Health & Wellness News

The debut of the $48.5 million Lifestyle Community Center in Upper Macungie Township took another step closer on Thursday afternoon at a walking news conference. The first of 18 heavy timber trusses, imported from Austria, was installed this month on 188,000-square-foot, multi-functional indoor facility.

The hourlong program will be broadcast at 6 p.m. It takes a deeper look at the 2025 Pennsylvania Health Survey by the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion — and how Pennsylvanians view key public health issues, such as vaccinations.

The anonymous questionnaire focuses on opioids and illicit substances. Officials say it builds on the Allentown Health Bureau’s other work to address the ongoing opioid crisis.

Sixty-eight state parks across Pennsylvania now offer free menstrual products. It's part of a broader initiative to make public spaces across the commonwealth more accessible and supportive for all.

Councilman Frank Pintabone reintroduced his marijuana decriminalization ordinance at Easton City Council on Wednesday, aiming to turn possession into a summary charge. A vote on the matter is expected in two weeks.

Top-prize-winning projects include plans for an outdoor classroom at Trexler Middle School, several garden spaces and a free bike tune-up day.

Data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shows firefighters face a 62% higher risk of developing esophageal cancer and a 39% increase of dying from it. A two-minute test could be just what it takes for firefighters to get ahead of the disease.

A couple dozen riders assembled at Bethlehem City Hall on Thursday ahead of a six-mile group ride for the occasion — one with a goal of changing public outlook toward choosing a bike to commute.

Cuts to Medicaid reimbursements could harm Lehigh County residents and create a budget gap, a new report from the county controller's office found.

Nazareth High junior Brody Muthard will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a playground he created for autistic children at the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 in Bethlehem. Muthard received intervention and therapies for autism at the I.U. as a child.

Easton City Council passed a resolution declaring itself an Affirming City, offering protection for trans individuals and other LGBTQ+ community members.

The Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit (APRU) is a compact onboard refrigerator that safely stores blood in flight. It's now in all four of LVHN's MedEvac helicopters.

A couple from Easton who are in the midst of moving their business down to North Carolina are amassing contributions of necessities to deliver directly to victims of Hurricane Helene in their new community.

A new $60,000 grant in Bethlehem will provide both necessary training for police departments countywide and related equipment for Project Lifesaver — a training and search and rescue operation run locally through the city Health Bureau.

The next phase of construction is under way on a new Lehigh Valley behavioral health hospital as the last steel beam was placed Tuesday. The new facility will have 144 beds.

Local Red Cross volunteers are in Florida helping with Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The Lehigh Valley chapter's executive director says this one is different than other storm system cleanups he's witnessed.

The President and CEO of Miller-Keystone Blood Center is retiring. A new leader has been chosen and he's no stranger to the organization.

Concussions in the NFL have a few players out of the game and fans are asking “how many is too many?” Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Eagles’ wide receiver DeVonta Smith are both sidelined due to their head injuries.

Easton Area School District signed off an agreement with the city, which will see them contribute $30,000 to improve Vanderveer Park's basketball courts, with the city covering the cost of labor.

A fall appreciation event gave those at Miller-Keystone Blood Center the chance to say “thank you” to those who give blood. It’s the first time they’ve been able to host an event like this since the pandemic.

The US is mailing Americans COVID tests again. Here's how to get them

Hosted by LehighValleyNews.com health and wellness reporter Brittany Sweeney, the hourlong program covers the emergence, efficacy and availability of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes treatment. “A Community Conversation: New Weight Loss Meds, Cure or Craze?” airs at 6 p.m. on PBS39.

An art exhibit and auction are set to raise funds for a program that teaches children and adults about mindfulness. The Shanthi Project aims to use the funds to expand their programming in Lehigh Valley schools.

St. Luke's University Health Network is teaching parents where to look for drug paraphernalia and other dangerous substances in their teen's room. It's all part of their Drug Abuse and Recovery week.