health Archives - The Philly Files

April 3, 2020

4 steps to better health with black foods

Get your antioxidants from black foods Remember those sayings you grew up hearing: once you go black … the darker the berry …? When it…

April 1, 2020

Wine, memories and making plans

As we write this column, most people are confined largely to their homes as the Coronavirus continues to spread across the country. Like you,…

March 31, 2020

Coronavirus: Should you be worried?

So far, according to official World Health Organisation reports as of March 29, the Wuhan novel coronavirus, called 2019-nCoV, has sickened 638,146 people and led to…

March 30, 2020

7 ways to boost immunity

As coronavirus runs roughshod across the country, having an immune system functioning at its peak is critically important. Vitamins and supplements may promise to…

March 29, 2020

A spring cleaning to-do list

Spring cleaning often lands in a perfect spot on the calendar to serve as an annual reminder of your regular home maintenance to-do list…

March 28, 2020

Navigating pollen season amid Coronavirus fears

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and, for millions of Americans, the arrival of pollen season. It also coincides this year with the arrival…

March 23, 2020

Why black men are most at risk of kidney disease

African Americans are less likely to have life-threatening complication under control, new study finds Among people diagnosed with kidney disease and high blood pressure,…

March 22, 2020

5 tips for better home safety this spring

As people become more active during the warmer months, keeping home safety top of mind can sometimes go by the wayside. However, when it…

March 20, 2020

Supplement meals with a nutritious addition

Adding nutrition to meals is all about the ingredients you include. The next time you’re looking to add nutrients to your recipes, consider adding…

March 16, 2020

Ditching unhealthy eating excuses, one by one

We can all come up with dozens of excuses for loading up on unhealthy foods. But it’s just as easy to load up on…

March 13, 2020

City announces further restrictions on public gathering

PHILADELPHIA — This news release on Philadelphia’s response to Coronavirus was dated Thursday but published Friday. Here it is in its entirety, almost verbatim,…

March 12, 2020

Sustainable home upgrades for better health

When you’re on a quest to create a home environment that promotes wellness, it can be difficult to know where to begin. One easy…

March 10, 2020

Understanding rare cancers

Although rare cancers don’t occur often, they can affect people of all ages and genders. A rare cancer is defined as fewer than 15…

March 9, 2020

What coffee can do for your workout

Your morning cup of joe just keeps getting better and better. When you need to hydrate for your workout, forget about sports drinks or…

March 3, 2020

5 ways to improve your heart health

If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it’s understandable. Heart disease is…

March 2, 2020

“Sitting is the new smoking”

In her role as an emergency room physician, Melissa Clarke, M.D., founder and CEO of the BHE Group, sees all manner of lifestyle behavior that…

February 28, 2020

Dairy-inspired, plant-based dishes to serve from morning to night

From cereal and milk to yogurt and fruit to broccoli and cheese, combining dairy with plant-based foods creates a superfood power couple that can…

February 25, 2020

Want to live longer? Get a dog!

Letting your health go to the dogs might turn out to be a great idea: New research bolsters the association between dog ownership and…

February 24, 2020

Sad topic needs talking: Suicide rate rising among women

Suicide is a serious problem, and the rate of suicide among women is on the rise. People who consider suicide often feel like there…

February 17, 2020

Regular biking may reduce heart disease risk

People who bike regularly for pleasure or to commute have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to two studies. In a study of 45,000…

February 14, 2020

Peanut-powered protein: Nutritious ideas for flavor-filled family meals

Sitting down for a homemade meal may feel harder to come by these days, but recipes that are both nutritious and flavorful can help…

February 12, 2020

The right wine for your Valentine’s Day dinner

We always have found Valentine’s Day a bit galling. Steeped in mythical interpretations, it is a holiday cleverly marketed by greeting card companies, florists,…

February 11, 2020

Videos: 3 Valentine’s Day snacks and desserts

Watch and try these recipes for Kristoff ice box cupcakes (think Frozen), cherry coffee cake, and mini-marbled cherry cheesecake cupcakes Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes…

