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.

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.