Health

Health
Does one drink make you dizzy? Why alcohol hits us harder as we age
For many people, the holidays mean more parties and more occasions to drink. But if you’ve noticed that one cocktail hits you harder than it used to, there’s a scientific reason to explain it.
Mower County water wells show elevated levels of arsenic and manganese
State health officials report that private well water testing has detected high levels of arsenic and manganese in the wells of some homes in southeast Minnesota’s Mower County. The levels are not high enough to endanger people’s health, but they are a concern.
U.S. vaccine advisers say not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth
A federal vaccine advisory committee has voted to end a longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born. For decades, the government has advised that all babies be vaccinated against the liver infection right after birth.
Twin Cities seniors picket Blue Cross and Blue Shield over cuts to SilverSneakers gym program
Steve Brandt organized the picket and told Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer why losing access to local SilverSneakers gym benefits is such a hit to his well-being.
University of Minnesota researchers say hepatitis B vaccine safe for babies, despite federal concern
A report from the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project maintains the recommendation for newborn hepatitis B vaccination. This contradicts arguments from Trump administration health advisors like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. who may recommend a vaccine delay later this month.
COVID-19 pandemic narrowed health care industry pay gap, new study finds
A new study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic narrowed the wage gap between high and low paid workers in the health care industry, as the lowest earners saw the biggest boost in pay in the years since the pandemic began.
Minnesota’s paid leave law: What you need to know about the 2026 launch
MPR News host and politics editor Brian Bakst talks about what employers and workers should do to get ready for Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program that starts next month.