Stress is part of everyday life, but it doesn’t have to knock you down. Instead of fighting it, you can use stress to grow, learn and become stronger. The key is figuring out what works for you — whether that’s changing your mindset, adjusting your habits or making some bigger life moves. Here are some practical ways to deal with stress without letting it take over your life [More]

Confession: Before I started working for IG Living, I hadn't heard of primary immune deficiency (PI). I wasn't completely unfamiliar with medical terms related to the immune system: I have an autoimmune disease, two of my kids have an immune disorder and the COVID-19 pandemic made us all familiar with the term "immune compromised." But PI was new to me, so I had a lot to learn. Medical speak can be confusing, especially when first learning about complicated conditions like PI. Doctors say a lot of things; having a solid grasp of what those words mean can make all the difference for really understanding it and managing it well. Here are 10 sets of easily confused terms related to PI, and a simple discussion of their meanings. [More]

Living with a chronic illness like primary immunodeficiency (PI) requires a strong healthcare team to make managing your health easier and improve your quality of life. Here are some tips to help you build a reliable care team and communicate effectively with your providers. [More]

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]