What’s Happening in your Community

Currently, three new variants of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 are creating concern. Learn more about the variants: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whats-the-concern-with-covid-19-variants/

If you're a young adult man, is preventive health at the top of your busy to-do list? Learn why having a primary care provider can help you stay healthy now and into the future. Read more: https://mayocl.in/2wTwJ0x

Mayo Clinic doctor Melanie Swift warns older adults that a scam going around offers to help them get a better place in line for the COVID-19 vaccine. She said the scammer calls people over 65, and ask for money in exchange for getting them the vaccine sooner. Swift said while she is aware of one scam like this - there could be more out there. "No one can do that, don't fall for it, please if you do hear anything like that report it," Swift said. She said these scams should be reported to the Department of Health Services. The email is DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov and the free hotline is (800) 422-7128 Story from WQOW News 18 : https://bit.ly/2YioAkt

If your job has you sitting at desk most of the day, that can be tough on your body. Here's some tips to ease the stiffness and soreness to keep you alert and focused: https://mayocl.in/2xsarEj

Wearing face masks, combined with frequent hand-washing and social distancing, can help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is just one of many reasons why community members and employees wear masks. Please mask up. Want to share your WHY? https://mayocl.in/3qdLJ3k Select submissions will be used. Learn more: https://mayocl.in/2N1Lav3

Connection with people is an important part of our society. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge us to be creative in how we maintain our social connections. Here are some tips: http://mayocl.in/2Y3VBRb

We’re currently experiencing high phone call volumes related to COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re a patient at a Mayo Clinic site that has plans to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, you will be contacted when you’re eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment, either in an email from your Patient Online Services account or by mail. Get vaccination details for your location here: https://mayocl.in/3qyF2sO Mayo Clinic continues to follow federal and state guidelines in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. Because each state is approaching vaccine allocation differently, Mayo Clinic sites vary in where they are in their rollout plans.

Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin will award ten $1,000 healthcare scholarships to graduating high school seniors in its service area who are interested in pursuing an education in health care. The Mayo Clinic Health System Auxiliary in Austin will also award three $1,000 scholarships. All scholarships are provided on the basis of leadership, commitment, character and academic ability. Story from the Austin Daily Herald: https://bit.ly/2NrVYTB

Mayo Clinic Health System now uses a mobile unit that travels around the Mankato area to deliver monoclonal antibody treatments to patients at the highest risk of a severe case. “Once we get to the facility, we bring all our equipment. We move in,” said Tracy Culbertson, a nurse manager at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato and a member of the COVID transfusion center and mobile unit. The goal is to make the treatment as convenient and comfortable as possible. https://bit.ly/3p6t4X2

After I get a COVID-19 vaccine, is it safe to visit in person with friends and family? After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, it's still important to take safety precautions, such as avoiding close contact with others, to prevent the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Further research is needed to understand the immunity that a COVID-19 vaccine provides and how long protection lasts before experts will consider changing current safety recommendations. Read more: https://mayocl.in/2Y1PBs0

Whether you’re in crisis or just need a parenting pick-me-up, “Positive parenting: through the pandemic and beyond” focuses on positive discipline and parenting techniques with Joseph Poterucha, D.O., Chair of Community Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, from Mayo Clinic Health System. “Children learn healthy social skills and coping techniques as they grow, so it’s never been more important to practice positive parenting strategies,” said Dr. Poterucha, a father of six. “It’s critical to help kids build resilience and confidence, even during the most trying of times.” Watch here: https://fb.watch/35t98GHwEj/

We live in an age of constant change. One thing that hasn't changed is our employees' dedication to meeting the needs of patients and the community. At Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, we are blessed with several long-term employees who have devoted their careers to establishing strong patient relationships and providing stability and expertise to the roles. First up is Family Medicine physician Jeffrey Green, M.D. "I have practiced medicine over 20 years at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, beginning the summer of 2000. I have been blessed to know and work with great men and women all over our campus who serve our patients with skill, integrity, devotion and compassion. I have come to know them as trusted colleagues and friends. Equally, my patients have brightened and blessed my life with living examples of courage, kindness, tenacity, loyalty and goodness. As I reflect upon the past 20 years, I am moved with gratitude for this very special place in southwest Minnesota where my family and I have been so welcomed and are proud to call home." ~Dr. Green, Family Medicine