Health

Making a Shake with Cold Fusion

Cooking Connection: Cold Fusion and Fit Lab

DULUTH, Minn. – A local nutrition club is keeping folks healthy downtown. The owner of Cold Fusion, Annie Call, tells us the goal of the business is to bring a healthy, active lifestyle to the community. Call described the business as “healthy fast food.” While there customers get a shot of aloe to help with disgestion, a 16 oz. energy…

Essentia Promotes Healthy Life Style

Eating Healthy And Getting Outside

Duluth, Minn. Healthy food free bike helmets and lots of fun activities were on hand today at the Heritage Center. It was Essentia Health’s way of promoting a healthy life style and keeping kids active during the summer. “We’re committed to a healthy community and giving back to the community and this is one way that we’re able to do…

Senate GOP Leaders Delay Health Care Vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a bruising setback, Senate Republican leaders are delaying a vote on their prized health care bill until after the July 4 recess, forced to retreat by a GOP rebellion that left them lacking enough votes to even begin debating the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., delivered the message to GOP senators Tuesday at a…

Superior Spring Trail Racer Cause of Death, Cardiac Arrest

UPDATE 6-27: The cause of death for Jon Mathson, 41, of Eagan, has been confirmed by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. According to the report, Mathson died from a natural cardiac arrest during exertion due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, which is the hardening of the arteries and can create life-threatening blockages, as…

Audit Says Senate Healthcare Bill Would Leave 22 Million Uninsured

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate health care bill would result in 22 million more uninsured Americans over the next decade compared to current law. That’s according to an analysis Monday from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The figure may further complicate Senate GOP leaders’ plans to pass their bill this week. It’s barely an improvement upon the health care bill…

Roadside Delivery Made in Western Wisconsin

FOX 9 - KMSP

Janelle Peterson and her son TJ pose with one of the paramedics who helped her during her roadside birth. Photo Courtesy: Amanda Gustafson ST. CROIX COUNTY, Wis. (KMSP) – A little baby boy made quite an entrance into the world with a roadside delivery in western Wisconsin. Mom and baby are doing well, all thanks to the cool response from…

New Breast Cancer Detection Technology at St. Luke’s

St. Luke's unveiled its new 3d mammogram

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s unveiled new technology to help better detect breast cancer. The St. Luke’s Breast Center cut the ribbon for their brand new 3D mammogram machines on Thursday. Previously doctors only had 2 images to look at, now they can see 15 different images. Radiologists can now detect even smaller signs of breast cancer. “We know that cancers that…

New Clinic Coming to Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – Earlier this week, St. Luke’s celebrated the start of construction on its new Chequamegon Clinic in Ashland. The 22,000 square-foot facility on the shores of Lake Superior along the northside of Highway 2 . The current clinic there, has been serving patients since 1975. The clinic is expected to open in March of 2018. Categories: Health, News,…

Senate GOP Releases Bill to Cut Medicaid, Alter ‘Obamacare’

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Republicans released their long-awaited bill Thursday to dismantle much of Barack Obama’s health care law, proposing to cut Medicaid for low-income Americans and erase tax boosts that Obama imposed on high-earners and medical companies to finances his expansion of coverage. The bill would provide less-generous tax credits to help people buy insurance and let states get…

Assembly Passes Ban on Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Republican-controlled state Assembly has passed a bill designed to prohibit people with pre-existing health conditions from being excluded from health insurance coverage. Republicans brought the issue up after midnight on Thursday. It was not scheduled for debate and there was no notice that the Assembly planned to take up the issue. It passed on a…

Flu Vaccine Ineffective for People 65 and Older Last Winter

NEW YORK (AP) — The flu vaccine did a poor job protecting older Americans against the illness last winter, even though the vaccine was well-matched to the flu bugs going around. U.S. health officials on Wednesday released new vaccine data showing it did a so-so job overall. The vaccine was about 42 percent effective in preventing illness severe enough to…

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Exits Health Care Exchange

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is pulling out of the federal health care exchange in Wisconsin. Anthem blames a volatile market for its exit from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Anthem spokesman Jeff Blunt says making pricing plans is increasingly difficult because of a shrinking and deteriorating individual market. The Associated Press says Anthem also cites…

