September 8, 2003 - More international patients travel to the Mayo Clinic each year than to any other U.S. health care facility. The Rochester based clinic is known around the world for everything from heart and cancer treatment to basic care. But since September 11th, Mayo has seen less and less of at least one prominent group of foreign patients -- travelers from the Persian Gulf. The situation's hurt Mayo's bottom line, but its effects have also trickled down to Rochester's local economy. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally has this report. BACK ANNOUNCE: Tomorrow Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally reports on Mayo's decision to open a clinic in the Middle East.
September 9, 2003 - International patient numbers at the Mayo Clinic remain down two years after September 11th. By the end of 2004 a team of Mayo heart specialists will set up shop in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. They'll provide basic health care and screening patients for treatment in the US. Mayo's not the first to bring medical services overseas. Other major healthcare centers report mixed results on their attempts to export care. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally has this report.
September 10, 2003 -
September 15, 2003 - Much of news about the war on Iraq has focused on the death toll of US soldiers, especially the number of deaths since President Bush declared the end of mayor combat in early May. The Defense Department says as of Friday (Sept 12) 181 US troops have died from combat wounds since the war with Iraq began. The seriously wounded get less attention, even though they significantly outnumber the dead. Caught up in sniper fire, and targeted by homemade bombs and Rocket Propelled Grenade attacks, troops are losing arms, legs and eyes.
September 15, 2003 - There's a new effort to make South Dakota competitive in biotechnology. Many would say the state is about 20 years behind the times. But Governor Mike Rounds says whether it's agricultural products or medical breakthroughs he's ready to offer an office and financial assistance to companies willing to move. Unfortunately many bio-tech companies are either well established elsewhere or are still just someone's good idea. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports.
September 16, 2003 -
September 18, 2003 - A controversial pharmaceutical drug is destroying lives in northern Minnesota. OxyContin is a powerful narcotic painkiller that's been available since 1995. To cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers, OxyContin is a wonder drug that allows them to lead a more normal life. But OxyContin is highly addictive. And when it's snorted or injected, the drug produces a heroin-like and potentially lethal high. Some law enforcement officials in northern Minnesota say OxyContin abuse has become one of their biggest problems. And it's spreading. Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports... {
September 18, 2003 - A new study out of the Mayo Clinic finds broken arms are on the rise among adolescents. Researchers in Rochester say that, over the last 30 years, forearm fractures have increased 42 percent. Dr. Sundeep Khosla is the author of the study and a professor of medicine in Mayo's department of endocrinology. He says doctors had theorized that more fractures occur during adolescence because bones become more porous during growth spurts. But he says the study indicates there are a variety of reasons why fractures have increased so drastically over the last three decades.
September 19, 2003 -
September 22, 2003 - Valley Middle School in Apple Valley is piloting a program that eliminates the sale of candy and high-sugar beverages in its cafeteria. Thirty other schools in District 196 may soon follow suit, making it the first district in Minnesota to forbid the sale of sweets. Valley Middle's principal, Dave McKeag, says the move is part of an effort to combat childhood obesity rates by emphasizing physical activity and healthy food choices. But he thinks the plan will do more than just improve the waistlines of his 1200 students.