Health

Tips Offered for How to Handle Dry Skin During Winter Months

Key to Moisturizing is Doing it Right After You Get Out of the Shower

DULUTH, Minn.-Many Northlander’s already know that having dry skin is routine during the winter time. What some may not know, is how to moisturize their skin properly. That’s where you may need help from the experts. One local dermatology facility says those of different genders and ages, all have to deal with dry skin differently. One of the top tips…

Snowmobilers Help Fight ALS

The 19th Blackwoods Blizzard Tour has raised $8.8 million over the years.

PROCTOR, Minn.-  Every year in the United States alone 6,000 people are diagnosed with ALS. For the 19th year, snowmobilers are helping to raise funds for ALS research. The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour, also known as the Million Dollar Ride, brings together experienced snowmobilers to donate and raise money for ALS. Riders will travel 150 miles each day during the 3-day–journey. One…

Lake Superior College Has Low-Cost Physical Therapy Clinic

A physical therapy assistant degree can be completed in two years at Lake Superior College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Twice a week, Lake Superior College offers low-cost physical therapy for anyone whose insurance may not cover it. The special clinic is open Monday and Wednesday afternoons during the school year. The clinic is a partnership between Lake Superior College and the College of St. Scholastica. Students from both schools treat the patients. Some patients have come in…

Many Turn to Alternative Medicine During Flu Season

Workers at the Snooty Fox say customers curious for tea remedies.

DULUTH, Minn.-  According to the CDC this flu season is worse than years past. To stay healthy many are opting for alternative medicine. Workers at the Snooty Fox in Duluth say the flu season is always a busy time for the tea shop. Every day many customers walk in asking for something to help them feel better. “The request is…

Severe Flu Season Continues to Impact the Northland

Essentia Health Reports a Steady Stream of Flu Related Hospitalizations

DULUTH, Minn. – This year has been a worse than normal flu season across the country. The Center for Disease Control says there have been more flu hospitalizations this winter than in any of the past six years. According to Essentia Health Duluth, this is one of the most severe flu seasons we’ve had in quite a while. Doctors there…

It’s Wear Red Day

The Day is Used to Raise Awareness Among Women for Their Heart Disease Risk

DULUTH, Minn.-You may see more woman wearing red today. That’s because it’s the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day. The day helps raise awareness and advocate for more research for women’s heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. “It starts a conversation about what are the risk factors for heart disease…

Companies Exploit Marijuana Law Loophole

Buy a Shirt, Get Pot "Gift"

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) BOSTON (AP) — That ordinary bottle of juice delivered to your doorstep will set you back at least $55. But the bag of marijuana that comes with it? On the house. Retail marijuana stores are months away from opening in Massachusetts, but some companies have been quietly operating for more than a year, selling and delivering marijuana…

St. Luke’s Offers eCare Program for All

Online Proram Aims to Treat Patients Conveniently

DULUTH, Minn. – With cold and flu season well underway, it can be helpful to get a diagnosis online so you can start treating your illness quickly. St. Luke’s has started an eCare program. This is part of St. Luke’s goal to provide convenient access to care. Users can enter their symptoms into the online program and a St. Luke’s…

Amazon, Buffett and JPMorgan Join Forces on Health Care

Health care costs are "a hunger tapeworm on the Amercian economy" - Warren Buffet

(AP Photo)(AP) – Three of corporate America’s heaviest hitters — Amazon, Warren Buffett and JPMorgan Chase — sent a shudder through the health industry Tuesday when they announced plans to jointly create a company to provide their employees with high-quality, affordable care. The announcement was short on details about precisely what the independent company will do. But given the three…

Circuit Training with Fitness Edge North

Fitness Edge North is Located in Hermantown at 5237 Miller Trunk Highway

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21 Meteorologist William Seay stopped by Fitness Edge North in Hermantown to give circuit training a try. Fitness Edge North has been in business for the past 12 years. Circuit training at the facility helps customers become more physically fit through combining flexibility, balance and core strength. Click here for more information on…

Champ, UMD Hockey Players Visit Children’s Hospital

Each Kid Got a "Champ" Bobblehead Gift

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids in the Essentia Health Children’s Hospital got some special visitors today. UMD mascot Champ and some of the UMD Men’s Hockey players stopped in kids’ hospital rooms, talking with them and keeping them company for a little while. “It’s refreshing because you see the same nurses, same people every day,” said Bailey Eich, a cancer patient…

Fit Families Program Challenges People to Drink More Water

Drinking Water Can Help Families Stay Healthy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Fit Families program is encouraging families to drink more water this month. It’s the first of the program’s wellness challenges this year. They say water can help people stay healthy by reducing the amount of sugary drinks they consume. That helps them lose weight and improves dental health. “It’s a thing that anyone can…

Emergency Responder Training in the Cold

Duluth Hosts the State's Largest EMS Expo

DULUTH, Minn.-  EMS workers in Minnesota face many tough situations and harsh weather conditions on the job. To provide the best care workers are taking part in the state’s largest EMS Expo in Duluth.  Around 1,000 EMS workers from Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota come take part in Arrowhead’s EMS Expo. The training courses offered help workers learn more about advancing…

Duluth Public Schools Taking Precautions Against the Flu

Immunizations are important throughout a child's time at school from kindergarten, middle school and in high school.

