Health & Wellness News

Northampton County Council tabled a measure Thursday night that would declare the county a “sanctuary” for abortion access.

Changes to breast cancer screening recommendations are out from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. A Lehigh Valley Health Network physician is calling for more frequent screenings than those in the updated recommendations.

Reporters Ryan Gaylor and Brittany Sweeney talk about a Bethlehem school resource officer arraigned on multiple sex crimes and a merger between LVHN and Jefferson University Hospital.

Northampton Community College hosted the Lehigh Valley’s annual Safety & Health Expo. The Lehigh Valley Safety Committee welcomes people from around the area to the free event.

A new behavioral health hospital is being built in Hanover Township, Northampton County. Ground was broken Wednesday for Lehigh Valley Health Network’s new facility on the LVHN-Muhlenberg campus.

The merger is expected to be finalized later in the summer. Once fully approved, the two health care behemoths will form a partnership resulting in a regional provider overseeing 30 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient care sites.

The Allentown branch of the Greater Valley YMCA is back open following a fire last June. The reopening Monday brought back regulars for workouts — and the public can try it out for free through the end of May.

Easton Public Market will celebrate its eighth anniversary on Friday, May 17, with a special party featuring vendors, the band A Few Good Men, and a fundraiser benefiting Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is hosting a stroke risk screening event. About every 40 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States, but the health condition is preventable.

The powerful animal tranquilizer is showing up in supplies of illicit drugs and is contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths, including in the Lehigh Valley.

A Lehigh Valley based group is working to connect first responders with mental health and other resources. Those who protect and serve are often faced with traumatic situations, now there's help to process feelings formed on the job.

The safety of a skin care procedure that draws patients’ blood and uses it in the healing process is coming into question. A Lehigh Valley nurse explains how to stay safe while receiving a vampire facial.

Although hospital officials say a change in location for medevac helicopter access is crucial during building of a new facility at the Anderson campus, some residents think there are more adjustments to be made.

“We're really trying to get ahead of it, so that we can nip this in the bud and avoid having a shortage as we move into the fall and over the holidays,” said Peter Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross, which covers the Lehigh Valley.

Dan "Big Dan Champion" English says the two jobs actually complement each other nicely.

A Bucks County woman is one of the top 10 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth for 2023. She is the founder of the Twilight Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that grants wishes to seniors, including those in the Lehigh Valley.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with reporters Tom Shortell and Brittany Sweeney.

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.

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 "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.