Health Archives - Page 26 of 36

Questions Arise After Refinery Explosion

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

April 30, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

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

April 30, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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.

April 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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…

Veterinarians Recommend Getting Dogs Lyme Disease Vaccine

It's that time of year, ticks are out for the spring

April 28, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

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 Public Library Focuses on Health and Wellness

April 27, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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.

April 25, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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

April 23, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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.

April 20, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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

April 20, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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

April 18, 2018

Brett Scott,

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

April 14, 2018

Mariah Janos,

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

April 13, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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.

April 11, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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

April 9, 2018

Mariah Janos,

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

April 9, 2018

Brett Scott,

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.

April 6, 2018

The Associated Press,

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

April 4, 2018

Dan Hanger,

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…

Pets Paired with Patients During End of Life Care

Both St. Luke's and Essentia Health Have Adopted Animal Hospice Care Practices

April 4, 2018

Brett Scott,

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…

Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health

The Make it Ok campaign is training organizations around the Northland.

April 3, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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 Bikes, Bicyclists Around the World Challenge Northlanders to Bike for 30 Days

30 Days of Biking Starts Saturday

March 30, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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…

St. Luke’s Doctor Stresses Importance of Kidney Screenings

March is National Kidney Month

March 29, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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…

Essentia Health Proposes New Condensed Medical Campus

The project will be a public-private partnership.

March 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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…

Yucky Ducky? Study Reveals Bath-Time Toy’s Dirty Secret

It’s billed as one of the first in-depth scientific examinations of its kind.

March 27, 2018

The Associated Press,

( 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”…

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Conference Examines Childhood Obesity

Proper diet and exercise is one of the first steps to preventing childhood obesity.

March 20, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

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…

Laughter Yoga Class Offers Fun and Healthy Experience

Instructors Say Voluntary Laughter Has the Same Health Benefits as Spontaneous Laughter

March 20, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

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…

MNFire Campaign Focuses On Firefighter Wellness

Firefighter's Conference to be held at DECC

March 15, 2018

Nikki Davidson,

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…

GOP Proposes Work Requirement for Public Health Care

Discussions Focus on Enrolees in Medical Assistance Working 80 Hours a Month

March 13, 2018

The Associated Press,

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…

National MS Awareness Week Highlights Work to Find a Cure

Walk MS, Bike MS and Finish MS Events Support Fundraising Efforts

March 12, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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…

Bodyweight Circuit Workout with The Strength Factory

Active Adventures: Strength Factory

March 9, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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…

Women in the Northland Go Red Against Heart Disease

Heart disease is the second-leading cause of death in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

March 7, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

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…

H.O.T.D.I.S.H. Militia kicks off fundraising event

The organization is raising money to help women receive care at the Women's Health Center

March 5, 2018

Graham Hakala,

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…

Medical Professionals Discuss Critical Patient Care

The critical care conference is put on by St. Luke's including a variety of health workers.

March 2, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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…

How to Keep Your Kidney Healthy

March is national kidney awareness month.

March 2, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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…

Memorial Blood Centers Mark 70th Anniversary of Saving Lives

While at UMD staff say they wanted to see at least seven people per hour.

March 1, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

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…

St. Louis County Addresses Drug Issue On Opioid Awareness Day

Gov. Dayton has announced a several legislative proposals to combat the opioid crisis.

March 1, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

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…

Safe Haven Celebrates 40 Years Helping Domestic Violence Victims

Advocates Say There's Still Much Work to Be Done in Duluth

March 1, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

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…

Thousands Expected at 10th Annual Duluth Women’s Expo

The Annual Expo is This Weekend

February 28, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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,…

How to Spot Substance Abuse Warning Signs

One in three twelfth grade students report in trying marijuana according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

February 26, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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…

Veterans Across the Midwest March to Raise Awareness

Nearly 100 veterans marched in Minnesota.

February 24, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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…

Northland Hospitals in Minnesota Medical Errors Report

There were 341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries.

