Health Archives - Page 11 of 36

Wisconsin Health Officials Concerned For COVID Surge Caused By Holidays, Omicron

96% of ICU beds and 98% of immediate care beds are full statewide.

December 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

WISCONSIN – State health officials in Wisconsin echo the desperate pleas of those regionally and across the country, declaring a public health advisory as they anticipate a surge in disease activity due to the Omicron variant. There were more than 13 hundred new COVID cases reported in the state yesterday, with 19 Omicron cases detected so far. Experts expect that…

OSHA Vaccine Mandate Penalties to Start Jan. 10

The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9.

December 18, 2021

Site Staff,

UNDATED (AP)- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration says it will not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10. This will give companies time to adjust to and implement the requirements. The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9. Saturday’s announcement came after the U.S….

Leader of Planned Parenthood in Upper Midwest Stepping Down

The five-state organization provides health care to more than 100,000 patients each year.

December 18, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The president of Planned Parenthood’s affiliate in the upper Midwest says she is stepping down from her position next year. Sarah Stoesz oversaw the organization for nearly 20 years and grew it into one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the country as it expanded from Minnesota and South Dakota to incorporate North Dakota, Iowa, and…

Duluth Officials: Mask Mandates Don’t Look To Make a Comeback

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Omicron variant and others continue to threaten the US including the Northland, people are starting to wonder if mask mandates will make a return. Multiple states have already re-instated their indoor mask mandates like California and New York, but with cases rising, and Minnesota seeing a larger surge of the virus, the question lingers of…

Duluth Police Hold Procession For Fallen Minnesota Officer

December 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department held a procession for fallen New York Mills, Minnesota police officer Ron Smith as his body made a final trip back home. Smith, 58, died Dec. 15 after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. Smith was admitted to Lakewood Health System in Staples on Nov. 26 and was put on a ventilator to help…

Medical Providers Encourage People Resume Cancer Screenings

December 14, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the many effects the pandemic has created is that fewer people have gone in for cancer screenings. Medical providers say that trend is starting to reverse, but they are advocating that more people return to these preventative measures for their overall health. “We had a lot of patients coming in, especially spring and summer of this…

Counterfeit Pills Posing New Threat in Northland

December 10, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — So far in 2021, 30 people have died from overdoses in Duluth but according to the police department, 2 of those deaths are overdoses from counterfeit Percocet 30’s. These counterfeit pills contain fentanyl, which is more powerful than actual Percocet pills. Officials say it is a deadly drug and hard to tell apart from real pills, but…

UWS Vaccine Clinic Moving to Northwood Technical College

December 9, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Some people who got the covid shots earlier this year are now choosing to go in for booster shots. One vaccine clinic in Superior is seeing more foot traffic come through right now because of it. The AMI vaccination program has been set up at UWS since April, and has moved around with the demand of new…

Drug Overdoses Almost 7x Higher Now Compared To 2013

December 8, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Total overdoses are 7 times higher than they were in 2013 in Duluth from opioids, this epidemic continues to cause problems in Duluth, we took a look at the current numbers that might be surprising to some. In 20-13, there were 42 total overdoses in one year in Duluth. This year, which isn’t even over yet, has…

How Northlanders Keep their Runners’ High when Temperatures Get Low

Dressing in layers, and like it's 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature, is key according to experts.

December 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though winter has chilled the great outdoors out, Northland runners sure have not, mostly unfazed by the change in temps. “Once you start running outside you realize that it’s something that you can do once you have the right equipment,” said Clint Agar, Manager at the Duluth Running Company. According to Agar, it all comes from staying…

First Case of the Omicron Variant Identified in Wisconsin

The person with the Omicron variant is an adult male and is a Milwaukee County resident who recently returned from a trip to South Africa.

December 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis.- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has detected the state’s first case of the Omicron variant, in a resident with recent travel history to South Africa. According to the DHS, the person with the Omicron variant is an adult male and is a Milwaukee County resident who recently returned from a trip to South Africa. The person…

Omicron Variant Appears in Minnesota as Pandemic Continues Burdening Healthcare Systems

A man in Minnesota contracted the variant after attending an anime convention in New York in November.

