospora outbreak?

Philly Voice (Health) 8/1 11:00P Lisa Cuchara, Quinnipiac Univers

A few sensible food safety practices can help people significantly reduce their risk of getting sick during the cyclospora outbreak. Prewashed lettuce should be washed, but a better option is buying a head of lettuce, ripping off the outside...

Cyclospora boosts fears that worse foodborne outbreaks are ahead

Philly Voice (Health) 7/31 11:00P Kate Wells and Stephanie Armour,

Food safety experts say federal cuts have made it harder to detect and stop the spread of foodborne illnesses, such as the recent outbreaks of cyclospora. They fear the next pathogen will be more deadly.

Liquid cavity treatment, used in other countries, could benefit U.S. kids, researchers say

Philly Voice (Health) 7/30 10:47A Courtenay Harris Bond

Silver diamine fluoride, an inexpensive liquid that can halt tooth decay, should be approved by the FDA as a cavity treatment, researchers say. The solution has been used to treat cavities for decades in other countries.

More women are drinking during pregnancy despite warnings that it is unsafe

Philly Voice (Health) 7/30 7:32A Courtenay Harris Bond

More women are reporting drinking during pregnancy despite risks, a new study says. Pregnant women who reported high-risk drinking were also more likely to report tobacco use.

South Jersey man bitten by rabid raccoon; health officials advise people to avoid wild animals

Philly Voice (Health) 7/29 11:28A Courtenay Harris Bond

After a South Jersey man was bitten by rabid raccoon, Gloucester County officials advised people to avoid wild animals and take other precautions. Here's what to do if you are bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies.

Public schools often lack sufficient support for students with concussions, report says

Philly Voice (Health) 7/28 11:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

Many public schools lack sufficient concussion policies, a new report says. Of the schools that reported having policies, most did not provide staff training.

Most Americans prefer to die at home, but the U.S. healthcare system often prevents it

Philly Voice (Health) 7/25 11:00P Karen Lutfey Spencer, University

Integrating palliative care, death doulas and hospice would make patient-centered end-of-life care more effective than it is now, research shows. Until that happens, Americans remain vulnerable to surprises and types of care that are not aligned...

Why you let down your guard on ads when scrolling on social media

Philly Voice (Health) 7/25 2:29A Matthew Pittman, University of T

The mental tax of processing information, or 'cognitive load,' changes the way people respond to product claims from brands. When cognitive load is higher, people are more likely to trust an ad's claims and purchase a product.

The inspiration to live a healthier life may be right before your eyes

Philly Voice (Health) 7/23 11:00P Louis Bezich

Powerful motivation that resides directly before us often is overlooked. But recognizing and leveraging these sources of inspiration can lead to a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

Rittenhouse Square dental office that closed due to unsanitary practices is set to reopen

Philly Voice (Health) 7/23 5:10A Michaela Althouse

Smiles at Rittenhouse, now operating at Smiles at the Square, will reopen after dentist Kirti Chopra's license was reinstated this month. In May, patients were asked to get tested for HIV and hepatitis due to unsanitary practices at the office.

Mental health check-ins to smartphones may monitor suicide risk better than weekly therapy sessions

Philly Voice (Health) 7/21 11:00P Molly McVety

A study from Penn researchers found that sending frequent mental health checks to patients' smartphones could help medical providers better monitor suicide risk.