Health & Wellness News

Nicotine pouches seem to be growing in popularity, especially among the younger generations. A local doctor weighs in on the risks of using this type of product.

The two weeks of donations for the Boutique at the Rink cancer support fundraiser opened this weekend as volunteers accepted, sorted and placed “cream of the crop” clothing, housewares, sporting equipment and more on tables and racks inside the Earl Shaeffer Memorial Ice Rink on Illick's Mill Road in Bethlehem. The sale runs from May 28-June 1. Volunteers are still needed.

Some of the most beloved characters from the "Star Wars" movies paid a visit to the kids at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. The fun was planned to start May the Fourth festivities early and bring a smile to the kids' faces.

A bi-annual safety report for general hospitals ranks a portion of the Lehigh Valley as one of the best patient safety areas in the nation. The report grades the facilities on how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections.

Allentown’s first ever Community Health Needs Assessment is out. Three areas have been identified as the highest priority and include loneliness and social isolation, safe, stable and affordable housing, and upward economic mobility.

The 36 individuals who lost their homes after a three-alarm fire on in Allentown on Tuesday are being offered shelter and assistance at the Allentown YMCA by the American Red Cross.

Avian influenza, called bird flu, is threatening poultry and dairy cows across the country. Now, local doctors are monitoring the situation closely because it could mutate and become more serious for humans.

The awards announced last week complete the $155 million school safety grants program package issued by the School safety and Security Committee (SSSC) in January 2024.

A local brain injury patient appeared at Home Care Lobby Day in the State Capitol this month to advocate for better wages for her home healthcare nurse. Wages for home health care employees are low and don't often get updates despite the cost of living going up.

Almost 2,200 runners registered for the races that started at William Allen High School and ended at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown on Sunday. Volunteers and spectators lined the route in support of racers. (See the top finishers)

For as many people in the Lehigh Valley that love coasters, there are just as many that are scared of them. A local psychologist says that overcoming fear is possible- just start slow

Despite chilly temperatures, festival-goers were out in abundance.

St. Luke’s University Health Network has conducted more than 120,000 virtual visits since March, including physical therapy. Elective surgeries restarted Monday, May 11, which means a big increase of people will need post-operative care.

Democratic Governor Tom Wolf has come under fire from some Republican leaders for moving too slow to reopen the state. Now a local Democrat has joined the chorus, asking the state to lift some restrictions in the Lehigh Valley quote “immediately.”

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf fired back at county officials and other local leaders today who’ve said they’ll reopen early, despite orders to remain closed and keep full stay-at-home lockdown in place.

Most deaths from COVID-19 in Pennsylvania are among people living in nursing and personal care homes.

Face masks are now required at many stores and public places to help stop the spread of COVID-19. For people with a hearing impairment, this adds an extra challenge.

Thirteen western counties, comprising nearly 2.7 million residents and most of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, will see relief from Gov. Tom Wolf’s most restrictive pandemic orders on movement and businesses this Friday, May 15.

Although there is cause for concern if they should become established on the continent — the so-called “Murder Hornet” is not an issue for people in the Lehigh Valley, according to experts.

The current moratorium was scheduled to end Monday but the governor has extended it to July 10. WLVR’s Tyler Pratt reports state officials are asking landlords to be patient.

Protection from evictions for renters from the state may be ending, in some areas as early as next week. Chloe Nouvelle reports on what this could mean for tenants in the Lehigh Valley.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf says he has a plan to create more jobs in the state while also helping to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism may go without essential care if the agencies that support them don’t get an influx of cash soon from the state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

And as WLVR’s Tyler Pratt reports, as the state moves to reopen, high rates of cases and deaths remain in the state’s long term-care facilities.