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.

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.

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.

The center will support medical and nursing students and is expected to be completed early next year.

The 'Life Unites Us' social media campaign is seeing some success in reducing stigma surrounding the battle with opioid addiction.

The highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19 is overloading Pa. hospitals.

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.