March 10, 2004 - This week, a flurry of studies presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans could have lasting implications for treatment of patients with heart problems. One report suggested lowering cholesterol levels far below the level that most doctors consider adequate can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks. Another suggested implantable cardiac defibrillators -- or ICDs -- could prevent sudden death in patients with moderate heart problems. A third found that drug-coated coronary stents -- which have been used to unclog large heart arteries -- are showing promise in clearing tiny heart arteries as well. Last week Minnesota-based Boston Scientific received FDA approval to sell its drug-coated stent.
March 23, 2004 - U-S health officials say patients taking anti-depressants should be closely monitored for signs of suicidal thoughts. The Food and Drug Administration stressed that it's still not clear if there's a connection between antidepressants and suicide, but yesterday it called on drug makers to put stronger warnings on their labels. The drugs under scrutiny are all newer-generation antidepressants including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin. Dr. Jon Hallberg says the call for new warnings reinforces the notion that doctors and manufacturers need to give patients more information about the drugs they're taking.
April 20, 2004 - Recent immigrants to Minnesota may have survived torture in Latin America, war trauma in Southeast Asia, even famine in Afric, but a new study says their health may be at greatest risk after they've lived in the US for several years. The study , by the Greater Twin Cities United Way, found that many immigrants struggle with diabetes and mental health problems after they adjust to American life. More than half of the state's foreign-born population has arrived since 1990. Kathy Lentz is the Director of Community Building Strategies for the Greater Twin Cities United Way. She says the fact that many of the new arrivals are refugees raises particular health problems.
April 21, 2004 - Duluth resident Paul Ojanen gives an audio guide tour along First Street in downtown Duluth, also known as "Alcoholic Central."
April 21, 2004 - As part of the series “Keeping Track of Sex Offenders,” Mainstreet Radio’s Erin Galbally reports on sex offender ‘wound therapy’ programs in Minnesota.
April 22, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty heads to St. Louis today in the hopes of using the state's shareholder power to force the world's largest drug company to lower prescription drug prices for Americans. The governor intends to speak in support of a shareholder proposal that would limit how much Pfizer can charge for its drugs. Minnesota owns less than one percent of Pfizer's total value but Pawlenty hopes his visit will get the ball rolling on a shareholder initiative to lower prescription drug prices. Pawlenty is optimistic that others will join his cause. But critics say any proposal to change pricing is unlikely to pass because it would harm Pfizer's stock price. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.... {Governor Pawlenty's main goal is to recruit enough shareholders to force Pfizer officials to cut drug prices in the U.S. and allow drug reimportation from foreign countries where price controls and other market factors force drug companies to charge less. Pawlenty says he's been trying to persuade large pension fund managers from states like New York and California to join his cause. In any case, it won't happen this year. His proposal isn't on the agenda because the state missed the company's deadline. But it probably won't hurt and could help to wait a year because passing a shareholder resolution is a tough challenge. Pfizer shareholders have not approved any proposals in recent memory. Nevertheless, Pawlenty will argue free trade is allowed on everything from toasters to automobiles and it's only fair that the practice be extended to prescription drugs.
April 22, 2004 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports Governor Tim Pawlenty was unsuccessful in his efforts to persuade the shareholders of Pfizer, the world's largest drug company, to charge Americans less for prescriptions. In report, Pawlenty speaks on re-importation of drugs.
April 23, 2004 -
April 29, 2004 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports on Ramsey County and St. Paul city officials beginning an education campaign they hope will prepare residents to welcome the newest Minnesotans…1000 to 5000 Hmong refugees that will resettle in the county in the next few months.
May 13, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty says he's taking the next step on the issue of drug reimportation. A plan Pawlenty announced today (Thurs) would allow Minnesota's 120 thousand state employees to get certain drugs at no cost to them if they buy from a Canadian internet pharmacy. He says the employees and the state will save a significant amount of money on drug costs. Minnesota is the first state in the nation to take such action. But critics say the action is illegal and will have a short shelf life. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....