Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

June

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI In Person

Tours are open to current patients and nonpatients wanting to learn more about Mayo Clinic Health System.

Meet staff by the fountain, located in the hospital lobby. Enter through the main hospital entrance or the parking ramp hallway.

 

Support Groups
Mankato, MN In Person
This support group is for those in the Mankato area and surrounding Southern Minnesota communities. The group offers compassionate, cancer-related education and support. Share your experiences and learn about coping with the challenges of cancer. Caregivers are welcome to attend. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Fitness & Weight Management
Red Wing, MN In Person

This ongoing, in-person class includes a gentle movement practice, relaxation techniques and breathing practices to reduce pain, improve sleep, increase energy, restore balance, and improve your attitude and overall quality of life. The class is personalized to meet participant needs. For these yoga poses, participants will sit in a chair and stand using a chair for balance. This class may help people with chronic health conditions, such as pain, diabetes, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis.

Michele Hoffman, a Mayo Clinic Health System Integrative Medicine & Health certified yoga therapist, will teach the class.

Start your six sessions anytime. You can continue attending for an additional $55 for six more classes.

Classes will not be held on holidays.

Support Groups
Virtual

This virtual monthly gathering on Zoom is for informal conversation, camaraderie and support for women after the death of a spouse or significant other.

You will receive the Zoom link after registering.

Prenatal & Parenting
Fairmont, MN In Person

This group is for new mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Baby Cafe is a national network of breastfeeding drop-ins, combining breastfeeding information in a relaxed, informal environment where mothers can chat and learn about breastfeeding from skilled practitioners and each other. Registration is not required, this is a drop-in offering. 

Class Cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
full
Red Wing, MN In Person

This three-session class is recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Topics include:

  • Progression of labor into birth
  • Birth stories
  • Options for pain relief
  • Comfort measures
  • Positioning and medication alternatives

Baby care topics include:

  • Normal characteristics of the newborn
  • Caring for baby
  • Infant safety
  • Family adjustments to the new baby
  • Car seat safety
  • Physical development
  • Couplet care

One support person who will be involved in the labor and delivery is invited to attend class. A single registration covers mom and support person.

If there is inclement weather, you can call our general phone line at 651-267-5000 to see if class is canceled. If a class is canceled for nonweather-related reasons, we'll make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This one-session class is for women in the seventh to ninth month of pregnancy or those who have recently delivered. A support person is welcome. Topics include parenting, feeding a newborn baby, bath time, sleep patterns, safety and signs of illness.

Contact WellnessClinic@mayo.edu with questions related to prenatal education classes and registration.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients in the Northwest Wisconsin Region. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Fitness & Weight Management
Virtual

This class is open to Greater Minnesota residents only.

In this virtual class, you will learn how our comprehensive program of dietary counseling, behavior modification, exercise, medication and surgery can lead to a healthier life.

We'll answer these and other questions:

  • What weight-loss options are available?
  • What are the benefits and risks of surgery?
  • What can I expect if I decide to have weight-loss surgery?
  • How do I get started?

You must have a patient portal account to participate.

Registration for each session is limited. We'll contact you with alternative dates if your preferred session is full.

Youth & Family Programs
Barron, WI In Person

Safety Camp is a youth day camp full of games, laughter and general silliness. Campers have fun while learning about safe decisions and actions during a busy, high-energy day. Presentations are interactive and far from boring. Topics include fire, water, sports, bicycles, the internet and nature safety. This camp is free, and participants will receive a T-shirt, lunch, snacks and materials. Open to children entering third, fourth and fifth grade this fall

Registration deadline is June 9. Space is limited and registration is required.

Prenatal & Parenting
Red Wing, MN In Person

This class is for after your baby is born. Parents and baby are welcomed back to the classroom for the new challenges of baby care and parenting.

Educators and lactation consultants will answer parent questions and review topics such as baby care, growth and development, weight gain, lactation and feeding issues, and facing new challenges. Attend as many classes as desired. Family members and siblings age 6 and older are welcome.

Registration is not required.

If there is inclement weather, Mayo Clinic Health System will likely cancel class.


