In the News

At Hennepin Healthcare, doctors read plenty of studies, but one that claims taking certain pills may increase your risk of dementia by as much as 50%, certainly stands out.

Dr. Anne Murray works in geriatrics and conducts research of her own.

She says the medical community has long suspected anticholinergic drugs, which are used to treat things like depression, Parkinson’s, incontinence, allergies and other conditions, may cause dementia later in life.

“You can have allergic asthma when inhaling pollens or dust or dander that can trigger your lungs to react,” said Dr. John Sweet, the director of allergy and immunology at Hennepin Healthcare.

While the hospital used to rely on medication to sooth the babies, doctors have found that a different, more traditional approach has been more effective. “Hugs, not drugs,” said Laura Gary, the nurse manager for pediatrics and the PICU. Dr. Gavin Bart and Dominique Rodriguez also interviewed. 

strong>Dr. Doug Brunette, senior medical director for emergency and trauma services at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, said heat stroke is the most serious of the conditions. Body temperatures usually top 104 degrees, and patients may lose consciousness or suffer seizures. Treatment involves cooling the person down and administering fluids.

Dr. John Sweet with the Hennepin Healthcare Clinic and Specialty Center says showering before you go to bed if you have been outside will alleviate the pollen and mold sticking to your hair or face.

Youth sports season is about to kick into overdrive and before your young one steps up to the plate or hits the soccer field, it’s important to be aware of possible brain injuries.

That’s why in front of a room of curious minds Thursday, Dr. Ashley Strobel, an emergency medicine physician at Hennepin Healthcare, explained the importance of looking for physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms when trying to identify a traumatic brain injury.

That’s why after a hit to the head, Dr. Min Joeng Park Graf, Medical Director of the TBI Outpatient Program says anyone with symptoms for more than 10 days needs to see an expert. Especially because brain injury symptoms, including vision problems, can either present immediately or over a period of days.

According to Jenette Flynn, a pediatric unit clinical care supervisor at HCMC, babies “should always sleep on back, never their side and never their tummy.”

Dr. Tyler Winkelman of Hennepin Healthcare says research has shown that hospitalizations related to methamphetamine increased 270 percent nationally between 2008 and 2015.

Dr. Michelle Carlson is a cardiologist at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. She said that if you’re out shoveling, it’s important to stay aware of signs your body may be under too much stress.

Dr. Tyler Winkelman, a physician and researcher at Hennepin Healthcare, said the “unintended consequences of getting rid of local meth labs with the crackdown on Sudafed” — the over-the-counter product that provides a key ingredient for making meth — is “that opened up the meth cartels from Mexico.”

People paralyzed from a serious injury are being given an opportunity many thought they’d lost for good. Researchers at the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare are helping them regain voluntary movement and so much more.

Allyson Hart MD, MS, Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare

The increase in drug seizures corresponds with studies that have found a rise in drug use among Minnesotans and nationally. According to research conducted by Dr. Tyler Winkelman of Hennepin Healthcare, hospitalizations related to methamphetamine increased nationally by 270 percent from 2008-2015, faster that any other form of substance abuse. The number of women using methamphetamine during pregnancy has increased significantly since 2008, particularly in rural areas.

Dr. Tapan Thacker, a neurologist at Hennepin Healthcare, said strokes are becoming more common in younger populations. The rate of people ages 45 to 65 who experienced strokes increased 15 percent between 2000 and 2010, he said. The rate of people ages 35 to 45 who had strokes increased 40 percent during the same period.

Upon entering Hennepin Healthcare, people can choose to go right into urgent care or left into the emergency room.  At both places, a triage nurse is stationed to tell patients where the appropriate place is for them.

Samantha Anders, PhD, and Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center at Hennepin Health Care is Mary’s guest. She shares information about sleep problems, especially insomnia and debunks some myths. She also talks about the stages of sleep and situations when sleep medication is needed.

Dr. Tara Gustilo is the chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. She’s also an acupuncturist who treats a variety of conditions, including chronic and acute pain, mood disorders, fatigue and fibromyalgia. She’s also a North American Menopause Society certified practitioner.

Dr. Jenny Liu is the Chief of Dermatology at Hennepin Healthcare.

Mentally trying, the weather took a physical toll, too. Dr. Andrew Laudenbach works in emergency medicine at HCMC.

Paramedics have used Narcan 160 times since Jan. 1 to treat suspected overdose victims, after using the opioid antidote 832 times all of last year, according to Mike Trullinger, deputy chief of operations for Hennepin EMS.