
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In an effort to grow services where the organization sees fit, Lehigh Valley Health Network is cutting about 240 jobs. The move comes as a "restructuring" plan is underway.
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U.S. Rep. Susan Wild visited Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest to show support for the $35 price cap on most inhalers. Two companies' caps went into effect June 1, with a third expected to follow.
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Those needing a cardiac ablation now can get one using the latest technology in Bethlehem. St. Luke's now conducts pulsed field ablations, which its says is safer and faster than previous form of the procedure.
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Bethlehem Health Bureau now has a mobile health clinic. The bus will bring healthcare to city residents closer to where they live.
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A bill aimed at saving local pharmacies with pharmacy benefit manager, or PBMs, reform was touted in Allentown this week. Pennsylvania State Representative Josh Siegel, who represents Lehigh County, joined State Representative Jessica Benham, who represents Allegheny County, at Allentown Pharmacy.
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A new report release by the American Heart Association shows the U.S. on trend to have a cardiovascular disease crisis within 30 years. A public poll shows people feel eating healthy is the way to avoid the crisis, but price points and access limit that ability.
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Northampton County is mailing out drug disposal pouches to residents. The effort is part of the Fake is Real campaign to fight the opioid epidemic.
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The FDA is warning people about the dangers of over-the-counter supplements that contain an the opioid tianeptine. A Lehigh Valley emergency room doctor explains why the drug can be dangerous.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network cut the ribbon on their new Gilbertsville neighborhood hospital. It's the network’s first location in Montgomery County.
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Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4. With the summer season upon us, an Allentown lifeguard instructor is sharing some of the ways they train their team to spot a distressed swimmer as well as an active or passive victim.
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The time between Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the '100 deadliest days,' according to AAA. The traffic safety non-profit says teen driving fatalities increase during that time, especially at night.
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The Dup15q Alliance is observing 30 years and raising awareness about the rare condition. A mother and advocate shares her family story in her quest for a cure.
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The ribbon was cut Thursday on the new building at a South Whitehall Township senior living community. The complex added nearly 70 new apartments.