Amidst the parties, countdowns, and fireworks the tradition of making a resolution on New Years Eve is usually the main topic of discussion on this day. Whether 2007 was a good or bad year for you, like most people, you probably wish for 2008 to be a better year. I love the concept of the resolution because it positions the individual to take charge of a particular improvement to make 2008 a great year. This is so much better than a wish where the result is left to fate.
When making a resolution think what it would take to make it a great year, then choose the milestones to achieve that goal. Finally, resolve what daily change can be made to reach your milestones and goal to have a great year!
Now I just have to do the same for myself ;-)
Happy New Year!!!
31 December 2007
30 December 2007
Miami Half-Marathon a Month Away
Four weeks from now I will be well into the Miami Half-Marathon. I have been able to keep up with my training despite the cold New England weather. I hope to still make my goal of running 1:34 or faster. The Team Challenge team has done a great job with fundraising. I am on the ‘virtual’ team since I am the only participant in New England and the virtual team is close to raising $200k for IBD research!
28 December 2007
Family Rib Night
Last week we started a new family tradition: an annual family rib night! This was an idea I had many years ago, but never followed thru with it until this year.
The idea is to order white t-shirts that say Family Rib Night, the year and location (and of course a cute logo). Next, we all wear the shirts out to a rib house and get a big ol’ plate of sloppy BBQ ribs and dig in. There is only one rule: no napkins or wet wipes! That is why the white t-shirts were bought. Each year we can travel to a new location and enjoy the ribs!
The inaugural event took place at Wes’ Rib House in Providence, RI and, as you can see from the picture, Noi and Jaixai took to the idea very well!
We hope to grow the attendance in future years and try the many great places to eat one of our favorite foods.
23 December 2007
21 December 2007
Got Guts? Armband
In a recent conversation with another IBD patient the CCFA Got Guts? armband came up. I had been talking to this individual for nearly a half-hour about a topic related to my UC before she mentioned that she also had UC. The very next question was, “Do you wear a CCFA Got Guts? armband?” I responded enthusiastically, “Everyday.”
I love the idea of the armband! It not only reminds me that I should be comfortable about my disease, but also spreads awareness of IBD. Wearing an armband of any color other than yellow (LiveStrong) frequently draws people to ask what is that band for? I am happy to talk about my UC and discuss the many people afflicted by IBD. I view this as a mechanism for the IBD community to gain acceptance and comfort in today’s society.
I hope everybody afflicted with IBD sports their armband and strengthens the IBD community.
I love the idea of the armband! It not only reminds me that I should be comfortable about my disease, but also spreads awareness of IBD. Wearing an armband of any color other than yellow (LiveStrong) frequently draws people to ask what is that band for? I am happy to talk about my UC and discuss the many people afflicted by IBD. I view this as a mechanism for the IBD community to gain acceptance and comfort in today’s society.
I hope everybody afflicted with IBD sports their armband and strengthens the IBD community.
19 December 2007
No Apology Needed
A few days ago Jaixai, my 2 year-old daughter, said something that made me conscientious of what I say around her. Two year-olds are good at forcing self-reflection, as they will repeat nearly everything you say, even if you only say it once. In this particular case it made me reflect on how I view the impact my UC has on my family.
The statement Jaixai made: “Daddy, I have to go use the potty. I’m sorry.”
Like any recently toilet-trained child a trip to the washroom is always announced. However, I found it odd that she apologized. I first wondered if I had seemed inconvenienced when she went in the past. After some thought I realized that it was probably because I apologize myself anytime I have to use the washroom out in public (usually the reason for apology is because she has to join me). She was simply repeating what she had heard me often say.
In the past, when I was experiencing flares, I felt that I was inconveniencing my family due to frequent washroom visits (in some cases I was inconvenient - although my family has always been supportive). This is when the habit of apologizing for washroom visits developed and, regardless of frequency, the habit stuck.
Now that I am in control of my UC, it is not necessary for me to apologize any more than it is for Jaixai to apologize. I will now be more aware of my use of apologies; after all, I am human and must occasionally use the washroom.
The statement Jaixai made: “Daddy, I have to go use the potty. I’m sorry.”
Like any recently toilet-trained child a trip to the washroom is always announced. However, I found it odd that she apologized. I first wondered if I had seemed inconvenienced when she went in the past. After some thought I realized that it was probably because I apologize myself anytime I have to use the washroom out in public (usually the reason for apology is because she has to join me). She was simply repeating what she had heard me often say.
In the past, when I was experiencing flares, I felt that I was inconveniencing my family due to frequent washroom visits (in some cases I was inconvenient - although my family has always been supportive). This is when the habit of apologizing for washroom visits developed and, regardless of frequency, the habit stuck.
Now that I am in control of my UC, it is not necessary for me to apologize any more than it is for Jaixai to apologize. I will now be more aware of my use of apologies; after all, I am human and must occasionally use the washroom.
13 December 2007
My Challenge
As I begin my training program for CCFA’s Team Challenge I needed to set my personal goal. This is necessary so that I know what pace I should be doing my training runs at and it helps to motivate my training.
