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Biden signs ‘burn pits’ help for vets; a personal win, too

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, whose elder son Beau died of cancer years after deploying to Iraq, signed legislation on Wednesday expanding federal health care services for millions of veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from huge "burn pits." "We owe you," Biden said. "You're the backbone. You're the steel. You're the sinew. You're the very fiber that makes this country what it is." The law, which Biden described as long overdue, caps a years-long battle to ensure treatment for chronic illnesses that veterans have blamed on burn pits, which ...

Pandemic increased 2021 adverse health events: study

Adverse health events and instances of patient harm rose in 2021 during the past year-long reporting period in Minnesota hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and community behavioral health hospitals, according to a report by the Minnesota Department of Health. Before 2021, the overall number of events had been stable, but 2021 saw an increase in events, primarily due to new challenges and increased care associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians were forced to adapt in real time as hospitals and health systems took care of sicker, higher acuity patients with multiple ...

California not counting methane leaks from idle wells

California claims to know how much climate-warming gas is going into the air from within its borders. It's the law: California limits climate pollution and each year the limits get stricter. The state has also been a major oil and gas producer for more than a century, and authorities are well aware some 35,000 old, inactive oil and gas wells perforate the landscape. Yet officials with the agency responsible for regulating greenhouse gas emissions say they don't include methane that leaks from these idle wells in their inventory of the state's emissions. Ira Leifer, a University of ...

Family hosts blood drive in memory of father

Throughout his life, Ed Sturm of New Ulm was known for his witty one-liners and his unwavering passion to help others. The 68-year-old served in the U.S. Army, worked for New Ulm Manufacturing and Caterpillar, and later was as a truck driver. His life ended following a long battle with cancer in 2020. To honor his legacy of helping others, his wife and daughter are hosting an American Red Cross blood drive in his memory on August 5. Family and friends have rallied to show their support and have filled all of the donation appointments. “We are thrilled with the outpouring of ...

Study casts more doubt on use of high-dose vitamin D pills

More research suggests it's time to abandon the craze over vitamin D. Taking high doses of "the sunshine vitamin" doesn't reduce the risk of broken bones in generally healthy older Americans, researchers reported Wednesday. It's the latest in a string of disappointments about a nutrient once hoped to have wide-ranging protective effects. That same study of nearly 26,000 people already had found that popping lots of vitamin D pills didn't prevent heart disease, cancer or memory loss either. And while getting enough vitamin D is important for strong bones, "more is not better," said ...

NUMC gets high ranking in hip fracture care

In its 2022-23 Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News & World Report gave Allina Health’s New Ulm Medical Center a high performing grade in hip fracture. The ranking was the first time the hospital received the ranking. “It is a great honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report 2022-23 for our exceptional, high-quality hip fracture care,” said Toby Freier, president of New Ulm Medical Center. “This first time recognition is a testament to our team’s commitment to growth, innovation and whole person care for our patients.”