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.
-
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. -
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.
-
A respiratory illness is plaguing dogs in 16 states, including Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley Humane Society is weighing in on the signs and symptoms of the virus.
-
A new hospital in the St. Luke’s University Health Network is now open. The ribbon was cut on the orthopedic hospital Wednesday and patients will start being seen at the South Whitehall Township location next week.
-
Strep throat is common this time of year among children, but as cases are on the rise a local doctor stresses the importance of getting kids tested and on medication. The bacteria can also cause a condition called scarlet fever.
-
A local pediatrician says they’ve had to narrow the number of Lehigh Valley children who can receive a new RSV preventative antibody treatment because of a shortage of the product. She believes the treatment maker underestimated the demand.
-
Holiday parties and drinking go hand-in-hand, but when does it become a problem? A local emergency room doctor talks about the short and long term impacts of alcohol consumption.
-
The Alzheimer’s Association recently teamed up with the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley to hold an informational event for Spanish speaking seniors. A language barrier can stop people from getting the information they need.
-
A Lehigh Valley dietitian says a plant-based diet is a great way to live a healthier lifestyle. She offers a few ways to begin incorporating those food choices.
-
Three candidates will appear on the ballot for the Upper Macungie Township Supervisor Race in the May primary. One seat will be vacant this fall.
-
The short-term rehabilitation at Gracedale is accepting patients. The county run nursing home just revamped the 32-bed unit.
-
Behavioral health services are moving from the current Allentown VA clinic. Veterans will soon receive mental health treatment at a new office.
-
“Leading Disruption: A Health-Care Innovation Summit” will take place this Saturday featuring speakers from around the country. Good Shepherd is opening the conference to employees as well as the community.
-
On the heals of Black Maternal Health Week, doctors, nurses, doulas, administrators, and legislators come together to address the rate at which black and brown people are dying during child birth.
-
An organ transplant recipient and the donor’s Lehigh Valley family are sharing their experience in order to encourage others to become organ donors. April is National Donate Life Month.
-
The Easton site of Miller Keystone Blood Center has been relocated to a bigger, more visual space. Those who work there hope it will bring in more donors.
-
Lehigh Valley Health Network is implementing a new system that helps improve care and cut costs for patients and the system. The data analytic app will help reduce wasteful spending and assist clinicians in making informed decisions.
-
'American Hospitals: Healing A Broken System' is a documentary about the rising cost of hospital care. A businessman and filmmaker, both from the Lehigh Valley, produced the film that can be screened in Bethlehem this month.
-
An egg hunt was held for visually impaired children this week. The Allentown Fire Department Bomb Squad and Sights for Hope teamed up for the event.
-
The state Department of Health has set forth a 5 year plan to improve the health of PA residents. The plan includes everything from nutrition to health equity.