My goal: to complete the Miami Half-Marathon in 1 hour and 34 minutes.
This is a high goal on many levels. To start with it is my PR (personal record, the fastest I have done this distance). The race is only 6 weeks from now, so trying to obtain a PR with such short training time will be a challenge. However, simply achieving a PR is not the reason I chose this goal.
I last ran this time in 2002. A time when I was is great physical condition as a carryover from my NCAA track career and long before I ever had any UC symptoms. To accomplish my goal would be to prove that I am in the same physical condition now as I was in before experiencing any UC symptoms.
This goal will motivate me in the next 6 weeks of training and push me towards positive results in Miami.
My goal: to complete the Miami Half-Marathon in 1 hour and 34 minutes.
This is a high goal on many levels. To start with it is my PR (personal record, the fastest I have done this distance). The race is only 6 weeks from now, so trying to obtain a PR with such short training time will be a challenge. However, simply achieving a PR is not the reason I chose this goal.
I last ran this time in 2002. A time when I was is great physical condition as a carryover from my NCAA track career and long before I ever had any UC symptoms. To accomplish my goal would be to prove that I am in the same physical condition now as I was in before experiencing any UC symptoms.
This goal will motivate me in the next 6 weeks of training and push me towards positive results in Miami.
12 December 2007
Team Challenge Training Begins
I have recently decided to participate in the CCFA Team Challenge and run at the Miami Marathon in January. This is another great CCFA initiative and more information can be found at www.ccteamchallenge.org. This is a great way to raise money, awareness and community for IBD.
Since this is only a little more than a month away I decided to hit the road and start my training yesterday with an 8-mile tempo run. My body is in a lot of pain today, but it felt great to get back on the roads. It has been more than a month since I have done a hard workout due to busy work and travel schedules.
For the Miami race I am a member of the 'virtual team' as there are not enough members in the NE area. Any other Team Challenge members out there? I would like to discuss training with UC with anybody.
Since this is only a little more than a month away I decided to hit the road and start my training yesterday with an 8-mile tempo run. My body is in a lot of pain today, but it felt great to get back on the roads. It has been more than a month since I have done a hard workout due to busy work and travel schedules.
For the Miami race I am a member of the 'virtual team' as there are not enough members in the NE area. Any other Team Challenge members out there? I would like to discuss training with UC with anybody.
11 December 2007
Great contest for those affected by UC!!!
The CCFA has launched a new essay contest sponsored by P&G Pharmaceuticals to honor those affected by UC (patients, family/friends and healthcare providers). I encourage all of this blogs readers to submit an essay! Here is the press release:
CELEBRATING UC SUCCESS ESSAY CONTEST SEEKS INSPIRATIONAL STORIES OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS (UC)
Nationwide program honors, educates and inspires those affected by ulcerative colitis
New York, NY - December 6, 2007 – For the more than half a million Americans living with ulcerative colitis – a painful and unpredictable disease of the digestive tract – and the families, friends and health care providers who support them, leading a normal everyday life can be a challenge. To recognize their achievements, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, in partnership with Procter & Gamble (P&G) Pharmaceuticals, have launched Celebrating UC Success, a program that seeks to honor, educate and inspire those affected by ulcerative colitis through the motivational words of those who are successfully living with the disease. To encourage the sharing of stories, the program includes a contest which is open to all touched by ulcerative colitis, including patients, family, friends and health care providers.
“Ulcerative colitis can be a very challenging and at times embarrassing condition, and we hope that through the sharing of success stories, patients, their families and health care providers can learn from and inspire each other,” says Kimberly Frederick, Vice President of Patient & Professional Services, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. “The Foundation is pleased to partner with P&G Pharmaceuticals to launch Celebrating UC Success and recognize those who have inspirational stories to help others meet the challenges of their disease. We really want people to know they are not alone in dealing with this condition.”
Strength in sharing
Many patients, especially at initial diagnosis, find it difficult to talk about the disease with family, friends and coworkers. But some people living with ulcerative colitis say that being open about the condition is an important first step in taking control.
“When I was first diagnosed, I was shocked. Here I was, a grad student, a new dad, an active athlete – and I didn’t know if ulcerative colitis would take all of that away from me,” says Josh Reineke, a UC patient who is also a nationally competitive triathlete. “A friend of mine confided in me that he too had the condition, and my world just opened up. I saw fewer limits and more possibilities. Through the support of my family, sticking to a healthy diet and taking my medications as prescribed by my physician, I am living my life beyond my UC.”
Today, Josh works with gastroenterology research leader, P&G, to help educate the ulcerative colitis community about the condition and how he manages his disease to reduce its impact on his quality of life.
“We believe ulcerative colitis success stories can help inspire patients to work with their health care provider to gain better control of their disease,” says Dan Hecht, General Manager - NA Pharmaceuticals of P&G. “It is important that we empower UC patients to achieve their personal goals – whether it be to make it through the day at work or participate in a triathlon. We’re thrilled to be helping bring this program to fruition.”
