DULUTH, Minn. – The numbers are alarming. More than 40,000 Americans die each year from opioid overdoses, and of that number roughly half of the deaths involved fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, and these days heroin is being laced with fentanyl — resulting…
DULUTH, Minn. – Everyday patients at local hospitals rely on donated blood, but blood doesn’t last forever. Donated red cells last only 42 days. That’s why FOX 21 is partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a blood drive this weekend. Bennett’s Blood Drive is being held on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FOX 21….
DULUTH, Minn. – Do you toss and turn all night long or wake up drenched in sweat? If so, one Duluthian is looking to make a difference in your life. “I may not be walking the red carpets in California and Hollywood anymore but I’ll be the hottest chick at a toga party,” said DeBora Rachelle, Founder, DeBora Rachelle Inc….
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community listening session at Superior Middle School got heated as community members express environmental concerns in the aftermath of April’s Husky Energy Refinery explosion and fire. The listening session was offered by the University of Wisconsin Extension for Superior and other area residents to ask questions about the refinery fire and have their comments heard. Fear…
DULUTH, Minn. – Folks visiting the Duluth Area Family YMCA on Friday had the chance to learn more about the stigma surrounding mental illness, and even sign a pledge to speak up about the ongoing issue. Northland Healthy Minds is a volunteer group that has come together to bring the “Make it OK” campaign to the Duluth area. The group…
DULUTH, Minn. – An elite volleyball competition is coming to Duluth. Skyline Lanes is hosting an AVPFirst Tournament and AVPNext Tournament. This is taking place Saturday, May 26 – Sunday, May 27 at Skyline Lanes. The tournament has been in the Twin Cities before, but this is the first time this tournament has been held in Duluth. AVPFirst is for…
DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly one in five Americans develop skin cancer, today dermatologists in Duluth are helping community members detect warning signs. The Spot Me event offers free skin cancer detection all day long. The American Academy of Dermatology deemed today Melanoma Monday, local dermatologists checked moles and concern spots for free. The Skin Renewal Center at Essentia Health opened its…
DULUTH, Minn. – For busy parents, it can be a struggle to find time to get daily tasks done, let alone find time to work out. This causes many parents to put exercise at the bottom of their priority list. The Duluth YMCA is offering a program with their membership to help with that. Emily Ranta, the Associate Executive Director…
DULUTH, Minn. – The disease is deadly, but the group targeted cannot speak up when they’re feeling ill. Heartworm is more common in southern states due to warm weather year round, but it doesn’t mean animals in the Midwest are out of the clear. “I have actually seen mosquitos out already,” said Lindsay Niemi, Practice Manager at Animal Allies Humane…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Questions are rising involving Husky Energy’s use of Hydrogen Fluoride, a deadly, skin eating chemical when in contact with humans. This comes after the historic explosion and fire April 26th at Husky’s Superior oil refinery, which miraculously did not take any lives or release any of that Hydrogen Fluoride in the process. Governor Scott Walker (R-Wis.) was…
DULUTH, Minn. – It can sometimes be difficult for those with disabilities to find a competitive job in the workforce. On Tuesday, May 1, families can get more insight on the topic through a new group. The Arc Minnesota is hosting an “Employment Learning Community” to support family members and job seekers with disabilities. This event will be from 4:30…
DULUTH, Minn.- You’ve heard it many times before, taking time out of your day to care for yourself is important. The Duluth Public Library gave a space for community members to focus on their health on Saturday. Organizers say there are many ways we can reduce stress in our life. One method used, was coloring. Studies show coloring has mental health…
DULUTH, Minn. – Another sign of the warm weather — ticks are out for the season. Veterinarians tell us the time is now to get pets up to date on flea and tick products. The Northland is one of the hot bed areas for Lyme disease, so vets recommend getting every dog a Lyme vaccine. They say the vaccine is…
DULUTH, Minn. – Taking care of your health is something important no matter your age, and this weekend the Duluth Public Library is dedicating a day to wellness. The Duluth Public Library is hosting its 2nd annual Wellness Day, dedicated to learning about and trying out healthy lifestyle practices throughout the afternoon. This event will take place at the Duluth…
ASHLAND Wis.- The Ashland community now has better access to medical specialists. St.Luke’s celebrated its new Chequamegon Clinic building on Wednesday, April 25th. Medical professionals say the larger space has been a long time coming. The Chequamegon Clinic has been serving the Ashland community for over 40 years, now the new location offers new opportunities. The 7 million dollar, 22 thousand…
DULUTH, Minn. – This week an exhibition is debuting at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum focused on Native American resiliency, health and perspectives in the Great Lakes region. A reception featuring the work is being held on Thursday, April 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. “Zoongide’ewin: An exhibition on Native American Health & Resilience in the Great Lakes Region,” is…
DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a common disease in elderly adults, medical professionals warn, shingles can be painful and cause many side effects. But now a new vaccine is on the market. The new shingles vaccine Shingrix is %90 effective. Medical professionals recommend it for anyone over 50. The vaccine is given in two doses, then lasts for a lifetime. Studies show by…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm, more and more people are heading outside to enjoy the nice days. Many are doing their first runs outside, while some are training for Grandma’s Marathon. One local personal trainer believes private training can be a game-changer for those looking to get in shape. Eric Franklin, the owner of XMT-3 Training…
