<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:blogChannel="http://backend.userland.com/blogChannelModule" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:pingback="http://madskills.com/public/xml/rss/module/pingback/" xmlns:trackback="http://madskills.com/public/xml/rss/module/trackback/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#"> <channel> <title>IG Living Blog - Life With IG</title> <description>Dedicated to bringing comprehensive healthcare information, immune globulin information, community lifestyle and reimbursement news.</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/</link> <docs>http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification</docs> <generator>BlogEngine.NET 2.9.1.0</generator> <language>en-US</language> <blogChannel:blogRoll>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/opml.axd</blogChannel:blogRoll> <blogChannel:blink>http://www.dotnetblogengine.net/syndication.axd</blogChannel:blink> <dc:title>IG Living Blog</dc:title> <geo:lat>0.000000</geo:lat> <geo:long>0.000000</geo:long> <item> <title>Thanksgiving with a Chronic Illness: Tips to Save Your Spoons This Holiday Season</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Abbie Cornett&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage112124.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The holiday season is a time of gathering, celebration and joy, but for those managing a chronic illness, it can also be a season of stress and physical challenges. Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with expectations, from cooking and hosting to traveling and socializing. All these activities can quickly drain your energy and, without careful planning, lead to burnout or illness. Here are some tips to help you enjoy Thanksgiving without using up all your "spoons" so you can join in the festivities while prioritizing your health and energy.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;1. Set Realistic Expectations&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;With chronic illness, one of the best gifts you can give yourself is permission to let go of any self-imposed expectations. Thanksgiving might traditionally include cooking a massive meal, spending all day with family or hosting a large group. However, trying to do it all may leave you feeling drained or unwell. Instead:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Prioritize activities:&lt;/strong&gt; Choose one or two parts of the day that are most meaningful to you, whether it's the Thanksgiving meal or a walk after dinner. Focus on these and give yourself grace if you need to step back from other parts.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Communicate with loved ones:&lt;/strong&gt; Let them know your limitations. If you need rest breaks or a quiet space, don't be afraid to ask for it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;2. Plan and Delegate the Cooking &lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Cooking a big Thanksgiving dinner can be exhausting for anyone, but it can be truly &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-the-social-aspects-of-aging-with-a-chronic-illness.aspx" title="Blog Post: Navigating the Social Aspects of Aging with a Chronic Illness"&gt;daunting for someone with a chronic illness&lt;/a&gt;. Don't worry, there are some simple ways to reduce the workload:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delegate tasks:&lt;/strong&gt; If you're hosting, ask family members to bring side dishes or desserts. This reduces your responsibilities and allows others to contribute.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Use shortcuts:&lt;/strong&gt; Pre-prepared foods, frozen vegetables or store-bought items can make life easier. You don't have to make everything from scratch for it to be special.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cook ahead of time:&lt;/strong&gt; Preparing dishes in advance can help you conserve energy on the day itself. For example, casseroles and pies can be made the day before and stored in the fridge or freezer.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;3. Make Smart Travel Choices&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;If traveling is part of your holiday, plan the trip with your health in mind.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Choose flexible transportation:&lt;/strong&gt; Driving may be more convenient if it allows you to make stops as needed. If flying, consider choosing flights at off-peak times to avoid crowds and limit exposure to germs.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pack health essentials:&lt;/strong&gt; Bring any medications, supplements or necessary medical supplies. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plan for rest:&lt;/strong&gt; Allow yourself plenty of time to recover once you arrive. Schedule quiet time before and after the big event so you don't go into social gatherings already feeling drained.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;4. Take Time for Rest and Recharge&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;While it's tempting to be "all in" during the holiday, taking breaks is essential.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Create a quiet space:&lt;/strong&gt; Find a spot to take a breather. It could be a guest bedroom, a cozy chair or even stepping outside for some fresh air.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Schedule rest time:&lt;/strong&gt; Look at your day and decide when to take a break. A short break can make a big difference in your day.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;5. Set Boundaries&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Family gatherings can sometimes bring about stress, especially with differing opinions and dynamics. To manage stress:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Set boundaries:&lt;/strong&gt; If a situation is draining, its OK to excuse yourself. