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Source: MN Sure Note: MNsure can help you find, choose, and enroll in comprehensive health coverage and is the only place to get financial help to lower the cost of health insurance. A few simple steps can protect you from health insurance fraud while still making sure you get the coverage you need. Never give your private health, Social Security number, bank account, credit card or password information to anyone who calls you or comes to your home uninvited. MNsure will never call you or send a representative to your home to ask for this information. If you are asked for this information, report the incident to MNsure. If you are asked to pay for help getting health insurance through MNsure, report the incident to MNsure. When using public computers, do not allow automatic storing of passwords and data fields for personal information. Remember to clear the browser’s history and cookies after completing your session. If you are suspicious of any information you are receiving about MNsure, stop the conversation and report the incident to MNsure. If you suspect identify theft related to your purchase of health insurance coverage through MNsure: Report the suspected theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 877-438-4338. Report the incident to MNsure. How To Report Health Insurance Fraud To file a health insurance fraud report: Submit a complaint online through the Report Fraud and Misconduct form , or Call the MNsure anonymous complaints telephone line at 844-466-7873 , or MNsure tip line operators can only take your health insurance fraud report. They cannot assist you with questions about your MNsure application or technical difficulties. To get help with your application , please call the MNsure Contact Center: 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873 or get free help from a MNsure-certified assister at https://www.mnsure.org/help/find-assister/index.jsp . Concerns about general insurance fraud that do not involve MNsure or MNsure.org should be reported to the Minnesota Department of Commerce . Concerns about fraud in Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or MinnesotaCare should be reported to the Minnesota Department of Human Services .

Source: Mayo Clinic Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months. Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year. Symptoms In most cases, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Less commonly, people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses. Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed Having low energy and feeling sluggish Having problems with sleeping too much Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain Having difficulty concentrating Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty Having thoughts of not wanting to live Seasonal changes and bipolar disorder People who have bipolar disorder are at increased risk of seasonal affective disorder. In some people with bipolar disorder, episodes of mania may be linked to a specific season. For example, spring and summer can bring on symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania), anxiety, agitation and irritability. They may also experience depression during the fall and winter months. When to see a doctor It's normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your health care provider. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.

Dr. Debbie Chavez-Mitchell at Atrium Health Levine Children's Rea Village Pediatrics shares how to help your child stay calm in a crisis and ensure your family has a head start in emergency preparedness. As a parent, the safety and well-being of your child is always top of mind. Whether it's a natural disaster, a sudden illness or an accident, emergencies can happen at any time, and children often look to their parents for guidance and reassurance. While you can’t prepare for every possible scenario, knowing how to help your child feel prepared can put them (and you) more at ease. Communicate openly Talking openly about potential crises helps build trust and ensures that your child feels supported. Encouraging your children to ask questions and express their fears and concerns about emergencies can also help them feel more confident and prepared to face unexpected events such as a house fire, medical emergency or natural disaster. Chavez-Mitchell says it’s important to listen to your child without judgment and provide honest, age-appropriate information. For younger children , use simple terms and reassure them that there are plans in place to keep them safe. Pro Tip: Explain the role of first responders like police officers, firefighters and paramedics, emphasizing that these are trusted adults who are there to help in emergencies. For older children , you can provide more detailed information and even involve them in preparedness activities like choosing a meeting point, gathering emergency supplies and practicing first aid. Pro Tip: Discuss the importance of calling 9-1-1 in certain scenarios and what information they may need to give the dispatcher. Make a plan One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to have a clear family emergency plan. Chavez-Mitchell suggests involving your child in creating the plan, so they know what to do if something happens. Here are a few key elements to include in your family’s plan: Emergency contacts: Make sure your child knows how to dial emergency services and who to contact if you're separated. Create a list of phone numbers with family members, neighbors, trusted friends and 9-1-1. Pro Tip: Consider having a dedicated home phone for emergencies. This can be especially useful if your child is too young to have their own cellphone. A designated meeting place: Identify a safe place where the family can reunite if you’re separated during an emergency. This could be a neighbor’s house, a park or another easy-to-remember location. An emergency kit: Prepare a kit that includes supplies that can sustain your family for at least three days. Essential items include water, snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, important documents and any medications your child may need. Make sure your child knows where the kit is stored. Assigned roles: Give each family member specific responsibilities, like who will grab the emergency kit or who will check on pets. Clear roles can streamline actions and ensure nothing important is overlooked. Practice regularly Rehearsing your emergency plan together helps your child understand what to expect so emergency responses feel like second nature. Conduct drills for different scenarios, such as fire escape routes, natural disasters and medical emergencies. Try to keep the drills short and fun to keep your child engaged. The goal is to reinforce the plan so each family member can stay calm and act quickly during an actual emergency. Teach basic skills Even young children can learn simple first-aid skills that might help during an emergency. While you don’t need to teach them everything, Chavez-Mitchell encourages parents to cover some basics: How to treat minor cuts and bruises: Show your child how to clean a wound and apply a bandage. How to stay calm if someone is hurt: Teach them to stay with the person, call for help and avoid moving them unless necessary. Pro Tip: For older children and teens, you can look into first-aid or CPR courses designed for their age group. Stay informed Keep up with local emergency alerts and weather notifications to be aware of potential threats in your area. You can sign up for text alerts from local government agencies or download an app that provides real-time emergency updates. If you live in an area prone to specific disasters (like hurricanes or earthquakes), learn about the most likely scenarios and tailor your family’s plan to anticipate those risks. If an emergency does happen… Try to stay calm. Children often mirror their parents’ reactions. Keeping your composure in an emergency (at least on the outside) can help your child feel more secure and help prevent panic. Chavez-Mitchell suggests using a soothing tone to provide clear, simple instructions to your child and reassure them that you are there to keep them safe. Know when to go to the emergency department. After the immediate danger has passed, it’s important to check in on your child's emotional well-being . Let your child express how they’re feeling about the event. Offer comfort, and don’t dismiss their fears. Watch for signs of stress. Keep an eye out for behavioral changes like difficulty sleeping, irritability, or clinginess. These could be signs that your child is struggling emotionally after the event. Seek professional support when needed. If your child has difficulty recovering emotionally after an emergency, consider consulting a counselor or child psychologist who can help them process the experience. Preparing your family for emergencies isn’t about causing fear — it’s empowering your child and helping them feel safe. With a solid plan, calm communication and regular practice, you can boost your child’s confidence in their ability to handle unexpected situations.

