GOT GUTS? - mile 80

Check out the new GOT GUTS armbands from CCFA. Armbands have proven to be a great instrument of awareness in addition to raising funds to support CCFA initiatives and Crohn's and colitis research. Make a donation and get some arm bands to spread awareness! Click here [link]

My Best Coach - mile 72

Early morning exercise

It is never easy waking up at 6am and starting a workout. My daughter, Jaixai, is a great coach. She makes sure that I never sleep in and always pushes me to do "more, more, I want more!" despite how tired she may be at the time. Some of her favorite pre-dawn activities (in addition to jumping on our bed and eating everything she can find) include doing stretches, push-ups, crunches and leg lifts with me. What makes her a great coach is that she keeps me disciplined. She is also great in keeping me disciplined with UC. My wife and I share the joy and responsibility of parenting Jaixai. Therefor, there are times when my daughter needs me. This is one reason why I am very disciplined with my handling of UC. I am careful with what I eat, take my medication regularly and stay active. If I fail to do any of these, not only could it lead to my own discomfort, but may also prevent me from being the type of father I strive to be. Let the coaches in your life keep you disciplined.

WSJ Crohn's Disease Feature - Mile 56

The cover of yesterdays (Jan. 9) Wall Street Journal Personal Journal section featured a story on Crohn's disease. The article was general and surveyed all the current, and up-and-coming, treatment options. Despite the brevity and vagueness of the article it was nice to see attention drawn to the disease. Public awareness is helpful in giving those with the disease confidence. Click here to read the article [link].

Just a Finish - mile 38

Finish line, 2006 Duathlon World Championships

It took a little longer to get there than I wanted, but I was happy at the finish. This moment has been re-played in my head nearly every day since it happened. I proved to myself that I could compete at a high level despite having ulcerative colitis (perhaps the highest athletic level I have ever achieved). There were a few rough moments in this race that I was able to overcome (like dropping my cliff bar, doh!). Daily life sometimes presents itself in the same way and today I was reminded of that. I got little sleep last night and worried that today may be hard. However, I took it at my own pace and made sure I was hydrated and ate when needed and the day has gone very well.

Congrats to John Dermengian - mile 28

Congratulations to John Dermengian on successfully finishing another Ironman! John had ulcerative colitis that resulted in a colonectomy, but continues to stay active completing the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 13.2 mile run of the Ironman competition. Read more about his story here [link].

Starting the New Year - mile 27

What better way to kick off the New Year than to begin a blog! Today, in between annual check-ups with various doctors, I did a hill ride on my bike and surpassed my 27th mile of the year. Healthy visits to the doctor and a 50+ degree day (in January in New England!) make it easy to get out for a workout.

The New Year always brings up resolutions. I was never one to make resolutions; at least not on a yearly basis. I believe strongly in resolutions, but on a continual basis at the moment when an issue to be resolved arises. This being said, I will make a resolution for this year: to enjoy every moment of my good health and not take it for granted. Healthy appointments and a good ride today reminded me of the level of satisfaction a good day brings.

My high school football coach coined the phrase "don't count the days, make the days count." That is what I plan to do each day of health; enjoy my family, work to complete my dissertation and continue training. This is also what I plan to do each day that I may feel less than 100%; be disciplined with my diet, medication and preventing excess stress. I will not measure my year with a tally of good days and bad days, but rather in levels of achievement and happiness.

Favorite Links

These are just a few links to pages that I frequent.

Relating to ulcerative colitis

• Asacol brand website. This medication has been instrumental in my treatment and their site is very informative and helpful.

• Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Has news, information, events and much more relating to IBD.

• National Institute of Health ulcerative colitis information website. A great website to learn more about ulcerative colitis. I referred all of my relatives to this website when they had questions. Those from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds found the website helpful and informational.

Relating to triathlons

• USA Triathlon website. Homepage for the national governing body for multi-sport events.

• International Triathlon Union website. The world-wide version of the USAT website.

• Sports Basement and Trisports websites. Both are great retailers for buying athletic gear at discounted prices.

• Endurance Planet is a daily podcast relating to endurance sports and is a great resource for triathlon tips through the experience of other triathletes, distance runners, etcetra.
  

• Lance Armstrong's website. One inspiring individual that makes living active with any health problem seem possible. Small factoid: he started out as a triathlete and was the youth national champion in the triathlon.

Relating to research

• Brown University. My current institution, my alma mater (twice), where I met my wife and where my daughter will join in the class of 2027! Yeah, I am fond of the place. Afterall, I must like it since I have been here nine years.

• Artificial Organs, Biomaterials and Cellular Technologies Laboratory website. The lab where I have done research for seven years under the advisement of Dr. Edith Mathiowitz.

• Freedom 2 website. A biotech company working in the area of safe, removable tattoos. They fund my graduate studies as me and a few fellow graduate students develop the technology.

• Living Cell Technologies website. A New Zealand based biotech company where I do some consulting work.

Other websites and tidbits

My favorite movie, Children of Heaven, is the most inspirational film that I have seen.

About This Blog

"A weakness can serve as your greatest strength."

From the day that I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis I began to live under the philosophy that I can draw strength from my "weakness." I am young and lead a very active lifestyle as a professor, triathlete, husband and father. However, there have been many moments in which it was difficult to find any strength. This blog was developed to help others with ulcerative colitis, or similar conditions such as Crohn's, get through those hard times knowing that a healthy and active lifestyle can be maintained. Therefor this blog may serve as a motivator, a reminder, an example and/or a simple indicator that we are not alone.

The blog name, Vitae Euphoros, is Latin and has the following meaning. Vitae, quite simply, means life. Euphoros, in origin, meant of good health. Over time, however, the meaning of euphoros changed to mean happiness and eventually gave rise to the modern English word euphoria. Vitae Euphoros embodies having a happy and healthy life, something that can seem impossible with ulcerative colitis. I wanted to share my experience in achieving a happy and healthy lifestyle with ulcerative colitis and help others realize this same goal.