Essentia Health Cardiologist Discusses Link Between Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease
February is American Heart Month
Categories: Health Tags: Cardiovascular Disease, health, Heart Health, Local News
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Itasca County Public Health Warns Residents Are ‘Not Out of the Woods’ Just Yet
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Itasca County continue to decline, but public health officials warn residents they’re not out of the woods just yet. Kelly Chandler, Division Manager with Itasca County Public Health, says with the spread of the Omicron variant, the county has experienced difficult fall and winter months. Just over 62 percent of…
Kickstart American Heart Month with Mindful Nutrition
February is American Heart Month
DULUTH, Minn. – February is known as American Heart Month. It’s a time when people of all ages are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The Division is committed to addressing barriers to…
Essentia Joins Nationwide Study to Test Medications for COVID-19
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has joined a nationwide study to evaluate repurposed medications in the search for effective, safe treatments for mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Repurposed medications are those already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other indications. “We are very excited and fortunate to have this important clinical trial available to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Rajesh…
Sen. Klobuchar Hosts Discussion on Alzheimer’s Funding, Care, and Research
DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar hosted a panel of six guests to discuss the topic of Alzheimer’s in America. Among the individual topics discussed included education of the debilitating disease, long-term insurance, support for caregivers, funding to pay living wages for healthcare workers, and reducing the stigma surrounding the disease. Many of the panelists that brought…
Grim Milestone: Minnesota Tops One Million COVID Cases Since March of 2020
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota has topped a million cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began in March of 2020. The state Department of Health confirmed 4,155 new cases, lifting the total number of infections to 1,000,361. The figures released Monday do not include cases from the holiday weekend, which are expected to be updated Tuesday. Minnesota’s case count includes…
Blood Donors Needed to Avoid Delays in Patient Care
The American Red Cross Blood Supply at Historically Low Levels, Continuing to Decline
DULUTH, Minn. – The American Red Cross blood supply is at historically low levels and it continues to decline. Officials with the American Red Cross say if more donors don’t come out to give, hospitals may be forced to delay care to patients relying on blood transfusion. The Red Cross is announcing all who come to give through Jan. 2…
Itasca County Health Officials Urge Caution Ahead of Holiday Gatherings
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Interest in new COVID-19 vaccinations is slowing in Itasca County. Leaders with Itasca County Public Health say roughly 60 percent of eligible residents in the county are vaccinated, a number that hasn’t grown as of late. Four percent of vaccinated residents in the county have still tested positive for COVID-19. The Public Health Dept. is reporting…
Essentia Health Hosting Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic
The Free Event is Happening at 330 North 8th Avenue East in Duluth on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re concerned about the risk of skin cancer, a free event on Thursday, Nov. 11 might help put your mind at ease. Essentia Health is hosting the event. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with one in five Americans developing it by age 70. Health officials say the elderly…
MNsure Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov. 1
Open Enrollment for MNsure Runs Through Jan. 15, 2022
ST. PAUL, Minn.— Nov. 1 marks the beginning of MNsure’s open enrollment period. Open enrollment refers to the once-a-year opportunity when all Minnesotans can enroll in affordable, comprehensive health and dental coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. This year, Minnesota’s open enrollment will run from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15, 2022, with two important deadlines: Minnesotans must enroll by…
St. Luke’s Birthing Center Reminds Grieving Parents They’re Not Alone
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
DULUTH, Minn. – Many parents who are grieving the loss of an infant feel like they are alone and don’t have anyone who understands what they are going through. During the National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, St. Luke’s is reminding parents they’re ready and willing to help. Statistics show one in four families will suffer a pregnancy or…
Public Health Officials Concerned with New Covid-19 Cases in St. Louis County.
On Friday, both St. Luke's and Essentia Health announced northland residents can make appointments to receive the booster shot next week.
