ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Several Minnesota residents are facing charges of defrauding the state of millions of dollars in health care money as part of a national crackdown. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson filed a lawsuit Thursday against a Brooklyn Center woman and her daughter for allegedly claiming more fraudulent personal care assistant expenses. The lawsuit says Juanita Swain…
(KMSP) – After several weeks with no new cases, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed an additional case of measles associated with the outbreak that started in March. There are now 79 total cases of measles across four different counties in Minnesota. Seventy-one of those cases are in unvaccinated patients. The majority of cases are in children. The newest case…
(AP) – An expert panel of scientists says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should review the safety and effectiveness of all opioids, and consider the real-world impacts the powerful painkillers have, not only on patients, but also on families, crime, and the demand for heroin. In a sweeping report Thursday, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine pushed…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Women’s Care Center in downtown Duluth received a huge blessing earlier today; it was a literal blessing, as Bishop Paul Sirba prays over a brand new ultrasound machine. A coalition of regional chapters from the Knights of Columbus made this donation happen. The Women’s Care Center offers pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal care, and pregnancy counseling. And…
DULUTH, Minn. – Cancer patients at Essentia Health were given a special gift today. The staff at Miller Hill Subaru delivered 80 blankets to the Cancer Center, as well as some hand written notes from some of their customers. The blankets will help provide warmth to patients, especially those undergoing treatment. Charlene Buescher was given just two weeks to live…
MINNESOTA – A Minnesota mental health crisis hot line will be shutting down at the end of the week. It’s a service that took 50,000 calls last year alone, connecting people with local psychiatrists and counselors, as well as first-responders and emergency rooms. The Crisis Connection hot line was seeing an increase in calls this year, but will have to…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Fewer enrollees in Minnesota’s individual health insurance marketplace will result in millions of dollars in savings in state-funded discounts. State lawmakers in January passed a $310 million discount package offering a 25 percent rebate for people who buy insurance on the individual marketplace. Earlier estimates anticipated about 120,000 people might be eligible for the discounts….
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials may call an end to the state’s measles outbreak if no new cases arise by the end of the month. Minnesota Public Radio reports the number of cases in the state has held steady at nearly 80 for nearly one month. Health officials must wait until July 29, when two incubation periods pass…
Duluth, Minn. A high-speed crash six years ago took the life of one person, while seriously injuring three others. The life taken was that of Tim Stephenson, a caring person whose favorite thing to do was playing ultimate Frisbee. Every year since his death, Tim’s teammates and friends remember him by hosting a ultimate Frisbee tournament in his honor. Tim…
(KMSP) – Children’s Minnesota and major health insurance company Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota have reached an agreement that would keep Children’s Minnesota as an in-network provider for Blue Cross patients. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson helped broker the new deal between the two parties. According to her office, she acted as the mediator after Children’s and Blue Cross failed to meet the…
Gonorrhea Bacteria (CNN) – Gonorrhea is becoming hard and in some cases impossible to treat with antibiotics, the World Health Organization said. “The bacteria that cause gonorrhea are particularly smart. Every time we use a new class of antibiotics to treat the infection, the bacteria evolve to resist them,” said Teodora Wi, a human reproduction specialist at WHO, in a…
(FOX NEWS) – A Washington mother whose 7-month-old son died in a tragic accident on Monday has shared her grief on Facebook as a warning to others who let their young children go to sleep with blankets. Jorden DeRosier, whose youngest son Sloan was discovered with his blanket around his head, said she was moved to share her heartbreak after…
DULUTH, Minn. – Several parents throughout the Northland are looking for ways to keep their kids busy while they’re off from school for the summer. Spirit Mountain in Duluth is hosting several camps to encourage kids to stay moving and try new activities. The following is a sample of the camp programs offered in July at Spirit Mountain, based on…
(AP) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug in nearly 20 years for sickle cell, an inherited disease in which abnormally shaped red blood cells can’t properly carry oxygen throughout the body, which can cause severe pain and organ damage. About 100,000 people in the U.S., mostly blacks, have the disorder and about 275,000 babies…
DULUTH, Minn. – Anybody with questions about MNsure can get some help at the Duluth Public Library. A certified MNsure navigator is stationed on the Downtown Library’s second floor every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. for anyone with questions about health coverage, or who needs assistance filling out a MNsure application. “People don’t think about or have insurance until…
WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis. – A dead raven has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Washburn County, according to the Washburn County Health Department. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. “Finding the virus in birds indicates that West Nile virus may be present…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The sale of menthol cigarettes in Minneapolis may soon be restricted to adult-only tobacco shops. The Star Tribune reports that the city has an ordinance that limits other flavored tobacco products to adult-only tobacco shops. Council Member Cam Gordon says restricting menthols is the next step. Anti-smoking advocates say a mint-flavored compound in the cigarettes creates a…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin health officials say the state’s Medicaid budget will finish the 2015-17 biennium $325 million in the black. The Department of Health Services sent a letter June 30 to leaders of the Legislature’s finance committee saying the budget is expected to finish fiscal year 2017 with a balance of $325 million. That’s about $5 million less…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State officials are warning that Republicans’ latest health care bill in Congress could have dire effects in Minnesota. The fate of the GOP’s effort to repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s health care law is still up in the air. The Senate left for recess without voting on a bill after the Congressional Budget Office…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Scientists at the a Wisconsin university have created a mineral coating that mimics bone and keeps protein-based drugs more stable. The Wisconsin State Journal reports protein-based drugs are used to treat bone disorders, kidney disease, wounds, arthritis, and cancer, but frequently degrade, which limits their therapeutic potential. University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists were inspired by a 2010…
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Children’s Minnesota and major health insurance company Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota have failed to meet a deadline for a new contract, which could spike rates of an estimated 66,000 patients. With the July 5 deadline now passed, Children’s Minnesota is now an out-of-network provider for Blue Cross patients. Patients could still go to Children’s…
DULUTH, Minn. — July is just around the corner, and it’s only going to get warmer as the summer months continue. Doctors say that you should always take precautions when you know you’re going to be outside in the summer sun. Applying sunscreen is the most basic way to prevent a bad day at the beach. Dr. Chris Delp from…
DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is offically here and with the holiday weekend coming up several folks will be spending time in the sun. This morning, Dr. Chris Delp of St. Luke’s Regional Trauma Center stopped by FOX 21 to talk about sun and heat safety. Dr. Delp says it’s important to always wear sunscreen, because research shows just one bad…
DULUTH, Minn. – A new personal training studio is now open in downtown Duluth. XMT–3 Training is owned and operated by personal trainer Eric Franklin. The studio will be used for personal training, small group classes of 3 to 4 people, and group training sessions of up to 8. Franklin previously trained out of his own home giving 1–on–1 instruction…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning residents about the dangers of poison hemlock, which is a toxic member of the carrot family. Officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for the week and take precautions when handling it. A person should avoid exposure at all costs by wear gloves, long pants, and a…
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…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. — The courtyard at the New San Marco Apartments in Duluth is alive with smell of brats and burgers on the grill, and the sound of laughter and memories in the air. But the celebration is a serious one. “Probably the most gratifying thing I’ve ever done in my life is to see this facility developed, and get…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
NEW YORK (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration says it intends to delay a rule that would require food companies to label their products with a revised nutrition panel. The new panel, which had the support of former first lady Michelle Obama, would make the calorie listing larger, making serving sizes clearer, and specify the amount of added sugars…
Duluth, Minn. The rubber mulch that has been a hot topic for a few years is now one step closer to being removed. It has come down to choosing the lowest bidder for the removal of the rubber. Originally bids to remove the rubber mulch were over 2 million dollars making the school board needing to research other avenues to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
