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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Smoke from wildfires in Canada can be seen and smelled in much of the northeast, including the Lehigh Valley. Local pulmonologists are weighing in with what to do to avoid too much exposure. -
Those hitting the public pools in Allentown should do so safety says the city’s special events coordinator. Officials there want pool patrons to keep a few things in mind this summer season.
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A local amputee support group continues to connect those who have lost a limb and raise money for other amputees. The Lehigh Valley Amputee Support Group held its 17th Annual Golf Tournament Friday.
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The Burn Prevention Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network educate parents about burn and fire risks to their children. What was once a packet of information will now be a video will be shown to those with newborns.
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The mobile stroke unit at Lehigh Valley Health Network is expanding its reach with a new partnership. The specialized ambulance will now assist first responders in part of Berks County with neurological emergencies.
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A housing facility for inmates with severe mental illness is now open in Northampton County. The Shiloh Restoration Center will have 8-beds and provide mental and behavioral health support.
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A new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General warns of the harmful effects social media can have on the well-being of kids and teens. A psychologist from the University of Pennsylvania has advice for parents.
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A Lehigh Valley author is releasing a new self-help book on anxiety. He said he saw the need for more information on the topic following the pandemic.
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The Lehigh Valley Employment Coalition connects people with disabilities to job opportunities. The connections made do not fill a position but have positive health outcomes for the employees.
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A Lehigh Valley woman tells her story about going through two cancer diagnosis' and what she does to pay it forward. She was one of the survivors honored at the Celebration of Champions gala.
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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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“We're really trying to get ahead of it, so that we can nip this in the bud and avoid having a shortage as we move into the fall and over the holidays,” said Peter Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross, which covers the Lehigh Valley.
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A Bucks County woman is one of the top 10 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth for 2023. She is the founder of the Twilight Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that grants wishes to seniors, including those in the Lehigh Valley.
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The latest COVID booster was approved for people 6 months and older this week. A local doctor says not everyone should get it.
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The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is working to combat mental health problems made worse by the pandemic. It’s launching the “UNITED for Mental Health” campaign.
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The "Margaritaville" singer died from Merkel cell carcinoma, according to his sister. Now, a Lehigh Valley doctor explains signs, symptoms and preventative measures.
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A suicide prevention bench was dedicated to Moravian University. Students lined up to participate in the unveiling.
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The illicit drugs circulating locally are causing a public health emergency, according to a local doctor. A doctor from Lehigh Valley Health Network is part of of a 5-year study that determines what is in the drug supply in the area.
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A brain injury conference this weekend will feature brain injury survivors and medical professionals at the first-time event. Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network’s Mind Your Brain Foundation Lehigh Valley Conference is free.
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A Red Cross volunteer from the greater Lehigh Valley just got back from assisting displaced people in Hawaii following devastating wildfires there. Her job was to try and reconnect families.
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During National Preparedness Month, those with the American Red Cross are helping people stay ready for anything. They say they are responding to twice as many disasters than they were 10 years ago.
