Health & Wellness News

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.

The coalition of 35 House lawmakers is led by Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia. They’re calling for a vote by Dec. 18 in both chambers of Congress, ahead of the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits by year's end.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley was nominated for the grant by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, who now leads the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is scheduled to speak Friday during the Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit. Local transgender advocacy groups are urging officials to cancel it.

The services are first-come, first-served with no ID or insurance required, according to a news release from event care provider Remote Area Medical.

The family of Renna Marra, who has Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, is raising funds for a trained guide dog to help Renna with tasks as mobility assistance, behavioral calming and social communication.

The City of Allentown has partnered with Blue Zones Project-Allentown to promote no drinking and driving during the holiday season.

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides vouchers to low-income seniors and others. Last year in Lehigh and Northampton counties, only 24,063 vouchers out of 52,462 distributed to seniors and WIC recipients were redeemed, according to program figures. That's just over a 45% redemption rate.

Located between Main and Front streets, the one-story, 15,000-square-foot building on about 1.5 acres is planned to become the new home of St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Saucon Valley Family Practice.

The SAFECHAT Act would implement safeguards to protect minors from chatbots that could push them to engage in self-harm, suicide or sexually explicit behavior.

Members of the Lehigh Valley DUI/Highway Safety Task Force and community partners came to Moravian University Friday to educate students first-hand on how being distracted or impaired can severely impact the ability to drive safely.

Federal health officials say 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately and dispose of the product. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Symptoms can take weeks to develop. The most recent case was reported Nov. 11.

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.

National Health Centers Week raises awareness about federally qualified community health centers. Those in the Lehigh Valley are marking the occasion with events.

St. Luke’s University Health Network and the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley have partnered to create the Cultural & Linguistic Workforce Development Centers. Those eligible can enroll this fall in the programs.

Inclusion zones are set up at Musikfest to help people of all abilities enjoy the fun in Bethlehem. The areas on both the north and south side of the event offer sensory-supportive ways for adults and children to take a break from the action.

A wound care clinic, independent of the area hospitals, is now open in Salisbury Township. The office is staffed with physical therapists to treat a wide range of injuries.

The rehab program, if completed succesfully by the accused person, could result in their charges being reduced or dropped before they even make it to court.

Lehigh Valley Health Network placed the last steel beam to complete the frame of their medical office building and new emergency room in Montgomery County. This is the network’s first hospital in that county and it’s set to open in the fall of 2024.

With around 1 million people expected to attend Musikfest this year, health and safety take top priority for organizers. Everything from cooling misters to medical tents will be on site.

In the Lehigh Valley, one vape is thrown away every 105 seconds. When they end up as litter or in landfills, hazardous materials can leach into soil and contaminate groundwater.

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.