
Brittany Sweeney
Health and wellness reporterI’m LehighValleyNews.com’s health and wellness reporter and also host “Living in the Lehigh Valley,” PBS39's health and wellness show. I have covered health-related topics for Lehigh Valley Public Media, contributing to PBS39 and 91.3 WLVR, since 2018. Winning the 2020 Emmy Award for Video Journalist is something I am proud of accomplishing while working for Lehigh Valley Public Media. I grew up in Montgomery County and I'm passionate about telling compelling stories in my home state of Pennsylvania. I'm a graduate of Temple University (go Owls!) and spent most of my career working as an anchor and reporter for NBC affiliates in Northeast Pennsylvania and Ohio. When I'm not covering news around the Lehigh Valley, I can be found exploring the great outdoors with my family. Contact me at BrittanyS@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8170.
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Some of the most beloved characters from the "Star Wars" movies paid a visit to the kids at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. The fun was planned to start May the Fourth festivities early and bring a smile to the kids' faces.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Various state agencies came together to promote drug take-back day this weekend. People can drop off unused or outdated prescription pills at designated drop-off locations.
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During Donate Life Month, organ recipients and donors share stories of how their lives changed following the organ donation process. Those waiting for an organ can wait on average five to seven years for a transplant.
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Muhlenberg College and Lehigh Valley Health Network are joining forces to provide a broader range of services to the schools attendees. Students will be able to see LVHN healthcare professionals for both primary and behavioral resources.
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If you thought flu season was winding down, think again. The Lehigh Valley is seeing an increase in influenza cases right now. A local doctor weighs in with what you need to know about the latest surge.
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The new roller coaster at Dorney Park is designed to feel dangerous, but a lot of safety testing goes into the ride before people can experience the thrill of Iron Menace.
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A completive blood drive in underway in the Lehigh Valley. Miller-Keystone Blood Center is having a competition between the Allentown fire and police departments to see who can get the most blood donations.
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Stress levels can go up during a big game, like the Super Bowl. A Lehigh Valley cardiologist has some ways to prepare and cam down ahead of Sunday's evet.
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Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Lehigh Valley Health Network is one of the many organizations recognizing 'Go Red for Women' day to raise awareness about the topic.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network is changing its primary provider of blood from Miller-Keystone Blood Center to the American Red Cross. LVHN officials say Miller-Keystone will be a secondary provider, but blood center leaders say that hasn't been confirmed.
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The number of people developing cancer is on the rise, but the survival rate is also going up according to the American Cancer Society. Doctors believe there are two contributing factors.
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Pennsylvania's Supreme Court made a ruling pertaining to abortion rights across the state. The issue being disputed is whether government funds should be used for the procedure and if there's a constitutional right to abortions in the state.
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A lack of educators, a retiring generation, and a pandemic that produced stress and burnout all have contributed to the shortage of health care workers, such as nurses. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network are both focused on attracting new talent.
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A local blood bank is urging new donors to give blood and existing donors to increase the number of times they give. Miller Keystone is also encouraging younger and more diverse people to take the time to donate blood.
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A ribbon cutting was held for Counseling Solutions of the Lehigh Valley’s new location. The West Tilghman Street location offers bilingual drug and alcohol counseling.
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A group of firefighters dressed as superheroes to brighten the day of pediatric patients at St. Luke's University Health Network. The group is called Humble Heroes of the Fire Department of the City of New York.
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The cold winter weather can often lead to dry cracked skin. A Lehigh Valley skin care expert has some ways to fight the rough feeling on our outer layer.
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The weather outside is frigid, but the impact it can have on your home can be frightful. AAA is warning people to take action now before the icy cold bursts a pipe or heavy snow collapses the roof.