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Health Reporter

Evan MacDonald

Evan MacDonald is a features reporter for the Houston Chronicle, covering health and wellness for ReNew Houston.

He joined the Chronicle in 2022 after working at Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, where he covered health. He's also worked for news organizations in New York and Massachusetts.

A Boston native, Evan graduated with a bachelor's degree from Emerson College and a master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He enjoys trivia and movies and is a fan of all Boston sports teams, for which he apologizes in advance.

He can be reached on Twitter at @evanmac3 or via email at Evan.MacDonald@chron.com .

Stories By Evan MacDonald

Adderall shortage: Houston doctors, patients still struggling

It's been six months since the FDA announced a nationwide shortage of Adderall, and experts say it's unclear when the issue will be resolved. Evan MacDonald

Richmond pickleball player set for US Open after knee replacement

Advancements in surgical techniques helped Sam Torrence, 72, recover quickly and return to the pickleball court in time for the Florida tournament. Evan MacDonald

Houston Methodist doctors travel to Ukraine to treat war injuries

Five Houstonians were part of a group of 13 health care workers from the U.S. and Canada who traveled to Ukraine and performed 112 procedures on 30 patients. Evan MacDonald

A Sugar Land kidney and liver donor climbed Mount Kilimanjaro

Tom O'Driscoll donated his kidney and liver to strangers. He hopes his story will inspire others to donate. Evan MacDonald

NCAA honors TIRR's Peggy Turner for making sports more inclusive

The NCAA is honoring TIRR Memorial Hermann's Peggy Turner during the Final Four for her 41-year career of making sports more inclusive for athletes with disabilities. Evan MacDonald

After recovering from COVID, Art Rascon is ready for an Ironman

Longtime ABC-13 anchor Art Rascon needed a breathing machine after COVID pneumonia damaged his lungs. Two years later he's ready to compete in Ironman Texas next month. Evan MacDonald

UTHealth study: COVID-19 virus can change the structure of cells

The changes may explain the symptoms someone experiences from an infection and could be a link to long COVID, the study says. Evan MacDonald

Abortion provider that left Texas opens new clinic in New Mexico

Whole Woman's Health operated in Texas since 2003 but announced plans to relocate to New Mexico last year after Texas law banned nearly all abortions. Evan MacDonald

See how Houston counts pollen and mold spores for allergy season

The Houston Health Department's pollen and mold spore counts aren't done by a machine. A microbiologist counts the spores each day and calculates the data. Evan MacDonald

How the effects of delta-8 compare to marijuana

Research has suggested that delta-8 is less potent than classic delta-9 THC, the major psychoactive compound in cannabis. Evan MacDonald

Why does it seem like so many people get sick on cruise ships?

Outbreaks on cruise ships seem routine, but the CDC says the truth is they’re relatively infrequent. They do happen, though, and there are ways to protect yourself from getting sick. Evan MacDonald

Bills would let Texas grocery stores sell canned cocktails

The new bills treat canned cocktails like beer, wine, and hard seltzers, which may be sold at grocery stores and convenience stores any day of the week. Evan MacDonald

Could losing sleep at Daylight Saving Time affect your heart?

One study found an increase in heart attacks after losing an hour of sleep, while another found a higher rates of strokes after a time change. Evan MacDonald

10 penguins arrive at Houston Zoo's new Galápagos Islands exhibit

The 10 Humboldt penguins arrived at the Houston Zoo last month and will be a centerpiece of the Galápagos Islands exhibit that opens April 7. Evan MacDonald

Houston allergies, cold or COVID? How to tell the difference

An expert explains how to tell whether your symptoms are allergies or something else, like the common cold or COVID-19. Evan MacDonald

What to know about Peppa Pig Theme Park coming to DFW in 2024

The theme park based on the popular British TV show for preschoolers is expected to open next year in North Richland Hills. Evan MacDonald

Allergy medicine to avoid for high blood pressure, heart patients

Certain medications can raise blood pressure, which can be a problem for someone who already has high blood pressure or a heart condition. Evan MacDonald

Texas woman kept alligator as pet for 20 years, officials say

A Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden found the American alligator at a home in Caldwell County, and learned a woman had been keeping it as a pet for 20 years. Evan MacDonald

U.S. sues Exxon Mobil after 5 nooses found at Louisiana complex

The federal lawsuit accuses Exxon Mobil of failing to take corrective action after the nooses were found at a Baton Rouge complex. Evan MacDonald

Health centers coming to 8 Houston Walmarts in early 2024

Walmart Health clinics offer primary care, urgent care, dental and other services. Evan MacDonald