health

Papayas Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in 12 States, Including Minnesota

At least 47 people have become sick and at least one person has died from the outbreak

  NATIONAL — If you eat papayas, the CDC issued a warning on one brand that is being linked to a salmonella outbreak in at least 12 states, including Minnesota. The FDA said the outbreak is linked to the Caribena brand of Maradol papayas. At least 47 people have become sick and at least one person has died from the…

Sanford Urges Awareness of FAA Drone Regulations

Drone sightings near Sanford Health MedAir helicopters in Fargo, Sioux Falls

FARGO, ND — Anyone can buy a drone. It’s as simple as going on Amazon and having it delivered to your doorstep the next day. While it can be easy to get them in your hands, not everyone knows the rules. It’s posing a threat for some pilots. “There’s a 400–foot rule whether you’re doing it commercially or for your…

Minnesota Dept. of Health Hoping to Save Suicide Hotline

They're discussing plans to keep the hotline open for an even longer amount of time

  OAKDALE, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health is offering financial help to a suicide prevention hotline expected to shut down. The state’s hotline, operated by Canvas Health of Oakdale, says the state can’t afford to lose their service due to heightened suicide rates. The department will provide $139,000 to keep the hotline open until at least September 29th….

Two More Charged in Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Case

It follows charges earlier this week against Lillian Richardson and six accomplices in a $7.7 million fraud scheme

  BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Two more Minnesota women face charges in a large Medicaid fraud case. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson has filed a lawsuit against a Brooklyn Center woman and her daughter for bilking $929,000 in Medical Assistance funding from the state. It follows charges earlier this week against Lillian Richardson and six accomplices in a $7.7 million…

New Case of Measles Confirmed in Minnesota

The newest case is an unvaccinated man who lives in Hennepin County

  HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. — Health officials have confirmed an additional case of measles in Minnesota. The new case is associated with the measles outbreak that has been occurring mainly in Hennepin County since late March. The newest case is an unvaccinated man who lives in Hennepin County. Officials say the man visited several public locations in Hennepin, Ramsey and…

Senate Minority Leader Calling on FDA to Investigate Chocolate Powder Snorting

Coco Loko is a chocolate powder you can snort and is laced with many of the stimulants also found in energy drinks

NATIONAL — The company behind “Coco Loko” is marketing it by calling it an “endorphin rush” and that it gives you “calm focus”, but a lawmaker is calling on the FDA to investigate the product. Coco Loko is a chocolate powder you can snort and is laced with many of the stimulants also found in energy drinks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck…

Minnesota Health Officials Hoping Measles Outbreak is Over

The Somali community has been hardest hit during the outbreak

  MINNESOTA — Minnesota health officials may call an end to the state’s measles outbreak if no new cases arise by the end of the month. The number of cases in the state has held steady at nearly 80 for nearly one month. Health officials must wait until July 29, when two incubation periods pass without any new cases, before…

Senator Hoeven Says GOP Health Care Bill Needs Improvement

He is just the latest member of his party to criticize their plan to repeal and replace Obamacare

  GRAND FORKS, ND — Sen. John Hoeven says he “doesn’t support” the current GOP health care bill. The Republican made the comment during a discussion Wednesday at UND. He is just the latest member of his party to criticize their plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. Hoeven said he’s hopeful that the legislation can be improved to lower premium…

How to Beat the Heat in the Red River Valley

A local doctor gave us advice on how to get through the summer heat

FARGO, ND — With temperatures getting in the 90’s, we asked a local doctor how to beat the heat. Dr. Ann Safo from Sanford Family Medicine recommends drinking a pint of water every hour and wearing loose clothing. Do not leave children or animals inside a car even if the window is cracked. While things like Gatorade will help hydration,…

Deal Negotiations Fail Between BCBS Minnesota and Children’s Minnesota

Company officials on both sides say they are committed to working on a solution

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A failed deadline between a Minnesota health insurance company and the state’s largest pediatric hospital system could mean higher rates for 66,000 patients. Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Minnesota and Children’s Minnesota could not reach a deal on making the hospital system an out-of-network provider for BCBS Minnesota patients. While this doesn’t stop patients from seeking care at…