Health

American Heart Association Talks Heart Health Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Heart Association hosted its Go Red For Women luncheon event at the DECC Wednesday to raise awareness about heart disease, which is the No. 1 killer in women and men in the United States. Click the video above to learn more about your hearth health, and check out the American Heart Association’s website for all…

Go Red for Women Luncheon held at The DECC

The luncheon will feature words from local survivors and volunteers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Almost half of all American women over the age of twenty have some form of cardiovascular disease, making it the number one killer of all women in our country.  But, health experts know shedding light on the issue and taking precautionary measures can help. Northland Go Red for Women does just that. The movement helps to educate women…

MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance ‘Disappointed’ New Lift Bridge Lighting Policy Won’t Include Requests

The Lift Bridge will be lit for nine national holidays/special days decided by Mayor Emily Larson's administration. Enger Tower will accept public requests.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the most vocal organizations in support of lighting Duluth’s Lift Bridge for special causes is “disappointed” Mayor Emily Larson’s new policy still restricts that from becoming a reality after public scrutiny on her prior policy. It was late Friday when Larson released the new policy, which will light the iconic structure for nine national holidays…

Essentia Leaders, Employees Get Sneak-Peek Inside New Cloquet Urgent Care Clinic Opening Next Week

Patients will be welcomed into the urgent care clinic next Monday, with a ribbon-cutting planned for May 23rd. 

CLOQUET, Minn.- Essentia leaders and employees got a sneak peek Monday of the hospital’s 73rd clinic to open up in the Northland region — a new Urgent Care clinic in Cloquet. The new 7,600 square foot urgent care facility has been in the works since 2019, but the pandemic delayed moving ahead to late 2020 and early last year. Now…

North Country Ride Celebrates 40 Years With Derby Gala

DULUTH, Minn.- North Country Ride celebrated 40 years of horseback riding-driven therapy for the special needs population with a Derby Gala at the Buffalo Junction in Duluth. The non-profit organization held a silent auction and dinner. And while the Kentucky Derby was happening Saturday, they also had their own run for the roses. North Country Ride uses horseback riding as…

Coffee Conversation: Spiritual Coach Monique Forcier

DULUTH, Minn. — Spiritual Coach Monique Forcier stopped by the morning show Thursday to talk to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger about different ways to help people heal and become more mindful and awake in their lives. Click the video above for that conversation, and click here to view Monique’s website of services. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Education, Health, Minnesota, News,…

Coffee Conversation: Tickets Available For North Country Ride’s Derby Gala Saturday

The non-profit in Esko helps people with special needs live their best lives through interactions with horses.

DULUTH, Minn. – North Country Ride’s Derby Gala is happening this Saturday, May 7, at the Buffalo House Junction, and one of the non-profit’s board members joined Dan Hanger, who is emceeing the gala, on the morning show to talk about what to expect.  Click the video above for that conversation. For ticket information for the Derby Gala, click here….

Superior Officials, Mental Health Service Providers Connect with Residents at Mental Health Awareness Night

Mayor Jim Paine announced he's proposing to devote $50,000 in federal funding for therapy in high schools.

DULUTH, Minn.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced he’s proposing to devote thousands in federal COVID relief to help address mental health among young people, as service providers hoped to keep the conversation going at the Mental Health Awareness Night. Dozens of resources and service providers gathered at the Belgian club on East 2nd Street in Superior, kicking off Mental Health…

Families Get Active for 30th Healthy Kids Day at Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was the 30th Anniversary of the Duluth Area YMCA’s largest one-day event, celebrating healthy lifestyles for families and kicking off the Y’s Summer Schedule. FOX 21 Photojournalist Owen Zagrabelny takes us to Healthy Kids Day. Superior Douglas County Family YMCA will hold their Healthy Kids Day Event Sunday from 11-3. Categories: Community, Education, Entertainment, Health, Minnesota, News,…

JDRF Walk Brings Awareness, Support for Those Suffering with Type 1 Diabetes

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday morning brought out over a hundred people to the Gichi-Dde’ Akiing park for a walk that raises awareness about type one diabetes, and shows those who have it, that they are not alone. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF, partnered with Essentia Health to bring this walk back to Duluth. Teams spent the 3 to…

