health

‘Lake Superior Roots and Recipes’ Connects Residents with Local Produce, Ideas

Looking For Fresh Produce or Recipe Ideas? Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Assoc. Has You Covered

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Lake Superior Harvest Festival, the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association (LSSFA) has launched a new website called ‘Lake Superior Roots & Recipes,’ featuring recipes, cooking tips, and information about our local food system. Organizer Julie Allen says since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more people are finding themselves preparing meals and eating…

Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Hosting Virtual Program, Fundraiser

Shine Teal for MOCA is Happening Friday, Sept. 25, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) will be shining a light on ovarian cancer in new ways to help support and raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month this September. The statewide nonprofit is hosting Shine Teal for MOCA, a free virtual event and auction, on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m….

Itasca County Health Officials Express Flu Shot Importance This Fall

Flu Shots Will Be Available Within One to Two Weeks at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As the Labor Day weekend inches closer, officials with Itasca County Public Health Department want to remind residents and visitors that their actions could have long-term effects amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials say the last time they saw a huge spike in cases was two weeks after the 4th of July holiday weekend. This is…

Check Your Mailbox! Bridge to Health Survey Sent to 27,000 Northland Residents

The Survey is Sent to Residents in Northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County Once Every Five Years

DULUTH, Minn. – 27,000 Northland residents will soon receive a survey in the mail from Generations Health Care Initiatives. Known as the ‘Bridge to Health Survey,’ this document helps provide vital information regarding resident’s access to healthcare throughout Northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin. The comprehensive regional health status survey asks residents about health conditions, access to mental health, dental,…

Therapist Offers Advice on When to Seek Help With Mental Health Concerns

Coffee Conversation: Dealing with Mental Health Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Social Unrest

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting individuals on many different levels. Toss in political and social unrest across the country, and stress/anxiety have skyrocketed this year. Maren Barootian , a psychotherapist at Essentia Health in Duluth, says it’s important for those struggling with mental health issues to know they’re not alone. Barootian says it’s easy for many adults…

Summer Harvest Provides Perfect Ingredients for Garden Vegetable Stir Fry

Cooking Connection: Garden Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles

DULUTH, Minn. – Gardens offer ample amounts of fresh ingredients throughout the summer months, but it can be difficult to come up with the perfect recipes to help use up your entire harvest. This is a classic, “you don’t need a recipe dish.” Vary the vegetables and add a protein on the side. Chef Arlene Coco says you can even…

Itasca County Officials Provide Update on COVID-19, Senior Living Facilities

Cases of COVID-19 Continue to Climb in Itasca County

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Officials say coordination has been key to successful COVID-19 response strategies inside long term care facilities in Itasca County. Health professionals and management from many of the senior care facilities in the county provided an update Thursday morning on response efforts. Management from The Emeralds at Grand Rapids report they haven’t had any new cases of…

Fresh Garden Bruschetta with Chef Arlene Coco

Cooking Connection: Garden Bruschetta

DULUTH, Minn. – Nothing represents the tastes of summer more than a fresh picked meal from the garden. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Arlene Coco teaches FOX 21’s Brett Scott how to make a delicious, easily handcrafted garden bruschetta using fresh picked herbs and vegetables from a Duluth community garden. Garden Bruschetta Recipe Serving size: 6 Ingredients: 4 tablespoons…

Northland Natives Formulate Healthy Boost with Boomerang Energy

Duluthians Donny and Will Pearson Wanted to Create a Healthier Alternative to Traditional Energy Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. – We’ve all been there – Long days at work making for sleepy afternoons waiting for the clock to strive five. Each year millions of energy drinks are sold in the United States. Now the Northland has a local option for those looking to sip on a healthier boost of energy. “You throw it out, it comes back,”…

St. Luke’s Oncologist Emphasizes Importance of Routine Screenings Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Coffee Conversation: Continuing Routine Medical Exams, Cancer Screenings Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Routine medical exams and cancer screenings are taking a back burner for many people amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a worry for many in the medical community, as this could have negative impacts in the years to come. Dr. Roberto Fernandez, a St. Luke’s Oncologist, says it’s vital for patients to come in for routine cancer…