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice mindfulness:&lt;/strong&gt; Focus on the moment and enjoying the time with loved ones.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;6. Watch Out for Germs&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Protecting your health is your number one priority with the flu season and other viruses. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/handwashing-101-how-to-do-it-and-why-it-matters.aspx" title="Blog Post: Handwashing 101: How to Do It and Why It Matters"&gt;Wash your hands&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/strong&gt; This is one of the simplest ways to avoid getting sick.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keep sanitizer handy:&lt;/strong&gt; Use hand sanitizer, especially in public spaces or around a large group.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stay mindful of your immune system:&lt;/strong&gt; If someone around you is sick, it's OK to avoid close contact, hugs or shared utensils.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;7. Pace Yourself and Have an Exit Plan&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Knowing when to leave is key to saving your spoons!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Set time limits:&lt;/strong&gt; If you know you won't have the energy for the full event, let everyone know ahead of time. This might mean arriving a bit later or leaving a little early.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 24px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a backup plan:&lt;/strong&gt; Don't hesitate to adjust or cancel plans if you're not feeling well. Letting go of "perfect attendance" or the pressure to stay the whole time can help you stay healthy for the entire season.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;8. Enjoy the Moment&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Remember, Thanksgiving is about being grateful. Enjoying a holiday doesn't have to mean you have to do it all. Give yourself permission to do what you can, and know that those who care about you will appreciate your effort. This Thanksgiving, celebrate at your own pace and enjoy a holiday that works for you. If you listen to your body, you can still have a wonderful holiday and make lasting memories without using up all your spoons. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/thanksgiving-with-a-chronic-illness-tips-to-save-your-spoons-this-holiday-season.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/thanksgiving-with-a-chronic-illness-tips-to-save-your-spoons-this-holiday-season.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=88db04f8-a5ad-4765-8b34-7bb0cd81f832</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Support &amp; Encouragement</category> <dc:publisher>acornett</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=88db04f8-a5ad-4765-8b34-7bb0cd81f832</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=88db04f8-a5ad-4765-8b34-7bb0cd81f832</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/thanksgiving-with-a-chronic-illness-tips-to-save-your-spoons-this-holiday-season.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=88db04f8-a5ad-4765-8b34-7bb0cd81f832</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>A Simple Strategy for Cultivating Gratitude</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage111424.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;When is the last time you stopped to make a list of things you're thankful for? Taken out a piece of paper and actually listed them, item by item, right there in black and white?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I bet you made a list at some point in your life, probably during elementary school when your class made paper turkey crafts right before Thanksgiving. My kids make something like that every year at school, and they write down one thing they're thankful for on each of the turkey's feathers. Their list started out simple —mom, dad, cookies, toys — but has gotten more detailed and thoughtful as they've continued to grow up — parents who love me, a great school with teachers who encourage and inspire me, wisdom, pumpkin pie with whipped topping. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I've made lists of my own over the years, but it has not always been easy. Making a list of grievances is sometimes so much easier. Does that happen to you too? Work is a grind. The car is old and acting funny. Bills keep piling up. War worries us. Our kids' well-being does too. Disease makes daily life harder. The list could go on and on.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;It's hard to feel thankful when you don't like what you have.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;From Grumbling to Gratitude&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;It's a real problem, especially in November when we know we "should" feel a deep sense of gratitude for all the blessings in our lives, but the hard reality of life makes it difficult to conjure up warm fuzzy holiday feels. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A few years back, a friend told me about her strategy to focus her attention on all the good things in her life even when the "bad" stuff sticks around: She makes a gratitude tree. At the end of October, she brings in a few stray branches from the backyard, puts them in a sturdy vase and sets out leaf-shaped pieces of paper and pens next to it. Then, every day in November, everyone in her family thinks of one thing to write on a leaf and they tape it to the branches. She said it's a little difficult at first, but the tree fills up fast once they get the ball rolling, and on Thanksgiving they take turns reading the leaves to each other. It's a fun activity that reminds us how much they have to be thankful for, even during really difficult seasons in their life.