Health & Wellness News

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 respiratory illness is plaguing dogs in 16 states, including Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley Humane Society is weighing in on the signs and symptoms of the virus.

News Director Jen Rehill talks to reporters Will Oliver and Brittany Sweeney.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4. With the summer season upon us, an Allentown lifeguard instructor is sharing some of the ways they train their team to spot a distressed swimmer as well as an active or passive victim.

Palmer Township has nearly doubled its number of pickleball courts with the opening of six courts at Fairview Park. They're free, lighted and open to the public every day until 10 at night.

The time between Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the '100 deadliest days,' according to AAA. The traffic safety non-profit says teen driving fatalities increase during that time, especially at night.

After two heart attacks, Wicked Sweet bakery owner Jessica Pelletier is speaking out to urge her fellow small business owners and others “to make sure that your days are actual days off. To be resting, to be refilling your cup, to be focusing on yourself."

The Dup15q Alliance is observing 30 years and raising awareness about the rare condition. A mother and advocate shares her family story in her quest for a cure.

A significant amount of infrastructure needs to be “looked at or rebuilt” to get all the city’s water fountains in working order, said Councilwoman Rachel Leon. Only “five or six” out of 19 are operational.

The ribbon was cut Thursday on the new building at a South Whitehall Township senior living community. The complex added nearly 70 new apartments.

Chris Norton, known for his viral videos and Netflix documentary, will speak at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation in Allentown. The Wednesday evening event is free to the public.

True Motion — a German-engineered running shoe — is available for the first time in the United States through an Allentown-area startup, with Keystone Running Store as the first official retailer.

Both major health networks in the Lehigh Valley are on the receiving end of money for their neonatal ICUs. The donations are from the Lehigh Valley Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Foundation.

The Boutique at the Rink cancer fundraising shopping event kicked off its 48th year on Tuesday afternoon. Proceeds from the new and gently used donated clothing, household goods, antiques, toys, sporting equipment and more benefit three organizations serving cancer patients and their families in the Lehigh Valley.

Summer is a time for travel and outdoor adventures, but an illness can ruin those plans. A local physician is offering up some ways to avoid getting sick this season.