DULUTH, Minn. — Last week alone, 600 new cases of Covid-19 were detected in St. Louis County a trend that is all too familiar for public health officials. “We are really hoping that we don’t see the increase that we did following September last year. We had a big spike in October and going through November and December,” St. Louis County…
Huntington’s Disease Society of America Hosting ‘Hope Walk’ in Duluth
Duluth Team Hope Walk is Happening Saturday, Sept. 25 Beginning at 11 a.m. at Endion Park
DULUTH, Minn. – Team Hope is Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) largest national grassroots fundraising event. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s fight to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families. This year’s walk is happening Saturday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. at Endion Park, located…
Itasca County Health Officials Concerned as Delta Variant Spreads
Vaccination Rates Continue to Climb, but Health Officials Say More Work Needs to be Done
ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health officials in Itasca County are looking to get ahead of the spread as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is being passed through community transmission. “We have to get back to basics. Everyone is tired of COVID and no one wants to be doing this anymore, but we do know what works,” said Kayla Scrivner, COO…
Essentia Urologist Explains Importance of Screening for Prostate Cancer
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
DULUTH, Minn. – One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Nathan Hoffman, a urologist with Essentia Health in Duluth, explains why it’s so vital to begin routine screening at the right time in your life. “In general, if you’re starting to feel the symptoms, you’re a little bit later on the scale of…
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Dr. Ross Perko, a Pediatric Oncologist with Essentia Health, Discusses Topics Related to Childhood Cancer
DULUTH, Minn. – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is recognized every September by childhood cancer organizations around the world. With a goal to increase awareness and raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer, the American Childhood Cancer Organization encourages everyone to Go Gold® during September in honor and in memory of kids with cancer. Click here to learn more from…
Twin Ports ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ Happening Saturday
The Walk Begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021
DULUTH, Minn. – Residents of the Twin Ports are encouraged to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 11 along the Lakewalk in Duluth. Check-in begins at 1 p.m. at the DECC. The opening ceremony of the Walk begins at 2 p.m. outside the DECC with the walk to follow along the Lakewalk. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association has…
Essentia Radiologist Expresses Importance of Annual Breast Cancer Screening
Annual Mammograms Should Begin for High-Risk Women at Age 40
DULUTH, Minn. – On the heels of Sen. Klobuchar’s breast cancer announcement, local oncologists and radiologists are taking time to express the importance of routine mammograms. At Essentia Health in Duluth, numbers are returning to normal after a pause on routine screenings from March through May in 2020. Roughly 200 mammograms are performed each day throughout Essentia facilities. The American…
Midday Update 9-7-21
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: back-to-school, Brett Scott, community, Hand Washing, Headlines, health, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather
Healthy Breakfast, Lunch Options as Students Head Back to School
Mary Cherne, St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian, Offers Tips to Help Parents and Children Ahead of the Return-to-Learn
DULUTH, Minn. – Without a healthy lunch, kids can have trouble concentrating, lack energy for after-school activities, and may end up filling up on low-nutrient snacks. St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne offers these tips to get started packing health lunches your kids will actually eat. Get kids involved. Let them pick out their lunch box and let them choose…
FDA Authorizes Additional Vaccine Doses for Some Immunocompromised People
The Authorization Would Impact Roughly Three Percent of the U.S. Population
DULUTH, Minn. – Those with organ transplants, a cancer diagnosis, or an immune disorder could be the first people to receive a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. This, after U.S. health regulators have authorized an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in people with weakened immune systems to better protect them from the virus. “After two shots,…
St. Luke’s Rejuvenation Center Welcomes New Massage Therapy Services
The Rejuvenation Center Offers Medical Spa Services, Massage Therapy, Skin Care Products and Treatments
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Rejuvenation Center has a new option for people looking for relaxation, eliminating stress and reducing pain. Licensed Massage Therapist Megan Martin is now offering massage therapy. Massage benefits can include: • Reducing stress and increasing relaxation • Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension • Improving circulation, energy, and alertness • Lowering heart rate and…
Essentia Health President Discusses New CDC Guidelines, Push to Vaccinate the Unvaccinated
Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Talks Vaccinations and Routine Medical Care
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota health officials are warning the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 now accounts for more than 75 percent of the state’s new cases. “This is turning out to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” said Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health. “If you’re vaccinated, you still could get COVID, odds are pretty low.” Pryor says…
Essentia Health Fitness Expo Kicks Off Thursday
There will be close to 75 vendors displaying the latest and greatest in runner gear and fitness items.