DULUTH, Minn. – The recent flu outbreak has many Northland schools taking extra precautions. Several schools are seeing an increase in flu–like illnesses. But health officials at Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth tell us there hasn’t been anything too much out of the ordinary for them when it comes to the flu. The school reports to the State of Minnesota if more than five…

How to Fight the Winter Blues

You don't need a gym membership to stay active.

DULUTH, Minn.- This time of year it’s common to get the winter blues. The medical term is seasonal affective disorder. The Duluth Community Action Center has some tips to fight S.A.D. naturally. “We can actually do something, without having to pay something, it’s very cheap,” integrative nutrition health coach Inge Maskun said. “For me it’s dancing, turn it up the music…

Hospitals Dealing with National IV Solution Shortage

Officials with Essentia Health say the shortage isn't affecting patient care.

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s a national shortage of IV solution; aftermath of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, which happens to be home to 80 drug manufactures, who supplied it the solution to the U.S. Officials with Essentia Health in Duluth say there’s no need to worry the shortage isn’t affecting patient care. IV bags are given to patients that are dehydrated. The…

MNsure Boasts 116K Signups in Record Year

Open Enrollment Ended Sunday

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s health insurance exchange says it enrolled more than 116,000 residents in plans this year. MNsure announced its record level of signups for the individual market on Wednesday. It comes days after open enrollment ended Sunday in Minnesota. The exchange’s high watermark showcases the flexibility of a state-based exchange amid cuts to the health care law at the…

Saturday Morning Races Aim to Keep Kids Active

Coffee Conversation: Saturday Morning at the Races

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon may be six months away, but that isn’t stopping some events from starting up to prepare for the big day. The Young Athletes Foundation is offering free youth races on Saturday mornings. The races are for children 14 and under. The next event is Saturday, January 20 at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the Ward…

Duluth Takes on Big Tobacco

Council to Have First Reading of Tobacco Ordinance Jan. 22

DULUTH, Minn.-In the coming weeks, the city of Duluth is set to take on big tobacco as they are discussing banning flavored tobacco products from convenience stores. Today officials from the University of Minnesota Medical School and the American Lung Association breathed some fresh air into that proposal. They said one of the groups targeted the most by tobacco companies…

Minnesota Flu Season in Full Swing; One child death reported

Minnesota May Not be at Peak of Flu Season Yet

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota has reported its first child death from the flu this season. The weekly flu report shows a continued increase in flu activity across Minnesota. As of the week ending Jan. 6, the Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 1,700 flu-related hospitalizations, 55 outbreaks of influenza-like illness in long-term care facilities, 43 outbreaks in schools and one…

Dietitian: Eating “SMART” Helps New Year’s Resolutions

Cooking Connection: 2018 Healthy Eating

DULUTH, Minn. – In a new year, many Northlanders are trying to better themselves with a list of resolutions. One of the most common resolutions is to eat better. Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Debra Anderson with Essentia Health visited FOX 21 to share some knowledge. Anderson recommends following a SMART diet because oftentimes people try to change too many…

Senate Committee Vote on Bill Relaxing Air Pollution Rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A legislative committee is set to approve a Republican bill that would relax Wisconsin air pollution regulations. The bill would repeal any state air pollution rules that go beyond federal regulations by the end of 2018. The state currently regulates hundreds more pollutants than the federal government. The proposal would allow the Department of Natural Resources…

Whooping Cough Reported in Grand Rapids School

There is a Vaccine Available to Fight Whooping Cough

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-A case of whooping cough has been reported in Grand Rapids Schools. A representative from the Minnesota Department of Health said they are concerned about an outbreak in that region right now. They said the symptoms are whooping cough are similar to the flu, which makes it hard to tell what illness you have. One way to help…

Saturday Morning at the Races Kicks-off

The races give kids an opportunity to exercise away from the cold weather.

