Health & Wellness News

The CEO of St. Luke's University Health Network addressed the potential merger of competitor Lehigh Valley Health Network with Jefferson Health. CEO Rick Anderson sent a message to St. Luke's thousands of employees.

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.

The two-year global health crisis has had a huge impact on young people's mental health.

LVHN's Dr. Robert Ray Jr. is working with an internal task force on diversity and inclusion.

Demand for the wellness center's services has risen sharply in the pandemic.

Gov. Wolf's spending plan creates a $200M scholarship program for people entering health care fields.

The health director says an increase in at-home tests is making it tougher to track new cases.

The University of Pennsylvania study examined rates for accessing care after hospitalization.

Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of American women

Republican lawmakers say the money is needed instead to offset looming budget deficits.

The 'Great Resignation' and the pandemic are only two of the many reasons for the blood shortage.

The money will be aimed at hardest-hit communities and distributed over the next two decades.

Democrats and Republicans passed House Bill 253, a $225 million relief package.

Under the program, health care workers give temporary assistance to hospitals in need of help.