About the Contest
Entrants can submit essays of 200 words or less for one of three categories: UC Patients, Supportive Family Members/Friends and Health care Providers. Grand Prize winners will receive a trip for two to the Foundation’s National Advocacy Conference “IBD Day on the Hill,” to be held in May 2008 in Washington, D.C. Finalists from the Celebrating UC Success program will be recognized during a reception as individuals who have taken significant steps to manage their disease and who are inspiring to others. Every applicant will be recognized for their entry in the Celebrating UC Success contest and will receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Foundation.
Information about the Celebrating UC Success program and entry forms for the essay contest are available at physicians’ offices and www.ucsuccess.org.
CELEBRATING UC SUCCESS ESSAY CONTEST SEEKS INSPIRATIONAL STORIES OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS (UC)
Nationwide program honors, educates and inspires those affected by ulcerative colitis
New York, NY - December 6, 2007 – For the more than half a million Americans living with ulcerative colitis – a painful and unpredictable disease of the digestive tract – and the families, friends and health care providers who support them, leading a normal everyday life can be a challenge. To recognize their achievements, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, in partnership with Procter & Gamble (P&G) Pharmaceuticals, have launched Celebrating UC Success, a program that seeks to honor, educate and inspire those affected by ulcerative colitis through the motivational words of those who are successfully living with the disease. To encourage the sharing of stories, the program includes a contest which is open to all touched by ulcerative colitis, including patients, family, friends and health care providers.
“Ulcerative colitis can be a very challenging and at times embarrassing condition, and we hope that through the sharing of success stories, patients, their families and health care providers can learn from and inspire each other,” says Kimberly Frederick, Vice President of Patient & Professional Services, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. “The Foundation is pleased to partner with P&G Pharmaceuticals to launch Celebrating UC Success and recognize those who have inspirational stories to help others meet the challenges of their disease. We really want people to know they are not alone in dealing with this condition.”
Strength in sharing
Many patients, especially at initial diagnosis, find it difficult to talk about the disease with family, friends and coworkers. But some people living with ulcerative colitis say that being open about the condition is an important first step in taking control.
“When I was first diagnosed, I was shocked. Here I was, a grad student, a new dad, an active athlete – and I didn’t know if ulcerative colitis would take all of that away from me,” says Josh Reineke, a UC patient who is also a nationally competitive triathlete. “A friend of mine confided in me that he too had the condition, and my world just opened up. I saw fewer limits and more possibilities. Through the support of my family, sticking to a healthy diet and taking my medications as prescribed by my physician, I am living my life beyond my UC.”
Today, Josh works with gastroenterology research leader, P&G, to help educate the ulcerative colitis community about the condition and how he manages his disease to reduce its impact on his quality of life.
“We believe ulcerative colitis success stories can help inspire patients to work with their health care provider to gain better control of their disease,” says Dan Hecht, General Manager - NA Pharmaceuticals of P&G. “It is important that we empower UC patients to achieve their personal goals – whether it be to make it through the day at work or participate in a triathlon. We’re thrilled to be helping bring this program to fruition.”
About the Contest
Entrants can submit essays of 200 words or less for one of three categories: UC Patients, Supportive Family Members/Friends and Health care Providers. Grand Prize winners will receive a trip for two to the Foundation’s National Advocacy Conference “IBD Day on the Hill,” to be held in May 2008 in Washington, D.C. Finalists from the Celebrating UC Success program will be recognized during a reception as individuals who have taken significant steps to manage their disease and who are inspiring to others. Every applicant will be recognized for their entry in the Celebrating UC Success contest and will receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Foundation.
Information about the Celebrating UC Success program and entry forms for the essay contest are available at physicians’ offices and www.ucsuccess.org.
Been a long time
The past few months have been both very exciting and very busy. I have finished my triathlon season, travelled with my family to Taiwan, participated in two CCFA Guts and Glory walks (NE and Westchester chapters), and have been traveling a ton for work and faculty interviews (I have already been given a few offers!). I even went to Austria for a week to learn new surgical techniques.
It has been very important for me to stay in control of my UC during these critical moments in my life/career. Often the circumstances were less than ideal, poor eating schedules, little sleep, high stress, little time for daily breaks, no restrooms in close proximity. However I have been fortunate to progress through this period without any disruption from my UC. Usually there are a number of things that I do to ensure that I stay flare free, but many of these were impossible given the setting. However, I was able to stay flare free by doing two critical things regardless of circumstances: take my medicine as prescribed and stay away from foods that I knew from experience to avoid.
I will begin to be more active on this site again to share some of these experiences and current thoughts.
It has been very important for me to stay in control of my UC during these critical moments in my life/career. Often the circumstances were less than ideal, poor eating schedules, little sleep, high stress, little time for daily breaks, no restrooms in close proximity. However I have been fortunate to progress through this period without any disruption from my UC. Usually there are a number of things that I do to ensure that I stay flare free, but many of these were impossible given the setting. However, I was able to stay flare free by doing two critical things regardless of circumstances: take my medicine as prescribed and stay away from foods that I knew from experience to avoid.
I will begin to be more active on this site again to share some of these experiences and current thoughts.
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