Health

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…

Pets Paired with Patients During End of Life Care

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

( 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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…