We are considering offering another EMR class if there is enough interest in the training. This year we will require a refundable $200 check to hold your spot. The check will be returned to you once you complete the class. This enables us to make sure the class is filled and we have minimal no-shows. EMR training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in emergency situations. Whether it’s at home, work or in public, being prepared to provide immediate medical assistance can save lives. EMR trained people play a vital role in their communities by becoming part of a network of trained responders who can provide aid until professional medical help arrives. The training would include the class, textbook/workbook, and First Responder bag. You must be a Hospital District resident. Call or email your interest: Kris Sundberg Kristine_sundberg@hotmail.com 952-239-6394

The North Pine Area Hospital District is proud to support the next generation of healthcare professionals through our  Forgivable Health Education Loan Program . This initiative is designed to make education more accessible for local residents while strengthening the healthcare workforce right here in our community.   Residents of the Hospital District who are pursuing degrees or certifications in healthcare fields are eligible to apply for these special loans. What makes this program unique is that  loans are forgivable —graduates who commit to working within the Hospital District after completing their education can have their loan forgiven. By investing in our local students, the Hospital District is investing in the long-term health and vitality of our community. Whether you’re just beginning your education or advancing your skills, this program makes it possible to build your career while giving back where it matters most. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, email Kristine_sundberg@hotmail.com

