Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

August

Fitness & Weight Management
Red Wing, MN Virtual

This virtual class is held weekly and 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.

After registration, a Zoom link will be emailed. Start your six sessions anytime. You can continue attending for an additional $55 for six more classes.

Classes will not be held on holidays.

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 peer support group meets twice a month on the first and third Mondays, and is for seniors who have been deeply impacted by grief. The group provides an open, welcoming and safe space to explore experiences with others who understand.

Attend sessions as desired.

Call Bereavement Services at 715-464-5086 for more information.

Support Groups
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This support group provides those affected by a brain injury the help, support and resources to resume their everyday lives, including:

  • Opportunities to share experiences and resources for support.
  • Guidance on living with or supporting a loved one living with a brain injury, such as strategies for adjusting and adapting to symptoms.
  • Interactive activities (e.g., bike riding) and activities that promote better brain health.
  • Support for family and friends.
  • Virtual and in-person options.

Call Rehabilitation Services at 715-838-6190 for more information.

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.

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.

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
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.

 

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This monthly class is for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. It's taught by lactation counselors who will help expectant parents learn the basics of breastfeeding. Topics include establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship; frequency and feeding cues; holds, positions and latch-on techniques; choosing a breast pump; pumping and storing breast milk; and maintaining milk supply. Participants should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book they received from their clinic.

Registration is required and class size is limited.

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, we'll make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. We reserve 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
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This one-session class is designed for women in their seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. A support person is welcome. It includes a facility tour and information on labor, delivery, cesarean birth and pain management.

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.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI In Person Virtual

This virtual and in-person drop-in group is for families to work through the natural ups and downs of breastfeeding with a lactation consultant and the support of other families. Bring your baby and come as you are to this informal group. The group is facilitated by certified lactation consultants. An infant scale is available should you want to weigh your baby.

This class is now offered in person and virtually. 

In-person details:

Park in the south lot, behind the 727 Building. The back entrance door will lead to the hallway of Conference Room B. Parking is located behind the building, with additional parking in the southeast lot that is diagonal from the building.

Virtual details: 

Teams virtual meeting link
Meeting ID: 256 728 988 220
Passcode: E92iPy

If you need one-on-one breastfeeding assistance, set up an appointment through your patient portal account, or call us at 715-838-5025.

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.

Support Groups
Virtual

Schedule varies. Hover over calendar date for session time.

This support group is open to those who have had or are preparing to have bariatric surgery at Mayo Clinic Health System.

Family members and friends are welcome.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive education and support to help achieve and maintain weight-loss goals.
  • Connect with others going through the same process.
  • Share their experiences.
  • Receive encouragement and reinforcement needed to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

To register and receive ongoing group details, call one of these locations:

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

Hometown Health Blog

Excuses for not getting a mammogram

Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection. Don't let these seven common excuses make you miss this important screening.

Mariah Koenen PA By Mariah Koenen August 12, 2025

Emotional recovery after cancer treatment

Cancer can affect the way you feel, think and act. Learn common emotions felt by cancer survivors, and gather tips for emotional recovery.

Mariah Koenen PA By Mariah Koenen August 12, 2025

Breast cancer patient grateful for angels

Brenda Braatz is grateful for the team of medical "angels" who cared for her — body and soul — when she was being treated for breast cancer.

August 12, 2025

3D mammogram leads to early breast cancer detection

"Do it for yourself, your peace of mind and your family." Janice Maxfield encourages other women to get a mammogram after her routine 3D mammogram lead to quick breast cancer diagnosis and customized treatment.

August 12, 2025

Too Embarrassed to Ask: Part I

We understand that in the world of obstetrics and gynecology, there are many topics which women may wonder about, but are uncertain how to address. This series is designed to help you to feel less squeamish about discussing those topics.

August 12, 2025

5 things to know during upper respiratory illness season

Colder temps and holiday festivities encourage us to gather inside, raising the risk of upper respiratory illnesses. Know what to do and where to go for worsening symptoms.

Jill Lenhart, M.D. By Jill Lenhart July 16, 2025

Expert answers about new COVID-19 vaccine

The FDA approved a COVID-19 vaccine that targets current variants. A Mayo Clinic expert explains who should get this vaccine and if it can be given at the same time as the annual influenza vaccine.

July 16, 2025

FAQ: Your care team

Your care needs are important, which is why we provide a team-based approach. Learn more about care team collaboration and how it can benefit you.

Jill Lenhart, M.D. By Jill Lenhart July 16, 2025

Link between food and bladder symptoms

The foods you eat give your body energy and nutrition. But they can irritate the bladder, and worsen overactive bladder symptoms and pain. Here's what foods to limit or avoid.

Gretchen Zinsli, APRN, CNP By Gretchen Zinsli July 16, 2025

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