Wellness

​Homeopathy: magic, science, or super-listening power?

June 23rd, 2026

By Eli Liverani


It was in the mid-90s when I heard of homeopathy for the first time. I was at university, and it was through word of mouth. Some friends were seeking homeopathy to solve minor health issues, such as weight gain, anxiety, insomnia and food allergies. I was intrigued, so I joined the crowd and booked an appointment.

I remember this skinny guy in his 40s. He gave me specific dietary guidelines (no dairy, no nightshade vegetables). I remember going across town to a specific…

Read more...


​Heart, veins, brains: cholesterol everything, everywhere, all at once

May 26th, 2026

By Eli Liverani

Cholesterol is probably one of the first molecules I have ever heard of in my childhood. Most of the relatives on my mother's side had high cholesterol in their blood, and apparently, levels above a certain range are a risk of cardiovascular diseases. The treatment focused on their diet; limit dairy and egg consumption and lose weight. Some of them were successful just by changing their diet, but in some cases, they had to take some pills. Although they were able to get…

Read more...


​HRT: The ‘infamous’ 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study and the black box

March 23rd, 2026

By Ellie Liverani

In November 2025, the FDA initiated the removal of the “black box” warning from Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The “black box” warning is a FAD safety warning for healthcare providers and patients about a drug with serious, life-threatening risks, such as cancer, suicide, and/or cardiovascular diseaseAs.

HRT will be “just like another drug.” Is it good news or bad news? So far, it is just news.

Is HRT dangerous? Or is it the miracle drug that has been…

Read more...


​The not-so-revolutionary food pyramid

February 16th, 2026

By Ellie Liverani

In January 2026, the 2026-2030 dietary guidelines for Americans were released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are supposed to be revolutionary and a “reset” from the previous ones. Are they? And if so, how revolutionary?

First, the renewal was due because dietary guidelines get reviewed every five years. So this was not an unexpected release as much as a routine task for the Department of Health. Second, it is important to reiterate that…

Read more...


​Holiday heart attack: the dark side of Christmas (that may be worse for women)

December 18th, 2025

By Ellie Liverani

eli.liverani.ra@gmail.com

At the beginning of the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas," the Grinch is introduced as having a smaller than average heart, but as the movie progresses, his heart increases three times its size. In the story, this means that the Grinch became a kinder and more compassionate creature. But in real life, a swollen heart can have different meanings and implications, including risk of heart diseases.

Indeed, the statistic tells us that the…

Read more...


​Leisure sickness: there may be no leisure, but we will thank it later

November 18th, 2025

sBy Ellie Liverani

eli.liverani.ra@gmail.com

The holidays are supposed to be magical: party, presents, fancy food, lights and sparks. You are looking forward to it. You work very hard, you put in long hours at work as well as at home. But then you accomplish everything, you are happy and ready for the fun part to start, but bam — you feel sick.

I have heard this story many times (and experienced it first-hand). But I always wonder. Is there a particular reason? Is it “real” or just…

Read more...


​The future of medicine is personal: divide and conquer

October 15th, 2025

By Ellie Liverani

eli.liverani.ra@gmail.com

When we are sick, all we want is a cure. You go to the doctor, they give you a pill, you take it for a bit, then you are cured. It happens. But unfortunately, it is not always the case.

Sometimes there is no treatment. Some diseases can only be managed, such as autoimmune diseases (Lupus or Hashimoto disease, for example). There are treatments specific to females and others for males, specific to your age. But it is not that simple. And some…

Read more...


​Essentia Health’s mobile mammogram program brings screenings to rural communities

October 6th, 2025

Press Release

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, Essentia Health is highlighting an innovative — and recently expanded — program that brings early breast cancer detection services to rural communities. Essentia’s mobile mammography trucks have added additional locations across the rural health leader’s footprint, from central North Dakota to western Wisconsin, bringing convenient mammography services to more patients. The program will reduce travel time and eliminate barriers…

Read more...


