The Mayo Clinic, located in Rochester, Minn., is known all around the world; it’s the place to go when you’re sick. The Mayo’s housed patients like former U.S. presidents George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford as well as international faces like King Hussein of Jordan and the Dalai Lama. I spent a fair amount of time at Mayo (as well as singing its praises) while my mom fought a six-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. She was never treated better and I know first hand how very lucky we Minnesotans are to have such a wonderful facility right within our reach.
While people everywhere know about the Mayo and its fight against disease, you may never have an opportunity to meet the special people who work there. Plus, the Mayo doesn’t want to be known only for sickness, but also as a place that connects with the public on health and wellness. Mayo specialists want people to think differently about their health care; they want to be where the people are. And where is that? Mall of America.
Photo courtesy of Mayo Clinic
In August, the Mayo Clinic opened up a space in Mall of America’s Rotunda. Mayo Clinic Healthy Living provides a hybrid of education, clinic offerings and retail products. Now, every one of the mall’s 42 million annual visitors can experience the awesomeness of the Mayo. Meet a Health Navigator to talk about weight loss, nutrition, exercise, sleep, relaxation and more. Take quizzes, view videos and learn health tips—spend five minutes or 20 minutes, a nice break from your shopping trip.
After the first of the year, Mayo Clinic Healthy Living plans to offer even more of a variety of clinical services (located in an official Mayo clinic just down the hall) in areas like women’s health, sports performance (golf swing analysis, anyone?), counseling and more.
Another cool thing? The Mayo Clinic Mile. Stop in the Healthy Living space, grab a map (and maybe a pedometer), look for the signs on the ceiling and follow the designated paths throughout the mall—you can walk a mile, a 5K or a 10K on your visit. Groups can even participate in a guided walk with a Health Navigator.
If you’re coming to Minnesota, most likely you’ll come to Mall of America. So, remember to stop into Mayo Clinic Healthy Living to learn about your health, ask questions, get some exercise and receive a personal connection with the Mayo. I promise the people are just as friendly and caring as they are down in Rochester. So, no matter where you’re from, when you’re here or who you are—it’s always a good time to put a little focus on you.