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I wish I were that clever and crafty. I'm not. (Maybe I'll do it someday!) But like my friend, I know that if I don't create an atmosphere or outlet to identify and express the good stuff, I stay stuck in a state of discontent. Something that helps me refocus and bring me back to the truth is to first acknowledge what's making me frustrated and then find the blessing hidden in whatever that thing is. I make a list of the things that feel more like burdens than blessings; then, I look at them from a different angle so I can see the blessing that's been there all along. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Here's an example:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A handful of pills every morning: Insurance coverage for the medicine I need&lt;br&gt; A long list of medical appointments: Easy access to good doctors and specialists&lt;br&gt; A sink full of dirty dishes: Plenty to eat&lt;br&gt; Baskets of laundry: Plenty to wear&lt;br&gt; Unmade beds: A safe, warm place to sleep&lt;br&gt; A leaky faucet: Indoor plumbing &lt;br&gt; Nightly homework: Kids who are learning&lt;br&gt; Another pair of worn-out shoes: Kids who have active, growing bodies&lt;br&gt; Someone wronged me: A chance to extend forgiveness&lt;br&gt; Giving up coffee: No more migraines&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Look at Life from a Different Perspective&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Transforming problems into opportunities; looking at troubles from a different perspective; turning frowns upside down — however you want to say it, the practice of purposely reminding yourself of all you do have can help take your focus off your gripes. You might stop fixating on what you don't have and start seeing the things you do have more clearly. And you'll be thankful for them. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The exercise — though admittedly sometimes difficult to actually do — really is worth it. According to Harvard Health, "gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.1 You might not feel happy at first, but you are far more likely to find joy in the things you have than if you don't acknowledge the good things about them.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Maybe it's been that long since you've stopped to think about what you're grateful this season for because it's November, and you're worn out and rumpled by the stresses of the year. I bet if you're honest, you feel plagued by fear or frustration and would rather complain instead of giving thanks. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I understand. I've been there too. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Try practicing gratitude anyway. There are so many ways to do it: Make a list of all the good things you have right now, and see if you can find a new one every morning. Keep a list on your smartphone or grab a journal and write them down. Trace your hand on a blank piece of paper and make a Thanksgiving turkey, complete with "thankful feathers" and put it up on your fridge. Make the gratitude tree, like my friend does. Write thank-you cards to people who have made a difference in your life. The options are nearly endless! &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Whatever way works for you, I hope you take the time to do it so you can enjoy all the good things in your life, right where you are, right now. It really can shift your perspective and make a real difference in your outlook this season.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 13px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reference:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier. Harvard Health Publishing, Aug. 14, 2021. Accessed at www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/a-simple-strategy-for-cultivating-gratitude.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/a-simple-strategy-for-cultivating-gratitude.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=f3cf3e15-4b3a-4343-9d1c-139f37e104b2</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Support &amp; Encouragement</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=f3cf3e15-4b3a-4343-9d1c-139f37e104b2</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=f3cf3e15-4b3a-4343-9d1c-139f37e104b2</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/a-simple-strategy-for-cultivating-gratitude.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=f3cf3e15-4b3a-4343-9d1c-139f37e104b2</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Fun Halloween Ideas for Kids and Adults with Chronic Illnesses</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Abbie Cornett, MBA&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage102424.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;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!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;1.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Costume Parade from Home&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Who says a parade must be outdoors? Hosting a virtual or driveway costume parade is a great way for kids and &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-the-social-aspects-of-aging-with-a-chronic-illness.aspx" title="Blog Post: Navigating the Social Aspects of Aging with a Chronic Illness"&gt;adults with chronic illnesses&lt;/a&gt; to show off their costumes without the risk of exposure to germs. You can invite friends and neighbors to participate virtually or in small groups. For a driveway parade, families can walk or drive by, wave and enjoy the sight of everyone's creative costumes. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;2.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Pumpkin Decorating (No-Carve Edition)&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Carving pumpkins can be messy and physically tiring, especially for people with fatigue or dexterity issues. A fun alternative is a no-carve pumpkin decorating contest. You can use paint, markers, glitter, googly eyes and stickers to turn ordinary pumpkins into Halloween masterpieces. This activity is great for kids and adults alike, and it's safe to do indoors, eliminating any weather or &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/gluten-free-on-the-sea-how-celiac-cruise-makes-the-dream-of-a-real-vacation-possible.aspx" title="Blog Post: Gluten Free on the Sea? How Celiac Cruise Makes the Dream of a Real Vacation Possible"&gt;allergen concerns&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;3.