States face another challenge with Medicaid work rules: staffing shortages

Philly Voice (Health) 4/10 11:00P Sam Whitehead, KFF Health News

State Medicaid agencies can struggle to keep enough staff to help people sign up for benefits and field calls from enrollees with questions. President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act soon will demand more from staff at state agencies in places...

Estrogen patches for menopause are getting harder to find due to shortages and increased demand

Philly Voice (Health) 4/10 1:21A Courtenay Harris Bond

Many women who use hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause symptoms are struggling to find estrogen patches due to nationwide shortages. To cope, some patients are changing products or altering doses.

Shriners Children's hospital starts its own 'Carpool Karaoke' for kids in its care

Philly Voice (Health) 4/9 7:37A Kristin Hunt

Shriners Children's Philadelphia has started its own 'Carpool Karaoke' to help kids feel more comfortable with hospitals, care providers and medical devices. Music therapist Rebecca Dadi hosts the weekly social media series.

U.S. fertility rate dropped to another record low in 2025, CDC report shows

Philly Voice (Health) 4/9 6:47A Courtenay Harris Bond

The U.S. fertility rate dropped to another record low in 2025, continuing a trend that has persisted for years. A declining fertility rate means there are fewer people entering the workforce and contributing to Social Security and Medicare.

Wait times for medical imaging results have doubled amid a radiologist shortage

Philly Voice (Health) 4/7 11:00P Courtenay Harris Bond

Turnaround times for MRIs, ultrasounds and CT scans have doubled in recent years in part due to radiologist shortage, new research shows. People from lower income communities particularly have been impacted.

Eating the same foods may improve weight-loss results, Drexel researchers say

Philly Voice (Health) 4/6 11:00P Kristin Hunt

A new study suggests that eating the same foods repeatedly can improve weight loss. The Drexel University researchers found that repetitive diets were associated with better results.

Taking a GLP-1? Doctors say not to forget about movement and mental health

Philly Voice (Health) 4/4 11:00P Emily Siner, Cara Anthony and Bl

GLP-1s have quickly become one of the most popular types of weight loss drug in America. But doctors say it takes more than a regular shot for patients to achieve their weight goals in the long run.

Why many older adults skip hard candy – how aging can change chewing and swallowing

Philly Voice (Health) 4/3 11:00P Sundeep Venkatesan, Binghamton U

As people age, the swallowing process can change. Chewing muscles may lose a bit of strength. Saliva production can decrease, which makes dry or sticky foods harder to manage.

Healthy lifestyle habits lead to longevity. But they require emotional inspiration and logistical...

Philly Voice (Health) 4/2 11:00P Louis Bezich

Sustaining a healthy lifestyle is challenging. The right combo of emotional inspiration and logistical willpower can get you to the point where you enjoy your lifestyle and thrive on the disciplined behavior you've created.

Newly approved weight-loss pills could expand access to GLP-1s

Philly Voice (Health) 4/2 7:05A Courtenay Harris Bond

The Food and Drug Administration's approval of Eli Lilly's weight-loss pill Foundayo could expand access to GLP-1s, but a Temple University obesity expert said the out-of-pockets prices could still be cost prohibitive for some people.

Think you don’t have time to exercise? It may take less time than you think

Philly Voice (Health) 4/2 5:53A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

If getting “enough” exercise feels like something you never quite get around to, you’re not alone.

Philly's new homeless shelter offers case management and medical services to 'set people up for...

Philly Voice (Health) 4/1 8:06A Courtenay Harris Bond

Hope 220, a new emergency homeless shelter in Center City, offers case management and medical services to 'set people up for success.' The facility is part of Philadelphia's initiative to add 1,000 new shelter beds.

'Male-enhancement' chocolates recalled, because they may be deadly when used with some medications

Philly Voice (Health) 3/31 7:37A Courtenay Harris Bond

Two 'male-enhancement' chocolates have been recalled by Gear Isle, because they contain ingredients that may cause deadly interactions when taken with nitrates and other medications, the FDA says.

Common chemicals used in plastics linked to millions of premature births

Philly Voice (Health) 3/31 5:06A Courtenay Harris Bond

Phthalates, chemicals frequently used in plastics, contributed to nearly 2 million premature births and 74,000 newborn deaths in 2018, a new study finds.

Lounging with a puzzle or book instead of binge-watching TV may decrease the risk of dementia

Philly Voice (Health) 3/31 4:34A Kristin Hunt

'Mentally active' sedentary hobbies like reading, knitting and puzzles can decrease the risk of developing dementia, especially compared to 'mentally passive' activities like watching TV or listening to music, new research suggests.