Health

LIVE: Pride of the Prairie Zoo Exhibit Opens

FARGO — The newest jewel in the crown of the Red River Zoo is open after years of planning and effort. The new “Pride of the Prairie” exhibit is officially open to the public. It highlights some of the most important species of the American plains, including prairie dogs, tiger salamanders, and the black-footed ferret, thought until recently to be…

Concordia College celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with rally, guest speaker

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Tasha Schuh, the author of “The Power of Path” came to Concordia College in Moorhead to speak on the importance of removing the stigma of speaking out about mental health and the significance of community support. She drew upon personal experience involving a tragic fall when she worked in theatre as a high schooler. Schuh fell…

How to prevent swimmer’s itch

FARGO (KVRR) – It’s summer time. Which means thousands of people will hit the lakes for the holiday weekend. While it is an unofficial kick-off to the summer, it also signifies the potential risks with swimmer’s itch. “If you swim in water that has been recently inhabited by water fowl, the potential for that parasite to be present means that…

With sudden change in temps and snow melt comes spring allergies

FARGO, ND (KVRR) – After a long and brutal winter, we are finally seeing the grass and the colors of summer start to bloom.  With that sudden change in temperatures and snow melt comes spring allergies.  Dr. Woei Eng, an allergist at Sanford in Fargo says, “tree pollens are the major issue around this area. Usually, the tree pollen such as oak…

Air quality alert issued for Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Smoke from wildfires in Alberta and Saskatchewan will likely affect air quality in northern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota on Tuesday. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert. The air quality index is expected to reach the orange or “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category. People with lung disease, including asthma, children…

Sanford recognizes its employees during Nurses Week

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — In recognition of Nurses Week, Sanford Fargo hosted a nursing recognition event. This event was held at Delta Hotels by Marriott in Fargo and had over 700 people in attendance. This included nurses and friends of nursing who were nominated by their colleagues that recieved awards. There were eight awards in different categories given throughout the…

MN House Passes Paid Family Leave Bill, Senate Votes Next

ST. PAUL (KVRR/KFGO) — Minnesota House lawmakers have approved a state-run paid family and medical leave program by a vote of 68-64. Rep. Ruth Richardson’s bill would now allow up to 12 weeks of partial payments each year to people who need family bonding with a new child or who have a serious medical condition. People experiencing both situations can…

Double Lung recipient shares the importance of organ donation

April is National Donate Life Month and being a donor means you could help so many lives. “Grateful to have been able to have a transplant, I’ve had 18 extra years with it and got to see my son graduate from high school.” says Cherie Ausk, a heart and double lung recipient. National Donate Life Month is about the importance…

Gov. Walz signs abortion shield law

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signs a bill into law shielding people who travel from out of state for an abortion. Supporters of Minnesota’s abortion shield law say it’s designed to stop courts, law enforcement and health care providers from cooperating with law enforcement outside of the state. “We’re giving basic rights to every single Minnesotan, rights…

Sanford, NDSCS introduce EMS apprenticeship to combat shortage

Sanford Health partners with NDSCS that would pay students for tuition, books and uniforms.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Five students at the North Dakota State College of Science will have an opportunity to earn while they learn through an EMS apprenticeship. The money is coming from Sanford and the partnership with the school has been ongoing for years. Officials are looking at this as a pilot program and an opportunity to see if it…