Health Professionals Discuss Rural Care Options

More Than 600 Groups Attended Rural Health Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Quality health care can be tough to find for many rural Minnesotans.  So the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care and the Minnesota Rural Health Association joined forces with the Duluth–based National Rural Health Resource Center to find solutions. “We’re working in approaches to provide resources for rural health communities and providers,” said Sally Buck, CEO,…

Coroner: Cocaine Among Drugs Found in Carrie Fisher’s System

Carrie Fisher Photo: Fox NewsLOS ANGELES (AP) – Carrie Fisher’s autopsy report shows the actress had cocaine in her system when she fell ill on a plane last year, but the investigators could not determine what impact the cocaine and other drugs found in her system had on her death. The report released Monday states Fisher may have taken cocaine…

E. coli Bacteria Found in Drinking Water at US Open

ERIN, Wis. (AP) – Health officials say E. coli bacteria have been found in a drinking water station at Erin Hills golf course where the U.S. Open is underway, but there have been no reports of illness. The Washington Ozaukee Public HEalth Department identified the bacteria in a water sample taken from a hydration station connected to a well near…

Forum Raises Awareness About Elder Abuse

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Twin Ports is experiencing a trend that’s becoming something of an epidemic — hitting one of the most vulnerable groups of our population. According to UWS officers, one out of every 10 people 60 and older are abused every year. The abuse includes financial exploitation, fraud, scams, emotional and physical mistreatment, and neglect. UWS estimates 3,800…

Report: Teen Pregnancies in Minnesota Declining, STIs Rising

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A new report shows fewer teenagers are getting pregnant in Minnesota, but the number of sexually transmitted infections is increasing. University of Minnesota adolescent sexual health director Jill Farris authored the report. She tells Minnesota Public Radio that pregnancy rates among 15 to 19 year olds has dropped 70 percent since 1990. However, teen rates…

Trump Discusses Health Insurance in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is again highlighting the stories of people whose healthcare premiums have skyrocketed as he tries to push a GOP replacement plan. Trump met with what the White House has been referring to as “victims” of former President Barack Obama’s health care law after landing in Milwaukee Tuesday afternoon. Trump says too many people have…

Iowa May be First State with No Health Insurers on Exchange

"...A TOTAL COLLAPSE LEAVING NEARLY 72,000 PEOPLE WITH ZERO OPTIONS TO PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR 2018."

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa could be the first state in the nation with no health insurance companies willing to offer policies on its Affordable Care Act exchange next year unless President Donald Trump’s administration approves a stopgap proposal, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said Monday. Ommen said he and his officials from two major Iowa insurance carriers met…

Urologist Speaks Out During Men’s Health Week

Tips for Staying Healthy

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, June 12-16, is recognized as Men’s Health Week. This morning, Dr. Andrew Nisbet of St. Luke’s Urology Associates visited FOX 21 to speak on the topic. Dr. Nisbet says, “This is a week men should be encouraged to talk to their doctors about health concerns that they have. Some of these issues can be even embarrassing…

Fire Department Talks Water Safety After Accident at “The Deeps”

22-Year-Old Man Is Recovering After Jumping Into Popular Lester River Swimming Hole

DULUTH, Minn. – A 22-year-old man is recovering after jumping into a popular swimming hole in the Lester River known as “The Deeps.” Authorities tell us the man was pulled from the water unconscious with a laceration to the back of the head after hitting a rock just below the water’s surface. The man eventually came to, began breathing, and…

Free Youth Memberships Given Out at Duluth YMCA

One-Hundred Free Summer Youth Memberships at the Duluth Area Family YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – Many youth in the Northland now have big plans for the summer all thanks to a generous donation from Western Bank. The Duluth YMCA is now able to give away 100 youth memberships this summer. Staff at the Duluth Area Family YMCA say this is the first time they’ve been able to do this. The YMCA and…

Bike MS 150 Looking for Volunteers

Bike Ride is June 9-11

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend thousands will be getting out their bikes for a ride from Proctor to White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It’s all to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. However, the MS Society needs help with the race. Organizers are still looking for several volunteers in Proctor, Hinckley, White Bear Lake, and everywhere in between. Local volunteer opportunities…

