Health

North Dakota Opioid Deaths on the Rise

The state will provide $180,000 to each of six successful community applicants

  NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota recorded 61 drug-related overdose deaths in 2015. That was an increase from 43 deaths in 2014 and 20 in 2013. The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division is now encouraging communities to apply for funding to address the opioid crisis. The goal is to identify gaps and strengthen existing community prevention…

Local Programs Continue Despite Defunding of BreatheND

The funding will now be housed at the North Dakota Department of Health

FARGO, ND — BreathND is done at the end of the month. The legislature voted to defund the state’s tobacco prevention agency in April. There will no longer be a statewide agency dedicated to tobacco prevention come July 1st. The funding will now be housed at the North Dakota Department of Health. Whether it was providing education or a plan…

Fergus Falls Community Garden Committed to Making Region Healthier

Lakes Region Takes Root in Fergus Falls Has a Mission To Provide Healthy Options To Those in Need

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — Community gardens are popular in our region because they offer people a chance to socialize with others while learning how to garden fresh produce. One community garden in Fergus Falls is offering that and more. Five years ago, Jason Bergstrand had the idea of a community garden that would help improve access to healthy food throughout Otter…

Essentia Health Holds Cancer Journey Conference for Survivors

A cancer journey conference was held to let survivors know they're not alone

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Essentia Health dedicated an entire day to educating and empowering cancer survivors in the metro. A cancer journey conference was held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead for cancer survivors. They had learning sessions, friendly discussions and got inspiring messages from their peers. Breakout sessions took place including art journaling and genetics knowledge. Program directors say it’s…

West Fargo Public Schools Working with Local Non-Profits on Increasing Mental Health Awareness

The wellness center will help students battling mental illnesses in West Fargo school

WEST FARGO, ND — The West Fargo Public School District said mental health is a growing issue among its students. According to the North Dakota Youth Behavior survey, one in four kids in North Dakota are struggling with a mental health issue and nearly one in 10 have attempted suicide. With the help of the West Fargo Public School District, local nonprofits…

Full Water Meditation: Yoga on the Water in Detroit Lakes

Lakes Pace, LLC Offers Yoga on the Water Classes

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — If you love to be out on the lake but are looking for a relaxing workout, yoga on the water could be just the thing for you to try this summer. Lakes Pace offers yoga classes on paddle boards in Detroit Lakes. The paddle boards are 10-12 feet long and have a yoga mat design on the…

Sleep Paralysis: What the Weird Sensation Means

You wake up but you can't move

  FARGO, ND– Have you ever woken up and felt like you were paralyzed? You’re not alone. Your eyes open as you get ready to tackle the day ahead. “It can last for a few seconds to a few minutes,” said Dr. Praveen Jinnur, who works with patients at the Essentia Health Sleep Medicine Department. When you try to roll…

Swimmer’s Itch is Back at the Lakes: Watch Out!

Crisp, cool water may sound inviting, but it also may contain swimmer's itch

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — School is out for the summer and people are headed down to the lakes. Crisp, cool water may sound inviting, but it also may contain swimmer’s itch. “Well with lake itch not so much myself but I worry about it with them,” said Emily Tomalla, who is visiting the beach with her children. “I guess we…

ShareHouse Rehab Center Opens New Unit Unique to the Metro

ShareHouse adds on a recovery living center in their facility

FARGO, ND — Life after rehab can lead to uncertainty for recovering addicts. A new recovery living center may have the answers patients need. In 2015, 61 people died from drug related causes according to CDC reports. Although there are numerous rehab centers in the metro, addicts can be at risk of relapse after being released. “Lots of times they…

New Life Center Holds Meal at the Mission

This shelter caters to men struggling with different life issues and their mission is to help people who are homeless and hurting

FARGO, ND — People struggle every day from homelessness and painful living conditions. In Fargo, one shelter is not only getting people off the streets but helping them build a new lifestyle. Whether you’re starting from a blank slate or trying to fix the past, the New Life Center offers services to help. This shelter caters to men struggling with…