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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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…
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, 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,…
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…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. – This month, doctors from St. Luke’s Hospital are working together to help those who have gone through cancer treatment. Stacy Sandberg, the Clinic Manager for St. Luke’s Regional Cancer Center, stopped by FOX 21 to discuss an upcoming lecture. The lecture is part of a Cancer Survivorship series. The theme on Tuesday, February 20 is “Quality of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
(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…
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…
(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…
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
