Wellness

A table setting with a fork, knife, and plate covered in two kinds of prescription pills.

What works: Medication, a low-calorie diet, and intensive behavioral therapy

Patients on a low-calorie diet along with intensive behavioral therapy lost nearly three times as much weight when taking new anti-obesity medication than when taking a placebo.

A close-up of an old chipping door. Blurred in the background is a sign that reads "EVICTION NOTICE" in all capital letters.

Eviction linked to depression risk in young adults

Research from sociologist Courtney Boen and anthropologist Morgan Hoke shows that this issue, compounded by the toll of the pandemic, disproportionately affects low-income households and communities of color.

The underside of a bridge, with blue, purple, and teal greens visible.

Finding beauty in everything, through a camera lens

Karen Reivich of Penn’s Positive Psychology Center turned to photography to reconnect to herself during the pandemic. It helped her discover a new way of seeing the world.

Young person sitting at a table, leaning chin on crossed arms, wearing a mask. There are books, colored pencils, an abacus, a notepad and more scattered around.

Children, the pandemic, and long-term mental health consequences

New work from Penn Nursing and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia describes the importance of recognizing COVID-19’s psychological effects on young people and the pivotal role pediatric nurses in all settings can play.

an architectural rendering of a curved hospital entrance with grass and trees

Seeing the connections between health and the built environment

The course New Approaches to an Architecture of Health offers students the chance to explore the role of architecture on health and well-being and how mindful design can be used to create a healthier future.

Be well: Leading with purpose with Neil Blumenthal, Ursula Burns & Erika James

Wharton School Dean Erika James spoke on a panel about wellness in the workplace and corporate responsibility.

Testing, testing, and more testing on college campuses this spring as coronavirus concerns remain

Chief Wellness Officer Benoit Dubé said Penn has budgeted $20 million for COVID-related safety measures, including testing. The University plans to conduct 40,000 saliva-based tests per week.

A blurred hand holding a stack of dollar bills, pushing them toward the camera.

Money matters to happiness—perhaps more than previously thought

Research from Wharton’s Matthew Killingsworth shows that contrary to previous influential work, there’s no dollar-value plateau at which money’s importance lessens. One potential reason: Higher earners feel an increased sense of control over life.

Person in hospital scrubs seated with pant legs rolled up to expose knee surgery scars.

Monitoring patients remotely brings fourfold decline in rehospitalization after joint replacements

The rate of hospital readmissions for hip and knee replacement patients declined from roughly 12% to 3% when they were enrolled in a “hovering” program.

Person running outside in warm weather, wearing a tanktop, running pants, and earbuds.

Self-awareness can drive behavior change, reprogram the brain’s reward system

Most people break New Year’s resolutions within a few weeks. Neuroscientist Vera Ludwig offers six tips to move mindfully through this process, leading to a greater chance for success.

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