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]