February 9, 2020

Winter Skin Care 101

Cold weather can take a real toll on your skin. Dry skin can lead to discomfort and, if neglected, can affect your skin’s elasticity…

February 3, 2020

Small weight loss brings big benefits

A 5 percent weight loss can dramatically improve health. Obese folks trying to lose weight can focus on smaller goals. A new study shows…

February 1, 2020

Bonus: 7 dishes perfect for game day

Fried, grilled, baked or slow-cooked, game day dishes come in all flavors and textures so everyone comes out a winner. Try these classic ideas…

January 27, 2020

Something in green tea may help reduce prostate cancer

Prostate cancer, the second most common type of cancer in men, is predicted to result in an estimated 220,000 cases in the United States…

January 20, 2020

Mammogram screening guidelines don’t help black women

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo took a step in the right direction to facilitate early detection of breast cancer by signing a bill into…

January 19, 2020

Not so hard to make time for better health on busy days

Fitting in time to exercise and eat sensible meals can be impractical, if not impossible, when the demands of daily life get in the…

January 16, 2020

Understanding medical ‘sharps’ and localized safe disposal options

If you’re among the millions of people in the United States who suffer from a chronic illness, you may use “sharps” to manage your…

January 13, 2020

Can chemical hair straighteners cause breast cancer?

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health found women who use permanent hair dye and chemical hair straighteners have a higher risk of developing breast cancer…

January 8, 2020

Feds: 2 Phila. men stalked delivery company in series of violent pharmaceutical van robberies

PHILADELPHIA — Two Philadelphia men face various federal charges “for a series of violent robberies across the Delaware Valley over a four month period…

January 6, 2020

Philadelphia hires ‘Outlaw’ as next police commissioner

PHILADELPHIA — The next commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department will be coming from Oregon. Mayor Jim Kenney (D) appointed Chief Danielle Outlaw of…

January 6, 2020

‘Tis flu season again, and the message remains the same: Get your shot (still)!

It’s that time of year again: sniffles, body aches, fever and sore throat. And we repeat the message we share every year: Get your…

January 3, 2020

Resolve to make nutritious eating a priority. A how-to.

Discovering a better version of yourself is all about striking balance. That’s especially true when it comes to making smarter food choices that you…

December 31, 2019

5 ways to help keep your dog happy and healthy

There are many emotional benefits to owning a dog, such as companionship and unconditional love, but a pet can also positively affect his or…

December 30, 2019

Vegan diet may reduce heart disease risk in African Americans

Following a vegan diet for five weeks may decrease risk factors for heart disease, new research shows. The study included 50 African Americans who…

December 25, 2019

Sparkling below. Speedy above. Be careful with that cork!

When the Washington Nationals celebrated their World Series victory a few months ago, the locker room was awash in sparkling wine. Players and coaches…

December 23, 2019

Does alcohol increase breast cancer risk?

The holiday celebrations are upon us, so here is something to think about as you pop that champagne. This question often comes up when…

December 20, 2019

Refresh (you and) your child’s diet with low-sugar options

Many families look to the new year as a time to reset their eating habits and focus on making healthier choices. However, adults aren’t…

December 16, 2019

5 ways you should be watching your high blood pressure during the holidays

For the 80 million Americans with high blood pressure, the hectic holiday crunch ’tis the season for a little extra caution. Even people who…

December 15, 2019

5 Tips to Ward Off Cold Weather

Colder weather brings plenty of changes, especially in the ways you take care of your home and self. Especially when the temperature drops, extreme…

December 9, 2019

5 Ways to Tame Holiday Stress

If the holidays sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control, you’re not alone! There are key things you can do to tame holiday stress….

