(FOX NEWS) – You’re feeling sick for several hours after a tasty meal – is it just a “food coma,” or a case of salmonella poisoning? If it’s the latter, you may feel ill and experience discomfort for several days. The infection is rarely fatal. The problem may stem from your own dinner table: consuming raw and undercooked animal products…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Officials say more than 100,000 Minnesotans who buy health insurance on their own have signed up through the state’s insurance exchange so far. Open enrollment for 2018 health coverage began Nov. 1. Gov. Mark Dayton and MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole released the new enrollment numbers Wednesday. More than 50,000 Minnesotans already have signed up through…
DULUTH, Minn. – According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States is in need of donated blood. Experts say it’s why blood drives are so critical in every community across the Northland. But have you ever thought about your animals when it comes to donating? Every year thousands of humans do good by donating…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth based Essentia Health has fired nearly 50 workers w ho did not get a shot and now union leaders are fighting back. When asked what the next steps for these 50 some fired workers are? An Essentia Health representative said the now former employees have no next step with the company. Also stating this is only…
DULUTH, Minn. – Trans people and their allies across the world are standing together to honor transgender lives lost to hate and violence. For Transgender Remembrance Day, a vigil and rally were held in Downtown Duluth at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Organizers say their goal is to raise awareness for trans rights in the Northland. “If…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA in downtown offers several options for exercise. They have offerings from group classes, rock climbing, racquetball, to swimming lessons, pickleball, basketball, and much more. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay learned how to work with kettlebells. Alisha Bradley, Director of Healthy Living for the YMCA, says it’s a strength training device…
DULUTH, Minn.- The American Lung Association has been helping smokers put down cigarettes for over 35 years. The Great American Smokeout offers Northlanders looking to quit smoking cigarettes, many suggestions. The Minnesota Medicaid program covers; NRT Gum, NRT Patches, counseling, and other options to make the process a little easier. “I did the lozenges, I did the patch, and made…
DULUTH, Minn. – Thanksgiving is a week away meaning Black Friday sales are also right around the corner. St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates is hosting another Black Friday sale. All make up, skin care and injectables gift certificates will be 25 percent off on Friday, November 24. Also, if a customer spends $30, they’ll receive a $15 coupon for future…
DULUTH, Minn. – Almost half of all Americans are now considered to have high blood pressure according to the new parameters released by the American Heart Association. They say blood pressure should now be treated at 130/80 instead of 140/90. About a third of Americans were in the high blood pressure category before, but after moving the guidelines it now…
(Courtesy of Innovative Health Solutions, Inc. ) WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. health authorities have cleared a brain-stimulating device for patients suffering from debilitating withdrawal symptoms caused by addiction to heroin and other opioids. The nerve stimulator is the first device to treat such symptoms including joint pain, anxiety, stomach aches, and insomnia. The announcement Wednesday by the Food and Drug…
ST. PAUL, Minn.-MNSURE has registered about 92,000 people this year through its health insurance exchange, which is twice as many as last year. Reports are also suggesting the open enrollment period has gone much smoother compared to year’s past. “Our first two weeks have gone very smoothly,” said CEO Allison O’Toole. “MNsure’s enrollment is looking strong out of the gate. ……
DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving around the corner, medial experts want you to bring something else to the table. The conversation of advanced care planning, which may cause fear in some, but it’s an important topic to discuss. “When these conversations don’t happen and the patient expires families never talk to each other ever again, because people in the family…
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – New guidelines lower the threshold for high blood pressure, adding 30 million Americans to those who have the condition, which now plagues nearly half of U.S. adults. High pressure, which for decades has been a top reading of at least 140 or a bottom one of 90, drops to 130 over 80 in advice announced Monday by a dozen…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s hospital is adding some new art to their hallways for a short period of time. The hospital is hosting the traveling, community focused art exhibit known as, to really see. The exhibit focuses on the display of creative medication use stories that users, artist, and participants want to express and share. “I would like this…
DULUTH, Minn. – Below average temperatures have been keeping the Northland cold throughout the week. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay got advice for dressing for the cold weather. Eve Graves told William how to dress if he’s interested in skiing, jogging, or doing some other active activity in frigid temperatures. Graves tells FOX 21, “there’s no…
DULUTH, Minn. – A health career fair was held Wednesday at the College of Saint Scholastica. Thirty employers from across the region including St. Luke’s, Essentia, and the Mayo Clinic met with CSS students wanting to enter the healthcare industry. “For a recruiter to be able to see someone and to make that face to face connection, it can really…