DULUTH, Minn. — The official kick off of events for Grandma’s Marathon begins on Thursday with the Essentia Health Fitness Expo at the DECC. There will be close to 75 vendors displaying the latest and greatest in runner gear and fitness items. Although the Expo will look a bit different with Covid-19 protocols still in place, organizers still wanted to…
COVID-19 Hospitalizations Remain Steady at Essentia Health
Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Talks Hospitalizations, Vaccinations, and Summer Safety
DULUTH, Minn. – Over 46 percent of the eligible population in Minnesota is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In Wisconsin, over 44 percent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated. While the numbers continue to climb, health officials say there is still plenty of work to be done. Dr. Jon Pryor is the President of Essentia Health in Duluth. Pryor says…
St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist Encouraging Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations
According to St. Luke's, Demand for Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations Has Been High Since Approval was Given
DULUTH, Minn. – Although fewer children and teens have been infected with COVID-19, they can still become infected and also spread the virus to others. Local infectious disease experts with St. Luke’s are encouraging parents to bring their teens aged 12-15 in for the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Sherry Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at St Luke’s, says parents are coming in…
Clinical Dietitian Reports Rise in Patients Dealing with Weight Gain, Eating Disorders
The COVID-19 Pandemic is Impacting Individuals on Different Levels Including Weight Gain & Eating Disorders
DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve packed on a few pounds over the past year, you’re not alone. In a poll of more than 1,000 WebMD readers, nearly half of the women and almost one-quarter of the men said they’d gained weight “due to COVID restrictions.” St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian, Mary Cherne, says she’s seeing an influx of patients coming in…
Help Raise Awareness for Huntington’s Disease Throughout May
May is Huntington's Disease Awareness Month; the Genetic Disease Eventually Leads to Death as a Cure is Not Known at This Time
DULUTH, Minn. – May is Huntington’s disease (HD) Awareness Month. HD is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Recently, the HD Community was hit with devastating news as the Roche Phase III Generation HD1 Study…
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Trend Up in Itasca County as Vaccine Rollout Continues
Itasca County Public Health Division Urges All Residents to Research and Receive Their COVID-19 Vaccination
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Itasca County Public Health and area residents are reflecting on the gratitude of science after surpassing the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Public Health Department reports new cases of COVID-19 to continue to rise in Itasca County, especially among residents aged 30 – 50, and school-aged children. As of Thursday, April 29, in the…
St. Luke’s Seeing Rise in Middle Aged Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Hospitilizations Declined in February and March, but Dr. Andrew Thompson Says the Rate is Beginning to Rise Again
DULUTH, Minn. – A recent report released by the CDC shows nearly eight percent, or five million Americans have not received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Andrew Thompson, has mixed reaction to the new data. Thompson says while the number is somewhat cause for concern, 92 percent of adults who have received…
Essentia Vision Northland Project 35 Percent Complete, On Track For 2023 Opening
The $900 Million Project Remains On Budget as Crews Work to Enclose the New Inpatient, Outpatient Facilities
DULUTH, Minn. – A multi-million dollar development is changing the skyline of Duluth’s downtown district. Ground broke on Essentia’s Vision Northland Project in 2019, and if you’ve recently driven by, you’ve noticed a large amount of progress has been made on the exterior of the new structure. What started as a vision in 2017 is now becoming an impressive reality….
