Health & Wellness News

Influenza cases are rising rapidly across the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania, with local hospitals reporting a sharp uptick in patients and state data confirming sustained growth in flu activity.

The state Game Commission is coordinating a response, which includes "safe removal, testing and disposal" of the impacted birds.

A pre-hospital blood program cooperative between Allentown and Miller-Keystone Blood Center equips EMS to give blood — whole blood or components like red cells and plasma — to severely bleeding patients at the scene or in the ambulance.

The latest update from Lehigh Valley Breathes compares local air monitoring data to existing regulatory standards in the United States, as well as the air quality guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization.

Michelle Adler said they could not think of “a better way to commemorate" her son August than a remembrance cart from the Adalyn Rose Foundation.

Groundbreaking for a 72-unit apartment expansion was held at Fellowship Community senior independent living in Whitehall Township on Friday.

Millions of Americans will see their health premiums double if Congress doesn't extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act beyond Dec. 31. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, attached his name to last-ditch efforts to preserve the tax credits.

Hospital officials said it will nearly triple the amount of in-patient beds in the region, offering care for seniors, adults and adolescents and employing 300 full-time employees.

Republicans in key battleground U.S. House districts are working to contain the political fallout that may come when thousands of their constituents face higher bills for health insurance coverage obtained through the Affordable Care Act.

A Lehigh Valley man was hunting when the lithium ion battery in heated insoles in his boots caught fire. A surgeon from Lehigh Valley Health Network said these incidents are causing devastating burn injuries.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, addressed the Greater Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit on Friday. His appearance was met with protesters outside.

While lab testing for some suspected cases of infant botulism is still ongoing, nearly 40 cases have been reported in 18 states after confirmed exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, including in Pennsylvania.

Latino Connection will hold its annual health summit April 19 -20 at Wind Creek Event Center.

Dr. Jay Talsania is an orthopedic hand surgeon at OAA Orthopedic Specialists in Upper Macungie. In April, the physician will head to Guatemala once again to offer free health care to children in the third-world country.

The Northeast part of the country is seeing a surge in norovirus cases. A doctor in the Lehigh Valley explains what it is, how to avoid it, and ways to get through it.

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.

CVS and Walgreens pharmacies announced they will begin offering mifepristone, an abortion drug, through their brick-and-mortar locations in certain states, including Pennsylvania, starting in March 2024.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with journalists Ryan Gaylor and Brittany Sweeney.

Last month, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild introduced legislation that would codify access to IVF treatments across the country. Following a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling, the bill finds itself at the center of debate in the nation's capital.

The president and CEO of Miller-Keystone Blood Center sent an email to staff about what he calls the "truth" about Lehigh Valley Health Network's change in blood supplier. The blood bank leader wrote of misconceptions about the situation and what he feels are the facts.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation announced a new program to train long-term care nursing aides. Those who enroll will get paid while training and will be hired at the health care provider upon completion.

After going into cardiac arrest, a Catasauqua woman is thanking the team of EMS, fire and medical professionals that helped to save her life. After nearly 12 months in recovery, she reunited with her life-savers to say “thank you.”

As cases of sexually transmitted diseases spike, health experts urge people to get tested. The Allentown Health Bureau is offering free walk-in testing to anyone, including those who do not live in the city.

The tuition assistance program organized by the state Department of Health comes amid a shortage of EMS staffers in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation.