Health & Wellness News

Reporter Brittany Sweeney's dishwasher recently caught fire. She tells how a smoke detector and extinguisher made all the difference

A recently released hospital performance report shows a significant increase in hospital mortality rates from 2017 to 2022. The Pennsylvania Health Care Coalition on Cost Containment releases the report each year.

A Muhlenberg College professor has launched a campaign this month to inform residents about the health risks of radon, as well as improve access to testing and mitigation. The Lehigh Valley is home to the highest radon levels ever recorded in Pennsylvania.

A comprehensive review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine of scientific research looked at the health effects of cannabis and its compounds for a range of conditions.

PPL Electric Utilities offers tips to customers designed to keep them safe and warm during the winter season.

The CEO of St. Luke's University Health Network addressed the potential merger of competitor Lehigh Valley Health Network with Jefferson Health. CEO Rick Anderson sent a message to St. Luke's thousands of employees.

Is it COVID-19, RSV, or the flu? Doctors are saying it could be any of the three or even whooping cough. Respiratory illnesses are on the rise following the holiday season and there may not be a reprieve for a while.

January is National Radon Action Month, and officials from the American Lung Association are offering a limited supply of free radon test kits for commonwealth residents, including those in the the Lehigh Valley.

Resources for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren are limited. A Pennsylvania nonprofit is working to change that in the new year.

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.

Pa. is among the top in the nation for people hospitalized with COVID-19.

St. Luke's officials say more than 80 percent of hospitalized COVID patients are unvaccinated.

BASD Superintendent Joseph Roy is concerned that growing cases throughout the community are causing the number of school cases to grow.

The NICU at LVHN Cedar Crest and the Level II ICU at LVH - Muhlenberg will expand with the help of 4 LV legislators.

Arguments before the Pa. Supreme Court will begin Dec. 8 but it is unknown when the decision will come down.

The daytime talk show doc announced his bid for U.S. Senate in Pa. last week.

The number of drug overdoses in Pennsylvania has skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic.

Masks are now only required for students and staff on school district transportation.

Officials urge hunters to get vaccinated.

Large health networks and health bureaus aren't the only places administering vaccines to kids.

Children’s enrollment in Medicaid increased by 14% statewide during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released in November 2021. All 67 counties saw increases in children’s enrollment, according to the report, from Harrisburg-based advocacy group Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.

Host families raise the pups for a year before turning them over as fully trained guide dogs.