Health & Wellness News

Sweltering heat is hitting the Lehigh Valley and causing an uptick in emergency room visits. An ER doctor is sharing how his team helps lower the body temperature of patients suffering from heat-related illness.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center is now Lehigh Valley Health Network's secondary blood supplier. The blood bank is redistributing it supply and taking on more hospitals in need of the life-saving products.

Digital navigators are individuals trained to help inform, educate, lead others to success.

The plans reward full work weeks and filling in at moments of urgent need at the 911 Center, Jail, and Cedarbrook Senior Home.

Join Megan Frank at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. every Friday for Insights with LehighValleyNews.com on WLVR. This week, she's joined by politics reporter Tom Shortell and health reporter Brittany Sweeney.

A Pennsylvania think tank brings together medical providers and researchers to look at where the state's health care system can be improved. The panel, held by the Commonwealth Foundation, said cost, access, and attention to care are the most important issues to those who live in PA.

The FDA recently approved a new medication for those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. A Lehigh Valley doctor said it could be an option for his local patients suffering from mild cases.

A Lehigh Valley representative introduced two gender affirming care bills recently. One would protect those in the LGBTQ community, the other would protect their medical providers.

Another heat advisory has made its way to the Lehigh Valley, accompanied by an air quality alert. While temperatures aren't expected to be as high as the last heat wave, the heat index could still hit triple-digits Monday and Tuesday.

A dancing duo from the greater Lehigh Valley is heading south to compete in the Transplant Games of America. The couple is part of Gift of Life's Team Philly made up of 150 people.

Fireworks are a popular fun way to celebrate the 4th of July, but they can also be dangerous. Allentown's police and fire officials say every year they see a serious injury or fatality caused by fireworks.

On July 1, the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon counties will merge with the Greater Valley YMCA in Pen Argyl to form the River Crossing YMCA.

NHCLV has made more virtual visits available during the latest COVID surge.

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.