DULUTH, Minn. – On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by a partner in the United States, according to the National Center Against Domestic Violence. Officials say it can be difficult to escape an abuser, especially when animals are involved. However, a new program at The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) in Superior is looking…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth teamed up with UMD health services to host Northland Community Wellness Day. The event took place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Its mission is to promote healthy living through education and awareness, showing the community all that is available to them in their own back yard “that they realize that there are…
DULUTH, Minn. -As Spring weather continues to evade the Northland, FOX 21’s William Seay went inside the Duluth YMCA to work with a personal trainer. Emily Ranta, the Associate Executive Director of the Duluth YMCA says during the “mud season” the center sees an uptick in people and need for personal training. The Duluth YMCA recently got rid of 15-year-old…
DULUTH, Minn.- Organ donors and recipients were honored today in downtown Duluth. Studies show over 3,00 people in the Midwest are waiting to receive an organ. Essentia Health raised a flag showing support for donors and recipients. We spoke with a donor recipient, who received a heart from a young man in a motorcycle accident. “I would go out of…
DULUTH, Minn.- A new craze is making its way through the Midwest called ‘juuling.’ Juul’s are a type of electronic, re-chargeable cigarette that is claimed to provide a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. One Juul ‘pod’, the attachment which contains the nicotine, is equivalent to one pack of cigarettes. “These are specifically made to help people quit smoking with their higher…
DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, April 14, you’re invited to the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Center for Northland Community Wellness Day 2018. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with free admission and parking. Northland Community Wellness Day is an annual event providing education and resources that promote healthy families and communities. There will be over 80 exhibits…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A $42 million biomedical research grant to the University of Minnesota is one of the biggest federal grants the school has ever received. The university is announcing the National Institutes of Health grant Friday morning. The Star Tribune says the five-year grant will pay for a variety of research, especially into new devices, tests and treatment methods….
DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s — one of Duluth’s largest employers — sent a detailed letter to city councilors Wednesday with their disapproval of the proposed Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance. This comes after more than 20 restaurants in Duluth came together to oppose ESST. April 3, 2018 Dear City Councilors: Despite the robust process around the proposed Earned…
DULUTH, Minn. – Providing end of life care can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding jobs in the medical industry. Now with the help of four-legged friends, local hospitals and hospice care facilities are looking to ease the heartbreak another way. “Dogs give hope, and joy to families and patients that need it in this setting,” said Kelly…
DULUTH, Minn.- Workers for the city of Duluth began training the correct way to address mental illness in the work place last year, Tuesday a plethora of organizations are following suit. Northland Healthy Minds aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace. Over 40 organizations are involved, dedicated to training their employees the correct way to address…
DULUTH, Minn. – March is coming to an end and bicyclists around the world are hoping many join them for a biking challenge in April. The 30 Days of Biking campaign challenges people to ride their bicycle every day for 30 days. There is no limit on the ride; it can be around the block or for many miles. Duluth…
DULUTH, Minn. – March is National Kidney Month and many don’t realize one in three Americans is at risk for Kidney Disease. Local doctors tell us that’s why it’s so important to be screened for the disease. Dr. Sandy Popham of St. Luke’s Nephrology Associates stopped by FOX 21 to speak on the topic. Dr. Popham says those that are most…
DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health is seeking a large amount of public investment to create a new Medical District in downtown Duluth. Essentia calls the project Vision Northland, and now they’re taking a proposal to Minnesota Legislature to get that funding. Essentia’s investing $800 million private in the project and seeking $184 million from state infastructure money in the legislature. An…
( AP Photo/Ferdinand Ostrop)BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Scientists now have the dirt on the rubber ducky: Those cute yellow bath-time toys are — as some parents have long suspected — a haven for nasty bugs. Swiss and American researchers counted the microbes swimming inside the toys and say the murky liquid released when ducks were squeezed contained “potentially pathogenic bacteria”…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin Superior (UWS) has a Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Conference every year that typically looks at the second half of life. But this year the university is focused on an issue affecting many young children. In fact, one in five school age children and young people six to 19 years old in the United…
DULUTH, Minn. – Laughter yoga is offered throughout Duluth as part of the St. Luke’s Community Well Being Series. The practice involves exercise mixed with voluntary laughter, which instructors say has the same health benefits as spontaneous laughter. “It’s not like poses or anything, it’s exercises that are silliness and fun,” said Sue Brewer, a certified laughter yoga leader. “Adults…
