
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Bethlehem Health Bureau now has a mobile health clinic. The bus will bring healthcare to city residents closer to where they live.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Lehigh Valley Health Network cut the ribbon on their new Gilbertsville neighborhood hospital. It's the network’s first location in Montgomery County.
-
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 free physical therapy clinic is being offered at DeSales University starting Monday. The services are being provided by students in the physical therapy program.
-
A professor of law is weighing in on a medical repatriation — or as some call it, a 'medical deportation' case — in the Lehigh Valley. Professor Lori Nessel is the director of the Immigrants’ Rights/International Human Rights Clinic at the Seton Hall University School of Law.
-
A Dominican woman who is undocumented faces medical deportation in the Lehigh Valley. She was placed in a medically-induced coma after a procedure for an aneurysm. Now her family is fighting to keep her in the Allentown area.
-
The Lehigh Valley will host a marathon for the first time since the pandemic started. Registration will open this month for the St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest.