What’s Happening in your Community

All the decorating, shopping, cooking and get-togethers during the holiday season can leave a person breathless. Sarah Stinson, a licensed professional counselor and supervisor of the Integrative Medicine and Health program at Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Wing shares ways to de-stress this month, including simple deep breathing techniques.

For a person with allergies, the holiday season can create challenges. Decorated trees, roaring fires and a plate of Christmas cookies can lead to problems. You can make it easier for someone with allergies by being aware of some common holiday triggers.

This time of year can often lead to the over-indulgence of rich and fatty foods. Mayo Clinic Health System health educator, Katie Johnson shows that salads are not just for summer. Try these recipes for two hearty and flavorful winter salads - a beet walnut salad and a butternut squash apple salad.

Interested in being a volunteer? Join us for a Volunteer Meet and Greet Thursday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Recognizing the health benefits of play for the young and old alike, Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare is please to announce a $125,000 contribution to the All Abilities Trane Park Project. The park will allow people of all ages and abilities to play together in a safe environment without limitations. “We know that a healthy community requires more than access to quality medical care. That’s why our commitment to the health of our patients, coworkers, families and neighbors extends beyond the walls of our facilities,” says Paul Mueller, M.D., Regional Vice President, Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare. “We are pleased to offer support for projects that help to improve the health and well-being of everyone in our community.”

The holiday season is a time of celebration and excess, but too much salt, caffeine and alcohol can lead to a little-known condition called "holiday heart" that can have drastic consequences.

Volunteers from Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin will ring bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign on Dec. 10 at Hy-Vee in Albert Lea and at ShopKo in Austin. Bell-ringing hours at Hy-Vee in Albert Lea are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. At ShopKo in Austin, bell-ringing hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mayo Clinic Health System will match up to $1,000 at each location.

On December 5, a formal transfer of sponsorship ceremony was held to honor and celebrate the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) at Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse. The ceremony marked a significant event in the organization’s history. In the fall of 2017, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration announced their intention to transfer formal sponsorship and ownership of Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare to Mayo Clinic. The official transfer of sponsorship to Mayo Clinic was finalized on Oct. 31, 2018. Mayo Clinic Health System is grateful to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration for their leadership and dedication for the past 135 years.

Three convenient locations and many health care service options. Get the facts about the care available to you, close to home in Albert Lea.

Bereavement Services held a Remembrance Tree Ceremony at the Luther Campus in Eau Claire on Monday evening. Wishing you peace and time to reflect on memories shared during this holiday season. For grief support, call 715-464-5086 or visit the link below.