UnityPoint Health - Des Moines

05/27/2026

You immediately recognize the feeling. but do you actually need antibiotics? Maybe not. Here's what to do. https://uph.link/sc0

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are one of the most common conditions providers treat. Learn the telltale symptoms of a UTI and when it's time to go to the doctor.

05/26/2026

Congratulations to our DAISY Award winner, Whitney A., RN, from the CCU at Iowa Methodist Medical Center who was nominated by a patient's family for compassionate care! 🌼

The nomination read, “Whitney has a gift for competent and sincere care. She closely monitored my dying father’s comfort levels down to every detail. Our windows for quality interactions were limited given his cognitive decline. On dad’s last evening in the ICU, my mother had not eaten all day and was unable to spend any time with him because she was held in the ER after fainting. Whitney even helped mom get transferred to the ER. We finally got to visit dad together but needed to get our newly-discharged mother something to eat. This conflicted with our desire to be with our father during a rare lucid moment. Whitney assured us we should stay and snuck off to buy my mother some food. Her thoughtfulness allowed us to maximize our time together. I’m so moved and grateful for her.” Great work, Whitney!

Whitney was surprised by the nominating family at her award ceremony.
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Image descriptions:
Photo 1 - Professional headshot of Witney A., RN,. Whitney is smiling towards the camera in front of a grey background.
Photo 2 - A group photo of Whitney in the middle surrounded by her team. They are all holidng a green sign that says "Congratulate Our Daisy Award Honoree!"
Photo 3 - Whitney and her two leaders beside her smiling towards the camera. Whitney is standing in the middle holding white flowers and her award.
Photo 4 - Whitney standing with three members of the family who nominated her for the award. Whitney stands in the middle holding white flowers and her award.

05/25/2026

Today, we join our community in remembering and honoring the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country.
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Image description: White background with blue text that says "Memorial Day. Remember and Honor", and a graphic of an American flag below.

05/25/2026

It's a bad season for ticks. If one is carrying Lyme, here's how long it takes to transfer to you. https://uph.link/b55f55

Learn everything you need to know about Lyme disease transmission, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

05/23/2026

All smiles today at the Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market! Stroke program team members are at our tent this morning with super fun and educational activities for the family. 🧠 Come visit us!

Image descriptions:
Photo 1: Six stroke team member volunteers stand behind a blue table filled with educational hand outs, giveaways and a colorful spinner.
Photo 2: A tall white and red banner stands next to the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines blue tent. The banner reads “Spot a Stroke. B.E.F.A.S.T.”

05/22/2026

Pee-yew. These common cooking ingredients can make your p*e smelly. https://uph.link/3b17e0

Urine can take on all sorts of smells, which is logical because it's created from waste in our bodies. From food causes to underlying medical conditions, learn what causes foul-smelling urine.

05/21/2026

At Iowa Methodist Medical Center, stroke recovery goes beyond emergency treatment and includes rehabilitation therapies that help patients rebuild strength, communication and independence. Click through each photo to see how physical therapy, occupational therapy and sp*ech-language pathology support patients as they adapt, recover and move forward after a stroke.
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Image descriptions:
Photo 1: A therapist and a patient wearing a green gown are standing in front of a dark board with white dots on it - called the DynaVision board. The patient has her arm out pressing a button on the machine.
Photo 2: A therapist and a patient are standing in front of each other in between two silver handle bars. The provider holds her arms out to assist the patient with walking and weight-shifting exercises to improve balance, coordination and movement
Photo 3: A therapist and patient sit across the table from each other. The therapist, wearing a blue BEFAST t-shirt is pointing to her mouth to help the patient with her exercises.

05/21/2026

Andrea Bachelder, MD, is accepting new patients at UnityPoint Clinic Internal Methodist - Methodist Plaza.
Learn more here: http://ms.spr.ly/6181vpatT
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Image description: Professional headshot of Andrea Bachelder, MD, in front of a blue and purple background with white text that reads "Accepting new patients in Des Moines".

05/21/2026

Last week was Healthcare Worker Appreciation Week, and we celebrated throughout our hospitals. Team members enjoyed fun activities, special recognition and sweet treats. Thank you for everything you do — not just during appreciation week, but every day of the year.

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Image descriptions:
Photo 1: UnityPoint Health - Des Moines leaders standing in front of the UnityPoint FOCUS sign and behind a table
Photo 2: Nine people standing together in front of a table of food smiling at the camera.
Photo 3: A public safety officer in uniform looking down at one of the K9 dogs.
Photo 4: Three women smiling standing behind a table holding blue and silver pom-poms.
Photo 5: Joyce and Yasinia standing in front of a teal banner sign that says, "Employee Activity Committee".

05/21/2026

When the intense waves of fear hit during an anxiety attack, the physical symptoms in your body can feel scary. Here are 5 ways to calm yourself down in the moment. https://uph.link/5x8

Video description: UnityPoint Health expert Leslie, LCSW/LISW, shares ways to calm an anxiety attack in this short video.

05/20/2026

Mother and daughter, Michelle and Abbey Lange, share a bond that goes beyond family — they're both breast cancer survivors.

Michelle, a two-time survivor, has spent +20 years on the Mississippi River racing dragon boats with fellow survivors. For years, her daughter Abbey cheered from the shoreline, while Michelle silently wished Abbey would never have a reason to join her in the boat.

In late 2022, that changed when Abbey, at only 32 years old, felt a lump. Trusting her instincts and family history, she got checked out immediately. Her treatment was extensive — 20 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. But through it all, she was never alone.

From the "soft and comforting" guidance of her care coordinator, Mona, to the close bonds she formed with her surgeons and nurses on the chemo floor, Abbey’s care was personal every step of the way.

The support didn't stop at treatment. Abbey did genetic testing to discover a PALB2 mutation, allowing her to stay ahead of future risks for several types of cancer. She worked with a cancer exercise specialist, too, to rebuild her strength for her next big challenge.

Now, Abbey has moved from the shoreline to the starting line. This August, Michelle and Abbey head to France for the 2026 International Dragon Boat Festival, racing alongside 4,500 survivors from around the world.

"My mom was my rock," Abbey says. "It’s so special that after embracing this hard journey, we get to take this trip together."

Michelle and Abbey hope their story is a reminder that there's life after cancer and early detection is so important. https://uph.link/yhd

Image descriptions:
1. Michelle & Abbey smile together at UnityPoint Health
2. Abbey smiles with her parents during treatment
3. Michelle & Abbey pose by the river at the Dragon Boat Races competition
4. Dragon boat race on the Mississippi River
5. Abbey poses for a selfie throughout treatment
6. Abbey rings the bell at Nassif Community Cancer Center
7. Abbey poses with team members and treatment completion certificate at Nassif Community Cancer Center
8. Abbey (seated) and a visitor during treatment at Nassif Community Cancer Center
9. Dragon boat race on the Mississippi River
10. Michelle & Abbey alongside other Dragon Boat team members and paddle