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Doctor on Public Preparedness: “I Think There’s Room For Improvement”

St. Luke's Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Andrew Thompson Speaks on COVID-19 Preparedness in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – “I think there’s room for improvement, at least here in our local community,” said Dr. Andrew Thompson, Infectious Disease Specialist with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. Dr. Thompson made this statement when asked about his personal view on how safe and cautious residents in the Northland have been during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan…

Superior, Sponsors Ready to Launch ‘Sweet Streets’ Bike Safety Program

The Launch Will Happen Saturday, June 20 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Superior Public Library

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After many months of hard work and dedication behind the scenes, Jenny Van Sickle, Superior city council member, and many fine sponsors are thrilled to be launching a new bike safety program called ‘Sweet Streets.’ The launch is happening Saturday, June 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Superior Public Library. Families are welcome and encouraged…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Ready to Help Residents in Need

Resources Are Available for All Residents in Itasca County Facing Food Insecurities

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. -With school out and the coronavirus pandemic continuing to have a lasting impact on communities, health officials in Itasca County want to stress the importance of nutrition and food access services in the region. Second Harvest North Central Food Bank continues to provide food to 130 agencies in the region, from International Falls to Princeton. Research shows…

COVID-19 Update: 53 Cases, 9 Deaths Reported in Itasca County

Health Professionals Advise Residents to Maintain a Healthy Diet, Exercise Routine

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – As of Friday Itasca County Public Health Officials confirm 53 positive COVID-19 cases within the county. The youngest case is reported in an elementary aged individual. The county also reports a total of nine deaths related to coronavirus. Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has tested over 1,000 residents for COVID-19. This comes as health professionals continue…

Remember Food Safety as Summer Barbeques Begin

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt Reminds of Food Safety, Healthy Eating During Summer Months

DULUTH, Minn. – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, dietitians at St. Luke’s want to remind everyone to practice food safety precautions. Experts recommend limiting your consumption of meats and mixing in a large number of fruits and vegetables during your backyard barbeques. St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt suggests grilling peaches and pineapple as well as vegetables like peppers,…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Active Living, Healthy Eating Amid COVID-19

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, health officials in Itasca County confirm three additional COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total to five. Three of the deceased were males in their 80s, one was a male in his 90s, and details surrounding the fifth death remain unknown at this time. Itasca County reported 42 cases of coronavirus as of Friday…

Virtual Walk for Hope Raising Awareness of Huntington’s Disease

The Virtual Walk for Hope is Happening Saturday, May 16

DULUTH, Minn. – May is Huntington’s Disease awareness month across the nation. The illness is a fatal genetic disorder causing the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This weekend, Northlanders are encouraged to walk at their own pace and help raise awareness of the disease. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) is launching the Duluth Virtual Team…

Duluth Hospitals Confident Elective Surgeries Can Go On ‘Safely’

Both St. Luke's and Essentia Health Have Protocols in Place Before a Patient Receives a Surgical Procedure Amid COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is allowing elective surgical procedures to start again on Monday, May 11 after hospitals take preventative measures to ensure continued safety. Before surgical dates, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health will be testing patients for COVID-19 three days before their procedure. They will then ask patients to quarantine themselves up until the date…

St. Luke’s Reminds Patients to Seek In-Person Care for Medical Emergencies

Many Patients Are Receiving Mixed Messages About Medical Care Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth urge patients to come into their facilities if you are experiencing a medical emergency. They’ve received reports of patients receiving mixed messages when it comes to handling medical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If you have a medical problem, it’s safe to come see your physician,” said Dr. Nick Johnson,…

Itasca County Health Officials Address Mental Health Concerns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Area Partners Have Developed a Website With a Plethora of Mental Health Resources

