Health & Wellness News

The latest COVID booster was approved for people 6 months and older this week. A local doctor says not everyone should get it.

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is working to combat mental health problems made worse by the pandemic. It’s launching the “UNITED for Mental Health” campaign.

Hellertown's planning commission pushed a plan for a new LVHN micro-hospital at the old Champion spark plug facility Tuesday night, with the potential for construction to begin later this year.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released its report of the most challenging places to live with asthma. The release coincides with peak asthma season in September.

The "Margaritaville" singer died from Merkel cell carcinoma, according to his sister. Now, a Lehigh Valley doctor explains signs, symptoms and preventative measures.

WLVR's Christine Dempsey talks with reporters Olivia Marble and Julian Abraham.

Parents accused of medical child abuse, formerly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, criticized the doctor they say is behind the false claims against them, and asked Northampton County to intervene.

A suicide prevention bench was dedicated to Moravian University. Students lined up to participate in the unveiling.

The illicit drugs circulating locally are causing a public health emergency, according to a local doctor. A doctor from Lehigh Valley Health Network is part of of a 5-year study that determines what is in the drug supply in the area.

The Bethlehem Running Festival has added a half-marathon relay to its inaugural event on Oct. 21-22.

A brain injury conference this weekend will feature brain injury survivors and medical professionals at the first-time event. Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network’s Mind Your Brain Foundation Lehigh Valley Conference is free.

Nine million Medicare recipients paid $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket expenses for 10 drugs now up for price negotiations, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild said. The deal struck over the drug costs will benefit Americans of all ages, she said.

Lehigh Valley Health Network’s first LVAD surgery took place 10 years ago and more than 80 people have received LVADs since then.

Ten farms in the Greater Lehigh Valley have joined the Lehigh Valley Food System Coalition to develop a sustainable food infrastructure for organizations in the region. The mission: Combat food insecurity throughout the Lehigh Valley. According to the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 1 in 10 people locally are food insecure.

The Greater Valley YMCA is waiving its registration fee at the end of the month. New members can join at a discounted price during their Leap Year promotion.

Francis Malofiy of law firm Francis Alexander on Tuesday filed a complaint for a class action lawsuit on behalf of 12 families who all say they were falsely accused of child abuse by LVHN doctors.

An uptick in syphilis cases in the Lehigh Valley and across the country has doctors conducting more testing for the sexually transmitted disease. The cases are not just present in sexually active adults, but newborns as well.

A new Women and Babies Pavilion is now open at St. Luke’s Allentown campus. The expansion doubles the number of births the hospital can accommodate each year.

One area of potential concern at the Allentown State Hospital had been the presence of dioxins in the soil. Dioxins are a group of toxic chemical compounds that take a long time to break down in the environment, and can cause health problems in people.

Access to a warm meal can become few and far between as some people get older, but a local health system is offering low-cost options for seniors. Those looking to grab a bite are coming from across the area to take part in the program.

A new blood donation site is now open in Bethlehem. Miller-Keystone's satellite location will give people a chance to donate once a month to contribute to critically low blood supply.

South Whitehall planners Thursday reviewed a plan for a new medical office for Aesthetic Surgery Associates. The practice would relocate to the new building from its current location at 250 Cetronia Road.

Snacks are a staple during the Super Bowl, but they aren't always healthy. A local dietitian has some swaps that won't compromise flavor.

A completive blood drive in underway in the Lehigh Valley. Miller-Keystone Blood Center is having a competition between the Allentown fire and police departments to see who can get the most blood donations.