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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The inflation Reduction Act went into effect this year, which caps the price of 10 prescription drugs for Medicare recipients at $35 per month. Now, Congresswoman Susan Wild is talking about a few more bills to make medications more affordable. -
Christmas tree, oh dusty Christmas tree: how dirty are those branches and how do you clean it? A pulmonologist settles the debate of whether a real or fake tree is better for your health.
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A medical device component company is expanding in the Lehigh Valley. The Palmer Township operation is opening a new facility and adding more positions.
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The local health systems in the Lehigh Valley say cases of respiratory viruses are on the rise. Doctors are reminding people to get updated vaccinations weeks before holiday gatherings.
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The Lehigh Valley is the focus of the Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace as open enrollment is underway. According to data, the area is home to a large number of people who are uninsured.
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Share a meal, not a virus: Here's a few ways to stop the spread of disease at your holiday gatheringHoliday season is a time of gathering, but indoor get-togethers can be a place where viruses thrive. The CDC and a local pulmonologist have some tips to keep the air moving in your home and the stop illnesses in their tracks.
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A bake sale in Bethlehem Friday will raise money for children fighting cancer. Proceeds will go to the organization Cookies for Kids' Cancer.
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A new robotics center is now open at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Center Valley. The Fleming Center for Robotics in Rehabilitation opened Thursday thanks to a significant gift from the Fleming Foundation.
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Lung cancer screening and prevention was the topic of a health event held by Olympus Corp. of the Americas. The Center Valley-based company partnered with the American Lung Association for the educational engagement.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 98 million people are living with prediabetes and they may not know it. The CDC is launching a campaign called “Be Your Own Hero” to help people determine if they have prediabetes with a one-minute online risk test.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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An online health food marketplace was recently launched by a Lehigh Valley native. Jessica Young was a chef in New York City, but returned to Allentown, where she grew up, to start Bubble Goods.
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Two health fairs this weekend offer a variety of help in different areas of health care. Cetronia Ambulance Corps is offering trainings and screenings while collecting food for those in need, while NHCLV is offering help with insurance registrations.
