Health

Gubernatorial Candidate Lori Swanson Announces Plan to Lower Prescription Costs

Swanson and running mate Rick Nolan's plan would allow citizens to use state's bulk buying power to purchase drugs

DULUTH, Minn. – State Attorney General candidate for Governor, Lori Swanson (DFL), and her running mate, U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan (DFL) were in Duluth Monday to announce a plan they say would lower prescription prices for Minnesotans. The plan would allow Minnesota residents to buy their drugs on the same bulk order the state uses to purchase prescriptions for state-run…

CBD Oil Store to Open in Superior

Store sells oil derived from hemp that contains none or very small amounts of THC

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new store in Superior will soon be selling hemp-based CBD products. CBD is said to treat everything from pain to epilepsy to anxiety and doesn’t give users a high like marijuana. Cannabidiol or CBD oil was recently approved by the FDA to treat epilepsy through a doctor’s prescription, but many users say the product derived from…

St. Luke’s Dietitian Offers Summer Food Safety Tips

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne Offers Important Tips to Remember When Preparing Your Summer BBQ

DULUTH, Minn. – Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year and many folks will be firing up the grill to help celebrate, but St. Luke’s in Duluth says it’s important to remember a few simple safety tips when it comes to setting out your favorite picnic foods. Monday morning, St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne stopped by FOX 21…

Officials say Kentucky’s hepatitis A outbreak now worst in US

969 People Have Contracted the Disease

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – The hepatitis A outbreak in Louisville and other parts of Kentucky is now the worst in the country. The Courier Journal reports state health officials confirmed Wednesday at least 969 people have contracted the liver disease. State Public Health department Commissioner Dr. Jeff Howard says the outbreak is the worst on record across the nation and…

Essentia Health to Offer ‘Passport to Adventure’ Program Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn – Wednesday evening, Essentia Health is looking to celebrate healthy children, families, and lifestyles throughout the Northland. The program includes many activities like a bike rodeo, bike helmet giveaway, and a healthy dinner. It runs Wednesday 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center on 30th Avenue West in Duluth. Categories: Health, News, News –…

Warming drives spread of toxic algae in US, researchers say

Cyanobacteria Thrive in Warm Still Bodies of Water

(Andy Morrison/The Blade via AP, File) SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The words blasted to cellphones around Oregon’s capital city were ominous: “Civil emergency . prepare for action.” Within half an hour, a second official alert clarified the subject wasn’t impending violence but toxins from an algae bloom, detected in Salem’s water supply. Across the U.S., reservoirs that supply drinking water…

Raising Awareness on The Longest Day

The Longest Day Helps to Raise Awareness for Patients and Caregivers Living with Alzheimer's Disease

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, June 21, members in the community living with or affected by Alzheimer’s Disease will have the chance to raise funds and awareness for care and support. People across the globe will be putting on activities on this day to raise awareness not only for patients, but for their caregivers as well. Curves Miller Hill in…

Poison Control Warns About Fire Colorant Product

The Product has Sickened Several Children

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – As the summer campfire season picks up Minnesota Poison Control has a warning about a product used to generate colored flames. KARE-TV reports the chemical, sold in a small foil packet, has sickened several young children in Minnesota, including one that was sent to the hospital. The Minnesota Poison Control center has handled four poisoning cases involving…

MN Department of Health Issues Multiple Beach Advisories

Advisories in Place due to Elevated E.coli

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health issued multiple beach advisories on Tuesday following recent heavy rainfall and flood conditions throughout the area. The following advisories are in place due to elevated E.coli bacteria levels that have been identified from recent samples and indicate the possible presence of fecal contamination. The beaches listed on the advisory list are: Agate…

Medical Tent Volunteers Provide Grandma’s Marathon Safety

About 400 medical volunteers staff the marathon ever year

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteer physicians, nurses, athletic trainers, and physical therapists staff the Grandma’s Marathon medical tent every year. They treat many conditions like muscle cramping, stress fractures, and runners feeling too hot or too cold. The medical director tells us this year’s race had some of the fewest medical visits they’ve ever had. “Most of the medical issues at…

Grandma’s Marathon Charity Partner: Running for the Cure

Scleroderma is a chronic tissue disease, which has no cure.