Source: MTNTOUGH Knowing how to use the items in your kit effectively is just as important as having them in the first place. As you prepare for your next hunt, remember that your first aid kit is more than just a box of medical supplies. It's an essential tool that can save lives — maybe even your own. In the heart of the wilderness, even the smallest injuries can escalate quickly if not addressed with the right tools at hand. That's why your first aid kit needs to be equipped with the basics, the frontline defenders in your medical arsenal that tackle those minor scuffs, cuts and irritations head-on, preventing them from becoming gateways to more serious infections. What Should be in My Hunting First Aid Kit? A well-rounded first aid kit covering cuts, wounds, sprains and fractures while also addressing hydration and infection creates a solid base that should give you the means to handle minor issues before they become big problems. Adding in utility items like Duct tape and a multitool boosts versatility for tackling almost any situation. Hunting First Aid Kit Essentials: Band-aids:   These are your go-to for sealing small cuts and grazes, initiating the healing process right from the get-go and keeping infections at bay. Steri-strips:  Think of these as your first line of defense for deeper wounds, working hand in hand with sutures to secure tissue and promote faster healing. Moleskin:   A true savior for your feet, offering protection against blisters and rubbing — whether applied directly on the skin or inside your footwear, ensuring you can cover more ground without the nagging pain of blisters. Tweezers:   A tool of precision, allowing you to safely and effectively remove debris from wounds; a true must-have in any first aid kit. PPE/Initrile gloves: These gloves are non-negotiable as they ensure a barrier against pathogens and maintain a sterile environment as you administer first aid. SAM Splint:   While it might take up a bit of space, having a SAM splint can be a game-changer, offering support for sprains and joint injuries and enhancing your mobility in tough conditions. Duct tape:   The versatility of Duct tape is unmatched: use it for wound closure, securing splints or even fixing damaged gear — a true multitasker in your kit. Burn cream:  For those unexpected burns, having a burn cream can offer immediate relief, reducing pain and initiating the healing process. After bite:   A quick solution to the annoying and sometimes painful bites and stings, reducing inflammation and soothing irritation. Antibiotic cream:  Essential for wound care, greatly reducing the chance of infection and improves healing. Prep pads:   Essential for wound care, greatly reducing the chance of infection and improves healing. Medical tape:   A compact solution for securing bandages and gauzes, freeing up your Duct tape for tasks that require added strength. Survival blanket:  In extreme conditions, a survival blanket can be a lifesaver, helping maintain core body temperature and ward off hypothermia. Trauma shears:   Used to cut away clothing from injured people. Multi tool:   A versatile companion in any situation, not just in first aid scenarios but a handy tool to have in any survival kit.   Medications Whether it's managing pain from an injury, purifying water or maintaining hydration levels, the right medication can become your silent guardians in the wild.     Here's what you need to bring along: Aspirin: Beyond its ability to manage moderate pain and inflammation, it's a potential lifesaver for individuals with heart conditions, helping to prevent recurrent heart issues. Ibuprofen:   Your go-to anti-inflammatory agent, indispensable for alleviating pain from muscle and ligament injuries, headaches and reducing fevers. Iodine:   A small yet mighty tool in your kit, these tablets are essential for purifying water, ensuring you have access to clean, bacteria-free water — a fundamental survival need. Electrolyte tabs:   These tabs work overtime to  restore electrolytes  and maintain fluid balance, aiding in reducing weight loss through improved fluid retention. What Are the Five Most Important Items in a First Aid Kit? CAT Tourniquet:  A vital tool in controlling significant hemorrhaging. Gauze:  Your go-to for managing a variety of wounds. Band-Aids:  Essential for covering smaller cuts and initiating the healing process. Antibiotic Cream:  A must-have to prevent infections and promote faster healing. Duct Tape:  A multi-purpose tool, useful in a range of emergency situations.   Understanding the function, placement and application of each of these items not only equips you to handle emergencies effectively, but also significantly enhances your chances of survival, embodying the spirit of readiness in the face of adversity.