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, there are 11 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Itasca County. While the numbers remain low compared to nearby St. Louis County (73 cases, 11 deaths), officials are seeing an increase in calls and outreach to local mental health service centers. First Call for Help of Itasca County is a private, nonprofit community organization…

Northland Foundation, Area Partners Raise $2 Million for COVID-19 Financial Relief

Relief Funds Will Be Used For Multiple Programs, Local Businesses in Northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Foundation has been serving seven counties including five tribal nations in Northeastern Minnesota since the 1980s. The foundation strives to economically support residents and businesses in the region, especially during financially difficult times. “We’re doing our best to connect our businesses and our people with those resources both in our region, in the state, and…

National Bank of Commerce Donates 8,000 N95 Masks to Duluth Hospitals

St. Luke's and Essentia Each Received 4,000 N95 Masks Thanks to National Bank of Commerce

DULUTH, Minn. – With a nationwide shortage of N95 masks, and states told they must find supplies themselves, it’s becoming more difficult by the day to obtain a stockpile for Northland hospitals. On Wednesday, National Bank of Commerce gifted St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth a supply of 4,000 N95 masks for healthcare workers on the front lines to utilize. Another…

St. Louis County to Provide Hotel Rooms for Those Without Safe Isolation Space

Hotel Rooms Will Be Available in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health along with AEOA and partners such as CHUM is working to make sure those without a safe place to shelter if they were to test positive for COVID-19 can self-isolate. Four hotels would be used at various locations throughout St. Louis County – one each in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely. According…

Local Mothers, Organizations Hosting Virtual Birthing Summit

The Virtual Summit is Taking Place April 4 - 10

DULUTH, Minn. – Giving birth or even the thought of starting a family can be a difficult topic to deal with during the stress of the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, local professionals and area mothers are teaming up to help expecting parents. Stacy Holden is the creator of the Birth and Baby Fair Duluth. “We have an amazing birth community here…

Second Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Bayfield County, Linked to Community Spread

Second Case of COVID-19 in Bayfield County Related to Community Spread

BAYFIELD CO., Wis. – On Thursday the Bayfield County Health Department confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in Bayfield County. This case is also considered the first known case related to community spread in the county. The lab-confirmed positive case received on March 26 did not have a history of travel or contact with a known positive case of COVID-19….

Salons, Spas in Minnesota Ordered to Close Through March 27

Owners of Local Salons Speak Out Regarding the Impact of Business Closures

DULUTH, Minn. – If you get your hair cut in Minnesota, you won’t be able to anymore – at least until March 27 at 5:00 p.m. Affective Tuesday, March 17 at 5:00 p.m., under orders from Governor Tim Walz, hair and nail salons as well as spas have been ordered to close due to concerns over COVID-19. This news is…

Fourth Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Minnesota

The Fourth Confirmed Case in Minnesota is in Olmsted County

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials have confirmed the state’s fourth case of the coronavirus in a person in Olmsted County. That county’s public health department planned a news conference later Wednesday and no additional details were immediately available. The state’s earlier cases involve residents of Anoka, Ramsey and Carver counties. The state earlier this week set aside $21 million…

Salvation Army of Duluth Encourages Food, Monetary Donations This Month

March is FoodShare Month in Minnesota; Food, Monetary Donations will be Doubled

DULUTH, Minn. – The March food drive is happening at the Duluth Salvation Army. In the past, the organization has collected over $18,000 and more than 11,000 pounds of food. During the month of March, all donations of food and money will be matched from the Minnesota FoodShare Campaign. “It really helps a lot with just helping get over a…

Midday Update 3-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 9, 2020. Categories: Community, Coronavirus, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, health, Local News, midday update

SilverSneakers: Active Older Adults Slide into Exercise at the Superior YMCA

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Superior Family YMCA Hosts 65+ Workout Classes

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads to a YMCA class with the SilverSneakers! This a group of 65+ year olds working out together to keep their bodies healthy. They focus on stretching, warm ups, exercises, a yoga cool down and more! Increasing flexibility and helping with balance to prevent falls, the class builds…

