Health & Wellness News

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.

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware County, joined a group of legislators and firefighters Thursday to discuss an upcoming act which will ensure access to PTSI care for first responders.

Mothers brought photos of their sons and daughters as they shared fond memories at the bereavement gathering held on May 4 at Third and Ferry Fish Market.

Jace Pooley, 16, recently wrote an article about his experience with autism for Pediatrics, a scholarly journal. Today, he's leading the First Annual Autism Community Walk in Bethlehem.

Local healthcare providers and legislators appeared a press conference at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem to shed light on children’s mental health issues and to advocate for continued state and federal funding.

The study by the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Allentown also found considerable differences in public health opinions along political party affiliations.

Dr. Rachel Levine, who as the first transgender person approved by the U.S. Senate served as U.S. assistant health secretary, will be keynote speaker for Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center's annual health summit.

Two more companies are pulling potentially lead-tainted pouches of fruit puree from store shelves amid an expanded recall.

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 American Red Cross is reminding people to use the end of Daylight Saving Time to test smoke alarms. The nonprofit says changing the clocks twice a year can serve as a life-saving reminder.

Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley is holding a community awareness event Saturday. Cancer patients, their families and caregivers are invited to learn about the resources available to them.

Lehigh County commissioners will likely delay their investigation into potential reforms to the county’s Office of Children and Youth Services. The delay comes after the Greater Lehigh Valley Parents’ Medical Rights Group appeared to take steps toward litigation.

In an audit, Controller Mark Pinsley alleged Lehigh Valley Health Network may be over-diagnosing cases of medical child abuse. The attorney selected to pursue a lawsuit over the matter donated $50,000 to Pinsley's political action committee in October.

For people who need to buy their own health insurance, it’s time to enroll in or renew their Affordable Care Act health plan. A health policy analyst says there are ways to save money in the Obamacare process, but the enrollee must opt into them.

All lot codes and expiration dates of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches have been voluntarily recalled due to the possibility of elevated lead levels.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is hosting its annual free drive-through flu vaccine clinics this weekend. Dr. Alex Benjamin said now is the time to get the shot as the season ramps up.

After 40 years with the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, CEO Deb Fries-Jackson is retiring. The Allentown native and former school teacher was instrumental in the merger of the local Girls Club and Boys Club in 2002.

St. Luke's University Health Network is naming part of its St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Center off Route 309 for Mike and Jean Grabarits.

A monoclonal antibody treatment used to prevent RSV is now available to infants at St. Luke's University Health Network. The injections are intended for children up to 8-months-old.