FARGO, N.D. — Essentia Health is offering free handwashing posters to the public. The hospital distributes these posters every year around flu season. According to health officials, this year’s flu season has been the worst in a decade. The posters include seven steps for proper handwashing. Experts say regular handwashing can prevent diseases by 30 percent. “Hand washing is the…
FARGO, ND — The public had the chance to let Fargo Cass Public Health know what they think about a proposed needle exchange program. Some said they were very proud of the direction Fargo is moving in with the program. The idea was taken from Moorhead’s Good Neighbor Project. It will help to prevent the spreading of diseases like Hepatitis…
NATIONAL — A new study is shedding some light on the theory over concussions and a neurodegenerative disease. Researchers at Boston University say they do not believe concussions lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. CTE can cause a number of cognitive issues and show dementia and Alzheimer’s-related symptoms. Researchers say CTE is caused by repeated head trauma, regardless…
INTERNATIONAL — Six years ago, a woman from the U.K. went to the doctor for her stomach ache and bloating issues. The British Medical Journal says doctors diagnosed her with Crohn’s disease, an incurable inflammation of the bowels. When the 41-year-old ended up in the hospital again due to her symptoms, doctors performed what is called a “keyhole,” or…
NORTH DAKOTA — There are new requirements when it comes to vaccinations for children in North Dakota. Starting January 1, all children who are in day cares will be required to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. This is a change from only children beginning school needed the vaccine. In the 2018 school year, students in grades 11 and 12…
FARGO, ND — Dick Beardsley shares his personal story of hope and redemption with patients and supporters of First Step Recovery in Fargo. In February, Beardsley will be 21 years sober, after battling a prescription drug addiction. He says it’s important to share his story and continue to inspire others to get better one day at a time. He also…
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota health officials are adding autism spectrum disorders and obstructive sleep apnea as conditions that qualify for medical marijuana. The health commissioner says there is increasing evidence that medical marijuana can help people with severe autism or obstructive apnea. The state health department takes public input each year on conditions that might be added. Some of…
MINNESOTA — Seven deer harvested in southeastern Minnesota may be infected with chronic wasting disease. Hunters harvested three of the seven deer near Preston, where 11 other deer tested positive during last year’s CWD surveillance efforts. Three others were harvested in Forestville-Mystery Cave State Park, west of the core disease area. The remaining deer was harvested east of Wykoff…
WEST FARGO, N.D. — Sheyenne High School supported one of their own battling type I diabetes. The entire student body wore blue to let their classmate know they stand with her as she battles the disease. “It’s very special knowing that everybody’s here supporting me,” said Danika Johnson, a sophomore at Sheyenne High School. Danika has been living with type…
RAMSEY COUNTY, Minn. A tuberculosis outbreak among an elderly Hmong population of Minnesota is proving deadly and costly. Six of 17 people who contracted tuberculosis in Ramsey County have died, three of them as a direct result of the disease. Patients affected by the outbreak must undergo a costly medication regimen. Two first-line antibiotics have proven ineffective against this…