National School Breakfast Week Begins Today

National School Breakfast Week Promotes Healthy Eating in Schools March 2 - 6, 2020

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Classroom success stems from a good healthy start to the day. March 2 – 6, thousands of schools around the nation will recognize National School Breakfast Week. Locally, Valerie Dahl, Food Service Director for Wrenshall Public Schools, is taking this time to share with the community what she and various staff members are doing to promote healthy…

Listen Up Ladies! 12th Annual Women’s Expo Happening Saturday in Duluth

The Duluth Women's Expo is Happening at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Saturday, February 29, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is gearing up to host the 12th annual Duluth Women’s Expo Saturday, February 29, 2020. The show will run one day only, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Thousands of women from throughout the region are set to attend the expo with more than 100 vendors, a fashion show, shopping, sampling, a…

Special Report: Suicidal Thoughts Resulting in “The Final Journey”

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – It’s one word surrounded by stigma and often never discussed — Suicide. Nationally, the number of people taking their lives continues to dramatically rise year-after-year. So how do the numbers break down locally? The number of suicides reported along the North Shore of Minnesota have spiked over the past ten years. Many people have come from…

Minnesota Senate Panel Passes GOP Insulin Affordability Bill

The Passing Comes As Patients and Parents Urged Senators to Keep Working on a Compromise Between Parties

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The long-running debate at the Capitol over insulin affordability has shifted to the Minnesota Senate. Patients and parents urged senators Thursday to keep working toward a compromise between competing Senate Republican and House Democratic proposals. Helping diabetics afford insulin is one of the main pieces of unfinished business left over from the 2019 session, when…

Why Do We Wear Red on Friday, February 7, 2020?

The Date Serves as Go Red For Women Day, Raising Awareness For Heart Disease in Women

DULUTH, Minn. – Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Health experts say nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented yet cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive…

Looking to Stress Less? Follow These Tips!

Local Health & Wellness Speaker & Trainer Berta Lippert Offers Tips to Help You Stress Less in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you looking to get healthy and feel better about yourself? Maybe lose weight, get organized, or reduce stress? Thankfully, local health and wellness speaker, Berta Lippert, is here to help Twin Ports residents. Lippert says when it comes to creating lasting change, you may or may not know what it is you need to do. Or,…

Minnesota Dentists Offering Free Dental Care for over 2,000 Children

Participants for "Give Kids a Smile" Must be 18 Years of Age or Younger

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland children in need of dental care are now able to apply for free services to be completed on February 7 & 8. The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) is proud to provide free dental care to thousands of Minnesota children from low-income families through the annual volunteer program, Give Kids a Smile. This is the eighteenth year,…

Governor Walz Urges Public Hearings to Break Insulin Impasse

Lawmakers Report Little Progress Made in Closed-Door Talks Over the Past Month Regarding the Cost of Insulin

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz is urging Minnesota lawmakers to hold public hearings to try to break an impasse over legislation to make insulin more affordable. Lawmakers have made little apparent progress in closed-door talks over the past month toward reconciling the differences between competing House Democratic and Senate Republican plans. Their last meeting was Friday. The…

Special Report: Finding “The New Normal” After the Loss of a Loved One

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

DULUTH, Minn. – Moving on after the loss of a loved one can be a very tough experience. Many choose to keep quiet, dealing with emotions alone instead of reaching out for support and guidance when moving forward. It’s been just over three months since FOX 21’s Brett Scott lost his mother. She battled cancer with grace and courage for…

St. Luke’s Dietitian Suggests Handing Out Other Types of Treats this Halloween

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne Offers Advice When it Comes to Being Inclusive to All Trick-or-Treaters

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween falls on Thursday this week and many folks have probably already stocked up the candy drawer, but it’s important to remember moderation is the best bet as we head into the height of the holiday season. St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne stopped by FOX 21 Local News to offer a few tips before trick-or-treating this…

