December 13, 2000 - How can we prevent identity theft and medical records? Somebody broke into computers at the University of Washington Medical Center to steal confidential information.
December 15, 2000 - Congress is expected to vote on and pass a 450 billion dollar legislative package today that includes funding for labor, education and healthcare. Minnesota healthcare workers are watching the bill closely, because it contains 100 million dollars for the state's hospitals. The money is intended to make up for cuts in the medicare program after the 1997 Balanced Budget Act. Healthcare officials say its a step in the right direction, but that they'll need more funding to keep Minnesota's hospitals healthy. Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post has this report.
December 18, 2000 - U-S News and World Report has named a University Of Minnesota Reseacher one of the nation's ten leading innovators in science and technology. Dr. Catherine Verfaillie heads the University's new Stem Cell Research Institute. Stem Cells are the so-called "mother cells" that have the ability to divide for indefinite periods and give rise to specialized cells in the body. Verfaillie came to Minnesota in 1987 after studying medicine in her native Belgium. I asked her how she became interested in stem cell research:
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.