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. -
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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Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is hosting a stroke risk screening event. About every 40 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States, but the health condition is preventable.
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A Lehigh Valley based group is working to connect first responders with mental health and other resources. Those who protect and serve are often faced with traumatic situations, now there's help to process feelings formed on the job.
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The safety of a skin care procedure that draws patients’ blood and uses it in the healing process is coming into question. A Lehigh Valley nurse explains how to stay safe while receiving a vampire facial.
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Nicotine pouches seem to be growing in popularity, especially among the younger generations. A local doctor weighs in on the risks of using this type of product.
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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.
