Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Parenting

As a parent, you quickly realize that your bundle of joy also is a bundle of responsibility. Suddenly, you’re looking for reliable information on everything from diapers to driver’s education. Parenting covers a lot of ground, and our experts in many fields offer information and perspectives on raising great kids.

December

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.

January

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This five-week series, held on Tuesdays, 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 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

February

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.

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.

Hometown Health Blog

Practical ways to raise confident kids

Confident children believe in themselves and can face new challenges without fear. Learn why these are essential for a happy life and how parents can communicate self-worth using these five messages.

Maegen Storm CNP By Maegen Storm June 25, 2024

5 ways slimming screen time is good for your health

How much time do you and your family members spend using screens? Reducing screen time allows you to be present in the moment. Learn about the many benefits of cutting down on screen time.

Mysoon Ayuob MD By Mysoon Ayuob May 29, 2024

Have you talked to your children about alcohol use?

Caring adults in children's lives have the power of influence. Get tips to help you talk with your children about the dangers of alcohol. It could save a life.

December 8, 2023

5 ways to help teens overcome suicidal thoughts

When life gets challenging, the rates of depression, feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide can increase. Here are five things you can do to help teens overcome suicidal thoughts.

Lisa Hardesty, Ph.D., L.P. By Lisa Hardesty August 31, 2023

The W-Curve Model: Understanding a new college student’s experience

Freshman year of college is known for new experiences, but it also presents challenges. The W-Curve model is an emotional pattern incoming students may experience during their first year in college.

Rosean Bishop LP By Rosean Bishop August 24, 2023

College students and depression: A guide for parents

Many college students struggle with depression or anxiety. As school resumes, talk about these conditions with your student, and brush up on symptoms and warning signs so you can step in with help.

Kristen Bowe CNP By Kristen Bowe August 22, 2023

Back to school: Tips to help students adjust

Returning to school can be exciting for some students but cause worry or anxiety for others. Get tips for helping your student adjust to new routines, friends and school expectations.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf July 26, 2023

Help your teen navigate celebrations substance-free

It can be tough to talk with your teen about drugs and alcohol. It's essential to have these conversations long before events, such as graduations and weddings. These tips can get you started.

Glenn Kauppila, D.O. By Glenn Kauppila May 8, 2023

6 tips to reduce children's screen time

Screened devices are part of everyday activities from store checkout to reading on a tablet. There are health benefits to reducing screen time. Here are six tips to help your family trim screen time.

Sarah Scherger MD By Sarah Scherger April 17, 2023

Help! I think my teenager is cutting

Emotional pain almost always is associated with self-harm in teenagers. Read why creating a crisis plan of things to do when in such a frame of mind can be beneficial.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette April 11, 2023

What to know, do if your teen experiences dating violence

Every year, millions of teens in the U.S. experience dating violence, which can lead to lifelong effects on health and well-being. As a parent or caregiver, here's what you need to know.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette December 15, 2022

Empowering families to strengthen youth mental health

Family support and connection are important for helping children manage depression or anxiety. Learn how youth-focused treatment and techniques can help families find the right recipe for care.

Janice Schreier MSW By Janice Schreier October 28, 2022