
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.
-
An egg hunt was held for visually impaired children this week. The Allentown Fire Department Bomb Squad and Sights for Hope teamed up for the event.
-
The state Department of Health has set forth a 5 year plan to improve the health of PA residents. The plan includes everything from nutrition to health equity.
-
The City of Allentown is recognizing employees who have dedicated years of service to the health bureau during National Public Health Week. Employees from different sectors will be recognized for their work.
-
A new dental robot in the Lehigh Valley makes getting an implant faster and more precise. A robot referred to as “Yomi” is the first of its kind for oral surgery.
-
Signs of spring are popping open around the Lehigh Valley, which means allergy season is here. The mild winter may play a role in how early and severe those allergies are.
-
For the first time since 2020, Medicaid recipients must renew their application. That process will begin April 1st.
-
World Down Syndrome Day is designed to raise awareness about people with an extra chromosome. People with the diagnosis have special health needs, that not every doctor knows about.
-
A 2-time kidney recipient is sharing his story during Kidney Awareness Month. Organs from living donors last longer than those from the deceased, so a transplant surgeon is spreading the word about the process.
-
Born without legs and a victim of child abuse, Zion Clark is a motivational speaker and athlete who shared his story through a Netflix documentary. He will be in Allentown to speak to the public.
-
The number of people experiencing mental health issues went up as a result of the pandemic. Lehigh Valley psychotherapist Shonda Moralis talks about what she is seeing and hearing from her patients.
-
A medical device component company is expanding in the Lehigh Valley. The Palmer Township operation is opening a new facility and adding more positions.
-
The local health systems in the Lehigh Valley say cases of respiratory viruses are on the rise. Doctors are reminding people to get updated vaccinations weeks before holiday gatherings.
-
The Lehigh Valley is the focus of the Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace as open enrollment is underway. According to data, the area is home to a large number of people who are uninsured.
-
Share a meal, not a virus: Here's a few ways to stop the spread of disease at your holiday gatheringHoliday season is a time of gathering, but indoor get-togethers can be a place where viruses thrive. The CDC and a local pulmonologist have some tips to keep the air moving in your home and the stop illnesses in their tracks.
-
A bake sale in Bethlehem Friday will raise money for children fighting cancer. Proceeds will go to the organization Cookies for Kids' Cancer.
-
A new robotics center is now open at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Center Valley. The Fleming Center for Robotics in Rehabilitation opened Thursday thanks to a significant gift from the Fleming Foundation.
-
Lung cancer screening and prevention was the topic of a health event held by Olympus Corp. of the Americas. The Center Valley-based company partnered with the American Lung Association for the educational engagement.
-
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.