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 and quality of life. Members can immediately download it from their member page in the ICN Shop. It will be sent by US Mail this week to those with print subscriptions.

In this issue:

#1 – Editorial: The Curious Link Between Bladder Inflammation and Depression

This issue of the IC Optimist begins with a fasci- nating new study that directly linked inflammation to depression. It found that when the bladder wall is consistently irritated, the inflammation can spread to nearby nerves, the spinal cord and, eventually, the brain.

#2 – Meet the Experts: The Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute

The Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute (Seattle, WA) has trained thousands of physical therapists about pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. We are delighted to share an interview with two of their experts: Siv Prince and Jenna Ross.

#3 – How Sensitive Are You? The Central Sensitization Inventory

Now that we have begun to use phenotyping to identify the underlying cause of bladder and pelvic pain, we have broad acceptance that patients who have “widespread pain” and multiple pain conditions are struggling with an injured, often quite sensitive central nervous system. The Central Sensitization Inventory will help you see just how sensitive your nerves are.

#4 – New Year, New IC Management Routine: Creating a Wellness Plan

Do you feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do next about your health? Stacey Shannon shares how she created a wellness plan for 2024 to improve her IC and overall health. Her tips are rock solid.

#5 – Current Clinical Trials

Two clinical trials are currently seeking IC patients as they test new pain therapies and IC treatments.

#6 – Talking With Your Children About IC

Do you feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do next about your health? Stacey Shannon shares how she created a wellness plan for 2024 to improve her IC and overall health. Her tips are rock solid.

#7 – Consumer Alert: What’s In Your Bottled Water

A new, stunning research study has found hundreds of thousands of plastic particles in typical plastic water bottles. It’s time to up our game and reduce the health risks that plastic come with by using stainless steel bottles.

#8 – Question of the Day: Why Am I Diet Sensitivite if My Pelvic Floor Muscles Are The Problem? 

So many patients have asked this question in the last year. Yes, tight pelvic floor muscles can cause food sensitivity. Learn why in this article!

#9 – Winter Skincare for Sensitive Skin

Stacey Shannon shares fabulous skin care tips for those of us who struggle with very sensitive skin during the cold and dry winter months.

#10 – The IC Diet Project: Saturday Morning Pancakes For The Win

It’s been a wet and cold winter here in California with more snow on the way. Start your weekends with our favorite energy foods – pancakes… the healthier the better!

Pages: 32

Publisher: Interstitial Cystitis Network

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