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Halloween Movie Marathon&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;A Halloween movie marathon is perfect low-energy celebration. Whether you're into spooky classics like &lt;em&gt;Hocus Pocus&lt;/em&gt; or prefer kid-friendly options like &lt;em&gt;Casper&lt;/em&gt;, there's something for everyone. For those who love a good scare, you can add some classic horror films or thrillers to the mix, but don't forget to throw in some light-hearted ones as well! Pair the movies with themed snacks like "monster" popcorn (with candy eyes and green chocolate drizzle) or witch hat cookies.&lt;br&gt; This is an activity that works great for families and friends who want to stay in but still enjoy Halloween.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;4.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Trick-or-Treat Alternatives&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Traditional trick-or-treating can pose risks for kids with immune deficiencies due to exposure to germs and large crowds. However, there are creative alternatives to the usual door-to-door candy collection:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;"Boo Basket" Exchange:&lt;/strong&gt; Coordinate with neighbors or friends to leave candy baskets at each other's doors. This is a fun way to share treats without direct contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Indoor Trick-or-Treating:&lt;/strong&gt; Set up candy stations around the house where kids can "trick-or-treat" without going outside. You can even decorate different rooms to look like spooky scenes for added fun.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Drive-By Trick-or-Treat:&lt;/strong&gt; Friends and family can drop by in their decorated cars to deliver treats socially distanced and safely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;p&gt;These ideas let kids experience the joy of getting Halloween candy while minimizing health risks.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;5.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Spooky Crafting Sessions&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Crafting is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit without leaving the house. From making paper plate witches and black cats to DIY spooky candle holders or ghost garlands, there's no limit to the possibilities. Adults and kids can enjoy these activities, and it's a fun way to spend an afternoon while avoiding crowded spaces.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;6.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Haunted House at Home&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Turning your home into a mini haunted house can be fun and doesn't have to be over-the-top scary. You can use simple decorations like fake cobwebs, skeletons and flickering lights to set the mood. For kids, set up spooky (but not scary) stations, such as a "mummy wrapping" contest where they wrap each other in toilet paper or a "ghost hunt" with white balloons.&lt;br&gt; You can add eerie music and creepy stories to read aloud or play a mystery-solving game for adults or older kids. The haunted house experience can be entirely customized based on how much spookiness your family can handle!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;7.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Halloween Trivia Night&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Test everyone's knowledge of all things Halloween with a trivia night! Create fun categories like "Spooky Movies," "Halloween History" or "Famous Monsters" and divide the group into teams. You can host the event in person or virtually, making it an inclusive and entertaining activity for those who need to stay home.&lt;br&gt; Trivia nights are a great way to engage everyone's minds while keeping the energy light and playful&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;8.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Baking Spooky Treats&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Making Halloween-themed treats can be both fun and rewarding for families or individuals who enjoy spending time in the kitchen. Decorate cupcakes with monster faces, create mummy-wrapped hot dogs or craft "witches' fingers" out of cookie dough. This wonderful activity can be done at home, and it provides delicious results! If baking sounds like too much effort, you can opt for simple no-bake recipes like Rice Krispie treat pumpkins or ghost-shaped marshmallow pops.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Halloween may be my favorite holiday, and while I love going all out with the graveyard decorations, spooky music and fog machines, I know not everyone can celebrate in the same way. That’s what makes finding creative alternatives so special. Whether you’re hosting a cozy movie marathon, decorating pumpkins without the mess or organizing a virtual costume parade, there are so many ways to enjoy the fun and magic of Halloween. No matter what health challenges you may face, there’s always room for a little spookiness, creativity and a whole lot of fun!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/fun-halloween-ideas-for-kids-and-adults-with-chronic-illnesses.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/fun-halloween-ideas-for-kids-and-adults-with-chronic-illnesses.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=24beff05-bdff-4546-a232-5347acb61b39</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <dc:publisher>acornett</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=24beff05-bdff-4546-a232-5347acb61b39</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=24beff05-bdff-4546-a232-5347acb61b39</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/fun-halloween-ideas-for-kids-and-adults-with-chronic-illnesses.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=24beff05-bdff-4546-a232-5347acb61b39</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Handwashing 101: How to Do It and Why It Matters</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage101724.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;How often do you wash your hands? Have you counted lately?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I tried counting today, but I lost track after 12 times.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;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.) &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;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.)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Why am I such a stickler about it? Good question. I wasn't raised that way. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Don't misunderstand: My parents taught me why clean hands after using the bathroom and before coming to the dinner table mattered, but they didn't pester me about it or monitor my every trip to the sink like I do with my own kids.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;To be fair, we manage a lot of allergies in my house (food, cats, dogs, pollen — you name it), and soap and water is the best way to remove allergens from our hands. It adds more handwashing to our daily routine. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Beyond that, school-aged kids are vectors for the germ du jour, and since I take a once-daily immunosuppressant medicine that tamps down my immune system to keep my autoimmune disease in check, handwashing is my first line of defense in keeping those germs out of my system. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Why Handwashing Is Important&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Handwashing with soap and clean running water helps remove unwanted germs from hands. When you don't wash your hands, those germs make their way into your system when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth (or eat!), and they can be spread to others when you touch them or something they will touch (like a doorknob). &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Washing your hands helps keep you healthy, and it helps keep the community healthy too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when done properly, consistent handwashing reduces:&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;The number of people who get sick with diarrhea by approximately 23 to 40 percent.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The number of school days children miss because of gastrointestinal illness by 29 to 57 percent.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune system by about 58 percent.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Respiratory illnesses in the general population by about 16 to 21 percent.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;When to Wash&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;There isn't a hard-and-fast rule about how often to wash hands (except for this: Whenever they are visibly dirty, wash them!), but here are some general guidelines:&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Wash your hands before and after:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;Prepping or eating food&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Caring for wounds or a sick person&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Touching door handles, gas pumps or shopping carts (or other high-touch items)&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;p&gt;Wash your hands after:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;Using the toilet, changing a diaper or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Touching an animal, animal feed, an animal cage or animal waste&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Handling garbage&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Is Antibacterial Soap Necessary?&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Nope. Studies show there isn't an added benefit to using soaps marketed as "antibacterial," so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule in 2016 that the 19 most common ingredients that make a soap "antibacterial" aren't any more effective than soaps that don't contain those ingredients. Regular soap and clean running water do the trick.&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; (They did specify, however, that this rule does not apply to professionals in a healthcare setting.)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;What About Hand Sanitizer?&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Sanitizer is second best when you don't have access to soap and water. (Except for when it comes to removing food allergens from hands. Hand sanitizer does not remove &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/gluten-free-on-the-sea-how-celiac-cruise-makes-the-dream-of-a-real-vacation-possible.aspx" title="Blog Post: Gluten Free on the Sea? How Celiac Cruise Makes the Dream of a Real Vacation Possible"&gt;food allergens&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;How Much Is Too Much?&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;When hands start to get overly dry, red, itchy, chapped or cracked, it's a sign that you may be washing your hands too often. Excessive handwashing removes natural oils that keep your skin soft, supple and healthy.&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt; (However, these symptoms may be a sign of an underlying skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;To help ward off irritated hands, try to use a soap made without harsh ingredients; thoroughly dry your skin with a soft, clean towel after cleansing; and use an emollient-rich hand cream to keep your hands hydrated and healthy.