Health & Environment

As we age, mobility and strength are critical for independence and quality of life. However, some older adults struggle to get regular exercise – the National Council on Aging reports that only 23% of adults ages 65 and older meet physical activity goals. Sharon Kimble, director of geriatric residency in the University of Minnesota Medical…

Leanne McCrate, RD, LD, CNSC Dear Dietitian, I have been using sea salt for most of my cooking. It’s more natural than table salt, and I believe it is a healthier alternative. My husband challenges me on this point. What do you think? Suzanne Dear Suzanne, Many Americans opt for sea salt with the idea,…

Starting Monday, Feb. 14, updated visitor guidelines took effect allowing one healthy adult visitor at all CentraCare and Carris Health sites, and two adult visitors will be allowed for minor patients. This includes hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers. These new guidelines do not pertain to our long-term care facilities because of different regulations for vulnerable…

The Mental Health Legislative Network will hold its annual Mental Health Day on the Hill online this year on Thursday, Feb. 24. Hundreds of people from around the state are expected to join in the event and share their views on mental health issues with legislators. The Legislative Network is composed of nearly 40 statewide…

NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the M Health Fairview Dept. of Psychiatry will host their annual Research Dinner online from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28. Researchers will present on “How Understanding Sex Differences in the Brain Gives Us New Insights Into Mental Illnesses.” Faculty from the Dept. of Psychiatry will share their…

NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has set up a wide variety of free online mental health classes for January and February 2022. They include classes such as Hope for Recovery, Family to Family, In Our Own Voice, Creating Caring Communities, Ending the Silence, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis for Families, a suicide prevention class…

With winter season in full swing, winter injuries are on the rise. University of Minnesota Medical School expert Mahmood Gharib talks about common winter injuries and how to avoid them. Q: What injuries are most commonly seen during the winter? Dr. Gharib: A variety of injuries can occur during the winter. If someone slips or…

With winter season in full swing, winter injuries are on the rise. University of Minnesota Medical School expert Mahmood Gharib talks about common winter injuries and how to avoid them. Q: What injuries are most commonly seen during the winter? Dr. Gharib: A variety of injuries can occur during the winter. If someone slips or…

Dire situation facing blood supply, those in need of blood transfusions Donors have the chance to help save lives, win trip to Super Bowl LVI The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a concerning risk…

Medical-grade masks required Due to the current surge of COVID-19 cases, and the need to strengthen protection against the highly contagious Omicron variant, CentraCare will be implementing two requirements at all facilities. Visitor restrictions CentraCare is once again implementing a stricter visitor policy at all its facilities. The restrictions went into effect Tuesday, Jan. 11.…