December 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Omicron variant was discovered in Minnesota Thursday, contracted by a man who attended an anime convention in New York City last month — casting a shadow of concern over the already overwhelmed healthcare systems everywhere, including the Twin Ports. “This will never end until we get 100%– until we get virtually everyone vaccinated,” said Dr. Jon Pryor,…

Vaccine Clinic for 5-11 Year Old’s Coming To Proctor

November 30, 2021

Natalie Noury,

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor public schools is partnering with St. Luke’s to offer additional opportunities for kids in the 5 to 11 age group to get vaccinated. There will be three separate clinics open to anyone wanting to receive a vaccine at the St. Luke’s event center in Proctor to accommodate those receiving the first and second shot. The staff of…

Canada Bans Foreigners Who Have Traveled In Southern Africa

November 26, 2021

Dan Hanger,

TORONTO (AP) – Canada says it’s banning the entry of foreign nationals who have traveled through southern Africa in the last 14 days. That’s due to discovery of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus that has stoked worldwide fears. Government ministers also said Friday that all Canadians who have travelled to southern Africa in the last 14 days will…

Union Gospel Mission Hands Out Free Thanksgiving Meals

November 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Union Gospel Mission in downtown Duluth, which is about to celebrate 100 years of providing food, shelter and hope, put smiles on many people’s faces Thursday by handing out free Thanksgiving meals. “On a holiday, the people who are isolated and feel alone feel so much more alone on a holiday, so it’s so vital that…

Seeking Grief Support Amid the Holiday Season

November 24, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is a time of joy and happiness for many people, but for others who may be grieving the loss of a loved one it can be a time of emotions, sadness, and seclusion. Essentia Health offers a variety of grief support services for those dealing with a recent of past loss, especially during the…

AICHO Moves Up Food Distribution Day For Thanksgiving Preps

November 23, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a special Thanksgiving food distribution day at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. Every two weeks on a Wednesday, AICHO gives out 200 bags of food to whoever needs it in the community. They moved this week’s distribution ahead a day to help with Thanksgiving preps for families. “It is certainly important…

Mindful Nutrition Tips Ahead of the Holiday Season

Mary Cherne, St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian, Shares Ways to Enjoy the Holiday Without the Stomach Ache to Follow

November 22, 2021

Brett Scott,

Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Health Tags: christmas, community, Holiday Season, Local News, Mary Cherne, St. Luke’s, Thanksgiving

Minnesota COVID-19 Hospitalizations Top 1,400 Amid Surge

November 21, 2021

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of Minnesota patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has surpassed 1,400 for the first time since last December, before vaccines became available. According to state health department statistics released Friday, Minnesota hospitals were caring for 1,414 patients with complications of the coronavirus, including 340 patients in intensive care. Only 2% of adult intensive care unit…

St. Louis County Vaccine Clinic Sees More Adults Get Boosters After Eligibility Expands

There will be another vaccine clinic at the Shriners Center on Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown this Wednesday.

November 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The second week of St. Louis County’s vaccine clinic at the First United Methodist or Coppertop Church saw a boost in adults getting boosters after eligibility was expanded nationwide Friday. Initially, the clinic was started to provide 5 to 11-year-olds their COVID shot and adults their first and second. But officials say after the FDA and CDC both…

Local Schools Covering Their Bases with the Rise of COVID-19 Cases

November 18, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH/HERMANTOWN, Minn. — With Minnesota making recent headlines for being one of the states with the most new covid cases nationwide, local school districts are having to step back, making sure they are still doing what they can to keep everyone safe. Cases continue to rise in Minnesota, and as healthcare workers are tirelessly trying to slow the spread, so…

COVID Outbreak Among Cast, Crew Cancels ‘The Octette Bridge Club’ Performances

"It's tough. It's heartbreaking,” said Merry Renn Vaughan, the production's director.

November 17, 2021

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cases of COVID-19 have shut down a theatre production in Superior after just one live performance and weeks of rehearsals. In a story on FOX 21 last week, the cast and crew were excited about the all-alumni production of “The Octette Bridge Club” at UW-Superior Theatre. They got to perform opening night Friday, Nov. 19, but one…

Wisconsin Is Seeing Almost 3,000 New COVID Cases Per Day

November 17, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

WISCONSIN — On Wednesday, Wisconsin leaders had a virtual meeting to talk about how COVID is spreading in the state, which is seeing almost 3,000 new cases per day. You can see the daily new case total at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Even with all the residents who chose to get the shots in the arm, cases…

Covid-19 Cases On The Rise In Minnesota

November 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday morning drew in some alarming news to Essentia hospitals across the Midwest. Even though Michigan is the leading state in new covid cases, Minnesota is right behind after holding the number one spot last week. This means added pressure on hospital systems like Essentia Health which saw 129 new positive covid cases on Wednesday morning across…

Defense Department Helping to Relieve Two Minnesota Hospitals

November 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says the Department of Defense will send medical teams to two major Minnesota hospitals to relieve doctors and nurses who are swamped by a growing wave of COVID-19 patients. The teams, each comprising 22 people, will arrive at Hennepin County Medical Center and St. Cloud Hospital next week and begin treating patients immediately. Walz…

Surge of COVID Patients, Lack of ICU Beds Impacting Smaller Rural Hospitals

Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors and Community Memorial in Cloquet are stressing vaccinations, and patience with their overwhelmed employees.

