Research shows that moderate swimming can reduce the inflammation and relieve joint pain of arthritis, a common problem in people with Crohn’s. If you have Crohn’s disease, exercising may be the furthest thing from your mind. But its effects can be far-reaching — and getting wet may be just what the doctor ordered. “Exercise is important for all people, including those with Crohn’s disease,” … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Swimming if You Have Crohn’s
Everyday Health
Why These Women Said ‘No’ to Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Many women opt out of breast reconstruction, or “go flat,” after mastectomy, and are happy with their decision One of the first questions for a woman who’s facing a mastectomy is whether to have reconstructive surgery or not. Though breast reconstruction has evolved through the years, not every woman opts in. In fact, one study published in October 2014 in the journal JAMA Surgery revealed that … [Read more...] about Why These Women Said ‘No’ to Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Crohn’s Guide to Navigating Bathrooms Around the World
If you’re living with Crohn’s disease, you’ve probably taken note of — or even memorized — every bathroom in every location you’ve ever visited. It is, after all, essential information in case of an emergency. But that all changes as soon as you decide to travel, especially if you’re going to a foreign country where you may not even know the word for “bathroom” or how to use the toilet. Read … [Read more...] about Crohn’s Guide to Navigating Bathrooms Around the World
5 Fall Food Swaps to Prevent Digestive Pain for People with UC
"Most often, the foods causing discomfort are those that are more difficult to digest, like those high in fat or fiber," says Kelly Kennedy, RD, dietitian for Everyday Health, adding that spicy foods seasoned with things like cayenne, crushed pepper, or paprika are also problematic. Modifying your diet can help prevent painful flares. "It's always a good idea to keep a food journal to help … [Read more...] about 5 Fall Food Swaps to Prevent Digestive Pain for People with UC
How to Eat Well During Breast Cancer Treatment
In addition, breast cancer comes with a few particular nutritional concerns. A study published in February 2015 in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, for example, found that although weight loss was more common among cancer patients overall, breast cancer patients, in particular, were more likely to gain weight than people with other types of cancers. That’s a problem, because fat cells … [Read more...] about How to Eat Well During Breast Cancer Treatment
The Dos and Don’ts of Diarrhea for Quick Relief
Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose, watery stools a day. It’s unpleasant and can also be dangerous if left untreated. So if you have it, it’s a good bet you’ll want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. “The thing we worry about most is dehydration,” says Lisa Ganjhu, DO, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Signs of dehydration include: Read the … [Read more...] about The Dos and Don’ts of Diarrhea for Quick Relief
How to Keep Friendships Strong During Cancer Treatment
“One of the first questions I ask my patients is, ‘Have any of your friends headed for the hills yet or has anyone unexpectedly offered to help?’” says Dianne Mead, a licensed clinical social worker at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Westchester, New York. “Oftentimes, people answer ‘yes’ to both questions,” she says. Although the changing nature of friendships during crises like … [Read more...] about How to Keep Friendships Strong During Cancer Treatment
Eating Safely During Breast Cancer Treatment
Eating the right foods should also include eating them safely. Why? Radiation and chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, causing neutropenia — a depletion of the blood cells that protect your body against germs and diseases. In fact, statistics show that cancer patients are more at risk of dying from a food-borne illness than people with healthy immune systems, which is why it’s so important … [Read more...] about Eating Safely During Breast Cancer Treatment
5 Ways to Replace Nipples After Breast Cancer Surgery
To have a nipple re-created is a highly personal and individual choice. Some women who have lost their breast(s) and had subsequent reconstruction may not want any additional surgery and may opt to go without a nipple and areola (the small circular area surrounding the nipple). Others will want to give the breast a more “complete” or realistic look to draw attention away from the scars, … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Replace Nipples After Breast Cancer Surgery
Is There Beauty During Breast Cancer Treatment?
“As women begin treatments, they know that there will be changes. Intellectually, it registers,” says Louanne Roark, the executive director of the Look Good Feel Better Foundation, which helps cancer patients deal with treatment appearance side effects. But it’s often not until they actually begin to see these changes — hair in the shower drain, looking in the mirror and feeling like it’s not them … [Read more...] about Is There Beauty During Breast Cancer Treatment?