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

Philly Voice (Health) 10/8 7:17A 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 5:52A 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...

How much sleep do children get? Not as much as their parents think

Philly Voice (Health) 10/7 6:28A Courtenay Harris Bond

The vast majority of children in the U.S. are sleeping less than their parents think, new research show. Most children are also not getting the recommended amount of sleep.

Long-term study on HPV vaccinations finds evidence of herd immunity

Philly Voice (Health) 10/1 6:37A Courtenay Harris Bond

A 17-year study on HPV vaccinations found evidence of herd immunity. As vaccination rates against HPV rose from 2006 to 2023, infections even among unvaccinated women declined significantly, researchers say.

Having multiple tattoos may help guard against most dangerous type of skin cancer, study finds

Philly Voice (Health) 9/30 7:48A Courtenay Harris Bond

People with multiple tattoos have a lower risk of melanoma, a new study finds. But the research also found that people with one tattoo were at higher risk of melanoma.

Mindfulness won't burn calories, but it might help you stick with your health goals

Philly Voice (Health) 9/28 6:16A Masha Remskar, Arizona State Uni

People who meditate regularly become more inherently motivated to look after their health, which is a hallmark of those who adhere to a balanced diet and exercise regularly, research shows.

Family’s journey highlights the impact of Blood Cancer United

Philly Voice (Health) 9/25 8:11A Peter Key, sponsored by Blood Ca

In many ways, Zach Montag is a typical suburban Philadelphia 13-year-old. He’s in seventh grade, has been taking karate classes, and likes swimming, ice skating and rock climbing.

Younger adults are more frequently having memory and concentration issues

Philly Voice (Health) 9/25 6:43A Courtenay Harris Bond

Memory troubles and other cognitive issues are on the rise among young adults in the United States, a new study suggests. The percentage of adults under 40 who report having serious struggles with concentration, memory and decision making due to...

Healthy Recipe: Salmon and Vegetable Curry

Philly Voice (Health) 9/25 4:56A Independence Good Living

Warm, fragrant, and packed with nutrients, this salmon and vegetable curry is a brain-boosting comfort dish that proves healthy meals can still feel indulgent. With tender salmon, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, crisp green beans, and a creamy coconut...

New Jersey, with low depression and divorce rates, is among the happiest states in America

Philly Voice (Health) 9/11 5:12A Courtenay Harris Bond

New Jersey ranked as the fourth happiest state in the United States, according to a WalletHub analysis that looked at each state's physical and mental health, work environment and communities. Pennsylvania ranked 18th.

How to strengthen your immune system for cold and flu season

Philly Voice (Health) 9/8 8:22A Peter Key, sponsored by Independ

As much as Philly loves the start of football season, fall also signals the return of something far less exciting: cold and flu season. It usually begins in October and can last through May. The best way to stay healthy is to keep your immune...

Parents can help teens navigate online racism, and research shows one strategy works best

Philly Voice (Health) 9/8 6:55A Alvin Thomas, University of Wisc

Good parenting can help protect kids from racism's harmful effects, but what works in person might not work online. Talking over teens' experiences with online racism helps protect them without curbing their autonomy. But closely monitoring their...

Nicotine pouch makers should use childproof packaging, FDA advises

Philly Voice (Health) 9/4 4:54A Courtenay Harris Bond

The FDA is calling on manufacturers of nicotine pouches to use childproof packaging. Accidental poisonings from nicotine pouch ingestions in young children have spiked in recent years.

An over-the-counter nasal spray may protect against COVID-19, study says

Philly Voice (Health) 9/3 7:32A Courtenay Harris Bond

Azelastine nasal spray, commonly used to treat seasonal allergies, also may offer protection against COVID-19, a new study shows. But researchers warn it should not be used as a replacement for vaccination. More studies are needed.

Young children with ADHD are being medicated too quickly, study says

Philly Voice (Health) 9/2 9:30A Courtenay Harris Bond

Young children diagnosed with ADHD are recommended to receive six months of behavioral interventions before being prescribed medication. But a new analysis shows that more than 40% of children with ADHD are given medication within 30 days of...