​When loneliness does not kill, it makes you sicker

September 16th, 2025

By Ellie Liverani

eli.liverani.ra@gmail.com

Loneliness is on the rise in North Dakota, where there is one of the highest rates of people living alone. The challenging winter can be a major contributor, yet North Dakota is not alone. In the scientific literature, studies on loneliness come from all over the world, and they all report similar findings.

Loneliness is a feeling; therefore, it is hard to measure. It’s distinguished from solitude. There is a lack of interest in seeking…

Read more...


​What we owe our elders and each other: a call for community support and smarter aging solutions

August 19th, 2025

By Dr. Marc Sapir, MD, MPH

jessica@pellienpublicrelations.com

Across America, families are quietly struggling with a rising challenge: how to care for aging parents, siblings, grandparents, neighbors and friends. Most seniors want to remain independent but lack the resources (sometimes the energy) they need to do so.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

During my nine years as the founding medical director of the Center for Elders’ Independence — a PACE program in Oakland, California — I…

Read more...


Tracker Pixel for Entry Bismarck Tracker Pixel for Entry Empire Tracker Pixel for Entry Blackbird Tracker Pixel for Entry potluck Tracker Pixel for Entry FPL Tracker Pixel for Entry Potluck2

Recently in:

Summer is a tough time for families who depend on free or reduced-price school meals, so YMCA of the Northern Sky will provide nutritious, no-cost meals to kids 18 and under through August 26. Breakfast and lunch are available…

By Jeff Armstrong Despite a history dating back many centuries and a reputation as fierce resistance fighters, the Kurds remain the largest stateless nation in the world. Divided by colonial post-WWI borders and subsumed into four…

June 6-7StatewideYou grab a line and I’ll grab a pole — and if you’re a North Dakota resident, you can head on down to your favorite fishing hole, no license needed (for this weekend, anyway). All other rules still apply…

By John Strand It took us over 30 years for us to reach out and ask for your help. The High Plains Reader has always been subscription free and paywall free. Our content has — and always will be — free to access for all of our…

By Ed RaymondCongratulations! A world record held by Trumplican Party and NRA!During the Minnesota Legislature’s discussion of gun controls, Republican State Senator Drew Roach of Farmington said he would never ban assault…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

July 8th, 5:30-8 p.m.Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead We’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday, Minnesota style. Moorhead Parks and Recreation and HCSCC are hosting the ultimate potluck. Whether you’re bringing…

Tuesday, June 30, 7 p.m.Parachigo, 14 8th St. S., Fargo Inspired by folk and rock influences, Bielanski's upbeat catchy tunes have gone worldwide — literally. He’s played 2,500 shows, 311 of which were performed last year alone.…

By Greg Carlson The feature directorial debut of established internet phenomenon and entertainment hyphenate Hayley Kiyoko — known unironically to her fans as “Lesbian Jesus” — carries with it a curious backstory becoming more…

By Jacinta Zens I recently sat down for a chat with ceramicist Louie Albertson, Clay and Studio Program Manager at the Plains Art Museum. Before the interview, I had the pleasure of getting to know him a bit as a colleague when I…

Saturday, January 31, 6:30-9 p.m.Transfiguration Fitness, 764 34th St. N., Unit P, FargoAn enchanting evening celebrating movement and creativity in a staff-student showcase. This is a family-friendly event showcasing pole, aerial…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Eli Liverani It was in the mid-90s when I heard of homeopathy for the first time. I was at university, and it was through word of mouth. Some friends were seeking homeopathy to solve minor health issues, such as weight gain,…

January 31, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead2026 marks 10 years of frosty fun! Enjoy sauna sessions with Log the Sauna, try Snowga (yoga in the snow), take a guided snowshoe nature hike, listen to live…

Chris M. Stoner I was recently dismissed from my role as drag show director and emcee for Dakota OutRight, a role I had been fulfilling for more than two decades. The reason given? My political commentary during shows, while…