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.

A vigil for Black Trans Lives was held in Allentown yesterday to remember transgender people who have been murdered across the country, and raise their profile amid social justice protests.

An Eastern PA state fair came under fire this week after posting photos that have been described as transphobic, showing a man at a Bloomsburg carnival game dressed up as Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.

Pennsylvania homeowners and renters are protected from eviction and foreclosure until August 31.

Pennsylvania's ability to provide food assistance benefits without in-person interviews is set to expire July 31. Governor Tom Wolf is asking the federal government to extend waivers related to the program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two unions are suing the federal agency in charge of mine safety, demanding it impose emergency rules to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among coal miners.

Easton Hospital union employees are worried about their future. Just over two weeks ago St. Luke’s University Health Network announced the purchase of the Easton Hospital in Northampton County, from the Steward Medical Group.

The Lehigh Valley will move to the green phase of reopening next Friday, June 26.

Five YMCA summer camp locations in the Lehigh Valley have opened.

As the Lehigh Valley region begins to re-open, area blood banks are looking for more donations.

Researchers say June and July are peak times for ticks carrying Lyme disease to infect people in Pennsylvania. There are several things you can do to protect yourself outdoors.

As businesses reopen and people begin to try to get back to their normal lives, the Lehigh Valley International Airport is telling its passengers they will get them safely from point A to B.

Calls made to report suspected child abuse to Pennsylvania’s ChildLine continued to be significantly lower than usual in May.