It’s the most wonderful time of the year — or is it?
I usually look forward to the holidays, but I’m having a hard time with them this year. By the day after Thanksgiving, the hurry and the hassle of the season left me tired before I even started tackling my to-do list.
But it’s my family’s tradition to set up our tree and string up our twinkle lights as soon as Thanksgiving wraps up, so I shook off my stress and tried to be present — until hearing Bing Crosby’s rendition of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for the third time in a row made my skin crawl. Before I knew it, I wanted to skip the holidays altogether. [More]

If you struggle to know what to say to or do for someone who’s hurting, you’re not alone. I’ve had my fair share of failures in this area. I tend to overthink my words, so I’m prone to staying quiet until I think of the “perfect” thing to say or do. As a chronic illness patient myself, I’ve been on the receiving end of my fair share of comments that are a little clumsy or ill-informed, but I’d rather receive well-intentioned, slightly awkward encouragement or help than none at all. [More]

Upon hearing that you have an incurable or chronic disease, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions — fear, sadness, and even anger. The landscape of your life has shifted, but it’s important to know that a fulfilling life is still well within reach. This comprehensive guide, courtesy of IG Living, outlines some innovative and personalized approaches to adapt, manage your symptoms and champion your own well-being. [More]

“Trick or treat?”
It’s the question that’s really a code word meaning one thing in kid-speak: candy.
But for children who manage medical conditions such as cancer, celiac disease, diabetes and food allergies, for example, candy is a code word for caution. The Curse of Candy. Candy is lots of fun (and it should be!), but it can also be incredibly stressful for millions of kids. In the United States, an estimated 5.6 million children live with severe, life-threatening food allergies; 283,000 children have type 1 diabetes; one in 300 children have Celiac disease; one in 36 children have Autism spectrum disorder; and nearly 15,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer every year. [More]

I was sitting in the carline one day after school waiting to pick up my kids like I always do when a text message from their school nurse jolted me back to the moment.
"Are you in the carline? If so, pull up to the lot and come straight in. I've got a possible allergic reaction in progress."
I don't remember how I got from my car to the nurse's station, but I do remember the way my stomach lurched when I saw the nurse perched over my daughter, stethoscope on, emergency medicines laid out and ready. She was listening to her chest and laser-focused on her vitals.
She was all business, but had a tender, confident manner, and I could see that my little girl trusted her. I quickly realized, so did I. [More]

In our efforts to raise awareness, IG Living is supporting the PANDAS Network's initiative to recognize Oct. 9 as National PANDAS/PANS Awareness Day. We encourage everyone to visit the network's website at PandasNetwork.org to learn more about this devastating disease. [More]

Today, I want to talk about the art of balance for those of us with chronic illnesses. Living with chronic conditions can be challenging. But with some humor and practical tips, we can navigate life gracefully and avoid overextending ourselves. [More]

I don’t follow celebrity gossip, but headlines splash across my screen all the time so I’m somewhat in-the-know, and I’ve noticed an uptick in reports of celebrities being diagnosed with chronic diseases. Have you noticed it too? I don’t pay much attention to the reports, mostly because nearly half of the American population has some sort of chronic disease, and 25 to 30 million have a rare one. In other words, lots of people struggle with some sort of disease. Why should I pay attention when celebrities have one?

I usually just keep scrolling because, perhaps unfairly, I usually assume celebrities are out to snag another piece of the limelight with their news. But last December when Celine Dion [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]

If you’re planning to have family or friends over, fire up the grill and enjoy a meal outside together this Labor Day, you’re in good company. Americans love saying goodbye to summer with a burger in one hand and a cold beer in another! But this year, what about enjoying non-boozy beverages instead? [More]

Recently, I received a request for more information on how aging affects people with chronic illness. As I delved into the topic, I began exploring the concept of immunosenescence — a process our bodies undergo as we age. The complexities of immunosenescence and its implications for health are vast, making it an ideal subject for a detailed article in our magazine, IG Living. [More]

Do you hate to cook dinner during the sweltering summer months as much as I do? The charm of pots simmering on the stove is lost on me when my kitchen is just as hot as it is outside. I would be perfectly happy with eating grilled chicken breast served on a bed of cool, crisp greens every night all season long, but everyone else around my table would throw a fit if that was the only thing on the menu every night for three months straight. Enter the Instant Pot Multicooker [More]

I recently watched a movie about a family that relocates from New York City to a suburban town. The mother, an art teacher turned stay-at-home-mom, eagerly went down to the school PTA meeting, excited to finally have the time to help at her daughter’s school. The other women in the room raised their eyebrows as the fresh-faced newbie eagerly raised her hand to volunteer for seemingly everything. As her name was dutifully added to the committee list, I wanted to scream into the screen, “Don’t do it!” [More]

With Father's Day approaching, it's a time to reflect on and celebrate the incredible fathers and husbands who support their loved ones living with chronic illnesses. Whether you are a husband caring for an ill partner, a father dedicated to a child with a chronic condition or a dad managing your own illness, your strength and commitment are truly remarkable. This is a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing dads and husbands who stand by their families through thick and thin, showing us the true meaning of love and resilience. [More]