AUSTIN — Are you worried about yourself or someone you know having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight or getting diabetes? Mayo Clinic Health System of Albert Lea and Austin is here to help if you are.

Austin’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department will again offer “Take H.O.L.D.”  Take HOLD, (Hypertension/Obesity/HyperLipidemia/Diabetes), is a program geared toward individuals who have risk factors or family history of high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol and/or diabetes.

Take H.O.L.D. will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning Sept. 9 through from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11 in Austin’s Rehabilitation Services Department on the lower level of the medical center. Cost is $60 and is required at the time of registration. The registration fee can be paid in full or in a three-month increment payment plan of $20/month. To register, please call 507-434-1674.

Brianna Bresser, cardiopulmonary therapist and facilitator of the Take H.O.L.D. program, said the program is 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 and implements important changes necessary to reduce the risk of these disease processes,” said Bresser. “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.”

“It is geared toward patients who are ready to do this on their own, but may need a little more assistance from a health professional, as well as get support from others with the same goals,” said Bresser. “Participants who are willing to take the time out of their busy schedules to learn about prevention and wellness for the entire program are more likely to continue with their new healthy lifestyle afterward.”