A growing number of states have made it easier for doctors who trained in other countries to get medical licenses, a shift supporters say could ease physician shortages in rural areas. The changes involve residency programs — the supervised, hands-on training experience[...]
Section: Health & Family
A break from your smartphone can reboot your mood. Here’s how long you need
Most of us know we spend too much time on our phones—but breaking the habit is another story. A new study suggests that even a short break from the internet on our smartphones can lead to better mental health, improved focus, and[...]
Registration open for suicide prevention webinars
Mental health is a pressing issue for many in agriculture, where stress can weigh heavily on daily life. North Dakota State University Extension is hosting two 90-minute webinars on March 25 and May 13 to provide support and teach skills for recognizing[...]
Bill limiting insulin costs for more North Dakotans advances in House
The cost of insulin is once again under debate in North Dakota. The House has passed a bill that would cap monthly insulin expenses at $25 for many insured residents, aiming to shield consumers from price gouging. Supporters say it’s a life-saving[...]
Prairie Fare: What questions should I ask myself about heart health?
I was alarmed. Someone in a meeting was speaking with closed eyes and a hand over their heart. The person was quite passionate about the discussion in progress. “Do I remember my CPR training? Should I call 911?” I thought to myself.[...]
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North Dakota Senate Committee Backs Bill to Speed Up Cancer Care
For cancer patients, time is everything—but insurance red tape can delay lifesaving treatment. A North Dakota Senate committee unanimously advanced a bill to streamline prior authorization, the process requiring doctors to get insurer approval before treating patients. Supporters say Senate Bill 2280[...]
Abortion, reproductive rights bills rejected in North Dakota House
The North Dakota House made its stance clear on abortion and reproductive rights, rejecting four bills with wide margins. A proposal to define personhood from conception—potentially criminalizing abortion—failed 77-16, with opponents warning of unintended consequences for IVF and medical care. A measure[...]
There’s Never Been a More Dangerous Time to Use Street Drugs. Here’s Why.
Synthetic opioids are reshaping the global drug trade, and nitazenes—highly potent and often deadlier than fentanyl—are at the center of the storm. First synthesized decades ago, these drugs have re-emerged in illicit markets, fueling overdose spikes from the UK to North America.[...]
North Dakota sees 6% decline in childhood Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccinations
North Dakota has seen a notable decline in MMR vaccination rates—over 6% from 2012 to 2021, according to a recent CDC study. Immunization experts in Fargo are raising alarms, pointing to a rise in misinformation linked to social media as a contributing[...]
Watch: What’s Going on with Bird Flu?
It’s not time to panic; it’s time to be warned and informed. Bird flu is back in the headlines, sparking conversations about potential pandemic threats. While concerns about viral mutations can provoke worry, it’s essential to sift through the noise. Recent discussions[...]
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Prairie Fare: Is vibrantly colored food the key to better health?
Has anyone ever texted you a picture of their food at a restaurant? Or have you sent a picture of your dinner plate to a friend? I will admit that I text a photo of my food to my family if my[...]
Does advertising of sugary food to kids need regulation?
It’s illegal to sell kids lung cancer and nicotine addiction, but diabetes? Sure. Fine. Food companies pledged to clean up their act, but sugary cereals still dominate kids’ TV screens—and their breakfast bowls. A new study finds that despite promises to promote[...]
The right medicine for the rural doctor shortage
Health care is notoriously more difficult to provide for rural communities than urban ones. Rural Americans are less likely to have a health care provider they trust and have more difficulty reaching doctors and hospitals. Nearly two-thirds of rural communities suffer from[...]
U.S. pays $590 million to Moderna to speed up development of bird flu vaccine
The federal government is stepping up efforts to protect Americans from a growing threat: bird flu. With $590 million in new funding, Moderna will accelerate the development of a vaccine targeting pandemic influenza, including the unpredictable H5N1 virus. While bird flu has[...]
Prairie Fare: Take care of your muscles and joints this winter
“Take small scoops, and lift with your legs – not your back,” I said to myself. I was clearing an unexpected snowfall and high winds that led to drifting. The city snow plow had dropped a very generous amount of snow at[...]
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Fluoride in the water: Safety or health hazard?
In Grand Forks, a topic as routine as water took center stage for a contentious debate. The issue? Fluoride—hailed as a public health hero by some, viewed with skepticism by others. While the city council voted 4-3 to keep a touch of[...]