DULUTH, Minn. — April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month and UMD is highlighting a new clinic program that is helping patients reclaim their speech. The neurological disease affects people’s movement such as walking, talking, and swallowing. According to clinical instructor Samantha Burlingame, it impacts nearly one million people in the United States. She says the Parkinson Voice Project gave UMD…
There was good news Wednesday in the effort to start dealing with contaminated sediment in the Thomson Reservoir. Federal and state lawmakers made the announcement in Carlton. It is the start of a $35 million project–with most of the funding coming from the EPA through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Small pellets of granulated, activated carbon will be poured out over…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is hosting two public meetings this week involving lead water service lines and upcoming projects to replace them in the lower Lincoln Park and Gary neighborhoods. The first meeting is happening Monday at 6 p.m. at the Harrison Community Center The second meeting is Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the GND Rec Center….
(AP) — A poultry facility in Michigan and egg producer in Texas both reported outbreaks of avian flu this week. The latest developments on the virus also include infected dairy cows and the first known instance of a human catching bird flu from a mammal. Although health officials say the risk to the public remains low, there is rising concern, emerging in part from news…
Sexual assault and domestic and child abuse are issues that continue to plague communities. April is a month when advocates focus attention on the issue and the effort kicked off Wednesday at the Douglas County Government Center in Superior. It involved law enforcement, political leaders, educators, and those with the court system. The wide cross-section represented the message and the…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — UW-Superior is continuing to put an emphasis on mental health. Today, the Department of Social Work hosted a community discussion about mental health and the lack of options in Douglas County for people in crisis. The panel took place in the Kruk Gallery, which is the current home of “Waiting for Beds,” a collaborative art project between…
DULUTH, Minn. — A local medical supplies store is celebrating Lymphedema Awareness Month. Lymphedema is a chronic swelling condition that can be caused by a genetic condition, trauma from surgery, or cancer treatment. In 2021, Congress passed the Lymphedema Treatment Act which requires Medicare and certain insurance providers to cover garments. Heide’s Mastectomy and Compression Services in Duluth is helping…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The largest expansion of VA Health benefits ever just took effect on March 5 and it could benefit more than 100,000 veterans in Minnesota. In the past, only veterans who were exposed to toxins in specific locations were covered. Those veterans affected were to have been allowed to apply for this benefit in a staggered manner. Senator…
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. — In Douglas County, the League of Women Voters is opposing a proposed natural gas electric plant in Superior. The league says the project would have negative health effects on several groups including children, and the chronically ill. The county chapter of the league says NTEC would contribute to climate change and negatively affect the environment. The…
Last year people went to Minnesota food shelves over seven million times–up over 30% from the year before, according to Minnesota FoodShare. That is the story behind a display of food items laid out in Duluth Monday. It was the backdrop for Minnesota FoodShare’s yearly campaign with Chum. During March they hope to collect 50,000 pounds of food and $100,000…
Both had been waiting since a letter of intent signed last summer, but Friday Duluth’s St. Luke’s Hospital became part of Wisconsin-based Aspirus Health. Aspirus now has 19 hospitals. St. Luke’s will still have a corporate office in Duluth. The group also has 130 outpatient locations and a system that now includes northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin, and the…
DULUTH, Minn. – A 7-year-old Duluth girl is recovering after what she calls a pinch-me moment. That’s because she received a heart transplant Thursday morning at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. “There’s no way to dream up how we feel. I was getting an oil change yesterday in Duluth, and Roya called me and started yelling, ‘Daddy, I got a…
DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College hosted its annual Health and Wellness Fair Wednesday. This event is all about helping students learn ways to live a healthy lifestyle and network. Students are able to meet with different community agencies, get free blood testing done, and grab a healthy snack. And you do not need to have an interest in the…
DULUTH, Minn. — A man who has spent years volunteering to help others, received his own thanks and recognition Monday. In a room filled with people with whom he has helped, worked and volunteered; Terry Hellsvig was at center stage in his own quiet way. He has offered his time at Benedictine Living Community for twenty-five years. His dedication to…
The community came out in a big way this weekend with piles of donations for local community outreach organizations. Donations including clothing, hygiene supplies, back packs and toys for children. Lenroot Maetzold and Downs-Lesage funeral homes organized the drive. All of the donations will help a list of local community outreach organizations like CHUM, CASDA, Ruth House, Harbor House, Salvation…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community forum against the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) in Superior was held Tuesday evening focused on the potential health, environmental, and community impacts of the project. The speakers were made up of tribal leaders, scientists, and health professionals. Dr. Brittany Keyes traveled from Beloit to present at the event in Superior. Keyes said she’s…
