Health & Wellness News

Getting physical and mental health in check is a popular new year resolution. Lehigh Valley health leaders are explaining how they plan to accomplish their goals for 2024.

Getting healthier in the new year is popular resolution, but sticking to it is the hard part. An Allentown woman is sharing how she kept with her fitness goal, even through a life-threatening diagnosis.

Canine experts emphasize how dangerous and, in some cases, deadly, human foods can be to dogs.

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.

Lehigh Valley Health Network and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals announced plans to merge this week. A healthcare analyst weighs in on what these types of deals mean for employees and patients.

If ultimately completed, the combined health care system would operate 30 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient sites, with more than 62,000 employees, according to LVHN and Jefferson Health.

Pa.'s governor wants more students to take advantage of the universal free breakfast program in schools across the state. He is challenging administrators to promote the program and increase participation.

A respiratory illness is plaguing dogs in 16 states, including Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley Humane Society is weighing in on the signs and symptoms of the virus.

News Director Jen Rehill talks to reporters Will Oliver and Brittany Sweeney.

A new hospital in the St. Luke’s University Health Network is now open. The ribbon was cut on the orthopedic hospital Wednesday and patients will start being seen at the South Whitehall Township location next week.

Strep throat is common this time of year among children, but as cases are on the rise a local doctor stresses the importance of getting kids tested and on medication. The bacteria can also cause a condition called scarlet fever.

New Bethany Executive Director Marc Rittle said the nonprofit's demographic is becoming younger, and many are not actually experiencing homelessness.

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.