DULUTH, Minn. – As part of Infant Safe Sleep Week medical leaders in Minnesota are making a push to cut down on unexpected infant deaths. St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth is at the forefront of this initiative. That’s because it’s the first hospital in the state to receive a National Safe Sleep Certification by maintaining a safe sleep policy. “Our…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community Garden Program held their first monthly get–together at Bent Paddle on Tuesday. It’s called “Lettuce Meet Up!” It’s a way for community gardeners to get to know each other, and discuss tips and tricks. “You can meet people from different gardens, some all the way in west side, some all the way in Chester…
DULUTH, Minn. – Mental health professionals from around the region met up in Duluth on Monday and Tuesday. It was the third annual Comprehensive Mental Health Conference. Organizers say it’s a way for health professionals to learn more about their practice, network, and encourage young professionals to seek careers in the mental health field. “This work can be tremendously fulfilling,…
BAD RIVER, Wis.-The Bad River Tribe near Ashland has declared a public health emergency as they face an opioid abuse crisis. The goal of the declaration is to help bring more funding into the community to fight its growing drug problem. Other tribes in the region have taken similar steps including Red Cliff and Lac Courte Oreilles. “This is a…
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (AP) – Nearly two dozen Wisconsin counties say in a federal lawsuit that “nefarious and deceptive” marketing campaigns from pharmaceutical companies are responsible for the nation’s opioid overdose epidemic. The lawsuit filed Tuesday says local governments’ health and law enforcement services “have been strained to the breaking point” because of widespread opioid abuse. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary…
DULUTH, Minn. – With Veteran’s Day coming up this week, some groups are having discussions surrounding mental health. A presentation was held a the Duluth Public Library discussing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in veteran’s. Organizers say it is important for people to talk about mental health, and understand that help is out there. “Mental illness is still a stigma, unfortunately, so…
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Anthem has picked a former top executive from its biggest competitor to replace Joseph Swedish as its next CEO. Anthem said Monday that Gail K. Boudreaux will start Nov. 20 Swedish will serve as executive chairman until May and then as senior adviser for a couple more years. A statement Monday from Indianapolis-based…
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has a new surgical robot that’s expected to help patients heal faster after surgery. Surgeries performed by robots allow patients to spend less time in the hospital, feel less pain, and take fewer medications. St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth performs more than four-hundred robotic surgeries every year. With the new robot, they can expand that…
FLINT, Mich. (AP) – A judge has begun hearing testimony against a Michigan official who faces criminal charges tied to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak during the Flint water crisis. Dr. Eden Wells is the state’s chief medical executive. She’s charged with involuntary manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and lying to an investigator. The state attorney general says Wells and others could…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Attorney General Brad Schimel says the state Group Insurance Board can offer self-insurance plans to municipal employers. Gov. Scott Walker asked Schimel in April for a legal opinion on whether state law authorizes the board to set up a self-insurance plan open to municipal employers. under such a plan, the state would pay medical claims directly….
DULUTH, Minn. – As we experienced the “Fall Back” of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, the Northland is going to be seeing less daylight. This can affect mood and sleep cycle. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to describe technology that can help with the sleep cycle. The Fitbit Charge 2 can help monitor how much light,…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Sunday is the day to set the clocks back for daylight saving time, which means it’s also an important time to check something else around the house. Fire officials say it’s time to change the batteries on those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Experts say having a functioning smoke detector is a matter of life or…
SUPERIOR, Wis.-Alzheimer’s is a disease that has devastating effects on much of the elderly population. Today, a conference was held at UWS that looked at the future of Alzheimer’s treatment and where research is headed next. Event organizers said the problem of Alzheimer’s in Wisconsin seems to be increasing. “The prevalence of Alzheimer’s as our state ages is going up…
DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia Health’s holiday fundraiser has begun. Two of their gift shops, along with their community room, will be open tomorrow to sell baked goods and many different gift items like ornaments. All the funds for this sale, will go toward a great cause. “All the profits from this show and throughout the year go to our St. Mary’s Auxiliary…
DULUTH, Minn.-It’s that time of the year again, where St. Luke’s Hospital needs your help. Their Volunteer Service Guild is hosting a fundraiser sale that goes through tomorrow at the hospital’s gift shop. Multiple items are on sale there, including jewelry and clothing. Volunteers at the event said the funds raised will go toward patient care programs along with medical…
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time to gobble up the rest of your Halloween candy and prepare for a healthy holiday season. The American Heart Association is looking to help consumers celebrate National Eating Healthy Day. The Association along with Essentia Health and St. Luke’s hosted an event Wednesday evening at Super One Foods near the Miller Hill Mall. The event…
