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…
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…
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…
Moderna is asking U.S. regulators to open its COVID-19 vaccine to the nation’s youngest children. Kids under 5 are the only group in the U.S. not yet eligible for vaccination. Frustrated parents are waiting impatiently for a chance to protect them. Moderna submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration Thursday. The company hopes the FDA will rule in time…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – New data shows a sharp increase in Type 2among children in Wisconsin and doctors think COVID-19 could be a factor. Figures from UW Health Kids shows a nearly 200% increase in the number of cases over the last several years. In 2018, 5.8% percent of pediatric patients with new onset diabetes at Madison’s American Family Children’s…
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…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — The AMI Community Clinic at Northwoods Technical College in Superior was at the center of a celebration marking one year of it vaccinating residents against covid. The clinic was originally set up at Wessman arena at UWS on April 13th last year, then later moved to the Technical College. Wisconsin chose AMI as one of the clinics…
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…
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
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, 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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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:…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Enger Tower is lit red Monday night for World Down Syndrome Day. This is the 10th anniversary of the day, which was created by the United Nations. There are roughly 4,200 Minnesotans with Down syndrome. The Minnesota Department of Public Health estimates that 116 babies are born with Down syndrome each year, which involves an extra…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. — The whole nation is turning a corner in the fight against covid-19, and here in the Twin Ports it’s bringing some relief to healthcare workers who were overworked the past few months. We are still coming down from that surge that happened earlier this year due to the combined omicron and delta variants but those in the…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – After seeing a surge in COVID cases in January, Douglas County say they have dropped to levels not seen since last summer. That is allowing health officials to change their focus on how they respond to new cases, as well as their messaging to slow its spread. “We’re seeing definitely a decline in cases overall, which has been…
DULUTH, Minn. – If you like to bowl and want to help those in need of food, Hunger Bowl Twin Ports is the place to be this weekend. Saturday’s bowling tournament at the newly remodeled Superior Lanes in Superior is part of a big fundraising effort for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, with the help of nearly 50 insurance…
DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is getting ready to open its new outpatient surgery center at the Miller Hill Mall this summer. The Miller Hill Surgery Center will take over the empty building that sears left behind. The 41,000 square-foot building will have 12 operating rooms. The goal is to offer a place where patients can go home in less…
DULUTH, Minn. – Frontline pandemic healthcare workers at St. Luke’s Hospital got the chance to hit the ice with their families at the DECC Sunday for free. FOX 21 Photojournalist Mason Kroll takes us to this appreciation skating party. Categories: Community, Coronavirus, Health, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
DULUTH, Minn.- Masks will now be optional for students and staff in the Duluth Public School District. Superintendent John Magas says as of Thursday covid-19 community levels are low in St. Louis County. Under medium levels, the district would recommend mask-wearing in buildings and on buses, and under high levels, staff and students would have to mask up again. Magas…
DULUTH, Minn.- The interior of Essentia’s Vision Northland redevelopment is taking shape and we have got an inside look at the inside of the building. Last week contractors marked the milestone of the multi-million dollar project being fully-enclosed. This means the exterior was largely completed, and crews got started on casework, flooring, painting, and more. The project is now 72%…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland received a generous donation to support the mental health access program. Essentia Health donated $35,000 thousand dollars to support the growing program. The grant helps with the costs of adding a full-time behavioral health coordinator position to oversee the program. “For outpatient services to come on-site and see the youth…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local wellness center gathered to hold a prayer service Thursday night to express their compassion for Ukraine and the world. In Harmony Reiki and Inner Wellness held a non-denominational prayer to give people a voice to their inter peace. The owner, Debbie Merrick, said she thinks the community needed a place to meditate and draw positive…
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s March FoodShare Month has kicked off, and local food shelves like chum are hoping for — and in need of — a lot of donations to get them through the coming months. Officials with CHUM Food Shelf said they hope to surpass the record of $220,000 and 56,000 pounds of food gathered last year. But since the…
DULUTH, Minn. — From London to Milwaukee, to Minneapolis — structures are being lit blue and yellow in support of Ukraine. But in Duluth, its most iconic structure, the Aerial Lift Bridge, is not. Mayor Emily Larson is instead sticking with the usual lighting of the less-visible Enger Tower, which went blue and yellow over the weekend after community requests…
DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign begins for food shelves across Minnesota. And for the Salvation Army in Duluth, the donations couldn’t come any sooner. Through April 10, people are urged to donate non-perishable food and even cash so they can buy more food at a lower price from area food banks. The Salvation Army says…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin prisons will allow in-person visits again beginning next week as COVID-19 cases continue to decline. Department of Corrections officials said Friday that they will reopen their facilities to visitors starting Tuesday. The prison system initially closed its doors to visitors in March 2020 as the pandemic was taking hold. The DOC reopened to visits in…