December 7, 2019

Help when holidays make it hard to overcome an eating disorder

Tips for coping with a food-centric season. During the holidays, no matter where you turn, you find food, food and more food. From vendor…

December 6, 2019

‘Frozen’ Family Food Fun

Kid-friendly, make-ahead meals. As families look to incorporate more nutritious dishes into meals from morning to night, using kid-friendly recipes can help make the…

December 2, 2019

10 foods beyond chicken soup that fight colds

There’s still no cure for the common cold, but there are foods you can eat to give your body the edge it needs to…

December 1, 2019

Manage Grief with Grace this Holiday Season

Holidays are filled with traditions, but when someone you used to share those moments with has died, managing grief during the holiday season can…

November 29, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man, 53, with schizophrenia

UPDATE — Monday morning, Dec. 2, police announced Rodney Austin had returned home. POINT BREEZE — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

November 25, 2019

Feast on a healthier Thanksgiving

How many calories are on your plate? As we go into the kitchen to prepare another Thanksgiving dinner, food may be more on our…

November 18, 2019

How Gratitude Affects Your Health

Being thankful can strengthen your immune system. It might sound like a cliche, but counting your blessings really can be good for you. Research…

November 17, 2019

Top Tips to Transition Back to Work After Baby

Many new parents spend hours preparing for the arrival of a new baby — reading books, seeking professional advice and consulting friends and family….

November 14, 2019

Reduce Your Residential Risk

Advice to make your home storm-ready In the United States, more than 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year. These storms — which can be accompanied…

November 13, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ 17-year-old with bipolar disorder

UPDATE — Monday morning, Nov. 18, police announced Ariana Beauvais had returned home. It is the policy of ThePhillyFiles to take down pictures of…

November 12, 2019

Emergency Preparedness Tips to Help Ensure Pet Safety

Preparing for an emergency can be a challenge. It oftentimes is hard to foresee when disaster will strike and how to properly prepare before…

November 11, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man, 61, with schizophrenia

UPDATE — Tuesday morning, Nov. 12, police announced Harry Canty has been located. WEST PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

November 11, 2019

What’s on Your Workout Playlist?

Music may be just what you need to stick with an exercise program — and picking the right tunes could even improve performance. Federal…

November 6, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man ‘reported to suffer from schizophrenia and other conditions’

UPDATE — Monday morning, Jan. 27, police announced Troy Johnson has been located. OVERBROOK — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a missing…

November 5, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ woman ‘reported to suffer from numerous mental and other conditions’

UPDATE — Thursday morning, Feb. 20, 2020, police announced Satira Long had returned home. NICETOWN-TIOGA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

November 5, 2019

4 Ways Pets Improve Overall Well-Being

Self-care is an important piece of maintaining a happy and healthy life, and adopting a pet can be a beneficial way to improve overall…

November 4, 2019

Is Your Job Making You Sick?

Work-life balance may feel elusive, but it’s important to your mental health to make sure job stress isn’t interfering with your livelihood. Work hard…

November 3, 2019

5 Common Questions for Memorializing a Loved One

One of the most difficult conversations in a person’s life typically takes place near the end of that life. Planning for a funeral can…

October 29, 2019

Cops mean candy on Halloween night!

PHILADELPHIA — Kids of all ages may want to keep an extra eye out while trick-or-treating on Thursday night, always for safety but especially…

October 28, 2019

7 Questions to Ask Before a Playdate

As children make new friends during the school year, many may also receive playdate invitations — and sometimes it’s between families who don’t know…

October 24, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man suffering from dementia

UPDATE — Tuesday morning, Nov. 12, police announced Shannon McGeth has been located. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

October 23, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man suffering from seizures, dementia

UPDATE — Tuesday morning, Dec. 17, police announced Marvin E. Smith had returned home. NORTH PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding…

October 21, 2019

Simplify Your Life

Busy is the new black. But that’s not a good thing. We take on new work projects, squeeze in trips to the gym, schedule…

October 20, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ woman with sight, mental issues

UPDATE — Wednesday morning, Oct. 23, police announced Lenora Patterson has been located. WEST PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

October 17, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man with schizophrenia

UPDATE — Thursday morning, Nov. 7, police announced Osiris Miller has returned home. SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

October 14, 2019

Early Detection Best for Breast Cancer Survival

Though treatment has advanced, smaller tumors linked to better outcomes — We’ve made significant strides in breast cancer treatment in recent years, including “targeted”…

