Health Topics

Find information on health topics
so you can live your best life.

December

Prenatal & Parenting
New Prague, MN In Person

This class meets every other month and is for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Topics include a variety of information on pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort measures, the days transitioning from pregnancy to the postpartum period, newborn care and the adjustments of being new parents. 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, 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 952-257-8917 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
La Crosse, WI In Person

This two-hour class is recommended for families who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. Partners are encouraged to attend. It includes information about benefits of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, and troubleshooting and resources. View additional class availability on the calendar. An evening Beginning to Breastfeed class also is available.

For questions or to develop an individualized breastfeeding plan, contact a lactation consultant at 608-392-9789.

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.

Interpreter services are provided for free for patients who do not speak English and are attending an in-person course in La Crosse. Call Mayo Clinic Health System at 608-392-9090 to arrange for an interpreter.

All registered participants will receive a confirmation letter. Patient portal users will receive a confirmation letter via the portal.

Class cancellation
If you must cancel your registration, call 608-392-9090 at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can have your spot. Classes that do not meet the minimum size requirements may be canceled. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed. If there are severe weather warnings in the La Crosse and surrounding counties, classes will be canceled. Call 608-392-9723 to confirm class cancellation due to severe weather.

Prenatal & Parenting
New Prague, MN In Person

This class meets every other month and will prepare moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person for breastfeeding. Topics include advantages of breastfeeding, when and how much a baby is fed, how to know if baby is getting enough, pumping, going back to work, common breastfeeding problems, and the father’s role.

Registration is required and class size is limited. Includes light refreshments.



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 952-257-8917 for cancellation or postponement information. 

Support Groups
Cannon Falls, MN Virtual

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) impacts individuals on many levels. This support group will provide a safe place where patients, family members, caregivers and community members can come together to share their personal experiences of living with MS. Group is moderated by a health care professional.

  • Support system
  • Group discussions
  • Educational materials
  • Additional resources
Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI Virtual

This monthly evening virtual group class via Zoom is designed for women who are considering breastfeeding or have decided to breastfeed. It covers the benefits of breastfeeding and information needed to achieve breastfeeding goals. Register for your preferred date to take the class using the "Register" link, and we'll email you a Zoom link to join the class. See additional class availability on the calendar. Additional breastfeeding classes are offered from 2-3:30 p.m.

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
Mankato, MN In Person

This class is offered monthly 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, 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.

Support Groups
Mankato, MN In Person
This support group is for those in the Fairmont, Mankato and New Prague area. 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. Masks are required for all attendees.
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.

We also offer a women's in-person Common Bonds Grief Support group

Prenatal & Parenting
La Crosse, WI In Person

This one-hour class is intended for parents and grandparents. It includes information about the steps related to performing infant CPR and relief of choking. This is not a certification course. No completion cards or certificates will be given for participating. View additional class availability on the calendar.

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.

Interpreter services are provided for free for patients who do not speak English and are attending an in-person course in La Crosse. Call Mayo Clinic Health System at 608-392-9090 to arrange for an interpreter.

All registered participants will receive a confirmation letter. Patient portal users will receive a confirmation letter via the portal.

Class cancellation
If you must cancel your registration, call 608-392-9090 at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can have your spot. Classes that do not meet the minimum size requirements may be canceled. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed. If there are severe weather warnings in the La Crosse and surrounding counties, classes will be canceled. Call 608-392-9723 to confirm class cancellation due to severe weather.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI Virtual

This monthly midafternoon virtual group class on Zoom is designed for women who are considering breastfeeding or have decided to breastfeed. It covers the benefits of breastfeeding and information needed to achieve breastfeeding goals. Register for your preferred date to take the class using the "Register" link, and we'll email you a Zoom link to join the class. See additional class availability on the calendar.

Additional breastfeeding classes are offered from 5-6:30 p.m.

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.

Support Groups
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This in-person monthly gathering is for informal conversation, camaraderie and support for women after the death of a spouse or significant other.

No food or drink is allowed in the conference room.

We also offer a women's virtual Common Bonds Grief Support group.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI In Person

Family Birth Center tours are designed for parents delivering or considering delivering at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Registration is required, as tour group sizes are limited.

A 6 p.m. Family Birth Center tour also is available.

Press Room

Northwest Wisconsin achieves Magnet designation for nursing excellence

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards in nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care.

November 29, 2023
Hmong/Hmoob health fair planned for Nov. 4 in Eau Claire

The free community health forum and conference for the Hmoob community will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North High School.

