|
Don't forget to follow us on social media to be up to date on all our news! |
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 6-12 Nurses Week
May 18 - National Veterans Awareness Ride
May 19 - Catchment Wide Tele-Townhall
May 20 - VA2K at Iowa City VA Hospital 11-1pm
May 22 - Memorial Day Observance
|
|
 Congratulations to Dr. Laura Willooughby
Chief of Staff, Dr. Laura Willoughby, recently received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Award for her exceptional support of VA employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
Nominated by Cedar Rapids CBOC Nurse Practitioner and Army Reservist Noah Shonka, Dr. Willoughby was recognized for her mentorship, her commitment to easing military‑to‑civilian transitions, and her dedicated support of service members across the Iowa City VA Health Care System.
Thank you, Dr. Willoughby, for your exceptional support and leadership. Your dedication to our National Guard and Reserve employees—and to all who serve—truly makes a difference. Congratulations on this well‑deserved honor.
|
 Celebrating 25 Years of ICVA Transplant Program!
For 25 years our internal Transplant Program teams have gone above and beyond. Whether it is evaluating patients for listing, or bringing a patient in for a potential transplant, all departments have a large role to play in a transplant.
On April 10, National Donate Life Day, were able to acknowledge the employees of past and present who were critical for the successful transplants done here at the ICVA.
Thank you to our veterans for trusting our staff with their health, and to our staff for 25 years of life saving work. Here’s to 2️⃣5️⃣ years!!
|
 First Leadless Pacemaker
We are excited to announce a major milestone for our Electrophysiology team: the successful implantation of our very first leadless pacemaker!
Using the Medtronic Micra™ Transcatheter Pacing System, the EP lab placed this cutting‑edge device via a minimally invasive, catheter‑based approach—without the need for surgical leads or a chest incision. This tiny pacemaker, roughly the size of a large vitamin capsule, offers patients a highly advanced option for single‑chamber pacing with:
- A fully self-contained design (no leads, no surgical pocket)
- Reduced infection risk
- Faster recovery times
- Long battery life with reliable performance
This achievement reflects the outstanding collaboration, training, and dedication of everyone involved. It marks an exciting step forward in expanding our cardiac care capabilities and bringing the latest technology to our patients.
|
|
Getting Active
Do you want to become more active? Activity can lower the risk of depression, diabetes, and heart disease. It can also help you manage your weight and feel better. Your VA Medical Center’s MOVE! Program can help you sit less and move more. With MOVE!, you can set movement goals and receive support to reach them.
For Veterans currently enrolled in the MOVE! Program, we have a virtual exercise class called Be Active & MOVE! (BAM) for Veterans of all abilities. Additionally, you can improve your strength, balance, and flexibility by regularly following the Get Fit for Life Videos at https://www.move.va.gov/video/
If this program sounds like the right fit for you, contact your VA MOVE! Program. There are no copays and no travel required for any of our MOVE! options, and we have a whole team here to help you eat better and move more, no matter what your situation or disabilities are! Call MOVE! today to learn more (319-358-4821). For more information about MOVE! visit www.move.va.gov
|
|
|
Nourishing Your Mental Health
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s an excellent opportunity to recognize the crucial role that nutrition plays in supporting our mental well-being. Nutrition does more than fuel our bodies; it also powers our mind. The brain uses about 20% of the body’s total energy. Without enough energy and proper nourishment, our brains can have a hard time staying focused, thinking clearly, and maintaining a good mood.
Eating too many processed foods, which are high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats can negatively affect our mood and cognitive function. A diet high in these foods can disrupt our mood, make it hard to think, and cause energy crashes, making it harder to stay focused and feel good. In contrast, eating more whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats helps our brain get the nutrients it needs to function at its best. These foods give us steady energy, help us think clearly, and keep our mood stable, which helps us feel better overall. To start improving your nutrition, try swapping out processed snacks for healthier options such as an apple with peanut butter, a handful of nuts, or a yogurt with fresh berries.
By making thoughtful dietary choices and prioritizing whole foods, we can enhance our mental resilience and support our overall well-being. This May, let’s honor National Mental Health Awareness Month by nourishing our bodies to nourish our minds. Small mindful changes in what we eat can lead to a significant improvements in how we feel, helping us to live healthier, happier lives.
|
|
|
Find the Veteran Story That Speaks to You
Everyone faces challenges with their feelings or behaviors from time to time, but how does someone know if it’s a problem? Should they ask for help? And, if so, where? Does mental health treatment work?
For Mental Health Month this May, VA is encouraging Veterans to explore stories from hundreds of other Veterans whose experiences may provide answers to these questions. In their own words, the Veterans describe their challenges, why they sought help, and how treatment helped them find new ways to thrive.
Nick, an Army Veteran, speaks candidly about his drinking and suicidal thoughts. A friend’s decision to drive Nick to a VA hospital led to inpatient care that started Nick’s path to recovery.
“Don’t wait to ask for help,” he urges. “We think that we can fix our problems ourselves, and you just have to accept that you might not be able to.”
Don’t wait. Find a Veteran story that speaks to you—and learn more about VA mental health resource today.
|
|
| | |
