Health

MDH highlights importance of folic acid as part of National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Sunday, 20 January 2013 22:55 Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is joining the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) and the Minnesota March of Dimes to inform women about ways to prevent birth defects in Minnesota throughout January, which is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Birth defects affect more than 2,000 babies born in Minnesota each year. Gov. Mark Dayton has also proclaimed January as Birth Defects Prevention Month.

State health officials say flu season rivals 2009, other severe seasons

Saturday, 19 January 2013 17:42 Minnesota Department of Health

New data released by the Minnesota Department of Health today clearly shows that the state is experiencing a very severe flu season, with significant numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Part 3 Prediabetes - What can I do about It?

Monday, 14 January 2013 16:04 Nicole Winbush MD

This is the final article in a continuing series about prediabetes. In the first article we discussed the diagnosis of prediabetes and how to know if you are at risk. Last week we discussed some common myths about prediabetes and in this final article we provide a list of 7 things you can do to reduce or reverse some of the metabolic changes associated with prediabetes.

Radioactive gas is persistent health risk in Minnesota

Monday, 14 January 2013 15:34 Minnesota Department of Health

Every 25 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from radon-related lung cancer. It is the largest environmental cancer risk and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Fortunately, the risk is largely preventable.

Glaucoma cases among African Americans to increase 66 percent by 2030

Monday, 07 January 2013 08:55 National Eye Institute

As you and your loved ones watch the dawning of 2013, everyone is hopeful of what the new year will bring—reunions, graduations, marriages, and other fun family occasions. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Make seeing your best a part of your new beginning by doing what you can to make sure your eyes are healthy. If you are African American age 40 or older or have a family history of glaucoma, put learning more about this disease on your resolution list for the new year.

MDH warns of deceptive sales of water treatment systems

Friday, 04 January 2013 18:36 Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is reminding Minnesota residents to beware of false claims, deceptive sales pitches, and scare tactics being used by some water treatment companies to sell expensive and unnecessary water treatment systems. High profile investigations of groundwater contamination in Washington County and elsewhere in the state have resulted in a noticeable increase in the number of complaints regarding such deceptive sales activities.

A look at childhood cancer and African Americans

Friday, 04 January 2013 18:25 National Cancer Institute

Childhood cancer is rare—children with cancer account for less than 1 percent of all new cancer cases in the United States. But did you know that cancer is the second leading cause of death (after accidents) among children ages 1 to 14? It is estimated that in 2012 in the United States, more than 12,000 children (ages 0 to 14) will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 1,300 will die from it.