Mysterious Pediatric Liver Disease Found in Minnesota

The cases have no known connection, although a link with a virus that can cause colds is being investigated.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health said it’s investigating several severe cases of hepatitis among children and has reported the cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC continues to investigate cases of the sudden liver disease in nearly 200 children that has health authorities in several countries racing to find answers. The illness is…

Melanoma Awareness Month Kicks Off On Melanoma Monday May 1

DULUTH, Minn. – Health experts are raising awareness about skin health as we approach Melanoma Awareness Month starting May 1. It’s all about focusing on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention and skin cancer screenings. The owner of Twin Ports Dermatology, Heather Smith, said it’s important for everyone to get their skin professional screened once a year, especially if you…

UPDATE: Gov. Walz Signs Bill on Unemployment Insurance, Bonus Checks for Frontline Workers

About 667,000 workers will be eligible for the $750 bonus checks.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature pushed through a bill to give bonuses to workers who were on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund following months of negotiations, and Governor Walz signed it into effect on Friday evening. Legislative leaders struck a deal late Wednesday…

Twin Ports Dermatology Talks Annual Skin Checks, Protection, Cancer Treatment

DULUTH, Minn. — Melanoma Awareness Month starts May 1, and health experts are taking extra steps to inform people about their skin health. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked to Heather Smith, owner of Twin Ports Dermatology, which has been serving the Duluth area for more than seven years now. Smith talks about the importance of annual skin checks, the proper…

In-Motion Therapy Opens New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — In Motion Therapy is a physical therapy center, that has been around for about 15 years, and they are opening the doors of a new location. Maintaining the brand and quality of their one on one services as well as being more accessible to more parts of the community is the priority of this new spot. New…

Local Grief Resources Assisting Community Post Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — While the tragic loss of the Barry family and their dog have weighed heavy on friends and family, they were also traumatizing to the officers who responded. Local mental health experts say it’s important anyone effected knows, and utilizes, the support services available to them. Events like this don’t happen often in Duluth, and it can leave…

Live Interview: WLSSD Talks Recycling, Reducing, Reusing On Earth Day

DULUTH, Minn. – AJ Axtell, environmental program coordinator at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), stopped by the 8 a.m. hour of FOX 21’s morning show to talk about ways to be better to the planet.  Click the video for Axtell’s chat with Dan Hanger and Ken Slama, and see some information below. “Earth Day is an opportunity to…

Local Therapy Center Using Farm Animals and a Ranch to Help People

RICE LAKE, Wis.– A nonprofit organization is taking therapy outside and into the stables. Nature’s Edge Therapy provides occupational and speech therapy in a unique way. The operation has been around for 20 years and utilizes hippotherapy or animal assisted therapy. It’s the same as they would be in a hospital, clinic, or school setting, but these sessions take place…

Live Interview: ‘Tuffy’ Needs Forever Home After Found Starving To Death

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet woman, who is also a veterinarian technician at the Duluth Veterinary Hospital, is looking to find a forever home for a stray dog that was found severely malnourished about nine weeks ago. Before and after care Jodi Carlson has been working to build up Tuffy’s strength for the past seven weeks. Talking to Dan Hanger…

WI DNR Restarts Effort To Set Bacteria Standards In Groundwater

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources has restarted efforts to set standards for bacteria in groundwater after conservatives on the agency’s policy board killed the attempt in February. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that the board on Wednesday authorized a public hearing and comment period on a new rule-making process to set groundwater standards for E….

St. Lukes Honors Organ Donors with Flag Ceremony

April is National Donate Life Month.

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, families gathered in the St. Lukes pavilion building to commemorate the lives that were given another chance after other ended. April is considered National Donate Life Month and to honor it, St. Lukes hosted a ceremony to recognize the importance of organ, tissue and eye donations. Donor families came together to take a moment of silence for…

North Country Ride Celebrates 40th Year Using Horseback Riding as Therapy for Challenges

On May 7th North Country Ride is holding a Derby Gala at the Buffalo House Junction in Duluth.

ESKO, Minn.- It’s been 40 years that North Country Ride in Esko has lent a helping hand — or hoof — to the special needs population with therapeutic horseback riding. In early May, they’re celebrating with a Derby Gala. “Well sometimes we do like little games and races, those are my favorite,” said 7.5-year-old Barrett Chenevert, standing next to his…

Essentia Health’s ‘Child Life Specialists’ Ready To Help Kids, Youth Cope

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to hospitals or doctors, they can be scary, especially for kids. But Essentia Health has a special way to help little ones feel more comfortable. They’re called Child Life Specialists, which provide support to infants, children, youth, and families facing all types of medical situations. The certified specialists also provide coping skills. “We have…

Essentia Health: What Is A Child Life Specialist?