November 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

TWO HARBORS/ CLOQUET, Minn.- Hospitals in small rural towns are echoing more intensely the issues overwhelming larger city facilities — more COVID patients filling beds, and fatigue at battling a pandemic for close to 20 months — causing them to transfer patients far away when they pride themselves at providing local care. “The emotional strain that it puts on a…

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Donations Exceed $169K, Surpasses Goal Earlier than Past Years

This past September's Walk to End Alzheimer's has already raised $169,000 -- $2,000 more than this year's goal.

November 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Local fundraising for Alzheimer’s treatment and research has reached nearly 170 thousand dollars just two months after several hundred people walked the Lakewalk in Duluth in support. This past September’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s has already raised $169,000 — $2,000 more than this year’s goal. Organizers say it warms their hearts to see more money being donated to…

Virus Surge Sends Minnesota Hospitals Scrambling For Room

November 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota hospitals are scrambling to make room for patients as patients needing medical care for COVID-19 have hit a high for the year. Hospitals have delayed non-essential procedures, diverted less serious cases to outpatient clinics, and treated emergency room patients in hallways and ambulance bays that have been converted to urgent care centers, the St. Paul Pioneer…

‘Product Used in Utility Work’ Being Investigated in Spooner Middle School Illness-Causing Odor Incident

The Spooner Area School District announced Friday that in-person instruction will not resume at Spooner Middle School until they complete the investigation.

November 12, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SPOONER, Wis.- The Spooner Area School District announced Friday that in-person instruction will not resume at Spooner Middle School until they complete an investigation into an illness-causing odor which sent students and staff home Wednesday. Since the evacuation didn’t allow students to gather computers, materials, or other devices before leaving the building, families will be able to pick up materials…

Red Cross Holds Blood Drive to Honor Veterans Day

November 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — A special Veterans Day blood drive was held at Amsoil Arena, drawing in a lot of people who are looking to give back on such an important day. In a normal year, The Red Cross tends to see a spike in blood donations during the fall, this year they haven’t, especially since the pandemic. But a blood…

Structure of Essentia’s Vision Northland Project Marked Complete with Topping Out Ceremony

According to hospital and construction officials, the project is ahead of schedule at 53% complete.

November 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health, city and state officials celebrated a big milestone in the multimillion-dollar Vision Northland project — the end of structural construction. The “topping out” ceremony was held Tuesday. For the construction tradition, the beam is adorned with an American flag and a small tree.“They all symbolize positive things,” said Jeff Dzurik, Executive Vice President of McGough Construction….

Essentia Health Hosting Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

The Free Event is Happening at 330 North 8th Avenue East in Duluth on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

November 9, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re concerned about the risk of skin cancer, a free event on Thursday, Nov. 11 might help put your mind at ease. Essentia Health is hosting the event. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with one in five Americans developing it by age 70. Health officials say the elderly…

CHUM’s Fresh Fridays Provides Fresh Food to Community

November 5, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- Today marks CHUM’S third week of Fresh Fridays, and so far, it has been a success for the Duluth food bank. “Fresh Fridays” is the food bank’s new program, where they give out fresh food items like produce, milk, and more. Every Monday and Wednesday, CHUM gives out non-perishable food boxes, and on Tuesdays, they deliver food boxes…

Registration Open for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for 5-11-Year-Olds through St. Louis County

Older family members can also get a first, second, or booster dose at these clinics.

November 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Registration is open for vaccine appointments for 5 to 11-year-olds through St. Louis County Public Health. Starting next Saturday, November 13th, the county will offer Pfizer vaccines to kids at the First United Methodist Church in Duluth from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and the Eveleth Auditorium on the Range from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Parents are…

City Of Duluth To Require Employees Get Vaccinated Or Test For Covid Weekly

November 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth will soon be requiring its employees to get vaccinated or get weekly COVID tests. A city spokesperson said the new requirement will start in December. This comes after President Joe Biden made an executive order in September telling employers with 100 or more people to require workers to get vaccinated or get weekly…

Memorial Blood Centers Holds Blood Drive at UMD

November 4, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The shortage for blood continues nationwide, and UMD did its part Thursday in holding a drive, and trying to help a local provider. The Memorial Blood Centers in Duluth is also experiencing this shortage, but were able to stop by and set up a pop-up blood donation spot at the Kirby Student Center at UMD. They had…

Pfizer Vaccine Approved For Children Ages 5-11

November 3, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — While the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 less than a week ago, they were waiting for the CDC to as well before giving healthcare facilities the green light. That happened today, and it’s big news for parents and children today as this age group can now be vaccinated against the coronavirus….

Bent Paddle Helping Raise Money, Awareness of Mental Health Services with New Beer Launch Thursday

$1 for each pint and $5 for every growler or crowler of the new Pay It Forward pale ale purchased will go back to Amberwing.

