Health

Health
Who's a hero? Some states, cities still debating hazard pay
While many workers deemed essential in their respective states have already received pandemic hazard pay or hero pay, there are thousands in places like Connecticut, Minnesota and cities around the country that are still waiting for states to distribute funds to what’s become a huge pool of heroes.
Hit hard by COVID, Native Americans come together to protect families and elders
Indigenous Americans suffer disproportionate effects of COVID, including the mental health impact. But a collective mindset has helped them find creative solutions to buffering the stress.
It’s flu season, and here’s why you should get your flu shot this winter
Public health experts warn that with the highly contagious delta variant circulating, it is important to protect communities not just from the coronavirus, but from the flu, too. Here are tips and advice to help mitigate infection risks and prepare for the flu during our second pandemic winter.
How to start a restaurant when you don't have much money
Esperanza and Stephanie Lopez worked for years to open Spurs Bar & Grill in Willmar — and then they took a huge hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris Farrell, who spoke to the mother-daughter team for the podcast "Small Change," told host Cathy Wurzer about their story.
Rochester school superintendent on innovating in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
As school staff and families weather yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, some districts, including Rochester Public Schools, are adding extra days off in an effort to combat stress. Kent Pekel, Rochester's interim school superintendent, told host Cathy Wurzer how his district is working to overcome the challenges of the pandemic.
What are you thankful for? Guest host Chris Farrell hosts a conversation about giving thanks with a writer, a psychology professor and the director of the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota. 
The Santa experience this year is a mix of laps, distancing
Santa is back this year, but he's asking people to be cautious as he continues to tiptoe through the pandemic. There are fewer available Santas this year, which means some are busier than ever. Where it's allowed, some malls and big-box stores are offering Santa's guests a choice of full contact or social distance.
Emergency care exceeding HCMC's capacity, military begin training in to help
Nearly four dozen doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists from the U.S. military are on the ground in Minnesota to ease the strain on the state’s health care system. Gov. Tim Walz asked the Defense Department for the help because hospitals across the state are beyond capacity caring for COVID-19 patients.
 Amid pandemic surge, one health system's workers fill different roles
To help relieve the staffing crunch, CentraCare offers employees the opportunity to fill in where they’re most needed, even if it’s well outside of their career experience.