DULUTH, Minn. – JoHanna Orman joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 8 a.m. hour of the morning show to talk about Essentia Health’s Child Life Specialists and what they do for kids and youth facing uneasy doctor visits, treatments and procedures.   For more on the specialists, click here. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Education, Health, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Legalizing Medical Marijuana In Wisconsin Gets First Public Hearing

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican-authored bill to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin will be getting its first public hearing next week, achieving one goal of backers even though the measure will not pass this year. The Legislature has adjourned and won’t be back until 2023. But the April 20 Senate committee hearing on the medical marijuana bill will give…

Duluth Woman Flies To Poland-Ukraine Border With Medical Supplies For Refugees

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluthian born and raised in Ukraine left the Duluth International Airport Monday for the border of Poland and Ukraine with all types of medical supplies as Russian forces continue their deadly war there. Bogdana Krivogorsky spoke to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger before hopping on a plane overseas. “Think about it. One day everything is gone and…

St. Lukes Looking for COVID-19 Study Participants

Questions about the study can be directed to RECOVERStudy@slduluth.com

DULUTH, Minn.– St. Lukes has partnered with the CDC and five other research sites for a study that will look into how COVID-19 moves through populations of people. St. Lukes is welcoming new participants to enroll so it can collect more data for the “Recover” Study. The researched began back in August of 2020 and focuses on people who are…

Annual Gear Up For Grandma’s Preparing Marathon Runners, Helping Overseas

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — With just two months till the biggest race in Duluth, Grandma’s Marathon held ‘Gear Up For Grandmas’ here in Hermantown Saturday morning, to not only prepare, but educate racers on how to get ready, but they also found another way to give back. Anticipation was even higher Saturday as this year may be the most normal Grandma’s…

UMD Public Health Students Give Out Personal Wellness Kits

Wellness Kits Given to the First 50 Students That Stop By the Public Health Table in Kirby Student Center

UMD Public Health students are teaming up with the Kirby Program Board to promote good health on campus for National Public Health Week. They offered free wellness kits to the first 50 students that stopped by their table. These kits were put together by Public Health Majors and are free to anyone on campus. They include helpful everyday accessories like…

Cyclospora Found in Ocean Mist Farms Brand Romaine Hearts

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is alerting consumers to avoid eating a specific lot of Ocean Mist Farms brand romaine hearts sold at several stores throughout Wisconsin. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture laboratory found Cyclospora in the product during routine surveillance. During its investigation, it was determined some of the affected product…

Bird Ban Has Local Chickens “Cooped Up”

An Outbreak of the Bird Flu has Led Farmers to Quarantine Their Poultry Until Migration Season Wraps Up.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza strain called H5N1 can be devastating to poultry livestock and farmers. In a proactive effort, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health has banned poultry sales where birds may mix together, such as swaps, fairs, exhibitions, and more. The temporary rule also means for some local farmers, they need to quarantine their chickens in their coops,…

New Therapy at Yoga Studio Helps People Chill-Out in Lake Superior

The cold water immersion is modeled after the Wim Hof Method.

DULUTH, Minn.– A local yoga and fitness studio in Downtown Duluth is offering a new advanced form of yoga to really help you “Chill-out.” Evolve Yoga and Fitness Downtown is adding cold water immersion to their list of teachings. They tell us the practice has many health benefits and helps to gain mental strength. “We’re also offering these fun experiences…

Poultry Sales, Exhibits Temporarily Banned due to Bird Flu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota animal health officials are imposing a ban on all poultry sales and exhibitions through the month of April after the presence of bird flu was found in the state. The ban, which includes poultry community sales, swaps, fairs, exhibitions, and other events where birds are brought together, is effective Friday and lasts through May…

ALS-Stricken Sen. Tomassoni, Minnesota Lawmakers Sign Law Granting $25 million to ALS Research, Caregivers

The legislation invests $20 million into grants to find new methods of prevention, treatment, and cures for ALS.

