Health & Wellness News

Is it COVID-19, RSV, or the flu? Doctors are saying it could be any of the three or even whooping cough. Respiratory illnesses are on the rise following the holiday season and there may not be a reprieve for a while.

January is National Radon Action Month, and officials from the American Lung Association are offering a limited supply of free radon test kits for commonwealth residents, including those in the the Lehigh Valley.

Resources for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren are limited. A Pennsylvania nonprofit is working to change that in the new year.

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.

Hand sanitizing stations and rapid tests will be available on the festival grounds.

Backyard chicken ownership in Bethlehem will be capped to just 40 permits.

Using Paxlovid could lengthen the time you isolate due to COVID-19.

Activists are grateful to Gov. Tom Wolf for launching a suit that opposes proposed amendments to the state constitution.

Wells Fargo is said to have contributed to politicians who oppose abortion rights.

UPDATED: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided a list of monkeypox vaccination distribution by jurisdiction.

The program will bring in local experts to act a resource for parents.

An expert says the tragedy illustrates the dangers of handling exotic animals.

Don't just go by what's on the packaging. Best to check online, too, a local expert says.

Ice, mist and fruit- or fish-infused 'ice cakes' are being used to cool down inhabitants.

A Lehigh Valley doctor says the antiviral regimen is readily available -- and effective.

It's not just people -- pets need someone to keep watch during extreme heat, too.