Former Drug Addict Turns Life Around

Davey Speaks To Kids Across The U.S. As A Form Of Motivation On Recovery

Duluth, Minn. A former drug addict turned musician met with youth tonight in west Duluth to talk about the role drugs played in her life. Mindy Davey has traveled the country talking to young teens about her trials and tribulations while she was addicted to crack–cocaine and prescription pain pills. After numerous run-ins with the law and a number of…

Chainbreaker Bicycle Ride to Raise Cancer Research Funds

Ride Takes Place in August

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking a bike ride this summer could help with cancer research. The University of Minnesota is partnering with a group called Chainbreaker to launch a fundraising experience for the Masonic Cancer Center at the University. Many treatments are now available to patients around the world were pioneered at the Masonic Cancer Center. For example, the University has been…

Duluth Making Sidewalks More ADA Compliant

Meeting Held for Community Members to Offer Input on Sidewalk Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making their sidewalks more ADA compliant. The first of four public meetings was held for the city to gather input from community members on how to best improve sidewalks for people with disabilities. “The sidewalks are public and everyone uses them an it’s important to have safe, convenient access to the businesses,…

St. Luke’s Oncologist to Help Those Dealing with Chemo Brain

How Cancer Treatment can Effect the Brain

DULUTH, Minn. – Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the toughest and most shocking things someone goes through. Dealing with the effects of cancer treatment can last a lifetime. A doctor at St. Luke’s Hospital and a UMD professor in Duluth are hoping to help cancer patients through that hard time. On Tuesday, June 13 St. Luke’s Oncologist and…

Minnesota Health Leaders Ask Imams to Push for Vaccination

Measles outbreak hit the Somali community the hardest in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – With another three weeks of Ramadan and its gatherings, health care workers in Minnesota are seeking help from religious leaders to control the state’s measles outbreak, which has hit the Muslim Somali community the hardest. Children’s Minnesota’s Elham Ashkar says imams in their position of power can help spread the word that vaccination is in the…

Wisconsin County Launches Program to Fight Overdose Deaths

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – A southeast Wisconsin county is making the drug used to reduce opioid overdoses more widely available in an attempt to fight opioid overdose deaths. The Kenosha News reports that Kenosha County’s Narcan Distribution Initiative will train law enforcement officials and others to use the overdose-reversing drug naloxone. Trained individuals will then be able to distribute naloxone…

Two Harbors Science Lab Brings High-Tech Jobs To The Northland

BRTI Life Sciences Creates and Sells Products Used for Stem Cell Research

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A science lab in Two Harbors is on the cutting edge of some important bio-medical work. BRTI Life Sciences is having success with their Stem Cell related technology. The lab creates and sells products other companies use for cell research. In the process, BRTI is bringing high-tech jobs to Northern Minnesota. Their Cell Mate devices are…

Minnesota Measles Outbreak May be Nearing Its End

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials are hoping the state’s measles outbreak is nearing its end as the number of new cases plateau for the last 13 days. The Pioneer Press reports that the Minnesota Department of Health’s daily tally has remained steady at 68 for two weeks. However, health officials are still urging caution and recommending vaccinations. The…

Workout Group Provides Fitness & Support for Northland Mothers

Active Adventures: Stroller Strides

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms around the country are encouraging each other to be healthy through a group fitness program. Fit4Mom is a nationwide program with a branch here in the Twin Ports. The goal is to support moms through every step of motherhood. The company offers several classes: Stroller Strides Stroller Barre Body Back Fit4Baby Running Club For this week’s…

EMS Workers Treated to Cookout

St. Luke's Emergency Department Thanked its EMS Partners

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Emergency Department said thanks to EMS workers with lunch Thursday. Burgers and hot dogs were on the menu, as the first respsonders were treated to a cookout in the hospital’s emergency garage. The director of St. Luke’s Emergency Department says he and his staff appreciate everything EMS does. “We are fortunate in this region to…

FDA: Controller for Heart Pump Recalled over Deaths

(AP) – Federal regulators say nearly 29,000 controllers for implanted heart pumps are being recalled after reports of 26 deaths linked to malfunctions. The recall covers the external power supply controller for the HeartMate II, made by Abbot’s Thoratec unit and distributed from July 2012 until last March. The ventricular assist device helps the heart’s main pumping chamber circulate blood….

