Health

Coffee Conversation: St Luke’s Proctor Fitness Center Talks Back-To-School Health

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the St. Luke’s Proctor Fitness Center stopped by the morning show Monday with some students from Proctor High School to talk about and demonstrate healthy back-to-school tips, benefits of exercise and mental health awareness. Part 1: Part 2: Categories: Coffee Conversation, Education, Health, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Decline in Childhood Vaccinations Worries Local Health Officials

DULUTH, Minn. — “We find the decrease in vaccination rates very concerning. Primarily because we’re having kids out there now that are vulnerable,” General Pediatrician at Essentia Health, Dr. Jonathan KenKnight, said. Dr. Jonathan KenKnight says that vaccination rates for younger age groups is slowly declining in the northland. And with the school year is just around the corner, health…

Amberwing Celebrates 10 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – “All of these folks lined up behind me are really the ones who make the magic happen here. I mean it’s a beautiful building, it’s a beautiful safe space, but it’s the people who work here that work with the kids and the families that are really making a difference in peoples lives,” Miller-Dwan Foundation President, Traci…

‘Light Duluth Teal’ Sept. 24 For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance is shining a light on ovarian cancer in the northland next month, as September is national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Several Duluth landmarks will light up in teal Sept. 23 and 24, including the DECC, Radisson Hotel, Enger Tower, Glensheen Mansion and Pier B. Organizers say it’s all part of raising awareness…

Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Talks ‘Light Duluth Teal Gala’ Sept. 24

DULUTH, Minn. – Kristine Greer, board chair of the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, is shining a light on ovarian cancer in the northland next month, as September is national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Several Duluth landmarks will light up in teal Sept. 23 and 24, including the DECC, Radisson Hotel, Enger Tower, Glensheen Mansion and Pier B. Organizers say it’s…

Two Harbor Nurses Picket Outside of the Lake View Hospital

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Healthcare workers and community members took up signs to picket by the Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors to raise awareness of the challenges they face day to day. It was not a strike, but an informational picket. This coming after the Two Harbor nurses, and the Minnesota Nurses Association Union say they started seeing an increase…

Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ To Host Fundraiser Aug. 20 For Woman Battling Breast Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ, Troy Fralich, is helping put on a public benefit for a local woman, Andi Halligan, who is fighting breast cancer. Fralich is donating 100 percent of his food sales to Halligan. The BBQ fundraiser is Sat., Aug. 20 from noon until 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Harley-Davidson…

Monkeypox Can Spread To Pet Dogs, Doctors Report

NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials are warning people who are infected with monkeypox to stay away from household pets, since the animals could be at risk of catching the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for months has had the advice in place as monkeypox spreads in the U.S. But it gained new attention after a report from France, published…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth’s North Shore Ballroom

DULUTH, Minn. – North Shore Ballroom in Duluth is full of excitement and passion for ballroom dancing. The instructors are all about helping beginners all the way up to the most experienced. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger stopped by the studio for a look inside. Click the video for more on that, and click here to check out the ballroom online….

Local Schools Face Food Service Staff Shortage

DULUTH, Minn. — Schools across the nation are in desperate need of food service workers, including Lowell Elementary School in Duluth. The shortage is not only in the area, but throughout the country and across the state. Duluth public schools Communications Officer, Adelle Wellens, says they do have workers to provide meals. Although, if one person gets sick, they’re short…

Northland Volunteers Needed For ‘Lasagna Love’ Meal Delivery Program

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteer chefs are wanted across the Northland as part of the Lasagna Love meal delivery program. Lasagna Love is a nationwide community impact movement connecting neighbors with neighbors through platters of lasagna. The all-volunteer run program is all about feeding families in need, spreading kindness and strengthening communities. For more on how to volunteer, click here. Categories:…

Duluth Health Clinic Reports High Demand for Abortion Procedures

DULUTH, Minn. — A clinic in Duluth says that they expect to see more out-of-state patients coming in for abortions, one month after federal protections for the procedure were overturned by the supreme court. Just one month ago, Roe v. Wade was overturned. While some states have been affected by the ruling, Minnesota’s abortion rights have remained in place, allowing…

