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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LVHN's Deputy Physician in Chief of the Lehigh Valley topper Cancer Institute has a pair of pink shoes for each day of the month. Dr. Lori Alfonse wears her fancy footwear to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and treatment. -
One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. A Palmerton woman is now a breast cancer advocate asking everyone to attend an event this October.
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An upcoming event in the Lehigh Valley aims to educate people about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. It’s a topic not often talked about that plagues a number of new parents.
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Pennsylvania is among the Top 10 states with the longest emergency room wait times. A local health network is weighing in on what's being done to shorten the amount of time patients are left waiting.
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'There's nothing healing about concrete': Local artist's dream of a healing garden comes to fruitionA community healing garden is now open to patients and the public at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg. Peter Yenawine, along with the Auxiliary of Lehigh Valley Hospital and master gardeners, teamed up to create the space incorporating native and medicinal plants.
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St. Luke's University Health Network built a two-story orthopedic hospital. Patients will be able to receive same-day surgery on their knees, hips, spine, hands and shoulders, among other injuries.
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A mental health summit at St. Luke's hosted healthcare workers, legislators, and community members. The panel addressed issues treating mental health problems and how to work towards fixing the crisis.
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Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) reached an affiliation agreement. The two have worked together before, but the healthcare providers say this will ensure patients get the care they need closest to home.
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A new value-based primary care center opened in Allentown this week. It’s the second Oak Street Health location in the Lehigh Valley, following a Bethlehem opening in June.
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The governor recently committed to reviewing data that will help to attract and retain aides for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. However, the advocacy group Bayada Hearts for Home Care is calling for more to be done for people who serve those with physical disabilities and seniors.
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The River Crossing YMCA in the Lehigh Valley is enrolling people for free programs this fall. The programs include health and wellness classes for veterans, those needing mental health assistance, those struggling with diabetes, and 7th grade students.
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This time of year can be hectic for families sending kids back to the classroom. A culinary medicine specialist has some quick, easy ways to add nutrients into meal time.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new guidelines surrounding intrauterine device pain. A local doctor says talking about this with a medical professional is the key to a smoother procedure.
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There's often a spike in respiratory viruses and other illnesses as children head back into the classroom. A local infectious disease specialist is urging parents to take preventive measures despite vaccine fatigue.
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The health of the Lehigh Valley is improving, but there is room to grow according to health experts. They are sharing where residents need to do better and how to get there.
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A cheaper, needle-free alternative to the EpiPen will soon be available following FDA approval. Neffy is a epinephrine nasal spray that can treat anaphylaxis.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network and Jefferson Health merged to become a regional provider on August 1st. The law firm that helped seal the deal explains what went into making that happen.
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The American Red Cross and Miller-Keystone Blood Bank are urging people to give blood to avoid a critically low situation. A summer slump and severe weather has impacted donations.
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She was a choreographer for M.C. Hammer asked to pitch in at Musikfest, while he was behind the wheel for her journey. A Northampton couple shares their story about finding love at MusikFest.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network is launching a clinical trial for a pancreatic cancer vaccine. A handful of hospitals across the country are part of the second phase of the study.
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A free health clinic set for Allentown this fall needs volunteers. Medical providers and those willing to setup and break down are in need to help those who need services.
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Two well-known health care companies in the Lehigh Valley will continue their relationship for years to come. St. Luke's University Health Network and Capital Blue Cross agreed to continue to work together to insure the hospital network's employees.
