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.

Tick season is here, and there seem to be more of the little buggers. Doctors say they already are seeing patients with tick-related illnesses this year.

The event featured 35 local vendors selling vegetarian and vegan products as well as free workout classes and a live recipe demo.

A Lehigh Valley dietitian says a plant-based diet is a great way to live a healthier lifestyle. She offers a few ways to begin incorporating those food choices.

Six ambulances were dispatched at 9:30 a.m. this morning to the school, which remained closed for the day

Stephen S. Tang, a renowned business leader and entrepreneur, joined us for an insightful discussion about his time leading OraSure — the Bethlehem-based diagnostic testing kit company — through the global pandemic as it developed the InteliSwab Covid-19 Rapid Test.

Community leaders gathered to walk around — literally — and brainstorm ways to make things safer for those who don't drive. The effort will last into the fall and involves several communities in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

The short-term rehabilitation at Gracedale is accepting patients. The county run nursing home just revamped the 32-bed unit.

The race returned for a second-straight year after a two-year layoff because of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 2,000 runners entered for Sunday's events and over 400 children participated Saturday. See the top finishers.

The races are expected to close streets from about 8-11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Behavioral health services are moving from the current Allentown VA clinic. Veterans will soon receive mental health treatment at a new office.

“Leading Disruption: A Health-Care Innovation Summit” will take place this Saturday featuring speakers from around the country. Good Shepherd is opening the conference to employees as well as the community.

Hasshan Batts, executive director of Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley, has been named a Fulbright Specialist. He will travel abroad to share his expertise with other countries in areas of violence prevention and health care.