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Association (AHA) CPR/AED and First Aid Certification Course, hosted in partnership with Pine Technical and Community College, will be held on Friday, September 13, beginning at 9:00 AM at the Sandstone Government Office. Up to 15 participants can attend at no cost to themselves. A top priority of the Hospital District is to improve the health and safety of its citizens, and this training directly supports that mission. The full-day training covers crucial emergency response skills over 7 to 8 hours, depending on class size and is being paid for by the Hospital District. The Hospital District is offering this course, which has been an especially popular training program for people wanting to be able to help their families, neighbors and others during a health emergency. Course includes: • All classroom materials, training equipment, and handouts • Disposable supplies and a personal rescue mask • An American Heart Association Certification Card • Instruction by certified professionals from Pine Tech Contact Kris Sundberg to register for the class: Kristine_sundberg@hotmail.com or 952-239-6394 Participants must provide a valid email address on the registration form, which is completed the morning of the class, to receive their certification electronically.

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Some major asthma inhaler manufacturers announced $35 a month caps on out-of-pocket costs. The price cap will apply to people with commercial/private insurance (through your job or federal or state marketplace) or no insurance. At some pharmacies, the savings will be automatic. If your pharmacy doesn’t participate in the automatic savings, you can use a savings card to get the discount. If you have government-funded insurance (such as Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE), you won’t qualify fora price cap, but you may qualify for a patient assistance program that can reduce what you pay. The inhalers that will be price capped include: AstraZeneca: Airsupra, Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aeosphere, and Symbicort Boehringer Ingelheim: Atrovent HFA, Combivent Respimat, Spiriva Handi Haler, Spiriva Respimat, And Striverdi Respimat. GSK: Advair Diskus, Advair FHA, Anora Ellipta, Amuity Ellipta, Breo Ellipta, Incruse Ellipta, Serevent Diskus, Trelegy Ellipta, and Ventalin HFA How to save on GSK inhalers: If you have commercial insurance or no insurance: Download the GSK at: https://gskforyou.com/programs/gsk-coupons-free-trials/ and give it to your pharmacist. If you have government-funded insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE: You may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program for Anoro Ellipta, Arnuity Ellipta, Breo Ellipta, Incruse Ellipta, Serevent Diskus, and Trelegy Ellipta. Visit https://gskpaf.org/gsk/prescription-medicine-patient-assistance/ to see if you qualify.

The North Pine Area Hospital District is considering offering Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Training for community members. This training would equip participants with critical lifesaving skills to respond effectively during medical emergencies. In our rural area, having these skills can also help us to assist our families and neighbors during emergencies while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. To move forward, we need to gauge community interest. If you or someone you know would be interested in this training, please contact Kris Sundberg at: Kristine_sundberg@hotmail.com; or 952-239-6394

Selah Wellness Clinic is the only Integrative Health Practice in the region. Their service model and patient care model is unique in rural Minnesota. They focus on health integration, holistic prevention along with infusion services to complement your health goals and has more of a boutique feel. You decide if you want traditional care, holistic care or a mix of both. They do acute care visits like coughs, abdominal pain, headaches, stitches, lesion removal, sprains, strains, pregnancy and birth control, and acute infections like ear infections, pneumonia, (STD/STI testing and treatment too). They also help with chronic care visits like high blood pressure, migraines, diabetic management, skin conditions, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, thyroid issues, substance use, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, arthritis and more. Additionally, they help with well child exams, vaccines, sports physicals, and annual physicals. New Depression and Addiction Therapies Additionally, Selah Wellness Clinic now offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy at their Pine City and Sandstone locations. TMS is an FDA approved, non-medication way to put depression, anxiety and OCD in remission. TMS is also FDA approved for smoking cessation for ages 15 years old and up. Most insurances cover TMS treatment, including Tricare and Veteran's Community Care. Selah Wellness Clinic also offers one of the only MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) clinics in the area. Their providers are trained and credentialed to provide suboxone, methadone and additional services. They also address acute and chronic health issues through an integrative health care approach, to treat the entire person. Selah has several providers that are credentialed in family practice, psychiatry, pediatric psychiatry and Functional Medicine. Call for a new patient appointment at: 320-372-2323 or 320-372-2312

The North Pine Area Hospital District has long been a cornerstone of rural health care, serving our community with a commitment to local access to quality health care. Recognizing the growing challenge of recruiting health care professionals, we introduced a program as innovative as it is practical: forgivable health care education loans. Loans are available for either a 2- or 4-year college program, one-year technical course or health care accreditation program. The recipient of the loan must agree to work after graduation for a health care provider within the Hospital District territory for a period of four years. The loan is forgiven if the borrower fulfills the requirements of the Health Care Education Loan Forgiveness Program. A maximum of $7,000 per year is allowed by law for no more than four years. This initiative was designed with a clear purpose—to address the shortage of health care workers in the region by investing directly in its residents. Seven people have completed their education as Paramedics, RNs, Radiology Technology, Hospital Administration and Psychiatric Nurse. Currently two more are pursuing their advanced health care education. To Apply: Email Kris Sundberg at Kristine_sundberg@hotmail.com or go to the website www.PineHospitalDistrict.com to get the application.

