Health & Wellness News

A bi-annual safety report for general hospitals ranks a portion of the Lehigh Valley as one of the best patient safety areas in the nation. The report grades the facilities on how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections.

Allentown’s first ever Community Health Needs Assessment is out. Three areas have been identified as the highest priority and include loneliness and social isolation, safe, stable and affordable housing, and upward economic mobility.

The 36 individuals who lost their homes after a three-alarm fire on in Allentown on Tuesday are being offered shelter and assistance at the Allentown YMCA by the American Red Cross.

Avian influenza, called bird flu, is threatening poultry and dairy cows across the country. Now, local doctors are monitoring the situation closely because it could mutate and become more serious for humans.

The awards announced last week complete the $155 million school safety grants program package issued by the School safety and Security Committee (SSSC) in January 2024.

A local brain injury patient appeared at Home Care Lobby Day in the State Capitol this month to advocate for better wages for her home healthcare nurse. Wages for home health care employees are low and don't often get updates despite the cost of living going up.

Almost 2,200 runners registered for the races that started at William Allen High School and ended at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown on Sunday. Volunteers and spectators lined the route in support of racers. (See the top finishers)

For as many people in the Lehigh Valley that love coasters, there are just as many that are scared of them. A local psychologist says that overcoming fear is possible- just start slow

Despite chilly temperatures, festival-goers were out in abundance.

Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehab states that much of its current staff is in the form of short-term contracts, but it is optimistic it can meet new federal staffing guidelines.

At 20 years old, Caroline Laubach has had more surgeries than she can count. A heart transplant two years ago gave her a second chance at life — an opportunity she celebrates each National Donate Life Month.

The St. Luke's Half Marathon begins Sunday morning at William Allen High School and ends at J. Birney Crum Stadium. More than 2,000 people are registered for activities being held Saturday and Sunday, organizers say.

Some insects like mosquitos are thriving later in the season as temperatures reach well into the 70s.

More salt puts people at greater risk for health problems such as high blood pressure, a dietitian says.

The bill has bipartisan co-sponsors but a House Republican spokesperson says it is not a priority this fall.

Roughly one in 10 people in the Valley rely on monthly food bank visits, the United Way says.

Another vaccine mandate deadline is approaching for employees of one Lehigh Valley health system.

The low-impact sport is a cross between tennis, ping pong and badminton.

More meals and a lag between delivery and reimbursement compound the problem.

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has announced that the Pennsylvania Opioid Command Center will be revamped.

Penn State is requiring all University Park campus employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by December 8 to comply with President Joe Biden’s executive order, the university announced Tuesday.

Staffing shortages and hiring incentives already were in play. Then the pandemic hit.

A cursory glance at September COVID-19 data from Pennsylvania’s health department might lead some to conclude the vaccines are far less effective than they actually are, but a deeper look at who is vaccinated and who isn't paints a different picture.

Researchers around the world and in the commonwealth are looking into the therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs. The use of certain substances are deeply rooted in Latin America’s Pre-Columbian societies and could be part of the future of psychiatric treatment.