Love it or hate it, social media has become incorporated into modern life. In fact, 77.4% of American adults have social media in 2024, and the average user spends 143 minutes a day on it.(1)(2) While social media can have its benefits for offering support for IC patients, some recent studies have found its [...]
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 5-10% of individuals worldwide, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Although IBS does not shorten a person’s life span, living with IBS presents a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. From navigating social situations to managing work responsibilities, individuals with IBS constantly face dilemmas that [...]
Finding the right gift idea for moms can be challenging. In fact, when asked for gift ideas, most moms answer they don't care. That's not at all helpful when you're shopping! And, having been a mom myself for 14 years now, I get it. Honestly, most of what I truly want can't be bought [...]
We are delighted to announce that the Winter IC Optimist has been released and is now available. The IC Optimist is the IC Network’s patient magazine and is read by thousands of patients and providers around the world. Our goal is to give you information that you can use immediately to improve your medical care [...]
Whether it's your anniversary, a regular Saturday night or a rare night off without your kiddos, date night is an important part of successful relationships. But, making those date nights happen when a flare strikes (or you just feel plain awful) is a challenge. In nearly 25 years of being married, my husband and [...]
The Spirit Of The Holiday Is Love If there’s one day that’s expected to generate performance anxiety, it’s Valentines Day. Some think that Valentines Day is supposed to be a big, emotional and physical expression of love and adoration. Others resent the over commercialization of the holiday or expectations that their lovers may have [...]
Winter weather is notorious for drying out skin. As a lifelong Midwesterner, I understand this incredibly well. (In fact, as I'm typing this article, I'm excited to see our temperature has reached the double digits for the first time in a few days!) From the brutally cold winds in winter to the dry heat [...]
I love to plan. I have a paper planner, a digital planner and lists for everything. Of all the things I plan, though, I haven't often thought about creating a wellness plan. In having an unpredictable health condition like IC, making plans can sometimes be frustrating because we never know how we're going to [...]
Parenting and IC can be difficult at times, to say the least. One of the challenges ICers with children face is whether and how to talk with their kiddos about IC. I remember going to see a movie when my daughter was in kindergarten. My husband suggested we go to the restroom before it [...]
We are delighted to announce that the Fall 2023 IC Optimist has been released and is now available. The IC Optimist is the IC Network’s patient magazine and is read by thousands of patients and providers around the world. Our goal is to give you information that you can use immediately to improve your medical [...]