Local Fishing Foundation Raising Funds to Help Those Impacted by Cancer

Catch Your Moment Foundation is Hosting a Raffle Fundraiser to Help Expand Their Mission in the Northland and Beyond

DULUTH, Minn. – Receiving word of a cancer diagnosis is never something you plan for in life. It’s why Catch Your Moment Foundation is looking to help Northlanders impacted by their diagnosis build strength and keep spirits strong. The Foundation is made up of a group of dedicated anglers and professionals looking to connect families touched by cancer with the…

St. Luke’s to Host Women’s Health Night

Women's Health Night is Happening Wednesday, October 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is looking to start a community conversation regarding women’s health, and being proactive. The event comes as the nation recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October. Women’s Health Night is open to women of all ages. It’s happening Wednesday, October 9 in the St. Luke’s Auditorium, 2 Center located at 915 East First Street in…

All Natural, Eco-Friendly Grooming Service Opens in Superior

All Natural Canines is Located at 1308 Tower Avenue in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dogs, cats, rabbits, and even birds. It sounds like a handful, but for one business owner in Superior, it’s her clientele. Some could say there are new doggies in one window along Tower Avenue in Superior. “Dogs are my main passion,” said Amy Mundt, owner of All Natural Canines Pet Grooming in Superior. The longtime resident of…

Influenza Confirmed in Minnesota, St. Luke’s Advises Early Flu Shot

Dr. Sara Lund with St. Luke's Infectious Disease Associates in Duluth Offers Advice Ahead of Flu Season

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 80,000 Americans died, and almost one million were hospitalized due to influenza during the 2017 – 2018 flu season. This year, health officials are once again reminding people to not put it off, and get vaccinated for the common illness before it’s too late. Dr. Sara Lund…

Back-to-School Prompts Healthy Home Lunch Tips from St. Luke’s

St. Luke's Clinical Nutrition and Diabetes Care Dietitian Mary Cherne Offers Helpful Tips for Northland Parents

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…

Local Mother Looks to Raise Funds for Pediatric Cancer

The Grit and Gratitude Fundraiser Bike Ride is Happening Sunday, August 25 in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – At just 18 months old, little Lily was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer called hepatoblastoma. Hepatoblastoma affects about one in a million kids, and the disease usually presents before age two. With stage four disease (spread to the lungs) and the location in the liver (grapefruit sized tumor abutting all the important vessels and biliary tree)…

Duluth Fire Department Local 101 Looks to ‘Fill the Boot’ for MDA

The Annual Fill the Boot Campaign is Happening July 29 - 31

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time once again to help Duluth Fire Department Local 101 ‘Fill the Boot.’ The annual fundraising campaign supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising critical funds to help transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related muscle-debilitating diseases. The dedicated men and women of Duluth Fire Department take to the streets every…

Walk to Support Huntington’s Disease Saturday in Duluth

The Duluth Team Hope Walk is Happening Saturday, June 15 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Leif Erikson Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Fewer than 200,000 cases are diagnosed every year, yet Huntington’s Disease proves to be an ongoing battle in the lives of many folks. On Saturday, June 15, you’re invited to help raise awareness for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. HDSA’s Minnesota Chapter is having the Duluth Minnesota Team Hope Walk Saturday June 15 from 8:00 a.m….

Food Allergy Walk to Raise Awareness in Duluth

The Walk is Happening Saturday, June 1

DULUTH, Minn. – The national organization, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is hosting a local Hometown Heroes Walk in Duluth Saturday, June 1. The event aims to raise critical funds to address the food allergy epidemic. Event organizer Emily Homan says the goal is not only to raise awareness, but also to celebrate families, educators, health professionals, emergency responders,…

Dirty Dog? Experts Express Routine Grooming Habits

Staff at Bark Avenue are Working Around the Clock to Keep up with Spring Grooming

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather warms up in the Northland and water hoses start turning out, we often think about bath time for out dogs after a long winter without. Local groomers are working around the clock right now to help your pets maintain a clean bill of health, and also make sure your home stays smelling fresh and…