December 20, 2000 - The country is turning grey. Recent census projections show within 20 years a quarter of the population will be over 65. That population shift requires numerous changes for cities and counties; including housing, transportation and heath care. While those three areas may seem the most critical, many seniors say they're looking for independent living with plenty to do. And that's become a challenge for the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mainstreet radio's Cara Hetland reports:
December 20, 2000 - Former State Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm says the best way to prevent many of outbreaks of e-coli and listeria is through cold pasteurization and irradiation.
December 26, 2000 - In this era of low unemployment, employers are having a difficult time hiring and retaining skilled workers. In the health care sector, where lives are at stake, the hiring crunch is even more severe. Hospital administrators say the nursing shortage comes at a time when the population is growing older and the need for care is growing. Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Doctor's Offices all say the biggest workforce shortage is on the frontlines of medicine: Nurses. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 27, 2000 - Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in certain populations. Hispanics, African Americans and Native Americans have the highest incidence of diabetes in the country. And it's on the rise. But so is awareness of the disease. Diabetes prevention programs are emerging from within these communities. Mainstreet Radio's Marisa Helms reports on how members of Minnesota's White Earth reservation are approaching the problem.
December 28, 2000 - When lawmakers gather at the Capitol for the 2001 session, their main purpose is to pass a two-year state budget. Governor Jesse Ventura will reveal his budget in late January, a budget he's spent months preparing. Political observers say the Governor's second budget will define his administration by showing his top priorities. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
December 29, 2000 -
January 2, 2001 - Anti-smoking activists are going out for lunch today in Duluth. A city ordinance went into effect yesterday banning smoking in restaurants -- or at least restricting it. Today at lunchtime, representatives of an anti-smoking group are checking dozens of restaurants to see if the businesses are obeying the new law. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Julin reports from Duluth.
January 2, 2001 - The new year brings with it a new Congress, a new president, and a new state legislature... all of which will have an affect on Minnesota's health care industry. A number of issues... prescription drug prices, Medicare reform, and a patients bill of rights were major issues during the election. And healthcare costs have gone up sharply the last few years. Joining us to talk about the STATE of the healthcare industry in Minnesota is Dr. John Christianson, director of the University of Minnesota's Carlson School Center for the Study of Healthcare Management.
January 2, 2001 - As one person put it: It's easier to get a divorce than remove a tattoo and sometimes much cheaper. Once the literal marks of rebels and outcasts, tattoos and piercings have crossed the line into the realm of fashion accessory. Now one Minnesota college is trying to educate students and others about the risks of body art, both in the short and long term . The aim of the peer education program at Minnesota State University-Moorhead is not to discourage individuals from body art, but to make sure its done safely. Minnesota Public Radios Bob Reha reports. {Sitting at her desk at the Herndrix Health Center at the Minnesota State University Moorhead campus Lynn Peterson is talking tattoos, and piercings: nose rings, tongue studs, pierced navels. She knows a lot about this stuff, and as the advisior for the Centers Peer Educator program, she wants students to know a lot about body art too.
January 3, 2001 -