About 300 up-and-coming firefighters will be in Duluth this weekend, learning how to do the job of saving lives at a fire officer training school at the DECC. It’s a conference held every year in southern Minnesota, but due to popular demand the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association is hosting its second Fire Officer & Training Officer School. A second…
ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Republicans will push to impose a work requirement for the state’s health care program for those in poverty. A group of House and Senate Republicans introduced a bill Monday that would require Medical Assistance enrollees to work at least 80 hours a month, seek employment or enroll in job training programs. It exempts many at-home parents as…
DULUTH, Minn. – People around the world are working to change the lives of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. This week, March 11 – 17, is National MS Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis is when the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, distorting and interrupting nerve impulses to and from the brain producing a wide variety of symptoms. Over…
SUPERIOR, Wis. -With Spring and Summer around the corner, several people are working to get into shape for the warmer months. One place to do that is The Strength Factory in Superior. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay did a circuit bodyweight workout with CEO Kelly Kellar. The gym focuses on strong bodies and strong minds with…
DULUTH, Minn. – It was a sea of red in Duluth for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women event. Go Red For Women started in 2003 to help increase awareness about the number one killer of women in the United States, heart disease. The campaign helps women identify risks so they can prevent heart disease. Doctors say signs…
DULUTH, Minn. – A group known as H.O.T.D.I.S.H Militia hosted a kick-off event for their Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser, which will happen Apr. 14. The group is raising money to support women looking to receive care at the Women’s Health Center, but who cannot afford the out–of–pocket costs on their own. “The Women’s Health Center is the only abortion care provider in the…
DULUTH, Minn.- Medical professionals work in time critical conditions everyday and are reviewing past patient care. Medical professionals with St. Luke’s Hospital held a conference Friday at Pier B resort to review better ways to care for patients in critical condition. The conversation is discussing time critical illnesses and injuries, such as a heart attack. “What went well, what didn’t…
DULUTH, Minn.- March is National Kidney Awareness month, which means medical professionals are working hard to remind the public of just how important kidney care is. Chronic kidney disease is a prevalent issue in the United States. Medical professionals say its gaining more awareness in recent years. The biggest concern are people with high risk factors such as high blood pressure…
DULUTH, Minn. – For 70 years Memorial Blood Centers has been saving lives one donor at a time. The flu and cold season has hit blood centers quite a bit. Schools like University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) help blood centers, because students are big time donors. “We like to have the young people come in because they’re our future blood…
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Opioid Awareness Day in Minnesota. Many advocates from the Northland are at the State Capitol to have their voices heard. Last year 50 percent of child protective cases involved parents abusing drugs, which in turn cost taxpayers more than $7 million in St. Louis County. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office is taking action by aggressively prosecuting dealers selling opioids. “We still want to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center in Duluth has helped victims of domestic violence for the last forty years. It was the first organization of its kind in Duluth and their work continues today. Safe Haven helps hundreds of victims every year, assisting them through crises and providing support for as long as they need it. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – The 10th Annual Duluth Women’s Expo is taking place this weekend and this year it’s expected to be even bigger and better than ever before. On Saturday, March 3 thousands of women will fill the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to attend the event. Featuring more than 100 exhibitors, attendees can find anything relating to security and self-defense,…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Middle School transformed a number of rooms into mock drug rooms, giving community members a hands on trial at spotting warning signs. Classrooms were transformed into mock teenage bedrooms. Community members were tasked with spotting the warning sign and potential hiding places to store drugs. Each room had up to 27 to 28 items the programs says…
DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 100 veterans in the State of Minnesota are marching to spread awareness of veteran suicide. Every day in the United States there are 23 Veteran suicides. Operation 23 to Zero MN North came together Saturday morning and marched nearly five miles for the February Fun Ruck to raise awareness of the epidemic. Veterans with Operation 23 to Zero…
DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota says medical errors reported by Minnesota hospitals and surgical centers have been rising slightly the past four years and the number of resulting deaths rose in 2017 to 12 compared to four in 2016. There were 341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries and Duluth’s St. Luke’s and Essentia Hospitals are…
BAYFIELD, Wis. – Community-supported agriculture is something many Northlanders take part in. Friday, February 23 is National CSA Day. This morning, Lake Superior CSA Manager Evan Flom and farmer Chris Duke visited FOX 21 to talk about the importance of CSAs and this national day. This day gives farmers and food producers an opportunity to connect the local community with…
