MPR News is starting a new monthly segment on Minnesota Now called Vital Signs. Each month debuts topics important to your health. This version is an extended conversation from what was on-air on Minnesota Now on Monday.

And take a deep dive into medical news or what’s top of mind at the doctor’s office: Joining MPR News host Cathy Wurzer will be a familiar voice to longtime listeners, Dr. Jon Hallberg. Hallberg is a family medicine physician at Mill City Clinic and a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

In January’s segment, Dr. Hallberg talks about the importance of having a medical home, how virus season is impacted by our warmer weather and rural hospitals ending labor and delivery services.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

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We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.