This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver at so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Support Groups
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This group is designed for young adults ages 18 to 45 who have been diagnosed with cancer and their significant others. A cancer diagnosis affects many important parts of life, including relationships, careers, finances, children and body image. Sharing thoughts and feelings, especially with other young adults with cancer, can be helpful. Meetings are open to young adults affected by cancer regardless of treatment location.

Call Oncology at 715-838-6072 with questions or for more information. No registration is required.

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This two-day class is for moms at 24 and 32 weeks' gestation and their support person. This condensed version of the Childbirth Education class is designed for parents who are expecting but whose schedules won't accommodate the recommended five-week series. Participants will learn from presentations, hands-on activities, discussions, role-playing and videos. Register early, as the class size is limited. Participants should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book they received from their clinic.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Press Room

Orthopedic surgeons bring new surgical services to New Prague

Two surgeons have joined the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine in New Prague, bringing new services to the local practice.

October 9, 2024
New Prague's Cancer Center expansion

New Prague breaks ground on $9 million Cancer Center expansion

October 3, 2024
Waseca Emergency Department renovation completed

The $4.2 million project included modernization, improved entry points and safety features, and a new wing of exam and treatment rooms.

September 19, 2024
New hospital is now open in La Crosse

The new hospital in La Crosse integrates innovative technologies and design to support the overall care experience for patients and staff.

August 22, 2024
Hospitals receive national recognition by U.S. News & World Report

Two hospitals have been named "Best Regional Hospitals" and six were rated as "High-Performing" for particular procedures and conditions in the U.S. News & World Report's 2024–2025 "Best Hos...

July 16, 2024

Hometown Health Blog

It's OK to say 'yes' to potatoes

Potatoes have gotten a bad rap for their carb content. Learn why they're good for you, and get recipes to bring the comfort of potatoes to a healthy diet.

June 10, 2025

Maintaining healthy relationships with age

Maintaining relationships and strong social networks as you age can contribute to a longer, healthier life. Read why having positive relationships is as important for health as nutrition and exercise.

May 15, 2025

The sound of success: How improved hearing aids career change

Charlie Pierce was ready to make a career change, but hearing loss was an obstacle to being accepted for the new position. Learn how his Audiology team gave him a fresh start with a small pair of hearing aids.

May 1, 2025

Eating healthy on a budget

Food budget getting squeezed? These tips can help you save money without pinching your healthy eating goals.

April 24, 2025

Want to reduce chronic inflammation? Start with your grocery list

Chronic inflammation can damage your body, but eating a combination of healthy foods can reduce its effects. Learn what foods to choose when you shop.

Susan Block, R.D. By Susan Block April 24, 2025

Know your numbers: Cholesterol

You can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease by keeping your cholesterol at normal levels. Here's what you need to know.

April 24, 2025

The wonders of watermelon

Watermelon is a staple at many summertime picnics and gatherings around the country. While most people agree watermelon tastes good, a majority are unaware of the many health benefits this wonderful fruit contains.

Kristi Wempen RDN By Kristi Wempen April 24, 2025

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? Crack open the facts

Are you weighing the health benefits of eggs? Learn what nutrients are packed inside the shell and how eggs can be a healthy, versatile choice for any meal of the day.

April 24, 2025

Support your immune function with good nutrition

Good nutrition plays a key role in your overall health. Learn what micronutrients are critical for the growth and functions of immune cells, and try two recipes packed with nutrition.

Jamie Pronschinske, RDN, CD By Jamie Pronschinske April 24, 2025

Boost your senses with citrus fruits

When you boost your senses, you make eating more enjoyable. Find out how to incorporate citrus into your day with these easy recipes.

April 24, 2025

6 tips for a healthy holiday makeover

Looking to improve or maintain your healthy lifestyle goals during the festive holiday season? These tips can help you savor a healthier holiday.

Amanda Halls, R.D.N., L.D. By Amanda Halls April 23, 2025

Beat the 'back-to-school blues' with healthy lunches

Heading back to school for many students includes a bagged lunch tucked into their backpack. Follow these tips for packing healthy lunches kids will like and help improve their ability to learn.

Elizabeth Rummel By Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bertrand April 23, 2025