Aaron Munz , Army veteran and director of the Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center. Veterans face a higher risk for mesothelioma due to past exposure to asbestos. From the 1930s to the 1980s, the military widely used asbestos for its heat-resistant qualities. It was found in many materials, including insulation and shipbuilding. Understanding this history can help us support our veterans better today. Asbestos is known to be the main cause of mesothelioma . Tiny fibers can float in the air and, if inhaled, may get trapped in the body. This can lead to irritation and changes in cells that sometimes result in cancer. While the outlook for mesothelioma can be challenging, it’s important to note that early detection and new treatment options are helping more people live longer and healthier lives. Key Facts About Mesothelioma & Veterans 1. Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for 100% disability compensation. 2. Veterans may file a VA claim by going to asbestos.com/veterans/va-claims/ for compensation and access VA health care for mesothelioma. 3. Many veterans also receive compensation through legal settlements. 4. A VA-accredited claims agent can help answer by going to: https://www.asbestos.com/veterans/faq/ . Many veterans, especially those in the Navy, have faced higher rates of mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos on ships, submarines and shipyards. It’s important to recognize that veterans from all branches of the military also face this risk. Types of Veterans Benefits for Mesothelioma Service members today might come across asbestos in older machines, buildings and military housing. When buildings with asbestos get damaged during combat, it can also pose a risk to soldiers. Moreover, family members of active-duty service members and veterans could be exposed to asbestos if dust settles on uniforms, boots, or gear. It’s important to recognize these risks As a veteran facing mesothelioma, you may qualify for full disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This support can also include health care services and monthly payments to help you during this time. It’s worth exploring these options to see how they can assist you. As the surviving spouse of a veteran, you might be eligible for some helpful benefits. One such benefit is called dependency and indemnity compensation, or DIC. This support is available if your spouse passed away because of a service-related disability. We encourage you to explore these options and see how they can assist you during this time. VA Health Care To enroll in VA health care, considering your income level is helpful. You will also need to show proof of any illness linked to your service. For example, if you have mesothelioma and 50% of your asbestos exposure happened while you were on active duty, the VA will recognize that as connected to your service. Disability Compensation Disability compensation provides monthly support for veterans based on their level of disability. To file a service-connected disability claim, veterans need to demonstrate they have a VA-recognized condition related to asbestos such as mesothelioma. The VA considers asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma 100% disabling. The number of benefits may change depending on the number of dependents. Single veterans with mesothelioma qualify for a monthly payment of $3,877. Married veterans receive a monthly amount of $4,098.

Dr. Matthew Braithwaite Dr. Matthew Braithwaite comes to Sandstone every week to provide cancer care. He is board-certified in oncology and hematology and high-quality cancer care. They also offer a wide array of infusion options at the infusion center in the Sandstone Hospital, which is supported by our board-certified oncology nurses. Essentia provides infusions for: Hydration, Chemotherapy, Biotherapy, Immunotherapy, Blood products and treatment for blood disorders, Antibiotics, IVIG, Injections, Iron supplements, IV steroids, Treatments for autoimmune diseases, including rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and neurology, and Venous and central line care. The infusion phone number is: 320-245-5800; infusion fax number is: 320-245-3215

