
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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Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom participated in the “World’s Largest Swim Lesson" along with pools across the country. The event drew children from across the Lehigh Valley on the hot, sunny day.
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The American Red Cross is warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses as a heat wave sweeps the Lehigh Valley. They say a few simple tips can help save lives.
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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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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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“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.