DULUTH, Minn. — Starting today, Minnesotans can enroll in healthcare coverage through the open enrollment process. Minnesota is one of only 12 states with a state health insurance exchange. The process can be a little complicated, but there are some agencies around the area that can help. Generations Healthcare Initiative is one of those resources, with folks called “navigators” on…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital was honored with awards from the American Heart Association recognizing their quality care for heart attack and stroke patients. The hospital held a presentation and luncheon today to thank the members of their cardiac team. “To recognize them and recognize their efforts and dedication to their craft and how good they are at it…
A new deadline, rising prices and fewer options for help will greet health insurance shoppers as the Affordable Care Act’s main enrollment window opens Wednesday. Also in store: Befuddlement. “Confusion seems to be one of the key words to describe what we’re facing now,” said Nicolas Moriello, a Delaware-based broker. Among the things Moriello has found he needs to clear…
DULUTH, Minn.- Trick-or-Treating is 24 hours away, FOX21 has tips on handling the sugar monsters that come with it. Plenty of candy will be handed out and eaten by little ones. According to one local expert, allowing children to indulge on Halloween has its benefits. “A lot of times on that first night it’s good to just let them eat,”…
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith started the workweek with a stop in Duluth to talk healthcare Monday morning. Smith along with Commissioner Emily Piper chose to host a town hall in Duluth on the MinnesotaCare Buy-In Proposal. For Lt. Governor Smith, the goal of Monday’s meeting at Duluth City Hall was to inform residents of the plan…
The storm may be over but it has left its lasting presence on Duluth’s drinking water. The City of Duluth water system recently violated a drinking water standard related to turbidity. Although the levels have continued to drop throughout the day, Duluth’s water is still not at a level that we would normally come to expect. What should you do?…
DULUTH, Minn.- Some controversy is swirly between Essentia Health and the United Steel Workers Union after the company announced, they’re requiring all employees to receive the flu vaccine. The new policy was put in place back in September. Essentia said the policy benefits patients, but the union is hoping for a different solution. “It’s a one size fits all,” USW Local…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesotans working to change the flow of food through laws, policies, and systems are meeting this week. The Minnesota Food Access Summit brings together around 550 individuals from different fields, aiming to solve the issue of healthy food access. “When you have an opportunity to work with different sectors, it really helps you expand and creatively think of…
President Trump speaks during an event to declare the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency in the East Room of the White House. (AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency — a step that won’t bring new dollars to fight a scourge that kills nearly 100 Americans a…
SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – This weekend the St. Croix Inn is hosting their 1st Annual Diabetes Fundraiser. All money raised from the event will go to diabetes research. There will be an ATV Poker ride on Saturday, October 28, 2017. At the end of the day riders are invited to meet in the “Diggers” lakeside lounge and enjoy music, food…
DULUTH, Minn- Medical professionals in Duluth are getting some hands on training with Narcan. It’s a drug that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and doctors all got training as part of the Minnesota Targeted Response Grant. The goal of the grant is to expand the use of Narcan and create more…
DULUTH Minn- We are learning more about the woman that was found on fire, and critically injured on Hwy 23 near Duluth last week. 24 year old Jaclyn Arnold works as a community advocate in Duluth. It’s been 4 days since Arnold was found on fire on Hwy 23. A passerby extinguished the fire, but she was severely burned. Police…
(CNN) – Judges in two separate cases have ruled in favor of pharma giant Johnson & Johnson, overturning large financial judgments awarded to plaintiffs who believe the company’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder products caused their ovarian cancer. One award was to a California woman for $417 million, and another was to an Alabama woman for $72 million. In the California case,…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Students at the University of Minnesota have created a task force that will develop new strategies to combat sexual assault on campus. Minnesota Daily reports that the task force created by the Minnesota Student Association will hold its first meeting in early November. The group has two parts: an advisory council that will get input from groups…
DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM held their annual Street Outreach Fundraising Dinner on Saturday. CHUM is Duluth’s largest homeless shelter and food shelf. It’s made of forty-three faith communities joined together to help Duluthians in need. On Saturday, more than two-hundred CHUM members, city officials, and business leaders came to the fundraising dinner. Organizers hoped to raise about $20,000. “Our mission…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders went bowling to beat breast cancer in Duluth. In the past ten years, the charity event has raised more than $140,000 for breast cancer survivors. Each survivor is given the book “Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul.” The money is also buys them grocery cards, gas cards, and chemo bags. “Everybody knows somebody that…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the temperatures begin to cool down during the Fall, outdoor athletes adjust their gear to stay healthy and safe. One group that needs to make gear changes is bicyclists. This morning, Denis Sauve, the owner of Twin Ports Cyclery, visited FOX 21 to give some tips. Sauve says the most important parts of the body to…
CLOQUET, Minn. – The Community Memorial Hospital is celebrating new ways to help patients. The Advanced Wound Clinic opened in September, and on Thursday, it hosted an open house for the community. The clinic specializes in treating patients with wounds that are not healing or responding to traditional treatment. Clinic officials say it’s important to have facilities like this in…