October 11, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man reportedly suffering from dementia

UPDATE — Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, police announced Robert Abdullah has returned home. WEST OAK LANE — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding…

October 11, 2019

Students at schools closed due to asbestos will go to new schools

Benjamin Franklin High will start this Monday, and Science Leadership Academy should be ready the following Monday SPRING GARDEN — Students from the two…

October 10, 2019

Missing: ‘Endangered’ woman with dementia, Alzheimer’s, mental impairment

JUNIATA PARK — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a 61-year-old woman they consider “endangered” for several reasons. Cordora Lillian was last seen…

October 5, 2019

Asbestos means no classes until at least Thursday at 2 Philadelphia schools

SPRING GARDEN — One construction issue at Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin High School and Science Leadership Academy delayed the start of the school year, and…

October 4, 2019

Found: Older man diagnosed with schizophrenia, other conditions

UPDATE — Monday morning, Nov. 25, police announced Luis Rodriguez has returned home. GERMANTOWN — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a missing…

October 3, 2019

Found: 13-year-old autistic girl with ADHD

UPDATE — Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, police announced Tymirah Muchison has returned home. It is the policy of ThePhillyFiles to take down pictures of…

October 2, 2019

Another 2 days off at 2 Philadelphia schools with asbestos problem

UPDATE — Wednesday, it was decided there will be no classes for the rest of the week for students at Ben Franklin High School…

October 2, 2019

Found: Older man with schizophrenia, missing a finger

CENTER CITY — Wednesday morning, Philadelphia police announced a missing older man they called “endangered” has been found. James Scott, 69, had last been…

September 16, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ woman with schizophrenia

UPDATE — Tuesday morning, Nov. 26, police announced Mary A. McCullough has returned home. GERMANTOWN — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

September 3, 2019

Man accused of shooting father to death back from Massachusetts and charged

BUSTLETON — The man arrested in Massachusetts for shooting his father in Philadelphia has been extradited and is charged with murder. Philadelphia police had…

August 27, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ teenager with schizophrenia

UPDATE — Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, police announced Kimynee White-West has been located. It is the policy of ThePhillyFiles to take down pictures of…

August 27, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man, 82, with dementia

UPDATE — Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, police announced Joseph Poston has been located. POINT BREEZE — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

August 22, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ woman in wheelchair from nursing home

UPDATE — Friday morning, Aug. 23, police announced Carrie Cromwell has been returned home. SPRING GARDEN — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding…

August 22, 2019

Missing: ‘Endangered’ man with schizophrenia

WEST PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a missing man they’re calling “endangered” since he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Edward…

August 21, 2019

Details of the harassment, discrimination suit that led Police Comm. Ross to resign

PHILADELPHIA — The three people involved in the Philadelphia Police Department leadership change all spoke publicly for the first time, Wednesday morning. Also, details…

August 14, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man with schizophrenia

UPDATE — Thursday morning, Sept. 5, police announced Tepong Lor has been located. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

August 14, 2019

Found: ‘Endangered’ man with diabetes hasn’t gone to work

UPDATE — Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 14, police announced Manuel Smith has been located. WEST PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a…

August 12, 2019

Historic human sex trafficking conviction; Victims were addicted to opioids

PHILADELPHIA — A Kensington man has been convicted by a jury of human trafficking for the first time in a Philadelphia case involving adult…

August 8, 2019

Missing: ‘Endangered’ woman with PTSD, anxiety

NORTH PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police are asking for “urgent assistance” as they look for a missing woman. They’re calling Meghan Miller “endangered” because they…

August 8, 2019

Found: ‘Engangered’ woman with ‘numerous mental issues’

UPDATE — Tuesday morning, Aug. 13, police announced Janet Amato-Casillo has returned home. PENNSPORT — Philadelphia police are asking for help finding a missing…

August 6, 2019

Man wanted for killing father arrested in Massachusetts

UPDATE — Sohan Panjrolia extradited to Philadelphia and charged. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The man wanted for killing his father in their Bustleton home over…