Hunting accidents can happen without involving firearms. Knowing basic first aid can be crucial in remote environments where professional medical help may be delayed. Here's a breakdown of common non-gun hunting accidents and how to administer basic first aid: Falls from tree stands Stay calm and signal for help: Panic can worsen the situation. Assess injuries: If you are able, check for injuries. If you are hanging from a harness, try to reposition yourself to relieve pressure on your legs to prevent suspension trauma. Immobilize suspected spinal injuries: If a spinal injury is suspected, avoid moving the person and keep them immobilized until medical help arrives. Treat other injuries: Apply pressure to stop bleeding, splint broken bones if trained, and address any other injuries using a first aid kit. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, it's essential to get checked out by a medical professional after a fall from a tree stand due to the potential for unseen injuries. Knife wounds and cuts Control bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. For severe bleeding, elevate the injured area and apply pressure to the nearest pressure point. Consider using a tourniquet as a last resort for uncontrolled bleeding if trained in its use. Clean the wound: Wash your hands and put on gloves. Gently clean the wound with clean water or an antiseptic wipe to remove any debris. You can use tweezers (sterilized with boiling water or iodine if possible) to remove small debris. Dress the wound: Apply antibiotic ointment to a sterile bandage and cover the wound. Secure the bandage with tape or a wrap. Monitor for infection: Watch for signs of infection like increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever, and seek medical attention if these symptoms develop. Seek professional medical care for deep wounds: Deep lacerations or wounds that may require sutures should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Impalement injuries (from arrows or other sharp objects) Do not remove the object: The impaled object might be helping to control bleeding. Removing it could cause more damage and potentially life-threatening blood loss. Call for emergency medical help immediately: Impalement injuries require professional medical attention. Control bleeding around the object: Apply bulky dressings around the impaled object to stabilize it and control bleeding without putting pressure on the object itself. Stabilize the object: Use bulky materials and bandages to secure the object in place to prevent further movement and damage. Keep the person warm: Cover the patient with blankets to prevent shock. Sprains and strains R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice (apply a cold pack if available), Compression (use an elastic bandage), and Elevation (raise the injured limb if possible). Splinting: If a fracture is suspected or the injury is severe, use a splint (such as a SAM splint or improvised splint from sticks and bandages) to immobilize the limb. Seek medical attention: Have a doctor evaluate the injury to determine its severity and recommend further treatment. Dehydration and hypothermia Prevent dehydration: Ensure you carry and consume adequate water throughout your hunt. Watch for signs like dry mouth and reduced urine output. Treat dehydration: Move the person out of direct sun, remove excess clothing, and encourage them to slowly sip water or an oral rehydration solution. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Prevent hypothermia: Dress in layers with moisture-wicking materials and waterproof outer layers. Stay dry and active to generate body heat. Treat hypothermia: Move the person to a warm, dry place. Remove wet clothing and replace with dry, warm layers. Use blankets, warm water bottles, or body heat to warm the person gradually. Avoid warming limbs first and using direct heat sources. Important reminders for any hunting emergency Carry a well-stocked first aid kit: Including essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, gloves, a tourniquet (if trained), splints, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Inform someone of your hunting plan: Let someone know where you are going, who you are with, and when you expect to return. Know how to signal for help: If cell service is unavailable, carry a whistle, signal mirror, or satellite communication device. Learn to use the international distress signal of three blasts or flashes. Stay calm and make a plan: Assess the situation calmly and prioritize the most immediate life threats. Seek professional medical help: Even with basic first aid, it's always best to seek professional medical attention for any significant hunting injury.

Source: Mayo Clinic   Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health? Did you know that problems in the mouth can affect the rest of the body? Protect yourself by learning more about the link between your oral health and overall health. What's the link between oral health and overall health? Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless. But the mouth is the entry to the digestive tract. That's the long tube of organs from the mouth to the anus that food travels through. The mouth also is the entry to the organs that allow breathing, called the respiratory tracts. So sometimes germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body. Most often the body's defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.   Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of spit, called saliva. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance. This helps keep germs from spreading and causing disease. Oral germs and oral swelling and irritation, called inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's ability to fight infection. That can make oral health problems worse. What conditions can be linked to oral health? Your oral health might play a part in conditions such as: Endocarditis.  This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Infection of the endocardium is rare. But it can be fatal. Cardiovascular disease.  Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause. Pregnancy and birth complications.  Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Pneumonia.  Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs. This may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.   Certain health conditions also might affect oral health, including: Diabetes.  Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection. So diabetes can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control. HIV/AIDS.  Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS. Cancer.  A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus. Alzheimer's disease.  As Alzheimer's disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.   Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren's syndrome. Tell your dentist about the medicines you take. And make sure your dentist knows about any changes in your overall health. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes. Contact your dentist right away if you notice any oral health problems. Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

Essentia Health – Sandstone has expanded their mobile imaging services. The mobile PET/CT was launched on July 17th and the service will be offered 2 Thursdays per month at Sandstone Hospital. Mobile Mammography – Sandstone Hospital is available every other Tuesday. Appointment times will alternate between morning and afternoons each week to accommodate patients with different schedules. AM appointments will be offered from 9am-1pm PM appointments will be offered from 12p-4pm The mobile mammography offers screening mammograms only. All diagnostic breast imaging will need to be referred to Moose Lake Breast Center or the Duluth Breast Center. To schedule PET/CT services in Sandstone, patients can call the department at 320-245-5633. To schedule for mobile mammography , call radiology scheduling at 218-786-4427 and request the mammogram to be scheduled in Sandstone.

Source: AARP An estimated 67,440 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2025, according to the latest report from the American Cancer Society. Here are some common symptoms: Abdominal discomfort in the mid-to-upper abdomen that often radiates to the back New onset diabetes or worsening blood sugar levels, especially with weight loss Darkening of urine and lightening of stool Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Itching Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss Treatment is more likely to be effective the sooner the cancer is caught. Today, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has more than doubled from where it was two decades ago.