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday was a day for the races over at the college of St. Scholastica. Kids of all ages took part in the first Saturday Morning at the Races of this winter. Around 400 kids had a chance to exercise and take part in a friendly competition at the St. Scholastica gym. The races vary from 1/8 of a mile…

Ordinance May Restrict Flavored Tobacco Products In Duluth Convenience Stores

The Ordinance Would Amend Chapter 11 of the Duluth City Code

Management from both smaller local convenience stores and big names like Kwik Trip are speaking out against the proposed ban. Gary Milk House Owner Derek Medved carries a variety of flavored tobacco products. But the store owner does not want young people buying them. “We’re here to work with the city on that to prevent of course selling to minors,”…

Flu Season Affecting Many in the Northland

Doctors say if you have flu like symptoms, stay home to avoid affecting others.

DULUTH, Minn.- Have you been feeling under the weather lately? Doctors say this flu season could be shaping out to be worse than last years. Medical professionals say you don’t need to visit the doctor if you have the flu stay home and rest. But the flu can affect some worse than others. “You may have influenza, you may not…

Working in Winter Conditions

Many Northlanders face the cold everyday, are you doing what you can to avoid frostbite?

DULUTH, Minn.– This winter has been extremely cold so far in the Northland. While some are bundling up avoiding the outdoors others braving chilly temperatures at work. “It’s a battle but we’ve been through it before,” Krause Anderson Construction Mark Burdick said. Many workers around the Northland clock in, spending their workday outside in freezing temperatures.  One construction worker told…

Duluth Designated Baby Friendly City

Duluth earned the recognition on Dec. 14. from the Healthy Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has been named the fittest city and the least stressful city in the past and now one more title can be added to that list. Mayor Emily Larson was presented with an award recognizing Duluth as a baby friendly city at City Hall. Duluth was chosen because of its commitment to make breastfeeding easier and more accessible…

Experts Offer Tips on How to Avoid Frostbite

Health Officials Say Avoiding Caffeine Can Help Hold Off Frostbite

DULUTH, Minn.-If you dared to battle the frigid temperatures the last few days, there’s a chance you were rolling the dice on getting frostbite. Local medical experts say that you can get it in less than an hour when being out in frigid temperatures. If you are not sure if you have it, here’s some telltale signs. “If you notice…

Young Kids Getting Cabin Fever the Most

Experts Advise to Use More Indoor Activities that Burn Off Energy

DULUTH, Minn.-The frigid temperatures have a firm grip on the Northland as many of the residents in region have to put some extra layers on when going outside. Many others are choosing to avoid that hassle by staying in – in particular young children. We spoke to leaders from the daycare University Nursery at Coppertop Church who are advising that…

Kicking the Butts This New Year

Experts Offer Advice for Those Looking to Quit Smoking in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The beginning of a new year could be the perfect time to stop one of your bad habits from happening any longer. Staff at the American Lung Association say deciding to kick the butts can be a common New Year’s resolution, in fact, there are certain techniques proving to be more beneficial than others when trying to…

Personal Trainers Could be the Key to Unlocking New Fitness Goals

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re one of millions making New Year’s resolutions to get into shape or make new fitness goals, maybe a personal trainer could help you. Today is National Personal Trainer Awareness Day, and there are many professionals across the Twin Ports just a phone call away. At Anytime Fitness in Duluth, they are still accepting new clients…

Life Coach Presents Tips on Being the Best “You” in 2018

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. – As 2018 begins, many Northlanders will be looking to improve themselves in different ways. For this week’s Coffee Conversation we talked with Executive Coach Pam Solberg-Tapper about ways to ensure you fulfill these resolutions. To learn more about Solberg-Tapper and her business, you can contact her at pam@coachforsuccess.com , 218-729-0772 or www.coachforsuccess.com. Here is her blog post…

Post-holiday exercise options

9Round Fitness 30 minute Kickboxing might help knock you back into shape

DULUTH, Minn. – After the holidays is when most people start feeling like it’s time to hit the gym.A new kind of gym has opened up in Duluth recently. 9Round Fitness is a 30 minute kickboxing studio, where folks can work with a trainer, and have a slightly different workout experience than your typical gym. “The whole thing with kickboxing…

Duluth YMCA sees uptick in members during colder months

The YMCA offers a variety of activity to keep people active during the Northland's freezing season

DULUTH, Minn. – So many cold days in a row means its getting harder to stay active. FOX 21 spoke with the Duluth YMCA about what they’re doing to keep people up and active, and just staying warm during these frigid temps. “We have so much going on indoors, everything from our  rock climbing wall, we have two pools, lot…

Depression Happens In the Northland Around This Time Of the Year

The economic burden of depression, including workplace costs, direct costs and suicide- related costs, was estimated to be $210.5 billion in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DULUTH, Minn. – There can be dark days living in Duluth and being so far away from the equator means not enough sunlight, which can affect how you feel. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is where people typically get more depressed during certain seasons. “There is a variation of that where some people have a different kind of depression in the…

Affordable Care Act Sign Up Tally Dips Slightly to 8.7M

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government says more than 8.7 million people have signed up for coverage next year under the Obama-era health care law, exceeding expectations for a program that President Donald Trump has unsuccessfully tried to repeal. The final tally released Thursday for the 39 HealthCare.gov states showed about 80,000 fewer sign-ups than an initial count provided last week….