UN Health Agency Chief Declares Monkeypox A Global Emergency

LONDON (AP) — The expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries is an “extraordinary” situation that qualifies as a global emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Saturday, a declaration that could spur further investment in treating the once-rare disease and worsen the scramble for scarce vaccines. A global emergency is WHO’s highest level of alert but the designation does not necessarily…

Help Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Reach ‘Summer Challenge’

DULUTH, Minn. – The push is on to make the best of a summer challenge for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. From now through the end of July, donations will be matched to ensure additional fresh fruits, veggies, meat, dairy and other hearty foods help families and children thrive this summer. Second Harvest officials says the food shelf is…

Duluth Abortion Clinic Braces For Tide Of Out-Of-Staters

A clinic escort outside WE Health Clinic in Duluth, Minn., awaits the arrival of patients, Thursday, July 7, 2022. The clinic escorts protect patients from protesters as they approach and enter the clinic. (AP Photo/Derek Montgomery) DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Inside northern Minnesota’s only abortion clinic in Duluth, patients from Wisconsin and Texas sit among Minnesotans. They are the leading…

Coffee Conversation: Grandma’s Marathon Excitement, Festival For Kids, Rock The Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn. — Excitement is building for the full and sold-out return of Grandma’s Marathon.  The race’s spokesperson, Zach Schneider, stopped by the morning show Wednesday to talk all about it ahead of the Thursday’s Health and Fitness Expo, Friday’s Spaghetti Dinner and Festival for Kids, and Rock the Bayfront both Friday and Saturday.  For a full list of weekend…

Evers Issues Order Prohibiting Baby Formula Price Gouging

(AP Photo) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has issued an executive order barring price gouging on baby formula. The governor issued the order Thursday. The order declares that a period of “abnormal economic disruption” exists in Wisconsin and prohibits wholesalers and retailers in the state from charging “unreasonably excessive prices,” defined in administrative code as prices more…

Planned Parenthood Workers In 5 Midwest States Seek Union

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – About 400 workers at Planned Parenthood offices in five Midwestern states plan to unionize. The move comes as their employer deals with the potential loss of business in states where abortions may become illegal if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Ashley Schmidt is a training and development specialist for Nebraska and western…

St.Lukes Free Hearing Aid Battery Giveaway Week

DULUTH, Minn.– St.Lukes is recognizing ‘better speech and hearing month’ by giving away free hearing-aid batteries. Nearly 100 of the batteries are being handed out to anyone in the community at no cost, while supplies last. St.Lukes sees this as a great way to support the community and simply give back. “Batteries, as small as they may seem, can be…

Second Harvest Announces Indoor Mask Requirement

DULUTH, Minn. — Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is going back to requiring masks indoors for any employee, volunteer, or guest entering its establishment. “Due to St. Louis County’s “high” level of COVID-19 transmission, effective immediately we will be reinstituting our indoor mask requirement for all employees, volunteers and guests for any Second Harvest activities. Please plan to properly…

Coffee Convo: Foster Advocacy Nonprofit ‘New Hope For Families’ To Host Community Carnival

DULUTH, Minn. — New Hope For Families is getting ready to host a Community Carnival Saturday, May 21, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at its Duluth facility to show off all they offer to help support parents and children in the community, while increasing the number of foster families in the Northland. For more on the Community Carnival event…

Inside Look At The Blood Donation Process As Some Centers Are Critically Low On Donations

DULUTH, Minn. — The Memorial Blood Centers, with locations across the Northland, says it needs more donors to help fill its critically low supply, along with more new hires to work at the facilities. On Monday, MBC announced it was experiencing a “blood emergency,” as its supplies are down so much, it only has enough type O blood and platelets…

St. Luke’s Re-Development Adding Capacity from Parking Lot to Patient Rooms

DULUTH, Minn. — As St. Luke’s introduces phase two of their redevelopment, which includes the adding and improvement of inpatient units and expanding the parking capacity, they invited community members in to talk about their questions and concerns before they begin this next project. Phase one of the redevelopment concluded in 2020 with the addition of specialty clinics, expanding the…

Go Red for Women Held at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Minnesota Chapter of the American Heart Association held their signature event of the year at the DECC Wednesday. Go Red for Women is a fundraiser for the chapter, but also a chance for survivors of heart disease, as well as their supporters, to gather and raise awareness about the number one killer in the United States….

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…