May 28, 1998 - Twin Cities United Healthcare announced it is merging with another major national health care firm, Kentucky-based Humana. Officials with the companies say the 5 and a half billion dollar deal will result in an unspecified number of jobs cuts. The company will be based in Minnesota, and retain the United Healthcare name, but observers say it's unlikely to have much affect on consumers or the health care industry in the state. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
May 29, 1998 - Senator Paul Wellstone is definitely campaigning for health care reform and possibly for President. Wellstone has introduced a bill in the Senate that would provide health coverage for all Americans. He has been traveling around the country talking about his proposal.
June 2, 1998 - Constance Swank, Research Director of the AARP, discusses American Association of Retired Persons study about the opinions of "Baby Boomers" about their retirement years. Swank also answers listener questions. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) was in Minneapolis for its national convention.
June 2, 1998 - The Who's Song "My Generation" spoke for many baby boomers in the sixties, who couldn't envision the day when they'd be their parents' age. Thirty years on.... it's happened. According to the American Association of Retired People, one person every eight seconds turns 50 in the United States. Over time, the impact of baby boomer numbers has changed schools, the workplace and family life. And now, officials in Minnesota and throughout the country are trying to anticipate what kind of impact they'll have on the greying of America. Minnesota Public Radio's Gretchen Lehmann reports.
June 2, 1998 - There's a mix of glitz, glamour, and politics over the next few days as representatives of the nations seniors gather in Minneapolis. Astronaut Shannon Lucid and entertainer Debbie Reynolds are among the celebrities appearing at the American Association of Retired Persons' national convention running through Thursday. The AARP is the nation's leading organization for people 50 and older. Convention organizers say even though most of the seminars will focus on issues important to seniors, the event is inter-generational. Minnesota Public Radio's Todd Moe reports.
June 3, 1998 - Independent living is one of the topics during the AARP conference tomorrow afternoon. It's an issue we all wonder about as we age. How can we stay in our own homes as long as possible? Geriatrician Eric Tangalos says living at home is not only a personal preference for most people...it's also healthier.
June 3, 1998 - Vice President Al Gore pledged today in Minneapolis that he and the President Clinton will protect social security and Medicare. He also told seniors gathered for the AARP national convention that he'll fight for a patient's bill of rights to protect against what he says are abuses in managed health care. Minnesota Public Radio's Eric Jansen reports.
June 3, 1998 - THE ANNUAL AARP CONVENTION IN MINNEAPOLIS THIS WEEK IS FOR MEMBERS FIFTY AND OLDER. BUT ONE CAMPAIGN BEING LAUNCHED AT THE CONVENTION IS AIMED AT BABIES. FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS HEALTH EDUCTORS HAVE BEEN TEACHING PARENTS ABOUT WAYS TO PREVENT SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROM OR SIDS. NOW AS MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO'S MARY STUCKY REPORTS MEDICAL AUTHOTIRITES BELIEVE ITS ESPECIALLY IMPROTANT FOR GRANDPARENTS TO GET THIS MESSAGE. nats 24:05 "Look at that. Are you going to make some noise?" (crying)
June 4, 1998 - Dr. Allen S. Levine, Director of the Minnesota Obesity Center, at the VA Medical Center, discusses the implications of The National Institutes of Health’s new body weight guidelines. Levine also answers listener questions. The Obesity Center has researchers from the VA, the Mayo, the U of M, and the Hennepin County medical Center.
June 4, 1998 - On the tails of a legal victory in his case against the tobacco industry, State Attorney General Skip Humphrey maintains a good share of support from Minnesota voters for his decision to settle the case before it went to jury. That's according to a new poll released by MPR, the Pioneer Press and KARE-11. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports: