Health Topics

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

Childhood Obesity

Understanding what causes obesity and providing healthy alternatives can help lead your child down a lifelong path of wellness.

Hometown Health Blog

How to help your child reach a healthy weight

New findings show that "baby fat" doesn't routinely melt away as children grow. Now's the time to help a child struggling with obesity reach a healthy weight. These tips can help you on this journey.

Mieca Valen NP By Mieca Valen March 23, 2023

Healthy weight in children starts with healthy habits

Experts agree the sooner in life that you build good, healthy habits, the easier it is to keep them and stay as healthy as possible. Get tips to help children create good habits for healthy weight.

Jennifer Brumm MD By Jennifer Brumm February 11, 2021

Kids in the kitchen: Early involvement yields oodles of fun

Exposing kids to cooking and baking can lead to good habits and family memories. Here's some tips to help parents get kids in the kitchen.

Amanda Halls, R.D.N., L.D. By Amanda Halls December 23, 2020

Helping La Crosse nonprofit connect kids to healthy food and nature

Mayo Clinic Health System — Franciscan Healthcare devotes significant resources to promoting healthy eating and lifestyles, with a particular focus on gardening. That's why we are choosing to get involved with GROW La Crosse.

April 23, 2015

Back to school health tips

Children and parents are gearing up for the start of another school year. Preparation for the hallways means shopping for backpacks, clothes and other school supplies. But don't overlook your child's health before the first bell rings.

Kimberly Beecher, M.D. By Kimberly Beecher August 11, 2014

Eat healthy at holiday parties

Eating healthy at holiday parties sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? After all, it is a party, and there rarely is a holiday party without some of our favorite foods.

November 18, 2013

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

School teachers help our children grow and develop, but they need your help by packing a healthy lunch. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes a link between healthy eating and academic achievement in children.

September 3, 2013