Health & Wellness News

In the Lehigh Valley, one vape is thrown away every 105 seconds. When they end up as litter or in landfills, hazardous materials can leach into soil and contaminate groundwater.

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 new courts could be ready for play during the fall, but spring at the latest, one official said.

A Lehigh Valley healthcare provider is considering prescribing the latest FDA-approved Alzheimer's medication to their patients. The drug Leqembi was granted full regulatory approval this month.

St. Luke's Hospital's Anderson campus proposed expansion is a five-story, 308,000-square-foot project that would add 146 beds and a more than 32,000-square-foot Sterile Processing Infill Development at 1872 Riverside Circle

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is opening a new hospital in Center Valley. The 78-bed facility opens to rehab patients Sunday, July 30th.

Those with lingering COVID-19 symptoms are part of the group of people who should stay indoors when smoke from the Canadian wildfires is particularly bad, says a Lehigh Valley doctor. He says people living with any type of lung problem should be aware of what’s happening outside.

The PACT Act makes it easier for veterans and their survivors to qualify for benefits if they served in the Middle East, Afghanistan or Vietnam. But to make the most of their benefits, they'll need to submit paperwork to the Department of Veterans Affairs by Aug. 9.

The WHO says aspartame, in large amounts, can cause cancer. A local dietician is weighing in with how bad it really is and what substitutions are out there.

A program that brings mindfulness to schools continues their efforts through summer. The Mindful Child Initiative serves more than 350 classrooms throughout the year and visits playgrounds throughout the summer.

Supplying summer lunches for free. That’s what the health educators from Weller Health Education are doing at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s 17th Street campus.

If approved, the facility would make for LVHN's third "neighborhood hospital," as two others are being built in Lower Macungie and Gilbertsville in Montgomery County.

At 20 years old, Caroline Laubach has had more surgeries than she can count. A heart transplant two years ago gave her a second chance at life — an opportunity she celebrates each National Donate Life Month.

The St. Luke's Half Marathon begins Sunday morning at William Allen High School and ends at J. Birney Crum Stadium. More than 2,000 people are registered for activities being held Saturday and Sunday, organizers say.

Various state agencies came together to promote drug take-back day this weekend. People can drop off unused or outdated prescription pills at designated drop-off locations.

Allentown officials will work over the next year to develop a “roadmap” to make the city’s streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Pennsylvania's third most populous region received a "C" grade from the American Lung Association and ranked fourth-worst in the mid-Atlantic for ozone pollution. But, it's better than last year’s rankings in the annual "State of the Air" report.

During Donate Life Month, organ recipients and donors share stories of how their lives changed following the organ donation process. Those waiting for an organ can wait on average five to seven years for a transplant.

Muhlenberg College and Lehigh Valley Health Network are joining forces to provide a broader range of services to the schools attendees. Students will be able to see LVHN healthcare professionals for both primary and behavioral resources.

A populated courtroom Friday saw arguments where a terminal cancer patient sought a last-ditch effort for treatment. Both St. Luke's and the court said it would not happen there.

If you thought flu season was winding down, think again. The Lehigh Valley is seeing an increase in influenza cases right now. A local doctor weighs in with what you need to know about the latest surge.

The mission of this community group is simple: Find a rock, hide a rock. Locals are having fun painting their own treasures and passing them on for the next person to find.

The two-day summit featured a wellness expo and panel discussions by health leaders.

The new roller coaster at Dorney Park is designed to feel dangerous, but a lot of safety testing goes into the ride before people can experience the thrill of Iron Menace.