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…
DULUTH, Minn. – Long-term care facilities and child day cares are on alert to help prevent the spread of flu as the state of Minnesota has recently seen an explosion of influenza cases. It’s so bad health experts are describing this year’s flu season as severe and one of the worst in recent memory. One child has even died this…
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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,”…
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…
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, 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…
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…
MILWAUKEE (AP) _ The bitter cold apparently has caused two more deaths in Wisconsin. Green Bay police say a 60-year-old woman was found dead Wednesday. Investigators say she took a cab home and after the cab dropped her off, she fell and hit her head while trying to reach a key she had dropped. Her name was not released. In…
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…
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…
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…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Birthplace at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center welcomed its first baby of the New Year. Little Charles Everett Dreier made his entrance into the world at 2:13 a.m. His proud parents are Susanna Schafter and Nathan Dreier of Superior. This is the couple’s fifth child, but their first boy. Charles weighs 6 pounds 15 ounces and…
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, 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…
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…
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….
