Area up-and-coming country singer Tom Wurth will have a free concert in Austin.

Wurth, an Iowa native who lives in Nashville, will perform at Ole Barn BBQ from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29. The acoustic performance is free, but donations to the Salvation Army in Austin will be accepted. Ole Barn BBQ will also have an outdoor barbecue during the show.

SMIF appoints Heilman to committee

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation has reappointed Jim Heilman of Austin to serve a third year on the Grant Review Committee. Committee members meet bi-annually to review and select the Incentive Grant awards.

As a CPA for Clifton Larson Allen in Austin, Heilman works with many small businesses. A lifetime Austin resident, Heilman has a passion for the work that SMIF does.

Tim Penny, SMIF President and CEO, said the foundation will benefit from his commitment to the region and his leadership experience.

Medical center welcomes new provider

Dr. Laura Walker, M.D., has joined the Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Walker received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, La., and completed her residency in emergency medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Conn.

Originally from Minneapolis, Walker is excited to be involved with rural medicine.

She joins Wei Lin Jung, M.D.; Thomas McNiff, M.D.; Marcia Rosendahl, D.N.P.; Sima Rad, M.D.; and Rohini Singh, M.D. in the Emergency Department. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hospital offering preventative care class

The local medical center is looking to curb chronic health conditions.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin is offering the Take HOLD (Hypertension/Obesity/HyperLipidemia/Diabetes) program, a 12-week program geared toward those who have risk factors or family history of high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or diabetes.

The program will be Monday evenings from Aug. 27 through Oct. 29, 5:30-7 p.m. in the Rehabilitation Services Department on the Lower Level of the medical center. It costs $60.

Brianna Carlson, cardiopulmonary therapist, exercise specialist and facilitator of the Take HOLD program, says it’s for those who may have a hard time on their own managing some or all of these chronic conditions.

“The program identifies your personal risk factors for developing these chronic conditions,” she said. “I personally will assist you with developing healthier lifestyle choices to help prevent you from getting one or all of these conditions, as well as help you manage them and reduce any complications you may already have due to these conditions.”

Participants in the class will learn about: prevention; healthy eating strategies; physical activity; diabetes overview; portion sizes; navigating around eating out; partnering with a local health care provider; getting family involved; and celebrating success.

For more information, call Carlson at 507-434-1674.

Carlson adds that this program is for those who are ready to do something about their health.

“This 12-week program is for those who may need a little more help in getting started and staying on track,” she said. “Participants who are willing to take the time out of their busy schedules to learn about prevention and wellness for the entire 12 weeks are more likely to continue with their new healthy lifestyle following the 12-week period.”