Northland Man Share His Story Of His Very Own Christmas Miracle

Michael Sylvester was adopted and plans to have genetic testing to see if he carries the gene.

DULUTH, Minn. – After nearly 14 years on the job with the U.S. Postal Service Michael Sylvester is what some may call a walking Christmas miracle. It’s a far cry from where he was back on Dec. 16, 2016. “I noticed I was having some chest pain,” said Sylvester. “I thought it was indigestion.” Michael then did something that isn’t…

Minnesota Lawmaker: Vaccine Opt-Out Should Require Education

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state lawmaker wants parents who are opposed to vaccinating their children to see a physician before opting out of the state’s immunization schedule. Democratic-Farmer-Labor Rep. Mike Freiberg says legislation he’s sponsoring preserves parental choice, but argues a measles outbreak in the summer showed that parents need to “have the knowledge and information that…

Taking Shelter at Safe Haven

Experts say women in abusive situations tend to not leave this time of year.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the National Resource of Domestic Violence Center calls of domestic abuse decline during the holidays. Advocates with Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center say many reasons play a factor into victims staying in unhealthy relationships during the holidays. This year the safe haven shelter has serviced over 540 families, but a woman’s advocate says if children…

FIT4MOM Twin Ports Demonstrates Quick Workout for Busy Moms

Active Adventures: FIT4MOM Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is extremely busy for families and sometimes it can be easy to pass on a regular workout routine. One Northland mom, Lisa Filzen, says there are ways to work something no matter how busy you may be. Filzen is the Owner of FIT4MOM Twin Ports. She says they offer a wide range of classes,…

Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Resigning After Senior Care Lapses

Official Government PhotoST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s Department of Health commissioner is resigning. Gov. Mark Dayton’s office announced Tuesday that Commissioner Ed Ehlinger would step down. Ehlinger had been head of the state’s health oversight board since 2011. The announcement didn’t specify why Ehlinger was resigning but it follows reporting by the Star Tribune on serious oversight lapses of…

Deadline Approaches for MNsure Enrollment

Last day to enroll is Wednesday, Dec. 20 to Receive Coverage By January 1st

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota residents who buy health insurance on the individual market have until Wednesday to enroll in the state-run health care exchange if they want to be covered by January 1. The Pioneer Press reports that MNsure will have extended hours at its call center and a 24-hour online availability as the deadline approaches. Residents have…

St. Luke’s Cardiologist Gives Heart Health Tips for Winter Months

Avoiding Heart Attacks in the Snow

DULUTH, Minn. – With recent snowfall and more in the forecast, doctors are giving warnings for those headed outside. Without previous exercise, many bodies aren’t ready for snowy conditions. Dr. Disha Mookherjee with St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates says some elderly patients can find themselves shoveling 16-20 pounds of snow as they take on the responsibilities of being a homeowner. Dr….

Chicken Pox Cases on Rise in Minnesota

400 Cases Have Been Reported

FROM WIKIPEDIA MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota health officials say there’s an increase in the number of chickenpox cases this year. Department of Health spokesman Doug Schultz says nearly 400 cases have been reported, the highest number since 2013 when about 480 cases were reported. Schultz tells KARE-TV there’s an outbreak of 15 cases in one Hennepin County school and another six cases in…

Dealing With Dementia During the Holidays

Experts told FOX 21 it's important for businesses and families to be aware and helpful.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Gathering with family during the holidays is exciting but can be hectic for those suffering with dementia. Experts told FOX 21 make sure your festive gathering is a safe space. Ensure that there is plenty of lighting and be supportive. “Being overwhelmed can cause them to have more issues, maybe being overwhelmed or frustrated when trying to remember…

Expert Offers Tips on Winter Skin Care

Cold, Dry Air Can Be Tough on Skin

DULUTH, Minn. – Winter in the Northland can be hard on your skin because of the cold, dry air causing inflammation. Staff at one local spa in Duluth have a few tips for keeping your skin healthy. They say never sleep with make-up and always use oil based moisturizer because water based products can freeze and cause problems. They say…