Health

Health
FDA OKs mixing COVID vaccines; backs Moderna, J and J boosters
U.S. regulators are extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. They also said Wednesday anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.
How one man’s medical crisis collided with Minnesota’s hospital bed crunch
Bob Cameron had suffered through, and survived, a gastrointestinal bleed last year. But when he was admitted to the hospital earlier this month for the same issue, his family says a statewide hospital bed shortage stood in the way of Cameron's recovery.
Rethinking the 'aspirin a day' mantra for heart attack prevention
One baby aspirin a day keeps a heart attack away. At least that's the understanding a lot of adults have had for some time. But the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is revisiting its guidance on using aspirin for heart health. It released a new draft for public comment this month.
Nurse leaders say they have been negotiating with Allina since May. They're seeking a new contract with better pay and benefits. Both sides say they hope to get back to negotiations to resolve the dispute.
COVID-19 in MN: Worst of summer-fall surge may be over
The newest numbers offer fresh evidence that case counts, hospitalizations and community spread are ebbing, although deaths remain relatively high. Officials also said Wednesday they’re getting ready to give COVID-19 shots to kids ages 5 to 11.
White House details plans to vaccinate 28M children age 5-11
Kids aged 5 to 11 will soon be able to get a COVID-19 shot at their pediatrician’s office, local pharmacy and potentially even their school. The White House is detailing plans Wednesday for the expected authorization of the Pfizer shot for younger children in a matter of weeks.
What the EPA's plan to regulate 'forever chemicals' means for Minnesota
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has an ambitious strategy to deal with PFAS — human-made “forever chemicals” that have polluted public drinking water supplies and accumulated in fish and wildlife. The plan is expected to bolster efforts already underway in Minnesota to deal with the contaminants.
The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription
For decades, the FDA has regulated hearing aids as prescription medical devices — an arrangement that adds to the cost and effort people must invest to get them.
Minnesota traveling nurse returns home after grueling year fighting pandemic
The current COVID-19 surge has stretched staffing at Minnesota hospitals to the thinnest margins since the start of the pandemic, with ICU capacity hitting an all-time low. To cope, many hospitals are turning to traveling nurses. Kirstin Wilson is one such professional. She spoke with MPR News guest host Steven John.
COVID-19 in MN: Signs summer-fall wave may be ebbing; hospitalizations dip
As Minnesota continues to grind its way through a hard stretch of COVID-19, the newest numbers offer the best hope in weeks that the worst of the current surge might — might — be over.