Graco Recalls More than 25,000 Car Seats

Amazon DETROIT, Mich. (FOX NEWS) – Graco Children’s Products is recalling more than 25,000 car seats because the harness webbing can break in a crash and may not keep children restrained. The recall affects certain My Ride 65 convertible seats with model numbers 1871689, 1908152, 1813074, 1872691, 1853478, 1877535, 1813015, and 1794334. The seats were made on July 22, 2014…

Minnesota Lawmaker Aims to Make it Harder to Avoid Vaccines

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say there are almost 70 confirmed cases of measles in the state so far this year, and a state lawmaker is hoping to make it harder for parents to opt out of vaccinating their children. Minnesota Public Radio reports that nearly 2,000 kindergartners weren’t immunized against measles this year because their parents…

Great Outdoors: Bike Rodeo

Kids Learned Bike Safety While Having a Lot of Fun

PROCTOR, Minn. – Biking can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy summer in the Northland for kids and for adults. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you to Proctor for their first ever Bike Rodeo. “It’s fun for doing stunts and getting the air in your face and have fresh air,” said Isaac Bogatzki, who was…

Record-Breaking Amount of Unwanted Medications Collected for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back

Record-breaking amount collected

MADISON, Wis. – Official numbers are in for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back Event that was held in April. Attorney Brad Schimel announced a record-breaking 66,830 pounds of unused medications were turned in. Schimel reports that 267 police and sheriff’s departments from 69 Wisconsin counties hosted events on April 29, and have provided 328 permanent drug disposal drop boxes, giving citizens…

Barker’s Island Farmers Market Opens

Farmers Sell Their Fresh Goods

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County farmers have a new spot to sell their wares. Barker’s Island’s Farmers Market opened today. Shoppers can find all variety of locally grown produce and other products. One farmer we talked to says today’s weather didn’t help sales but a little rain won’t keep the farmers away. “No matter what the weather is like the…

Eighties dance party supports Choice, Unlimited.

An 80s themed party supports individuals with disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth’s Ignite Studio invited people for a party – 1980’s style. Eighties music, 80s hair, and 80s workout gear was everywhere as folks got “physical” for a good cause. The whole thing was a fundraiser for Choice, Unlimited, an organization which helps people with disabilities lead a more active life. “We think it’s key to be out and be…

Superior Gym Focuses on Functional Movement Systems

Active Adventures: Kickboxing

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Active Adventures the FOX 21 morning crew traveled to Superior. Meteorologist William Seay tried out kickboxing with The Strength Factory. The Strength Factory is located at 1423 N. 8th St. #109, Superior, WI. New members get their first week free and an introductory month for $45 for unlimited classes. For more information give them…

Warm Spring Brings Ticks Out Early Across Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The early spring has brought the ticks out ahead of schedule across Minnesota and experts are warning people to protect themselves against the diseases they carry. The Minnesota Department of Health says anyone who goes outdoors should be alert for the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Schiffman tells Minnesota Public…

Northern Lights Foundation Hosts Annual Gala

Organization Raises Money for Families with Children Who Have Life Threatening Illnesses

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northlanders came out to the annual Northern Lights Foundation Gala tonight to support children and families in need. Guests enjoyed a meal, bid on silent and live auction items, and spent time with kids who were helped by the Northern Lights Foundation. The charity has now given grants to over 160 Northland families who have…

School Board Rejects Bids on Rubber Mulch

School Board Could Vote on Mulch in Special Session in June

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth School Board has voted to not go forward with a $1.2 million bid to replace it’s rubber mulch with a wood fiber. In recent months, parents expressed concern about the mulch the district currently uses. Some have suspected it is connected to various diseases such as cancer, which makes it necessary to remove it as quickly as…

Annual Workout Event Supports Local Veterans

23rd Veteran to Receive Funds

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend military supporters will be getting a good workout all for a good cause. The 4th Annual Memorial Day Murph is Saturday, May 20 at Crossfit Duluth starting at 9 a.m. Crossfit Duluth puts this on this event to show support for the military and this year is donating proceeds to 23rd Veteran. 23rd Veteran is a local non-profit…