Health Department Assists Rural Minnesota Town with Covid-19 Testing Site
East Range Communities and the city of Aurora are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
AURORA, Minn. – A temporary COVID testing site is now open at the Aurora Community and Senior Center. Due to the recent spike in cases in the area, the Minnesota Department of Health got the go-ahead to open up a facility in the East Range Area. “What we noticed over the last few weeks specifically in town here and kind…
Essentia OB-GYN Breaks Down Questions, Answers Surrounding COVID-19 & Vaccines
Dr. Michael Kassing with Essentia Health Discusses the Common Questions & Concerns He Receives from Expecting Mothers Amid the Pandmic
DULUTH, Minn. – Expecting a newborn is stressful for parents at any time, then toss in a global pandemic, and anxiety can soar through the roof. Dr. Michael Kassing is an OB-GYN with Essentia Health in Duluth. He says many of his patients are coming in with questions regarding whether or not they should receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant….
St. Luke’s Hospitalist Depicts Daily Routine, Optimism as COVID-19 Vaccinations Continue
Dr. Jake Powell with St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth Discusses What It's Like to Work on the Frontlines Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
DULUTH, Minn. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on healthcare systems across the nation, locally, Northland hospitals are thankful to see a decrease in new cases and severe hospitalizations. Dr. Jake Powell is a hospitalist with St. Luke’s in Duluth. He says as COVID-19 cases are decreasing, his daily routine continues to be inundated with many patients…
Northland Doctor Reminds Residents COVID Vaccines Are Safe, Extremely Effective
Dr. Charles Kendall with Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet Discusses Vaccine Safety and Efficacy
CLOQUET, Minn. – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, over one million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Locally, in Carlton County, a region with a population of over 35,000, data shows more than 10,000 residents have received at least their first shot. Dr. Charles Kendall with Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet says he’s…
Nearly 16 Percent of Residents in Itasca County Have Received the COVID-19 Vaccine
Clinics Continue to Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations, But Demand is Far Greater Than Supply Received
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The vaccine rollout continues in Itasca County, but demand is still far greater than the supply they’ve received. Health officials say nearly 16 percent of the population in Itasca County has received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Itasca County Public Health, phase 1a of vaccinations should be complete within the next…
Essentia Cardiologist Talks Heart Attack, Stroke Prevention on Go Red for Women Day
Cardiologist Dr. Katie Benziger Explains Why We Go Red for Women on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021
DULUTH, Minn. – On the first Friday each February, American Heart Month, the nation rallies together to ignite a wave of red from coast to coast. Go Red for Women Day serves to raise awareness for heart attack and stroke among women. According to the American Heart Association, more women than men die from cardiovascular disease each year. It’s estimated…
Itasca County Health Dept. Urges Patience, Caution as Vaccine Rollout Continues
Residents Will Be Notified When It's Their Turn to be Vaccinated
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – COVID vaccinations continue to roll out for residents in Itasca County. Public health officials say they are currently in the process of inoculating those working in schools and childcare facilities, as well as residents who are 65 and older. In the past seven days, 35 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Itasca County….
Itasca County Finishing Phase 1A COVID Inoculations, Phase 1B Set to Begin Soon
Residents, Staff in Assisted Living Facilities Will Receive at Least One Dose of the Vaccine by Next Week
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Public health officials in Itasca County say they’re close to finishing Phase 1a of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and will soon begin Phase 1b. Kelly Chandler, division manager for Itasca County Public Health, says the first phase is expected to be complete within one to two weeks. The second phase will vaccinate residents 65 years and…
St. Luke’s Now Offering Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Eligible Patients with COVID-19
The Treatment is Found to Have Reduced COVID-19 Hospitilizations
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s in Duluth is now offering an emergency use COVID-19 antibody treatment that medical experts say has been proven to reduce the length of hospitalizations. The monoclonal antibody treatment is produced in a lab. The antibodies work to attack the COVID-19 virus in the patient’s system. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Andrew Thompson, says the…
Free COVID-19 Testing Event Happening at Grand Rapids High School
The Event Takes Place as Cases of COVID-19 Have Decreased in Itasca County Throughout December