NEW YORK (AP) — Smoking has surpassed injecting as the most common way of taking drugs in U.S. overdose deaths, a new government study suggests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called its study published Thursday the largest to look at how Americans took the drugs that killed them. CDC officials decided to study the topic after seeing reports…
The unusually mild and snowless winter has created challenges and problems for those who are counting on a real winter, but it has not necessarily meant a break for those who live on the street. The warming centers operated by CHUM provide relief and safety for those who need it, but this winter they have still been seeing sixty to…
NEW YORK (AP) — The flu virus is hanging on in the U.S., intensifying in some areas of the country after weeks of an apparent national decline. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday showed a continued national drop in flu hospitalizations, but other indicators were up — including the number of states with high or very high…
There is nothing like an anniversary party to brighten up a gray February day. And Friday people were celebrating a place that has brightened up the day of many families. The Ronald McDonald House in Duluth has been a welcome landing place for three years. Friday, Essentia Health medical staff and others gathered to think about the resource it has…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The gym can be intimidating! The Strength Factory in Superior is trying to change that narrative. It all started seven years ago as a crowdfunding campaign. Now, the women-owned and operated gym offers classes in kickboxing and weightlifting, focusing on cardio, endurance, and balance. The Strength Factory owner Kelly Kellar has spent years creating an inclusive and…
DULUTH, Minn. — A local 7-year-old is waiting for a heart transplant and could be for several more months. With February being American Heart month, this little girl and her family are relying on the help of family and community to bring awareness and hope to others in need. Roya Snyder has always been active in ballet and sports, and…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior High School Boy’s Basketball Team presented a check to one of their biggest fans today. The donation was all a part of the team’s annual cancer awareness game. Through a silent auction, raffle, bake sale, and t-shirt sales, the team raised $6,594. That money went to local basketball fan Amelia and other pediatric patients in…
DULUTH, Minn — Last October, much of the hockey world was shocked by the tragic death of a player. Former UMD Bulldog Adam Johnson died after his neck was cut by another player’s skate. Following the incident, the USA Hockey Congress began looking into rule changes related to neck protection for its hockey players. This past weekend they announced that…
DULUTH, Minn. — So-called “superfood bowls” are coming to Duluth as a fresh alternative to your meal choices. The company, Nautical Bowls, will be located in the area of 21st Avenue East and London Road. Company officials tell FOX 21 they are “currently in final site selection for this location.” Nautical Bowls is located throughout the Twin Cities and in…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Work is well underway on a new peer respite center in Superior. Centers like this are free, voluntary, short-term programs that offer hope to those experiencing a mental health crisis. When completed, the Hope Haven Respite Center will have room for four occupants. Chrissy Barnard says Superior is a ‘desert’ for mental heath services. The lack of…
DULUTH, Minn. — It’s been a cold week to say the least in the Northland. Frigid temperatures can cause many issues for people, a big one being frostbite. A doctor at Essentia Health in Duluth says they’ve seen many cases ranging from severe to mild frostbite this winter. He says alcohol and the below zero temps are contributing factors. Other causes…
The days are ever-so-slowly getting a bit longer. The daylight can’t come soon enough for those dealing with depression this time of year. Mental health professionals say there are many things that can contribute to that feeling. The holidays are over, most of us are not as physically active in the winter, and there are things we like to do…
DULUTH, Minn. — The holidays are over, and all those parties and plates of cookies are in the rearview mirror. Those with resolutions for the new year are sixteen days into 2024. Many people looking for added motivation were making their way into All-Star Nutrition in Duluth, Tuesday. Everyone had their own goals and benchmarks for reshaping themselves a bit…
CLOQUET, Minn. — 2 doctors saw a need for spine care in the Northland and found a great opportunity to do so. The neurosurgeons partnered with Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet to bring in state of the art equipment to create the new spine surgery program. They have practiced in Duluth for years and noticed with the aging community this…
DULUTH, Minn. — One organization hosted a free Mental Health First Aid training to help law enforcement officials on the job. The training hosted by Marsh McLennan Agency or MMA offers key skills to help manage a situation where officials may need to engage with someone facing a mental health challenge. Attending the event was first responders and those who…
DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System have decided not to move forward with a merger. The decision announced Friday morning from Essentia saying that after 2 years of discussions, the organizations have decided that a combination at this time is not the right path forward. Essentia also mentioned Marshfield’s financial situation was the primary factor as…
SILVER BAY, Minn. — Beargrease officials announced Tuesday that the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon would not be taking place this year. The decision was based on the lack of snow and the likelihood that a rescheduled race would interfere with other races that are scheduled. Dog mushers are disappointed and saddened, but not surprised by the decision to cancel…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — Music can spark memories from the past and help people reminisce, according to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Douglas County. That’s why they invited the band, Born Too Late to play at their Memory Cafe at the Superior Public Library Wednesday. The center hosts the event the last Wednesday of every month for anybody experiencing…
DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re making a push to the Christmas finish line, you are not alone. For some it means serious shopping down the stretch. For others it means serious giving. The kettles were ready for every sixpence they could get Thursday. To reach its funding goal, the Salvation Army needs $22,000 a day through Saturday. It is a…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland Boys and Girls Clubs are putting a seven thousand five hundred dollar donation from Pier B Resort to good use. The Clubs had to get a little creative when looking for solutions to keep kids active in the winter according to Northland Boys & Girls Club Operations Director Emily Burnside, so they looked to the…
NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials on Friday released the first nationally representative estimate of how many U.S. adults have chronic fatigue syndrome: 3.3 million. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s number is larger than previous studies have suggested, and is likely boosted by some of the patients with long COVID. The condition clearly “is not a rare illness,” said…
DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Health Department reports the number of flu cases so far this year has been low. But doctors stress the flu will take over. And it’s not just the flu that we need to be concerned with, it is now called the “respiratory virus season.” Suzy Van Norman a Disease Prevention Public Health Nurse…
It is the time of year when a lot of people are doing good things for one another. And Wednesday was another example of that. Gift paper and gift wrappers came together in Superior to bring some Christmas to clients of CASDA, the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. Cenovus employees and their families were wrapping gifts for twenty CASDA…
DULUTH, Minn. — Finals season is fast approaching and UMD is taking a unique approach de-stressing. The Kathryn A. Martin Library is doing something you wouldn’t expect; encouraging students to tear books apart. In the week leading up to finals, the campus library is holding several book shredding events for pupils to release their anger and frustration. They’ve set aside…
DULUTH, Minn. — All month-long Duluth firefighters have been raising awareness for men’s health. It’s called Movember, where throughout the month of November firefighters have been sporting different styles and sizes of mustaches. All to raise awareness for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer awareness. A fun fact is firefighters cannot have a beard because there needs to be…
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia healthcare workers have announced their filing to join the Minnesota Nurses Association. The healthcare workers wanting to unionize include nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. They’re part of what’s called the Essentia East Market, which extends from Brainerd north to International Falls and Duluth, and east to Ashland and Hayworth, Wisconsin. The…
HIBBING, Minn. — Carol Lee, had been to her doctor’s office many times for the difficulty she was having with her breathing. X-rays of her lungs had not detected anything troubling. That led to her having a CT scan. The scan showed there was a small nodule on the lung. That led to Dr. Swanson telling Carol to come in…
DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the holiday gift-buying season, and one gift that stands above the rest is a gift card. They have become one of the most popular gifts. But you may not realize that gift cards can be vulnerable to scammers. The National Retail Federation says gift cards are among the most requested gifts. Like most people, I appreciate…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — Today was all about getting blood pumping and saving lives at UW-Superior! Community members were invited to celebrate Red Cross Day and learn about CPR. Students and staff tried their hands at doing chest compressions on manikins. Volunteer Brooke Defoe said her father, at the age of 35, passed away after going into cardiac arrest. She hopes…
Duluth, Minn. — A backpacker from Duluth spoke to students in Duluth today about how they can impact the environment. Emily Ford is passionate about introducing people to the outdoors in safe and healthy ways. She was the first woman to thru-hike Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age Scenic Trail in winter.Youth in Action, a group focused on the positive change young people…
(AP) — Federal health officials are expanding an investigation into potentially lead-tainted pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree marketed for children amid reports of more illnesses and additional product recalls. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday it has received reports of seven illnesses in at least five states possibly linked to contaminated puree. Two new companies, Schnucks Markets of St. Louis and Weis…
MINNESOTA — Daylight Saving Time is this Sunday, November 5th which means clocks will be turned back an hour and we will get an hour extra of rest. But those aren’t the only changes the time difference will have on us. A licensed psychologist from St. Luke’s says it has an affect on mental health with decreased moods and energy…
WARROAD, Minn. — Neck guards for hockey players are selling out in some Minnesota stores after the death of professional hockey player and Hibbing native Adam Johnson over the weekend. Video of the game in Sheffield, England showed Johnson suffering a serious neck injury from a skate after colliding with another player. After Johnson’s death, British hockey officials announced neck…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — A new opportunity is being built for those who struggle with mental health challenges and substance use. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI Lake Superior South Shore is working towards opening the first Peer Respite House in the area. They are calling it Hope Haven. Those struggling can stay up to 7 nights free of…
