health take | Med Groups Call for Special Session, Polluted Air Linked to Alzheimer's
9.4.25
THIS FALL: From UCare via Instagram, VERBATIM: “The most life-saving vaccines of 2025-26 will probably be the flu and COVID shots. Don't forget to get vaccinated this fall! National Immunization Awareness Month.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/3HVEmvO (SPONSORED: UCare)
All Fluence tipsheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
POLL: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “Americans’ views of President Donald Trump’s job performance remain negative amid a flurry of activity from his administration on tariffs, immigration and public health, according to the latest NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey. Notably, the poll shows U.S. adults expressing strong, bipartisan support for vaccines as Trump’s health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has moved to limit certain shots. The poll was conducted before Democratic and some Republican senators sparred with Kennedy over vaccine access during a contentious congressional hearing last week.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45V1m7u
HHS: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The Department of Health and Human Services is preparing to issue a no-bid contract for a firm run by an ally of President Trump to poll Americans on their ‘perspectives around vaccines.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46quN1n
DEPRESSION: Via Gallup, VERBATIM: “The percentage of U.S. adults who report currently having or being treated for depression has exceeded 18% in both 2024 and 2025, up about eight percentage points since the initial measurement in 2015. The current rate of 18.3% measured so far in 2025 projects to an estimated 47.8 million Americans suffering from depression. Most of the increase has occurred since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.”
“The percentage of adults who report having been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime stands at 28.5%, hovering near the record high of 29.0% measured in the first quarter of 2023.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m4NADV
EXERCISE: Via HealthDay, VERBATIM: “Most men agree that exercise provides a boost to their mental health, confidence and sex drive. However, that doesn’t mean they’re going to make it a regular habit, a new Cleveland Clinic survey says. About 30% of men do not engage in regular physical activity, according to a nationwide survey of 1,000 men 18 and older.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47C9QBQ
Check out all the episodes of Sunday Take on 830 WCCO. CLICK: https://fluence-media.co/3KsuDrZ
SPECIAL SESSION: From Minnesota Medical Association via X, VERBATIM: “The MMA and five other physician advocacy organizations sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz on September 5 urging him to call a special legislative session to ‘pass legislation to address the devastating death and injuries from firearms and gun violence.’” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/41HUloa
MORE: Via MMA, the letter which was also signed by leaders of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Chapter of American College of Physicians, and ACOG-MN. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4geSayp
MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “There's no timing for when - or even if - Walz would call a special session. Republicans in Minnesota, along with the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, have shown an openness to address gun safety but have pushed back on full bans of any sort of assault-style weapons.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3V5Ho3J
LAWSUITS: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Medical debt lawsuits across Minnesota have surged to the highest level in five years, according to a new analysis by independent nonprofit Pew. When patients are unable to pay their medical bills and fall into debt, hospitals and health care providers often turn over that debt to collection agencies, and eventually, they can be sued by the provider or a collection firm for payment . . . The Pew analysis, based on data from consulting group January Advisors and the National Center for State Courts, found that the number of medical debt lawsuits filed in Minnesota dropped significantly during the pandemic, but they have now surged back to pre-pandemic levels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4maoTX0
MORE: Via Pew, from the report:
FULL REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/45XwRxN
MEDICAID SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OF US: Medicaid keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan — regardless of income or health status — can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3FtrCuH (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)
VACCINES: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order Monday to protect broad access to COVID vaccines in Minnesota, becoming the latest Democratic governor to take action against federal attempts to limit the shots' availability to seniors and other higher-risk people.” QUOTE: "Routine vaccination prevents hospital visits, disabilities, and death. Vaccines allow us to live better and longer than ever before," Walz stated in the order. "But the federal government is seeking to inject politics into what should be a decision between a person and their healthcare provider." READ: https://fluence-media.co/42gg5Yi
MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “It’s not clear yet how the guidance will spill down to health providers. Minnesota pharmacists already have authority to offer COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions. But there are also questions about whether those vaccines will be covered by insurers. Some health insurance providers that serve Minnesota have said they will continue their coverage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41LT8fp
RFK JR: Via Stat, VERBATIM: “Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s aggressive moves to change vaccine policy — adopted by leaders at other federal health agencies — may be putting him at odds with President Trump himself. Now Kennedy’s allies are rallying to support him, believing the coming weeks and months will be key to cementing the Make America Healthy Again agenda in Washington. The latest flare-up centers on vaccine mandates. On Friday, asked about plans by Florida state officials to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates there, Trump struck a note of caution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46cN5C1
MORE: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Some Democrats say the party is best off letting Republicans tussle on the issue, without getting in the way.” QUOTE: “Republicans spent a long time playing footsie with and entertaining fringe opinions on public health,” Democratic strategist Joel Payne said. “But now they have gone way over the top and have put those opinions in power, and I would anticipate a political price they’ll have to pay for that.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41H9jdZ
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Via The 19th, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump on Monday downplayed the severity of domestic violence crimes, saying that were it not for ‘things that take place in the home they call crime,’ the administration’s deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., would have resulted in a bigger statistical reduction in crime.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46vYxKg
SMOKE: From The New York Times, maps showing areas currently impacted by smoke from Canadian wildfires, including a large section of Minnesota. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pfWt0d
STUDY: From University of Pennsylvania via Science Daily, VERBATIM: “Scientists have discovered that even short-term exposure to polluted air can speed up Alzheimer’s, worsening toxic protein buildup in the brain and accelerating memory loss. The research connects fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from sources like smoke and traffic directly to faster cognitive decline.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JW6GyM
