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.
-
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. -
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.
-
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.
-
As Allentown’s warming station is set to open, a training program provides resources for how to engage those with active addiction. The St. Joe's program that typically trains first responders is branching out to community groups.
-
Respiratory disease season is the topic Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Health is addressing as she stops at local health bureaus across the state. She paid a visit to both the Allentown and Bethlehem Health Bureaus Monday.
-
The American Red Cross is reminding people to use the end of Daylight Saving Time to test smoke alarms. The nonprofit says changing the clocks twice a year can serve as a life-saving reminder.
-
Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley is holding a community awareness event Saturday. Cancer patients, their families and caregivers are invited to learn about the resources available to them.
-
For people who need to buy their own health insurance, it’s time to enroll in or renew their Affordable Care Act health plan. A health policy analyst says there are ways to save money in the Obamacare process, but the enrollee must opt into them.
-
Lehigh Valley Health Network is hosting its annual free drive-through flu vaccine clinics this weekend. Dr. Alex Benjamin said now is the time to get the shot as the season ramps up.
-
A monoclonal antibody treatment used to prevent RSV is now available to infants at St. Luke's University Health Network. The injections are intended for children up to 8-months-old.
-
The Watson-Batts School of construction is partnering with St. Luke's to offer better health outcomes through workforce development. The school teaches young entrepreneurs and business owners about how to grow their businesses.
-
A new mental health clinic in Bethlehem is acknowledging World Mental Health Day by letting people know about their services.
-
Weight loss medications, such as Ozempic, Wagovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, are rapidly growing in popularity. A Lehigh Valley physician weighs in on what patients need to know before they start the drugs.
-
The fall sick season is upon us, so a local nurse is urging people to get vaccinated now so they don't get severely ill later.
-
A holistic health and wellness fair was hosted by the Preventive Measures Foundation. The nonprofit aims to bring mental health care and other services to those who need it most.
-
The next phase of construction is under way on a new Lehigh Valley behavioral health hospital as the last steel beam was placed Tuesday. The new facility will have 144 beds.
-
Local Red Cross volunteers are in Florida helping with Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The Lehigh Valley chapter's executive director says this one is different than other storm system cleanups he's witnessed.
-
The President and CEO of Miller-Keystone Blood Center is retiring. A new leader has been chosen and he's no stranger to the organization.
-
Concussions in the NFL have a few players out of the game and fans are asking “how many is too many?” Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Eagles’ wide receiver DeVonta Smith are both sidelined due to their head injuries.
-
A fall appreciation event gave those at Miller-Keystone Blood Center the chance to say “thank you” to those who give blood. It’s the first time they’ve been able to host an event like this since the pandemic.
-
An art exhibit and auction are set to raise funds for a program that teaches children and adults about mindfulness. The Shanthi Project aims to use the funds to expand their programming in Lehigh Valley schools.
-
St. Luke's University Health Network is teaching parents where to look for drug paraphernalia and other dangerous substances in their teen's room. It's all part of their Drug Abuse and Recovery week.