  ST. PAUL, Minn.- The State of Minnesota has officially dedicated millions of dollars to ALS research — and front and center, showing firsthand the tough battle with the disease, was Minnesota Senator David Tomassoni. “This bill means hope,” Sen. Tomassoni (I-6th Dist.) said at the bill signing ceremony Wednesday. Tomassoni joined Governor Tim Walz and other state lawmakers in…

Wildlife Experts Search for Cause in COVID-19 Infecting Northland Minnesota Animals

Cases of COVID-19 have been found in deer, bears, moose and wolves in Northern part of Minnesota

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. (AP)–Wildlife experts are searching for the virus that causes COVID-19 in deer, bears, moose and wolves in Minnesota’s north woods. They are among researchers around the world trying to figure out how and where wildlife is spreading the coronavirus at a time when international health agencies are calling for greater tracking of infected animals. Scientists are deeply…

MNA to Essentia: Don’t Hamper Possible Union at Miller Hill Outpatient Surgery Center

DULUTH, Minn. – When Essentia Health opens their new outpatient surgery center at Miller Hill Mall this summer, the Minnesota Nurses Association does not want them to stop nurses from possibly unionizing. They want the medical provider to publicly pledge neutrality on this matter, since the current bargaining agreement between the two would not cover the new facility. “We believe that…

State of Minnesota Launces Program to Provide At-Home COVID-19 Tests

A new online program to be launched that will provide free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests statewide

AP — Minnesota is launching a new online program to provide free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests. Beginning Tuesday, Minnesotans can order two test kits per home for a total of four tests via mn.gov/covid19. The state has secured 500,000 of the test kits and will make them available until the supply runs out. Minnesota will use the program as a…

FDA OKs Another Pfizer, Moderna COVID Booster for 50 and Up

U.S. regulators are allowing people 50 and older to get another booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

AP-U.S. regulators on Tuesday authorized another COVID-19 booster for people age 50 and older, a step to offer extra protection for the most vulnerable in case the coronavirus rebounds. The Food and Drug Administration’s decision opens a fourth dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to that age group at least four months after their previous booster. Until now, the…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Heide’s Mastectomy Store in Duluth

Heide's specializes in post-mastectomy care and compression garments for men and women with vascular and lymphatic disorders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Getting fitted for medical garments post-surgery or procedure can feel like a dry expressionless experience. But the folks at Heide’s Mastectomy Store in Duluth are hoping to change that. “So it feels almost like a boutique but we bill insurance for the products,” said Nicole Wrazidlo, a mastectomy fitter and Lymphedema master fitter. The mastectomy and compression store…

Lincoln Park to Undergo Much Needed Transformations

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth’s Ecolibrium3 has been awarded more than 800-thousand dollars to address economic, educational and health disparities in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. The money is coming from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. It’ll fund three construction projects including a small-footprint grocery store with fresh produce on W Superior St. This effort will help to close the gap…

Bird Flu Confirmed in Two Minnesota Poultry Flocks

The state Board of Animal Health says the poultry flocks are in Meeker and Mower counties.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The bird flu has been confirmed in two poultry flocks in Minnesota. The state Board of Animal Health says the poultry flocks are in Meeker and Mower counties. Samples collected from both flocks were tested on March 25 and confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture The state Board of Animal Health says it’s the first confirmed…

Allergy Season Getting Underway in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Allergy season is already underway for some people in the Northland. While pollen numbers won’t pick up until April and May, Dr. Minto Porter, an allergist and immunologist with Essentia Health, says outdoor molds starts to increase once snow starts to melt and humidity levels rise.  “Patients will probably have more difficulty if they go into spring already…

UW-Superior to Close COVID-19 Testing Site to the Public

The free site will still be open for UWS students and employees.

DULUTH, Minn.–The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s free COVID-19 testing site will close to the public on April 1. The testing site is operated in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in the Marcovich Wellness Center. The clinic will remain open for UW-Superior staff and students. Other COVID-19 testing sites are located within area pharmacies and health care clinics. Categories:…

Essentia Health Creates “Education-To-Employment” Scholarships And Opportunities For Rock Ridge Students

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Essentia Health is teaming up with Rock Ridge Public Schools in Virginia to create what they call “education-to-employment student scholarships.” Essentia is setting aside $300,000 for scholarships for students who pursue education after high school for certain career opportunities in healthcare. Those jobs range from respiratory therapists to radiology, surgical, and medical lab technicians, and more. The…