Living

"Healthy" eating is hard. I know it's hard for everyone but even more so for Crohn's and colitis sufferers. It's hard to know what foods to eat when it comes...

Life with ulcerative colitis comes with many symptoms. From diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, an urgency to defecate, fatigue, and weight loss, so many issues creep up that it's challenging...

Living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, it is most likely that you have been told to "get a second opinion" at least once during your journey. Maybe it was...

Many things are associated with January – cold weather, NFL playoffs, MLK Day, and of course the inevitable new year's resolutions. It's great to set resolutions, aiming to become a better...

Though I don't have a lot of moles or other markings on my body, my gastroenterologist advised me to get a skin check every year. The reason for this, according...

More than 2 and a half years into the pandemic, I was starting to think I would somehow avoid getting COVID-19. I've always been an introverted homebody, and I thought...

Colonoscopies are some of the most detested medical procedures, and yet they are vital for everyone, especially those of us with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's. Though this test is invasive...

A few years ago, after struggling with postnatal anxiety, I discovered cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT for short). If you're not familiar with CBT, it is a talk-based therapy that...

I'm sure most of us have felt the frustration (and annoyance) of family and friends just not getting it when it comes to ulcerative colitis or Crohn's. I do realise...

Another conference is scheduled at work, and my eyes scan an email to see what dinner options will be available. I sigh when I read "fried chicken, rolls, and green...

We all know that, as you get older, your body is going to let you know you are getting older. Stiff achy joints are part of growing old, but as...

After being diagnosed with any chronic illness, let alone one that is rarely talked about (ulcerative colitis), I wasn't sure exactly where to turn. I was 21 years old, so...

Let's face it, talking about our diseased bowels is not the most comfortable thing to do with others. Whether it be family or friends, bowel talk can feel cringy. Why? Well, I...

In honor of Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week (December 1 through 7, 2022), we're raising awareness all month long! While raising awareness for Crohn's and colitis is vitally important no...

The Epicured Giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your interest! The inflammatory bowel disease community knows all too well that finding foods that do not trigger symptoms can be...

Like our other Health Union condition communities, the Social Health Network brings people together to drive unique and impactful conversations about health. It also aims to expand opportunities for health...

Every IBD patient has "that" holiday season: the first holiday season since being diagnosed with IBD and/or making changes to their diet to better manage symptoms. It can be terrifying, joyful...

Soon after my 12-year-old son was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2014, his new gastroenterologist – the first was a terrible fit – pointed out that my son had focal...

"Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer." –Dean Koontz I'm...

In an ideal world, each of us would feel like our doctor was giving us the best care, regardless of how busy they are or how confusing our symptoms might...