November 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Experts say mental health issues in kids and teens are rising, so one organization and brewery are teaming up to promote a new beer that raises money for mental health resources. Bell Bank’s Pay-It-Forward Launch Party at Bent Paddle Brewing this Thursday is raising funds for Amberwing, a Duluth-based center for youth and family wellbeing. In a survey…

US Gives Final Clearance To COVID-19 Shots For Kids 5 to 11

November 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) — U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign. The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

MNsure Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov. 1

Open Enrollment for MNsure Runs Through Jan. 15, 2022

November 1, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn.— Nov. 1 marks the beginning of MNsure’s open enrollment period. Open enrollment refers to the once-a-year opportunity when all Minnesotans can enroll in affordable, comprehensive health and dental coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. This year, Minnesota’s open enrollment will run from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15, 2022, with two important deadlines: Minnesotans must enroll by…

UMD Students Help Connect Hillside Residents to Healthy Food Sources

Organizers say they hope to take steps in improving food security in the Hillside neighborhood which has direct impacts on health and life expectancy.

October 30, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students hoped to connect some residents of the Steve O-Neil Apartments in Duluth with healthier food options at their Land Lab near Jean Duluth Road, for Healthy Lives Day. Growers from local farms joined families in touring the UMD farm. They hope to improve those families’ access to healthy food from local sources. Organizers say they hope…

Officials Hope ‘WICsconsin Enrollment Week’ Helps More Sign Up For Assistance

WIC provides info on health nutrition, breastfeeding, and more, as well as money for certain nutrient-rich foods.

October 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week across the state of Wisconsin, community agencies are helping expecting and current mothers, and other legal guardians of kids under five sign up for the Women, Infants and Children, or “WIC”, assistance program. WIC provides info on health nutrition, breastfeeding, and more, as well as money for certain nutrient-rich foods. Eligibility and the amount of money…

COVID-19 Wave Overwhelms Rural Hospitals Short On ICU Beds

October 24, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The case of a rural Minnesota man who waited two days for an ICU bed and later died is among several examples that have frustrated officials in rural hospitals whose facilities are overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. Bob Cameron spent two days in his hometown hospital in Hallock, Minnesota, where caregivers searched nonstop for space in a larger…

St. Luke’s Raises Awareness During ‘Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month’

October 20, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The birthing center at St. Luke’s in Duluth is looking to remind grieving parents they are not alone during this Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Statistics show 1 in 4 families will suffer this type of loss at some point in their pregnancy journey. St. Luke’s looks to help families grieve by offering memento boxes with…

St. Luke’s Birthing Center Reminds Grieving Parents They’re Not Alone

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

October 20, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many parents who are grieving the loss of an infant feel like they are alone and don’t have anyone who understands what they are going through. During the National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, St. Luke’s is reminding parents they’re ready and willing to help. Statistics show one in four families will suffer a pregnancy or…

Gov. Walz Announces Gift Cards, Shot at Scholarships for Vaccinated 12-17 Year-Olds

Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated, and a shot at one of 5 $100k scholarships

October 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz just rolled out a new incentive program for Minnesota pre-teens and teens to get the COVID vaccine. The program is called “Kids Deserve a Shot.” Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated. The Governor says with covid-19 cases surging in the state…

Walz to Deploy National Guard to Help Ease COVID-19 Surge

October 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll use the Minnesota National Guard to help alleviate staffing shortages at care facilities that are struggling with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The governor announced plans Friday at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale for alleviating bottlenecks caused by staffing shortages that prevent hospitals from moving recovering patients to transitional and…

Bayfield Co. Sees COVID Cases Rise In The Area

October 14, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

BAYFIELD CO., Wis. — Bayfield County said it’s concerned about the number of COVID cases it’s seen so far this week because it’s higher than usual. Since Monday, the county has had 38 new cases that have either been confirmed to be COVID, or are likely to be the virus. For a population of about 15,000 that means the county…

St. Luke’s, Gateway Clinic to Open New Surgery Center in Moose Lake

October 13, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – St. Luke’s and Gateway Clinic have partnered up to create a new multi-million dollar surgery center in Moose Lake called Northern Lakes Surgery Center. It’s happening in the former Shopko building on County Road 10. Project officials say the new facility will allow people in the Moose Lake area to stay closer to home and still…

Carlton County Hosts Pop-Up Flu And COVID Vaccine Clinic

October 13, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

CARLTON, Minn. — Carlton County hosted a pop-up drive-thru clinic for both COVID and flu vaccines on Wednesday, that will run through Thursday. 70% of the county’s 12 and older population has gotten at least one COVID dose already. Carlton County has roughly 35,000 residents. 255 got the flu shot at the pop-up clinic in Carlton on Tuesday, while 10…