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.

Starting Monday, mask-wearing will be optional for city employees and city hall visitors.

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.