Health & Wellness News

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 75,000-square-foot St. Luke’s Sportsplex features more than two dozen indoor courts and almost the same number outside.

The most popular names have been a constant the past few years, according to the major health networks. But one trend that emerged in 2023 in the Lehigh Valley seems to be tied to sports — specifically, the success and popularity of the Philadelphia Phillies. Taylor Swift also may be having an impact.

New therapies for sickle cell disease could be available in the Lehigh Valley next year. The FDA approved the treatments earlier this month for people 12 and older. The disease disproportionately affects people who are Black and of certain other descents.

Lehigh Valley Health Network plans to merge with Jefferson Health, but deals like this are nothing new to the Philadelphia-based system. For nearly a decade, Jefferson has been combining forces with hospitals in two states.

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.

Construction of a neighborhood hospital in the Gilbertsville area will be the health system's first hospital in Montgomery County.

A new health and beauty business in Easton is set to offer patrons a personalized experience. Mariposa Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa held a grand opening Friday.

Dr. Amy Jibilian is LVHN's new chief wellness officer. She will oversee the development of programs that promote a healthy work environment as well as help physicians avoid burnout.

The Miller-Keystone Blood Center is facing a critical shortage of blood supply, prompting an urgent appeal for donors of all blood types.

The White House announced today Lehigh County has been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), and will receive federal support in response.

The monthly Artists in Recovery Art Exhibit has seen a drop in attendance since the pandemic, but organizers hope to change that. The Bethlehem nonprofit offers mental health services.

New regulations require more direct care hours for residents and tighter staffing ratios at nearly 700 long-term care facilities statewide.

June was cool, but July is proving to be HOT! When the weather switches from mild to extreme in a matter of days, doctors say more people come in with heat-related illnesses.

Those who have served in the Lehigh Valley living with pulmonary fibrosis and other lung conditions now have a support group. It was created by the Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis, an organization founded by Jennifer Wescoe in honor of her late father, Ron, who served as a marine.

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is asking people to consider donating blood over the 4th of July holiday. This time of year, the organization says donations drop off, but the need stays the same.

The notice was offered to affected individuals about a cybersecurity attack by a ransomware gang known as BlackCat and associated with Russia. The incident occurred in January and was later found in February.

Experts say this latest round of Canadian wildfire smoke in the Lehigh Valley will not be the last, and that millions should prepare for this new normal.