DULUTH, Minn.- There are over a dozen charity partners with Grandma’s Marathon, but this year one man is starting a first-time charity to honor his wife. Runners are raising money for the  Scleroderma Foundation, for team Carole. Scleroderma is a chronic tissue disease, which has no cure. Kevin Berg is organizing a fundraiser to help find a cure, now nearly…

Human Development Center Opens in Medical District

The center helps nearly 600 individuals every month.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new The Human Development Center in Duluth is providing multiple services at one location. The center helps individuals in Saint Louis County dealing with mental illness and addiction. The new location allows all 75 community support workers to work under the same roof. Previously the services were scattered throughout Duluth, being at one location helps workers coordinate…

St. Luke’s to Sponsor Proctor Sports and Events Center

The new building is a big deal for the community and athletes who were previously playing in what some might call rough conditions at the 45-year-old arena.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It’s a multi-million dollar addition to the Northland sports scene and now the facility has a sponsor for naming rights. Proctor Public Schools unveiled St. Luke’s as its partner for the school’s new sports and events center. The new building is a big deal for the community and athletes who were previously playing in what some might call…

Talking the Topic of Suicide

Public resources are located at the bottom of the article.

DULUTH, Minn.- A startling report by the center of disease control shows the rates of suicide of increased by 40% in Minnesota over the last 18 years. Suicide is a serious issue and with free public resources, it can be prevented. But suicide needs to be talked about, when talking with children suicide needs to be discussed in an age-appropriate…

June Marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month and a Twin Ports Task Force dedicated to the topic is hoping to get more of the public involved in stopping it. Today, Monday, June 4, a Mayoral Proclamation, featuring both Superior Mayor Jim Paines and Duluth Mayor Emily Larson took place in the Northwest Community Services Agency Senior Center at…

5 dead, nearly 200 sickened in romaine lettuce outbreak

Four More Deaths Linked to Food Poisoning Outbreak

NEW YORK (AP) — Four more deaths have been linked to a national food poisoning outbreak blamed on tainted lettuce, bringing the total to five. Health officials have tied the E. coli outbreak to romaine lettuce grown in Yuma, Arizona. The growing season there ended six weeks ago, and it’s unlikely any tainted lettuce is still in stores or people’s…

MN Department of Health Issues Beach Advisory Alert

The Beach Will be Re-Sampled on Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – A lake advisory has been put in place today by the MN Department of Health. According to the advisory, the Minnesota Point Harborside/15th Street beach has a ‘water contact not recommended’ alert in place until further notice. The advisory was put into place due to elevated E.coli bacteria that was identified from samples collected on Thursday which…

St. Luke’s Hospital Supports Cancer Patients and Survivors with Lecture Series

Cancer Survivorship: Managing Legal and Financial Aspects of Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is working to educate cancer patients about managing the legal and financial aspects of cancer. This morning, Manager of the Regional Cancer Center at St. Luke’s, Stacy Sandberg stopped by FOX 21 to give details of the lecture. It’s happening Tuesday, June 12 at Marshall School and the deadline to register is Tuesday, June…

Agent Orange Affects Northland Veterans Decades Later

Agent Orange was a herbicide, sprayed by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.

