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….
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
(Shutterstock) (FOX NEWS) – The so-called “man flu” has been a punchline for decades, but according to one expert it may be time to stop taking it lightly. Dr. Kyle Sue, a Canadian doctor whose findings are published in the British Medical Journal, claims that physiological differences between men and women can lead to different responses to colds and viruses….
MILWAUKEE (AP) – The Medical College of Wisconsin wants to expand access to vaccines by having drug stores offer immunizations. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the college is spending $489,000 on a vaccination project with the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. The statewide project is expected to last two and a half years. The college’s dean, George MacKinnon, says the project…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the last few years, we’ve all heard a lot about the effects concussions can have on athletes. Two Superior High School students looked into the information and on Monday, they presented a community discussion about concussions. Kaleb Ullan was diagnosed with two concussions while playing hockey last season. This year, he and his friend Blake Hanson…
DULUTH, Minn.- Northland medical professionals are discussing ethical issues when treating patients with pain or addiction. The goal of the Medical Ethics Conference is to make sure patients are being treated fairly. When treating chronic pain medical professionals have a lot to take into consideration; from when opioids should be prescribed, to what to do if your patient develops an…
DULUTH, Minn- The coldest air of the season is settling in on the Northland, which has advocates concerned for homeless in the area. Typically, the CHUM homeless shelter in Duluth hosts about 50 people a warm night, according to CHUM support staff member Shawn Carr. But he says that number can double when the deep freeze sets in. “During cold…
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is looking to keep unused or expired medications out of the wrong hands, as well as out of landfills and waters. Essentia announced Monday that anyone looking to get rid of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can do so anonymously at any Essentia Health retail pharmacy. Pharmacies are now equipped with bright blue drop-off boxes. Certain…
VIRGINIA, Minn.- Seven Northlanders on the Iron Range are in the hospital after possible carbon monoxide exposure. The owner of the residence where this happened says three people live in the home and four others were visiting. Their condition has not been released Sunday. Fire Department Officials say it’s important for people to be educated about this silent killer. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – A ceremony at Essentia Health helps grieving families get through the holiday season. The holidays can be difficult for families experiencing the loss of a loved one. At Essentia Health’s Tree of Lights Ceremony, people experiencing grief come together to connect with others going through the same emotions. At the ceremony, families remember, honor and thank special…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown kids are ready for some of life’s toughest lessons, thanks to the D.A.R.E program. More than 170 sixth grade students graduated from the 2017 D.A.R.E program In Friday. Hermantown police handed out certificates and prizes. The program teaches kids about the effects of drugs and alcohol, but it doesn’t stop there. “The D.A.R.E. program is so much…
DULUTH, Minn. – A candlelight vigil took place in Downtown Duluth to commemorate the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, as well as draw attention to the illness as a way to de-stigmatize the topic. “People with HIV and AIDS are just that – They’re people,” advocate Will McGraw said. “I think that all people deserve to feel safe and respected…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The collateral damage from Congress’ struggle to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care law could include a program that covers more than 8 million low-income children. The Children’s Health Insurance Program, also known as CHIP, provides low-cost coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. But it has become caught up in…
DULUTH, Minn. – -Sticking to a diet and exercise plan can be difficult during the holiday season. FOX 21 spoke with a personal trainer from Anytime Fitness in Duluth. The trainer, Andy Schobert, says it’s important to manage your portions when at holiday events. Schobert says using a fitness tracker can help because people can know how many calories they’re…
CLOQUET, Minn. -Many people living in St. Louis and Carlton County know the effects of the opioid all crisis too well. They might have dealt with or have family members dealing with an addiction. Naloxone or Narcan is one drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Several people were at Fon du Lac Tribal & Community College for…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say they’re adding autism spectrum disorders and obstructive sleep apnea as conditions that qualify for medical marijuana. Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger says there is increasing evidence that medical marijuana can help people with severe autism or obstructive apnea. The state health department takes public input each year on conditions that might be…
SUPERIOR, Wis., – Dec. 1 is recognized as World AIDS Day. Twin Ports Mayors Emily Larson and Jim Paine held a dual proclamation to show how they’re working together to place the spotlight on the disease in the Northland. Both mayors agree that HIV and AIDS is a big problem and it affects millions, but it also hits close to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Black Friday deals aren’t just taking place inside shopping malls and storefronts today. State Parks across the country are offering free admission for Free Park Friday. Some are even hosting programs. Tettegouche State Park is teaching Primitive Fire Starting from noon until 2:00 p.m. For more information head to www.dnr.mn.us. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Environment, Features, Health, Links,…