October 13, 2023
High rankings for quality patient care received

Eau Claire and Red Wing have been recognized as top performers in the 2023 Bernard A. Birnbaum, M.D. Quality Leadership Ranking by Vizient, Inc.

September 22, 2023
Flu vaccination appointments available September 18

Flu vaccination appointments available soon

September 15, 2023
Event aims to change conversation about alcohol in the U.S.

Attend a presentation on Sept. 19 that will address alcohol consumption, including raising awareness about the scope of the problem and shedding light on the social and health consequences of alcohol ...

August 29, 2023
Fairmont makes changes to same-day appointments

Due to continued staffing challenges, effective Wednesday, Aug. 30, patient care is no longer available through the Same Day Clinic. Patients can now get same-day care through the Family Medicine clin...

August 28, 2023
Family medicine residency programs ranked highly

The programs rank among the top 20 places to train to be a family physician, out of more than 750 programs, according to Doximity's 2023 Residency Navigator.

August 4, 2023
U.S. News & World Report recognizes 6 hospitals

Albert Lea & Austin, Eau Claire, Fairmont, La Crosse, Mankato and Red Wing were recognized. 

August 1, 2023
Hospitals awarded high quality ratings

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded six hospitals 5-star ratings and one hospital a 4-star rating for overall hospital quality.

July 26, 2023
Eau Claire recognized for commitment to quality stroke care

For the sixth consecutive year, Eau Claire received the Get With the Guidelines — Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

July 12, 2023
Funding awarded in Northwest Wisconsin

Several local school districts and nonprofit organizations received funds to support improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

June 28, 2023
$181,000 in grants awarded in Greater Mankato

Mayo Clinic Health System has awarded $181,000 in grant money so far this year to nonprofit organizations through the Hometown Health Grant Program, which aims to improve the health of communities....

June 7, 2023

Hometown Health Blog

Volunteers make connections, reap benefits

Together, Mary and Ben Zweber have nearly 50 years of volunteer experience with Mayo Clinic Health System. Learn what keeps this couple — now in their 90s — coming back and giving of their time.

November 30, 2023

Healthy changes that will make you thankful

Making a few changes to your favorite holiday meals and spending your calories wisely can help you celebrate in a healthier way. Get healthy recipe makeovers with loads of flavor and fewer calories.

Eileen Dutter, R.D. By Eileen Dutter November 22, 2023

Diabetes: What you need to know — and do

If current trends continue, as many as one in three Americans will have diabetes by the year 2050. That projection is staggering, but it doesn't necessarily have to come true.

Kristi Stemsrud PAC By Kristi Stemsrud November 21, 2023

An introductory guide to understanding dementia, Alzheimer’s disease

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease could be the cause. Learn more about these conditions, their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

November 20, 2023

The facts about chest acne

Acne can appear anywhere you have oil glands on your skin, including the back, face, stomach or chest. Learn about some factors that can lead to chest acne and what you can do to prevent or treat it.

Elizabeth Demaree, D.O. By Elizabeth Demaree November 16, 2023

A doctor's warning about the dangers of vaping

Nicotine is addictive regardless of the delivery method, including cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. Get the ugly truth, learn the warning signs and talk to your kids about the dangers of vaping.

Graham King MD By Graham King November 15, 2023

Volunteers make a difference one warm welcome at a time

After retiring, John and Terri Pedace have found purpose, fulfillment and a way to give back through volunteering for Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

November 13, 2023

A closer look at pink eye: Self-care tips for conjunctivitis

When your eyeball turns a shade of pink or red, and you have a watery and inflamed eye, it's a sign of conjunctivitis. Learn why the best option to treat pink eye may be to care for it at home.

Jennifer Volk, N.P. By Jennifer Volk November 9, 2023

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 November 7, 2023

To sip a cola: Patsy Weber's goal for rehab from rare disease

Patsy Weber was told she might spend the rest of her life in a care facility, unable to walk, speak or swallow. Read how she and her rehab team were determined to defy that prognosis.

November 6, 2023

Follow a cholesterol-lowering diet during the holidays

The average adult consumes more than 4,000 calories during a holiday meal. If you follow a low-cholesterol diet, you still can enjoy foods you love. Here’s how to wisely plan your food choices.

Ripu Singh MD By Ripu Singh November 1, 2023

Advanced treatments target advanced shoulder issues

Whether it's a severe rotator cuff tear or arthritic shoulder joint, find out about advanced techniques that can relieve pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy.

Scott Kuzma MD By Scott Kuzma October 31, 2023