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded system, with each color representing a different level of health concern. This is important as we enter the wildfire season. Here are the AQI colors and their levels of concern: Green (0-50): Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Yellow (51-100): Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, but there may be a risk for some people, particularly those unusually sensitive to air pollution. Orange (101-150): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (children, older adults, people with respiratory or heart conditions) who may experience health effects. Red (151-200): Unhealthy. Some of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Purple (201-300): Very Unhealthy. The general public may experience health effects. Maroon (301 and above): Hazardous. Health effects are likely to occur in all individuals. Wildfire Health Risks Source: MN Department of Health, New York Times & Canadian Source “In Minnesota, a typical year brings an average of 1,200 wildfires that burn through 12,600 acres, according to state data. Since the beginning of this year, more than 1,000 wildfires have already destroyed more than 50,000 acres,” states the May 17, 2025, NY Times article. According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, the fire severity level is above average, however rain levels are predicated to increase during this summer. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and materials. The pollutant of most concern from wildfire smoke is fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is damaging to human health because it has the ability to deeply penetrate lung tissue and even affect the heart and circulatory system. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. Breathing wildfire smoke can have immediate health impacts, including respiratory and cardiovascular effects. Particle pollution may also affect the body’s ability to remove inhaled foreign materials, such as viruses and bacteria, from the lungs. Who's most at-risk? Some populations may experience more severe acute and chronic symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke including: • Children: Their lungs are still developing and there is a greater likelihood of increased exposure to wildfire smoke because of more time spent outdoors, engaging in more vigorous activity and inhaling more air per pound of body weight compared to adults. • Older adults: Adults older than 60 can be at a higher risk of harmful effects from wildfire smoke due to the frequency of pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions, as well as a decline in natural physiological defense systems. • People with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease: Individuals living with heart or lung diseases, such as coronary artery disease, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are more likely to be affected when fine particle pollution reaches an unhealthy level. Air Quality Index Meteorologists at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) forecast the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 18 locations in five regions across the state. Forecasts are important to help Minnesotans who are sensitive to air pollution for planning ahead to protect their health. On most days, the AQI across Minnesota is in the green (good) category, but occasionally, the AQI climbs into the yellow (moderate) category, or even into the orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) or above categories (unhealthy for everyone). While sensitive populations such as those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), children, and older adults are more likely to experience health effects during orange and red AQI levels, unusually sensitive individuals can experience effects in the yellow category.

Source: National Institute of Health (NIH) April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues. It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help. The Mental Health American (MHA) provides some tips on how to reduce your stress by utilizing a   Stress Screener . Also, take some time to visit the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website   and familiarize yourself with strategies for stress management. NIH also offers several resources that can assist managers and employees in dealing with stress and anxiety, including the  Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  and the Office of the Ombudsman. While EAP focuses on confidential counseling and enhancing and maintaining the well-being of all employees, the  Office of the Ombudsman  provides confidential, informal services related to coaching, facilitation, and mediation. Contact information for both services can be found in the above sources. National Suicide Prevention Call or Text:  988 Chat Online: 988lifeline.org Minnesota Crisis Text Line Text  MN  to  741 741  to be connected with free, 24/7 mental health crisis support.

Source: MN Department of Human Resources Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) covers low-risk pregnancy and low-risk delivery services provided at home for members with MA or MinnesotaCare fee-for-service coverage. Members with MA or MinnesotaCare fee-for-service coverage are eligible to receive home pregnancy and delivery services if they are determined low-risk for pregnancy and delivery complications. Low risk means a routine, uncomplicated prenatal course as determined by documentation of adequate prenatal care and the anticipation of a routine, uncomplicated labor and birth, as defined by reasonable and generally accepted criteria adopted by professional groups for maternal, fetal, and neonatal health care. They are covering home birth services after conducting a thorough and thoughtful assessment after hearing from members and providers that members would benefit from another birthing option to allow for more autonomy over their birthing process. DHS covering home birth services aligns with over 50 percent of other state Medicaid agencies in the country, as well as our commitment to equity. MHCP home birth policy criteria reflects the following:  Best practice standards for midwifery State law for scope of practice for midwifery Definitions and best practices for assessing when pregnant people are considered low risk for adverse health outcomes Other state Medicaid agencies policies Note, the home birth policy allows for providers who meet the policy criteria to be eligible providers when enrolled with MHCP. However, providers are not required to provide home birth services if they are already enrolled; only if they are qualified and interested in providing home birth services. Call the MHCP Provider Resource Center at 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411 with questions.

Source: Pine County Health Department Radon gas is inert, colorless and odorless. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools and workplaces. Radon gas becomes trapped indoors after it enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Indoor radon can be controlled and managed with proven, cost-effective techniques. Radon in Homes.  The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provides information on radon and how to protect your family's health. MDH recommends that every Minnesota home be tested for radon. Radon Testing  MDH recommends that all Minnesota homeowners test their homes for radon. A radon test is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. You can test your home yourself or hire a licensed professional. Most radon tests can be performed on your own, after reading the instructions. Hiring a radon measurement professional is recommended when an unbiased, third party is needed, such as in a real estate transaction. The result(s) from a properly performed radon test will help you decide if you need to reduce your home's radon level. Where Can I get a Radon Test Kit? Radon test kits are inexpensive and are available at some local health departments, hardware stores, laboratories, and other vendors. Some test kits may also require an analysis fee paid when mailing the kit to the lab.   Air Check, Inc. - A manufacturer of short-term radon test kits. Minnesota residents receive a discount. You can order Air Check online by going to mn.radon.com . Pine County Public Health distributes radon information and sometimes distributes radon test kits to residents. Please call at   320-591-1596  for more information. Please note the Pine County Health and Human Services do not routinely stock radon testing kits in their offices, so please call ahead and check with staff.