Health & Wellness News

Lehigh Valley Health Network is hosting its annual free drive-through flu vaccine clinics this weekend. Dr. Alex Benjamin said now is the time to get the shot as the season ramps up.

After 40 years with the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, CEO Deb Fries-Jackson is retiring. The Allentown native and former school teacher was instrumental in the merger of the local Girls Club and Boys Club in 2002.

St. Luke's University Health Network is naming part of its St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Center off Route 309 for Mike and Jean Grabarits.

A monoclonal antibody treatment used to prevent RSV is now available to infants at St. Luke's University Health Network. The injections are intended for children up to 8-months-old.

In an effort to grow services where the organization sees fit, Lehigh Valley Health Network is cutting about 240 jobs. The move comes as a "restructuring" plan is underway.

It's National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The state Health Department is encouraging parents to get their children tested and educating adults on how to minimize exposure.

Halloween can be dangerous for kids heading out in the dark and crossing streets. Choose bright-colored costumes or use reflective tape on costumes to keep children safe this Halloween — that’s the message from AAA East Central.

LehighValleyNews.com and PBS39 hosted a community conversation on interfaith relations amid the Israel-Hamas war. The program also contained advice on how to manage social media and speak to children about the unrest.

The device, made by Jmad Creations, aims to solve the problem of medical pulse oximeters that are not accurate when used on patients with dark-colored skin.

The kits will include a nasal dose of the spray along with how-to-use instructions. The health bureau says the kits will be available at hospitals, community centers and more.

The local American Red Cross chapter is looking for people to nominate local heroes for helping others. Nominations are open now through November for the Celebration of Heroes event in which they recognize community members, first responders and veterans.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds said Bethlehem's strong fiscal position should allow it to continue grants funded by the American Rescue Plan, even after the federal money runs out.

It's best to plan ahead make an appointment to get a vaccine booster.

The district is trying to keep its schools open in spite of the surging number of COVID cases.

Customers are finding they can save money by comparing and ordering pharmacy items online.

The state plans to set up overflow sites and send medical staff to overwhelmed areas.

The bureau gives about 100 shots a day and is also willing to travel.

Plans are to resume in-person classes on Jan. 31.

Health care professionals want to make sure the COVID patients who most need the medications will get them.

Precautions remain the same: wash your hands, wear a mask, get vaccinated, avoid crowds.

The situation is worsened by staffing issues caused by hospital personnel getting sick.

Improvements have been made, but the rate still lags behind other developed nations.

More than 5,000 Pennsylvanians died from overdoses last year.

Wintertime and the post-holiday doldrums can contribute to the condition.