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The first COVID-19 briefing of 2021 comes with uplifting news from Itasca County. The county’s public health officials are reporting a steady decrease in cases throughout December. Over the past seven days, 53 new cases have been identified in the county. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 2,751 residents have tested positive, and…
Kicking Off the New Year With Healthy Meal Replacement Shakes
Cooking Connection: London Road Nutrition
DULUTH, Minn. – With healthy eating on the minds of many in the New Year, London Road Nutrition is looking to help you cut down on calories and receive an extra boost of energy. The business offers a wide variety of meal replacement shakes in over 30 different flavors. The shakes are roughly 200-250 calories, and include 24 grams of…
Essentia Health President Optimistic, Yet Cautious as Pandemic Continues in 2021
Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Says Northlanders Must Remain Cautious as COVID Vaccinations Continue
DULUTH, Minn. – While cases of COVID-19 continue to slightly decrease across Minnesota, hospitals in the Northland are still feeling the strain. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Wednesday morning about vaccine distribution, the current situation inside Northland hospitals, and the outlook for 2021. “I want to thank everyone in the Northland for…
Itasca County Doctor: Hospitals At Capacity, Residents Urged to Follow Guidelines
Itasca County Public Health Officials Ask Residents to Wear Masks, Social Distance, Avoid Gatherings
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Health officials in Itasca County are pleading with residents to do their part to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This plea comes as 241 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the county within the past seven days. “Unfortunately, we know that not everyone is helping us minimize the spread, and keeping out healthcare resources…
Itasca County Sees 86 New COVID-19 Cases In 1 Week
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Thursday, Oct. 29, 86 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Itasca County in the past seven days, bringing the county total to 794. Currently, nine Itasca County residents are hospitalized from the disease, with two in the ICU. There has been a total of 17 deaths in the county since the beginning of…
Duluth Woman Shares Battle With Breast Cancer at Early Age
Nicole Elysian Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the Age of 34
DULUTH, Minn. – Hearing you’ve been diagnosed with cancer is never fun, at any age. For 35-year-old Duluthian Nicole Elysian, Halloween of 2019 is a day she will never forget. After experiencing abnormalities on her breast, she made the decision to set up an appointment with medical professionals at Essentia Health. She was 34-years-old at the time of her diagnosis….
Tips for Having a Safe, Healthy Halloween Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Mary Cherne, St. Lukes Clinical Dietition, Provides Safer, Healthier Alternatives When it Comes to Celebrating the Holidays Amid COVID-19
DULUTH, Minn. – Having a safe and healthy Halloween will have a whole new meaning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary Cherne deals with dietitian, clinical nutrition, and diabetes care at St. Luke’s in Duluth. She’s urging Northlanders to err on the side of caution to keep yourself and loved ones safe this holiday season. This comes as the CDC is…
St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Expert Discusses COIVD-19 Severity, Holiday Concerns
Dr. Andrew Thompson is an Infectious Disease Physician at St. Luke's in Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. – Daily COVID-19 testing data released by the Minnesota Department of Health shows a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in recent weeks, and it’s prompting local health experts to speak out with a reminder for residents. “The recent rise in COVID-19 cases is definitely causing concern,” said St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Dr. Andrew Thompson. Thompson…
Pet Owners Reminded of Rodenticide Dangers as Winter Approaches
Local Veterinarians Remind Pet Owners to Book Routine Exams and Lookout for Harmful Poisions Often Used to Kill Rodents
SUPERIOR, Wis. – As winter approaches and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, local veterinarians have a reminder for pet owners, and also those in the neighborhood looking to keep rodents away. With COVID-19 continuing to cause health concerns for many, the staff at Superior Animal Hospital want to remind new and returning customers that safety is of the utmost importance for…
Itasca County Health Dept. Urges Caution As COVID-19 Cases Climb
COVID Questions? Contact Itasca County COVID Message Line at 218-327-6784
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Cases of COVID-19 continue to climb daily in Itasca County, according to Kelly Chandler, department manager, Itasca County Public Health. During a mass drive-thru testing event on Sept. 23 at the Itasca County Fairgrounds, 907 individuals were tested, 15 positive cases were identified, and three of those cases were asymptomatic. As of Thursday, Oct. 1, the…
