HEALTH

The 2010 challenge is complete

The New Year, New You 2010 program has come to an end. We hope you have enjoyed the challenges and improved your health. Results for the first Survey Monkey, which reflected responses from those who participated last year, confirm that participants in previous NYNY challenges are more likely to know their heart health risk factor numbers, are eating more fruits and vegetables, and are more likely to eat home-cooked meals.

By Marla Walter , March 11, 2010

Finding the truth

You’ve probably seen or heard advertisements promising improved health. Maybe you’ve heard the ads on the radio or TV. Maybe you’ve seen ads in magazines or newspapers. Maybe they arrived with your mail or e-mail. Many ads promise quick weight loss or improved fitness with no effort. All you have to do is buy a book, a gadget or take a pill and your health issues disappear.

By Luella Morehouse , March 11, 2010

N.D. apartment fire leaves some with breathing woes

An apartment fire on the top floor of 10-story high-rise in Minot left several residents suffering from smoke inhalation. Fire Department Battalion Chief Keith Miller says the blaze broke out about 5 p.m. Monday. The cause wasn't immediately known.

March 09, 2010

Loans for health care providers available in N.D.

The North Dakota Information Technology Department, on behalf of the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee, has released guidance for North Dakota health care providers to apply for a low-interest health information technology-revolving loan.

March 09, 2010

ACS casts more doubt on prostate tests

Months after experts discounted the importance of routine mammograms and Pap smears for many women, the American Cancer Society is warning more explicitly than ever that regular testing for prostate cancer is of questionable value too, and can do men more harm than good.

By By Mike Stobbe, The Associated Press , March 09, 2010

Health Department seeks volunteers

North Dakota’s Health Department is seeking people willing to help respond during any spring flooding in the state. Spokeswoman Brenda Vossler said the department wants medical and nonmedical volunteers to become part of a group that provides help during public health emergencies.

March 08, 2010

Stay the path

There is a continuum between excellent health and chronic disease. Each one of us is somewhere on that continuum — from an Olympic athlete to a heart patient. Our goal with this New Year, New You Challenge is to assist you, wherever you currently are on that line, in moving up the continuum toward better health. Even those people with a chronic disease like heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can move toward greater health by following a wellness lifestyle. Taking steps such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet that is low in fat, high in fiber and includes fruits and vegetables, losing weight, quitting smoking, monitoring your risk factors for heart disease will move you toward a healthier, longer life. The goal is to maintain better health — functional health — throughout your life.

By Marla Walter , March 04, 2010

DOH seeks volunteers to respond to flooding

The North Dakota Department of Health is seeking people willing to help respond during possible spring flooding in North Dakota, said Brenda Vossler, director of the Division of Hospital Preparedness for the North Dakota Department of Health.

March 04, 2010

Cancer society stops urging docs to offer PSA test

ATLANTA (AP) — The American Cancer Society is urging doctors to make clearer to men that the test used to screen for prostate cancer has limits and may lead to unnecessary treatments that do more harm than good.

March 03, 2010

N.D. courthouse worker gets sick from bat guano

The McLean County Commission voted Tuesday to close the two oldest portions of the county’s century-old courthouse, after a second employee was diagnosed with a serious illness caused by bat droppings. Workers in the older portions of the courthouse will be moved to the newer portion, built in 1963, and to offices around Washburn over the next month, said Steve Lee, commission chairman. The commission will determine and compare the cost of renovating the courthouse and replacing it.

By By James MacPherson, The Associated Press , March 03, 2010

Nine Dems who voted no on health bill may reconsider

Nine House Democrats indicated in an Associated Press survey Monday they have not ruled out switching their “no” votes to “yes” on President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, brightening the party’s hopes in the face of unyielding Republican opposition.

By By Charles Babington, The Associated Press , March 02, 2010

Parents: Doctors hastened ill children’s deaths

It’s a situation too agonizing to contemplate — a child dying and in pain. Now a small but provocative study suggests that doctors may be giving fatal morphine doses to a few children dying of cancer, to end their suffering at their parents’ request. A handful of parents told researchers that they had asked doctors to hasten their children’s deaths — and that doctors complied, using high doses of the powerful painkiller.

By By Lindsey Tanner, The Associated Press , March 02, 2010

Health conference set for March 5

The “Be in Health Conference” is March 5 at the Gladstone Inn & Suites, 111 Second St. N.E., Jamestown. Speaker is Bill Conklin. Topics covered include: theology of healing, theology of disease, pathways to health and wholeness, spiritual roots of disease, blocks to healing, eight Rs to freedom, spiritual discernment, spirit world realities, disease classes, autoimmune system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system and degenerative diseases, testimonies and a time of ministry.

February 26, 2010

No layoffs in MeritCare, Sanford Health merger

The merger of MeritCare and Sanford Health last fall has produced no layoffs and the health system continues to hire as it realigns the organization. In fact, MeritCare’s 321 new hires since the November merger have outpaced the 248 hires during the same period in 2008-09, according to figures provided Thursday by the health system.

By By Patrick Springer, Forum Communications Co. , February 26, 2010

More tips to help with weight management

The final goal for next week is weight loss or weight maintenance. For many folks, weight loss was one of the main reasons for participating in this program. Weight loss is a tough challenge. Many of us want to lose more weight faster than we can, then we get frustrated, give up and quit. Don’t give up on yourself, keep trying new tactics and keep on exercising! Following are some more tips to help you make lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss.

By Marla Walter , February 25, 2010