Virtua Health, ChristianaCare decide not to merge operations

Philly Voice (Health) 12/18 4:49A Courtenay Harris Bond

Two of the Mid-Atlantic region's largest health systems have abandoned plans to merge. Virtua Health in New Jersey and ChristianaCare in Delaware had been exploring a potential $6 billion merger since July.

Healthy Recipe: Ginger Winter Fruit Salad

Philly Voice (Health) 12/18 3:29A Independence Good Living

This gingered winter fruit salad is a bright, fresh counterpoint to heavier seasonal dishes, combining citrus, pears, kiwi and pomegranate with a light maple and fresh ginger syrup. It hits a nice balance of sweet, tart and warm spice without...

Healthy Recipe: Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Philly Voice (Health) 12/11 4:26A Independence Good Living

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple, and this vegan version keeps all the warm spice and nostalgia without the dairy or gluten. They’re made with whole grain flour, molasses and plenty of cinnamon and ginger, so they come out soft, flavorful...

Holiday stress keeping you up at night? Cognitive shuffling may help you fall asleep

Philly Voice (Health) 12/11 2:27A Courtenay Harris Bond

Holiday stress can keep people up at night. Cognitive shuffling and these other sleep tips may help people fall asleep.

New cervical cancer screening guidelines endorse the use of self-swab kits

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 9:32A Courtenay Harris Bond

The American Cancer Society endorsed the use of self-swab HPV kits in its new guidelines for cervical cancer screenings. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

What you should know about concussions

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 8:22A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

Most of us have bumped our heads at some point. But sometimes, that hit is more than just a bump. It could be a concussion, which is a type of brain injury that can have lasting effects if not properly treated.

Pediatric cancer treatments are saving kids' lives, but more research funding is needed to improve...

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 7:36A Courtenay Harris Bond

CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment, saved the life of South Jersey's Lianna Munir. But more research into advanced technologies is needed to improve the survival rates of pediatric cancers, a new report says.

Healthy Recipe: Holiday Ricotta Cookies

Philly Voice (Health) 12/4 3:10A Independence Good Living

Holiday baking does not have to derail your routine. These lightened-up ricotta cookies offer a festive treat with a few smart swaps, using coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup in place of refined sugar. The result is a soft, subtly...

The brain has 5 stages, but 'adulthood' doesn't begin until age 32, scientists say

Philly Voice (Health) 11/25 6:55A Courtenay Harris Bond

The human brain passes through five structural stages during life marked by four major 'turning points,' new research shows. 'Adolescence' stretches from 9 to 32, when 'adulthood' begins.

Combating loneliness during the holidays

Philly Voice (Health) 11/24 3:20A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they can feel like the opposite. The music, parties, and family gatherings can make loneliness hit even harder — especially if you don't have any plans with...

Healthy Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie Squares

Philly Voice (Health) 11/20 3:41A Independence Good Living

Sweet potato pie is usually the kind of dessert you break out for special occasions, but these sweet potato pie squares make it easy to enjoy the flavor any time without the heaviness. They’re small, creamy and surprisingly light, thanks to a mix...

Singing the national anthem before sporting events has helped this South Jersey woman cope with OCD

Philly Voice (Health) 11/20 2:36A Courtenay Harris Bond

Ryan Brown, 19, of Marlton, New Jersey, says singing in front of crowds helps her cope with her OCD and anxiety. She has performed the national anthem before numerous sporting events and hopes to one day bring music into the classroom as an...

Support groups for alcohol use disorder are more effective when they are attended in person

Philly Voice (Health) 11/18 7:09A Courtenay Harris Bond

People who attend in-person support groups for alcohol use disorder have better recovery outcomes than people who only attend virtually, new research shows.

New insights on weight-loss drug Mounjaro may lead to better treatments for impulsive eating

Philly Voice (Health) 11/18 5:47A Courtenay Harris Bond

Tirzepatide, branded as Mounjaro and Zepbound, may temporarily reduce cravings that can lead to binge eating, a study by University of Pennsylvania scientists suggests. The insights may lead to better treatments for impulsive eating, researchers...

Does Your Taste for Bitter Coffee Reveal a Darker Side?

PhillyBite Healthy 11/18 3:04A phillybite.com@gmail.com (Philly

Philadelphia, PA - Like your coffee black? You're maybe a psychopath, the study says. Are you a vain, selfish, psychopathic, everyday sadist? This is what you might be if you prefer bitter foods like...