BENEFITS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Hundreds of thousands of poor Americans are poised to get their disability benefits cut, as the Trump administration moves to reverse a Biden-era change. Why it matters: It would hurt low-income and disabled Americans at a time when inflation is driving up the cost of food and shelter; and further cuts to Medicaid and food benefits are on tap. Zoom in: The changes involve Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to people who are very poor and unable to work — typically because they're disabled.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m7rkti
NONPROFITS: Via MHEFA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority today announced an expansion of its services, as the state agency is now able to assist nonprofit healthcare organizations across the state. This enhancement is a direct result of the recently enacted Health and Human Services Omnibus bill (Special Session 1: H.F. 2/Chapter 3), signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on June 12, 2025. The Authority was originally created by the legislature in 1971 as the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority to assist nonprofit higher education institutions finance large capital projects such as classrooms, science labs, dormitories, or college athletic facilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42dONlm
SUICIDE: Via Public News Service, VERBATIM: “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is underway, and in Minnesota, the construction trades are on a mission to change the mindset of workers and project leaders. A pair of industry groups have formed the Minnesota Construction Mental Health Alliance. Organizers say the trades still tend to be male dominated with a macho feel. Progress has been made in improving physical safety on job sites, but Joel Smith, president/business manager of the Laborers' International Union of North America in Minnesota and North Dakota, said he wants more conversation about confronting the ‘stressors’ workers often wrestle with.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/427BUJN
DATA: Via MedPage Today, VERBATIM: “Exposures to medications, dietary supplements, or psychoactive substances increased among children from 2000 to 2023, particularly exposures associated with suspected self-harm or suicidal intent, according to data from U.S. poison centers. Among children ages 6 to 12 years, the overall rate of exposure increased non-linearly by 53.8% over this time period, while the exposure rate associated with suspected self-harm or suicidal intent increased by 311%, reported Gary A. Smith, MD, DrPH, of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and colleagues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48fh6n8
DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF RURAL HEALTH CARE, ESSENTIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING TOP CLINICAL CARE: According to the latest report from Minnesota Community Measurement, a statewide resource on health care quality, costs and equity, Essentia ranked as a high performer with 19 of 20 clinical quality metrics scoring above statewide averages. According to Dr. Maria Beaver, chief quality and patient safety officer at Essentia: “This is a testament to the amazing care provided by all our clinical care teams and all our colleagues who support them.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dCxy1D (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
THIS MONTH: From MDH via X, VERBATIM: “September is National Preparedness Month! The Minnesota Department of Health’s Emergency Preparedness and Response division encourages everyone to take a moment this month to plan ahead for emergencies. Being prepared helps protect you, your loved ones, and your community.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4p6QRp4
FINANCE: Via Bankrate, VERBATIM: “Katey Davern, a 46-year-old in St. Paul, Minnesota, has learned firsthand just how much paperwork is involved when planning someone’s last years. Davern, along with her three siblings, started planning for their elderly parents’ end-of-life needs about three years ago. As the parent of five children herself — three of whom are under 18 and still live at home — Davern is increasingly navigating two different financial worlds. In one, she’s helping her parents with end-of-life financial planning. In the other, she and her husband are managing their own immediate family’s spending, saving for their children’s college, contributing to their retirement accounts and adding to their health savings accounts (HSA).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JS01Wx
ALZHEIMER’S: Via Essentia, VERBATIM: “Essentia Health is bringing a groundbreaking tool in early detection of Alzheimer's disease to the Northland. A new diagnostic test that detects amyloid plaque — abnormal protein deposits in the brain that can disrupt cognitive function and a defining feature of Alzheimer’s — represents a major breakthrough in care for a disease that affects more than 7 million Americans. Regionally, this new test is only offered at Essentia’s downtown Duluth campus.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JSN7Yh
(DISCLOSURE: Essentia is a Fluence sponsor)
HACKATHON: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Young Julian Limon clutches his blanket wherever he goes, a source of comfort during hospital stays, procedures and tests. At 17 months, he has not yet reached walking or talking milestones. His brittle hair and unexplained neurological symptoms compound his challenges. He has endured pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, and his weak immune system leaves him vulnerable. Despite extensive evaluations and genetic testing, Julian's condition remains a mystery. This September, Julian's family will travel to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to take part in the Undiagnosed Hackathon, a global effort to solve rare diseases that have long gone unexplained.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VN12l7
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
ENVOY MEDICAL: Via news release from White Bear Lake-based Envoy, VERBATIM: “Envoy Medical Inc. (NASDAQ: COCH), a hearing health company focused on developing innovative, fully implanted hearing solutions, today announced the issuance of four new global patents. These patents expand the company's global intellectual property portfolio and mark another strategic step in delivering next-generation cochlear implant solutions that offer patients discreet, 24/7 hearing experience without the limitation of externally worn components.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ge1Jxk
BCBS: Via news release from Blue Cross, VERBATIM: “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced the appointment of Erin Barney as President of Commercial Markets and Jamie Reuter as Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45YRxpb
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CONTEST: Via MDH, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is hosting their 2025 Radon Poster Contest! The overall state winner (just one poster) goes on to the national contest. First place nationally wins $1,000! In 2023, Brooklyn from Plymouth Middle School in Minnesota, won the national contest and $1,000!” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/47CRAIw
ORANGUTANS: From Rutgers via Science Daily, VERBATIM: “Orangutans, humans’ close evolutionary relatives, have developed remarkable strategies to survive in the unpredictable rainforests of Borneo. A Rutgers-led study reveals that these apes balance protein intake and adjust their activity to match food availability, avoiding obesity and metabolic disease. Unlike humans, who often overeat processed foods without adjusting energy use, orangutans switch between fruits, leaves, and even stored body fat depending on the season. Their ability to maintain protein levels and conserve energy during scarcity offers insights not only into their survival but also into healthier dietary habits for people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46iaIsR
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