Health & Wellness News

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The 75,000-square-foot St. Luke’s Sportsplex features more than two dozen indoor courts and almost the same number outside.

The most popular names have been a constant the past few years, according to the major health networks. But one trend that emerged in 2023 in the Lehigh Valley seems to be tied to sports — specifically, the success and popularity of the Philadelphia Phillies. Taylor Swift also may be having an impact.

New therapies for sickle cell disease could be available in the Lehigh Valley next year. The FDA approved the treatments earlier this month for people 12 and older. The disease disproportionately affects people who are Black and of certain other descents.

Lehigh Valley Health Network plans to merge with Jefferson Health, but deals like this are nothing new to the Philadelphia-based system. For nearly a decade, Jefferson has been combining forces with hospitals in two states.

Getting physical and mental health in check is a popular new year resolution. Lehigh Valley health leaders are explaining how they plan to accomplish their goals for 2024.

Getting healthier in the new year is popular resolution, but sticking to it is the hard part. An Allentown woman is sharing how she kept with her fitness goal, even through a life-threatening diagnosis.

Canine experts emphasize how dangerous and, in some cases, deadly, human foods can be to dogs.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Lehigh Valley Health Network and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals announced plans to merge this week. A healthcare analyst weighs in on what these types of deals mean for employees and patients.

If ultimately completed, the combined health care system would operate 30 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient sites, with more than 62,000 employees, according to LVHN and Jefferson Health.

Pa.'s governor wants more students to take advantage of the universal free breakfast program in schools across the state. He is challenging administrators to promote the program and increase participation.

If stores have them, they're limiting how many customers can buy.

The new variant is responsible for three quarters of all new cases in the U.S.

Now only fully-vaccinated visitors will be allowed.

The No Surprises Act stops health providers from automatically charging for out-of-network costs.

Doctors repeat, the best way to stay out of the hospital is to get vaccinated and then get a booster.

The best defense against the omicron variant is still vaccination or and/or a booster shot, officials say.

Advocates say a disparity in pay leaves families without the care they need.

Orthopedic massage can ease pain brought on by repetitive stress, heavy lifting and more.

Beam took the job in January when Dr. Rachel Levine was named to a post in the Biden administration.

Individual school districts must now decide if their students will mask or not.

Between masking and vaccines, conditions are ripe for a dramatic jump in new cases.

Nearly 87 percent of cases in the middle and high schools are in students who haven't been vaccinated.