DULUTH, Minn.-Many veterans from the Vietnam war are struggling with health problems due to a herbicide known as agent orange, a tactical chemical that the military used to clear the forest floor, and remove enemy cover during battle. Two Northland veterans that are dealing with the aftermath of agent orange all these years later. Overall nearly 300 thousand veterans have…

Animals to Fill Lakewalk Wednesday for New Pet Walk

Bus Bike Walk Duluth Adds Event for Pets

DULUTH, Minn. – This month the Zeitgeist Community is celebrating Bus Bike Walk Duluth and they’re hoping you and your pets get involved. As part of the month-long event, the group is hosting Bark Bike Walk on Wednesday, May 23. They will be walking with their dogs along the Lakewalk to encourage community interaction and activity. The group will start…

Toxic Cloud Caused by Hawaii Volcano Lava Emerges Over Ocean

The Acid in the Plume is as Corrosive as Diluted Battery Acid

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)PAHOA, Hawaii (AP) — White plumes of acid and extremely fine shards of glass billowed into the sky over Hawaii as molten rock from Kilauea volcano poured into the ocean, creating yet another hazard from an eruption that began more than two weeks ago: A toxic steam cloud. Authorities on Sunday warned the public to stay away…

Gone Too Soon: Father Of Three Dies From Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose

Austin Overfors Was 24 Years Old

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…

FOX 21 to Host Blood Drive Inspired by Young Boy’s Cancer Battle

Bennett's Blood Drive to be Held at FOX 21 on Saturday

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 Woman Looks to Perfect Beauty Sleep

DeBora Rachelle is a Native Duluth Resident Looking to Keep Health, Wellness and Comfort in Mind While You Sleep

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….

Citizens Express Environmental Concerns at Husky Fire Listening Session

UW-Extension hosted the session to collect comments and questions from residents

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…

“Make it OK” Campaign Stops at Duluth Area Family YMCA

A Full List of Events is Planned by Northland Healthy Minds throughout the Month of May to Combat Mental Illness Stigma

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…

Elite Beach Volleyball Tournament Comes to Skyline Lanes

Tournament to be Hosted Memorial Day Weekend

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…

Hospital Offers Free Skin Cancer Detection

Screenings are the most effective way to detect skin cancer.

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…

Kids Club Offers Child Care for Parents at Duluth YMCA

Active Adventures: Kids Club

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…

Veterinarian Expresses Concern Over Heartworm, Urges Prevention

On Average, Seven Dogs Every Year will Receive Treatment for Heartworm at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

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…

Questions Arise After Refinery Explosion

Husky Energy used Hydrogen Fluoride, a potentially deadly chemical compound in their facility

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…

New “Learning Community” Provides Space for Families of Job Seekers with Disabilities

Employment Learning Community Created to Support Families

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…

Local Library Helps Community Focus on Health

One method used, was coloring.

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 Public Library Focuses on Health and Wellness

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…

More Medical Services Available in Ashland

St.Luke’s celebrated its new Chequamegon Clinic building on Wednesday, April 25th.

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…

Native American Health, Resiliency, Highlighted in New Exhibition

"Zoongide'ewin" Opens Thursday at Karpeles Museum

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…

New Shingles Vaccine Available

Medical professionals say you should receive the shingles vaccine whether you remember having chicken pox or not.

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…

Working Out with XMT-3 Training Studio

Active Adventures: Why Weight and Resistance Training is Vital for Runners

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…

CASDA Officially Launches Pet Foster Program

Donations and Foster Families Needed as Program Launches, Gains Popularity

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…

Northland Community Wellness Day

Event promotes healthy living through education and awareness

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…

Strength Training on New Duluth YMCA Equipment

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA

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…

Flag Ceremony Honors Organ Recipients and Donors

The flag is raised for 24 hours every time an organ is donated.

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…

Out with the Old, In with the Juul

A small electronic cigarette has become the newest fad

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…

Education, Resources Provided at Community Wellness Day

The 2018 Northland Community Wellness Day is Happening Saturday, April 14, 2018

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…

UMinn Wins $42 Million Biomedical Research Grant

This is one of the Biggest Federal Grants UMinn Has Ever Received.

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….

St Luke’s Comes Out Against ‘Earned Sick and Safe Time’ Ordinance

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…