The new year is upon us, and with it comes another opportunity to make better food choices and clean up our diets. After a month of rich, indulgent holiday food, my body is screaming for cleaner, greener fare. My 9-year-old son, however, dreads January because his freedom to choose between Christmas cookies or carrots at snack time has officially ended, and treats are relegated to a sometimes food instead of an all-the-time food. [More]

December just started, but I already have a case of what I call "giving fatigue." Opportunities to make charitable contributions, participate in coat, food or toy drives or sponsor needy families for the holidays are everywhere, and while a part of me wants to donate to all of them, there's another part of me that wants to bow out of holiday giving full stop. [More]

Supporting overall well-being doesn’t demand complex routines or drastic lifestyle shifts. Often, the most effective health strategies are those we can seamlessly integrate into daily life. From morning to night, there are simple, targeted steps you can take to care for each part of your body. By consistently making these choices, you build a foundation for lasting health that fits naturally into your routine, helping you feel balanced, energized and ready for whatever comes your way. [More]

The holiday season is a time of gathering, celebration and joy, but for those managing a chronic illness, it can also be a season of stress and physical challenges. Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with expectations, from cooking and hosting to traveling and socializing. All these activities can quickly drain your energy and, without careful planning, lead to burnout or illness. Here are some tips to help you enjoy Thanksgiving without using up all your "spoons" so you can join in the festivities while prioritizing your health and energy. [More]

When is the last time you stopped to make a list of things you’re thankful for? Taken out a piece of paper and actually listed them, item by item, right there in black and white? I bet you made a list at some point in your life, probably during elementary school when your class made paper turkey crafts right before Thanksgiving. My kids make something like that every year at school, and they write down one thing they’re thankful for on each of the turkey’s feathers. Their list started out simple —mom, dad, cookies, toys — but has gotten more detailed and thoughtful as they’ve continued to grow up — parents who love me, a great school with teachers who encourage and inspire me, wisdom, pumpkin pie with whipped topping. [More]

Halloween is my favorite holiday, and we go all out! Our front yard transforms into a spooky graveyard with a seven-foot ghoul towering over the lawn, giant spider webs tangled across the bushes, a fog machine creating an eerie mist and spooky music. I'm always looking for new ways to celebrate this magical time of year, but I also recognize that not everyone can celebrate the way we do. Many people, especially those with chronic illnesses, must find creative ways to enjoy Halloween safely. With that in mind, I've gathered some fun and inclusive ideas for kids and adults who may need to celebrate a little differently — because everyone deserves a chance to get into the Halloween spirit! [More]

How often do you wash your hands? Have you counted lately? I tried counting today, but I lost track after 12 times. If that sounds like a lot, you're right: I wash my hands more often than the average person. (Fifty-eight percent of people wash their hands five times per day. If you fall into that category, you're in good company.) I'm a stickler about handwashing, and my kids are too. "Did you wash your hands?" is a more common question in my house than "What's for dinner?" or "Are we there yet?" With three kids, that turns into a lot of handwashing. (Yep. We go through a lot of soap.) Why am I such a stickler about it? Good question. I wasn't raised that way. [More]

Vacationing with chronic illness is hard, no doubt. But add in strict dietary restrictions besides and it quickly stops being a vacation at all.
The burden of bringing your own food everywhere; the stress of finding safe meals on the fly; the barrier to tasting local cuisine and the disappointment that comes along with it; the constant whisper of worry — Can this restaurant accommodate me? What are their allergy and gluten-free protocols? What if my server doesn’t take my condition seriously? — all of it often makes traveling more trouble than it’s worth. [More]