February 22, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

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…

Local Farmers and Producers Celebrate CSA Programs Friday

National CSA Day Connects Farmers and Community

February 22, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

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…

Minnesota Reports 116,000 Jump in Uninsured

6.3 Percent Uninsured in Minnesota Last Year

February 20, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota says the number of people without health insurance in the state jumped by 116,000 in the past two years. The Minnesota Department of Health says the uninsured rate rose to 6.3 percent last year, up from 4.3 percent in 2015. Around 349,000 Minnesotans don’t have coverage. The department says the rise in uninsured Minnesotans corresponded with two…

Duluth’s Millard LaJoy Talks Life At 105 Years Old

"Have A Sense Of Humor"

February 19, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – How long do you think you’ll live? According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past 90. And one out of 10 will pass the age of 95. But for Duluth’s Millard LaJoy, he’s beating all the odds at 105 years old and is still full of spunk and…

Northalnders dig way out of snow as it falls

Kevin Bowditch actually likes it

February 19, 2018

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the snow piling up pretty nicely, people have been shoveling away on this President’s Day. Digging out, clearing pathways, all common as the snow just hasn’t let up for some. And for Northlander Kevin Bowditch, it’s no big thing. He actually likes all this snow. “It’s just kind of something to do. I enjoy shoveling. Always…

Little Hands Big Hearts Spreading Awareness in the Northland

The newborn center at St. Luke's is giving away adorable winter gear.

February 16, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- February is National Heart Month and St. Luke’s Hospital is spreading awareness with an adorable program. Every baby born this month is given a hand knit red hat. The campaign Little Hats Big Hearts aims to spread awareness for the variety of resources available for congenital heart defects in infants. “Very rewarding just to know that there’s other…

Three More Child Deaths From Flu Reported in Minnesota

4,200 Hospitalized in Minnesota With Flu Symptoms

February 16, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- State health officials say three more children have died of complications of the flu, bringing the number of Minnesota children who have died of influenza this season to four. The number of Minnesotans hospitalized with flu symptoms has topped 4,200. That’s the highest number since the Minnesota Department of Health began tracking flu hospitalizations in 2008. Preliminary…

Governor Dayton Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Opioid Abuse

Opioid overdose deaths increased 66% between 2010 and 2016 - noticeable spike in St. Louis County.

February 14, 2018

KQDS Staff,

Opioid overdose deaths have risen dramatically in recent years – increasing 66 percent between 2010 and 2016. Prescription opioids continue to be the most common cause of opioid overdose deaths. In 2016, there were 194 prescription opioid overdose deaths. Heroin-involved overdose death and synthetic opioids deaths also have seen a significant increase. There were 150 heroin involved deaths in 2016,…

Duluth City Council Passes Flavored Tobacco Ban

Ban Affects Convenience Stores, Not Smoke Shops

February 12, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth city council voted 7–2 Monday night in favor of banning the sale of flavored tobacco products in convenience stores, including gas stations. Councilors Noah Hobbs and Jay Fosle were the only two councilors who voted against the ban. The chamber was packed for the controversial vote. One side says flavored tobacco is a public health issue,…

MN Psychological Association Takes Nominations for Healthy Workplace Awards

MN Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards

February 12, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Psychological Association’s Annual Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards competition is now taking nominations and applications. Nominations for the awards program are open through Feb. 16. The awards program recognizes organizations that make a commitment to programs and policies that foster employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance and productivity. To enter, all companies need to…

Vote On Flavored Tobacco Ordinance Expected By Monday

Under the Ordinance Customers Would Still be Able to Buy Flavored Tobacco Products from Adult Only Smoke Shops

February 9, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The issues with the restriction on the sale of flavored tobacco products inside Northland convenient stores isn’t going away anytime soon. Several local retailers are standing united and are against the city council approving this ordinance. Today they made one last effort before the council make its decision. Inside the Snyder’s Drug Store in Duluth local retailers…