Health & Wellness News

Legislators worked to establish penalties for xylazine use and trafficking in an attempt to lessen its presence in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply. Some say doing so made way for a new, unclassified veterinary tranquilizer to take its place — medetomidine.

Nearly a year after the Biden administration designated xylazine as an "emerging threat" to the United States, Gov. Josh Shapiro classified it as a schedule III drug, making unauthorized possession a crime in Pennsylvania. Experts say the move has partly served to clear the way for new illicit substances to enter the drug market.

Proposed federal budget cuts would impact programs such as the free summer meal program for children in the Allentown School District.

The $2.75 million payment to the federal government resolves allegations that a pharmacy technician stole controlled substances on about 40 occasions and the health network failed to institute proper controls.

Despite not being approved for human consumption, veterinary tranquilizers are infiltrating the illicit drug supply in Pennsylvania. Harm reduction specialists and health care professionals say these overdoses can't be approached solely with naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug.

A generous donation from a Lehigh Valley native and others funds free swim lessons for children and adults in the River Crossing YMCA's Safety Around Water, or SAW, swim education program.

The bill would limit the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, beginning in 2026.

Xylazine, an animal-grade tranquilizer that's not approved for human use, has taken Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply by storm. Known on the streets as "tranq," it accounted for almost 1 in 4 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania by 2023. Last year in Lehigh County, it was a contributing cause of death in 20 of the 112 deadly overdoses, or 17.9 percent of cases.

The funding comes from the commonwealth’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Known as "tranq" on the streets, an animal tranquilizer named xylazine infiltrated drug supplies throughout Pennsylvania since 2019. Its presence in the Lehigh Valley has grown, with deadly consequences.

With the Lehigh Valley under an extreme heat warning through Wednesday, area doctors are urging residents to keep hydrated and stay cool.

The U.S. Senate could vote on the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act this week. If passed, millions of Americans would lose access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits in order to fund border security and tax cuts to wealthy Americans.

Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella, including in Pennsylvania. Dozens of people have fallen ill and at least nine have been hospitalized.

Decluttering a home can help decrease stress and anxiety, according a Lehigh Valley psychologist and a professional organizer. Both say back to school time is usually when they see people wanting more organization.

More organic waste from residential and industrial uses has city staff pursuing a solution, which would include a $1.4 million chemically enhanced primary treatment system.

Trying to make the healthy choice, the easy choice is the goal of a new collaboration in the Lehigh Valley. 7 local partners teamed up to bring more nutritious options to those who live here.

Free health screenings and shots, like flu and COVID vaccines, are available this Saturday. Walmart is holding Wellness Day at its Lehigh Valley stores.

The panel voted 3-1, approving the name change from “Woodland Hills Preserve” to “Sandra Yerger Community Recreation Area and Nature Preserve.” The 146-acre area is located along Countryside Lane.

A new skin care spa is open in the Lehigh Valley. Face Foundrié focuses on all things face and is located at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall.

A Lehigh Valley man who has been an organ donation ambassador for years now needs a second kidney donation. After providing years of community service, he’s now asking his community for help.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey talks about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. He used First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union as an example of how these protocols help women.

A local acupuncturist is using new technology to hone her craft. The acugraph measures energy in the body and can help determine where treatment is needed.

COVID related hospitalizations are up 121% in Lehigh and Northampton counties according to the CDC. A Lehigh Valley doctor says the numbers seem worse than they are.

A pop-up health clinic in Allentown will offer free services Saturday and Sunday. No identification or prior paperwork is necessary.