In the News

Health officials on Wednesday reiterated that the safest place for an infant to sleep is in a cradle fitted with a tight sheet. They also recommended the use of “sleep sacks,” which are garments that babies can be wrapped in for warmth without risk of suffocation.

The safest way for babies to sleep, they said, is by themselves and on their backs.

The recommendations have babies sleep alone, on their backs and in a crib.

“And what that means is there is nothing in here,” said Jennette Flynn, an HCMC Critical Care Supervisor. “There is just a mattress with a fitted sheet on it. There is no loose bedding. There are no toys. There are no pillows and no blankets. There are no diapers or plastic bags anywhere near that would blow around.”

We asked Dr. Laura LaFave, an endocrinologist at Hennepin Healthcare, about the difference between the lower cost Walmart insulin brands and the newer versions of the drug that have skyrocketed in price over the past decade.

“The amazing thing about that first patient is that he was Norwegian and they had just opened Swedish Hospital in 1898 to take care of Swedish immigrants,” said Carol Oeltjenbruns, 78, one of the three retired nurses who served as volunteer docents during a recent visit.

“We still have an opioid crisis, and I think the numbers will go up as more people learn about the treatment we offer,” said Dr. Tyler Winkelman, a physician with Hennepin Healthcare who works with the program.

Dr. Stephen Smith works at Hennepin County Medical Center. In his 32 years at HCMC he said he’s never seen anything like what the hospital has experienced.

80-year-old Denny Behm set out on a 300-mile bike trip to (Hennepin Healthcare) Minneapolis to raise awareness about kidney donations.

“We had to send [patients] to other facilities, which was a real hardship for our patients” explained Brenda Kennelly, clinic manager. “So, as soon as we were able to finish the first step of our build in February, we were able to add our PT (physical therapy) and our OT (occupational therapy). Then, we slowly added other rooms, so our chiropractor and acupuncturist could join us as well.”

Dr. Stacene Maroushek, of Hennepin Healthcare, says while it’s quite rare, when it happens, it comes on quickly.

Another day, another appointment – Shianne, her mom and her sister spent Friday morning in an occupational therapy session at Hennepin Healthcare.

Sonya Goins, a Twin Cities woman who’s been living with this disease for more than 30 years, and Dr. Aaron Brosam, who specializes in treating it at Hennepin Healthcare, joined the program to talk about treatment and how people cope with the sometimes embarrassing symptoms.

On Thursday, burn surgeon Dr. Fred Endorf said Ty’rah died from smoke inhalation and burns on more than 60% of her body.

With an unbreakable bond, two friends survived a fiery crash at Brainerd International Raceway this past weekend.

“Five years ago, this would have been impossible to do,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wang, the nephrologist who recommended the procedure.

“This opens up a whole new group of donors,” said Dr. Paul Stahler, who performed Dabney’s transplant at HCMC.

“Pet therapy is medically proven to relieve stress and lift moods,” said Erin Hedge, deputy chief of staff at Hennepin EMS.

“Flexibility is key,” says Jessica Johnsonmiddle revenue cycle director at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis.

“August is a busy time for us pediatricians,” Dr. Krishnan Subramanian, of Hennepin Healthcare, said.

Dr. Andrea Rowland-Fisher works in the emergency room at Hennepin Healthcare and says “summer fatigue” is a real thing.

“Your heart rate increases, your blood vessels dilate and this consumes more energy,” Rowland-Fisher says.

Dr. Doug Brunette, Senior Medical Director for Emergency and Trauma Services at Hennepin Healthcare, says to immediately seek medical attention when you notice the signs of heat stroke.

“The folks that we’re seeing have been struggling with their substance use disorder for at least a year, but often 10, 15 or 20 years,” said Dr. Tyler Winkelman.