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.

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.

Two live reindeer visited residents at the Fellowship Community continuing care retirement community in Whitehall Township on Tuesday.

Sara Frassinelli of Allentown finds strength during her breast cancer battle from a number of areas, especially from her 7-year-old son.

A local pediatrician says they’ve had to narrow the number of Lehigh Valley children who can receive a new RSV preventative antibody treatment because of a shortage of the product. She believes the treatment maker underestimated the demand.

A Red Cross volunteer from Danielsville is heading to Florida to help after Hurricane Ian. She will assist people with mental health needs, helping them to "process the immediate aftermath" following the category 4 storm.

Those in the Southern hemisphere saw a more intense flu season this year, which could mean the same for the United States, said Dr. Alex Benjamin, chief infection control and prevention officer at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Lehigh County residents can call the warmline for mental health needs.

Residents came to learn about the causes, risks, and treatment for a common dangerous condition in the first of the Macungie Institute's heart health lecture series.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is now recommending that all adults under age 65 get routine anxiety screenings. We explain what that means for you and why some doctors say this is a good change.

Bethlehem residents told city council they're concerned about an odor suspected to be coming from a nearby business.

Places that pay for plasma have popped up in the Lehigh Valley. Are they negatively impacting donations at volunteer centers?

The Veterans Hub of Northeastern PA has started offering counseling for veterans every Wednesday at a new clinic at St. Luke's Lehighton campus.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Jeffrey Jahre says the booster is safe, but still questions its effectiveness.

Lehigh Valley Health Network has begun administering a new type of coronavirus vaccine.

The clinics will be will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, followed by another clinic at the same time Sept. 1.

Philadelphia Phillies’ slugger Bryce Harper kicked off his stay with the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs on Tuesday with a home run in his first at-bat.