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;My Favorite Hand Soap and How to Pick Hand Cream&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;I like to make my own foaming soap using pure castile soap and water (and that's it!). It's gentle on my whole family's hands, doesn't strip our hands of natural oils and is much less expensive than buying specialty soaps in the store. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Here's how to make it: Mix one-quarter cup pure liquid castile soap with three-quarters cup water; pour the mixture into a foaming soap dispenser and refill as needed. Any pure liquid castile soap will work, but I like Dr. Bonner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap best. Scented with pure essential oils, they work great and smell fantastic!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hand cream is harder. There are so many choices out there, and it can be difficult to know which one to use. When choosing the best moisturizer for overly dry skin, pick an emollient-rich cream, and avoid water-based lotions that evaporate quickly because they may dry your skin out even more. Some examples of hand creams that will help moisturize your skin are Cetaphil cream, CeraVe cream, Aveeno cream and O'Keefe's Working Hands. If you'd prefer an ointment over a cream, consider giving Dr. Bonner's Magic Balm a try (Bonus? It's organic!)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;More Washing Might Mean Less Illness&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;I might be overly zealous about handwashing, but as they say: The proof is in the pudding. I have only had one cold in the past year. &lt;em&gt;One&lt;/em&gt;! Plus, my hands stay supple when I use a gentler, homemade foaming hand soap and healing balm. It's a win-win!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;With cool weather and cold season upon us, and since October 15 is National Handwashing Day, it's a great time to reassess your handwashing habits too. Do you have a gentle soap or emollient-rich hand cream on hand? If not, consider this your gentle reminder to stock up for the season.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;When washing, remember to wet your hands with clean running water, apply soap and rub your hands together for 20 seconds, scrubbing the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and beneath your fingernails. Then, rinse thoroughly and dry your hands with a clean towel and apply your favorite hand cream or ointment.&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Here's to a &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/why-you-might-want-to-go-dry-this-labor-day.aspx" title="Blog Post: Why You Might Want to &amp;quot;Go Dry&amp;quot; this Labor Day"&gt;happy and healthy fall&lt;/a&gt;!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 13px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sources&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Handwashing Facts, April 17, 2024. Accessed at www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;2. MayoClinic. Hand-Washing Do's and Don'ts, Dec. 10, 2021. Accessed at www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;3. Food and Allergy Research and Education. Cleaning Methods. Accessed at www.foodallergy.org/resources/cleaning-methods.s&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Skip the Antibacterial Soap; Use Plain Soap and Water. Accessed at www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/skip-antibacterial-soap-use-plain-soap-and-water.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;5. Chemscape. Over Washing Your Hands Can Introduce New Hazards, June 16, 2024. Accessed at www.chemscape.com/blog/hazards-of-overwashing-your-hands. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/handwashing-101-how-to-do-it-and-why-it-matters.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/handwashing-101-how-to-do-it-and-why-it-matters.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=a4f64e14-dfbb-457a-9da4-d12737826f1f</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Need to Know</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=a4f64e14-dfbb-457a-9da4-d12737826f1f</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=a4f64e14-dfbb-457a-9da4-d12737826f1f</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/handwashing-101-how-to-do-it-and-why-it-matters.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=a4f64e14-dfbb-457a-9da4-d12737826f1f</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Gluten Free on the Sea? How Celiac Cruise Makes the Dream of a Real Vacation Possible</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage091924.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Vacationing with chronic illness is hard, no doubt. But add in strict dietary restrictions besides and it quickly stops being a vacation at all. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;My husband and I don’t travel much due to our children’s food allergies and my autoimmune disease that requires me to be strictly gluten free, but when we heard about Celiac Cruise, we jumped at the chance to go. The idea of navigating my gluten-free diet in a country so far from home was scary, but this past summer I stepped on the plane trusting that since our destination guaranteed all the food was 100 percent gluten free, I figured this was my best shot at having a real vacation.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Traveling Isn’t the Same as a Vacation&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Over the years, my husband and I have figured out ways to travel with our kids, though admittedly, they are not vacations. Vacations mean you get to unplug from the worries of the world and focus on family, friends and fun. But in my family, we take the worries of the world right along with us when we leave home.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We book AirBnBs with full kitchens and tote allergy friendly groceries with us wherever we go, and we map out our travel plans based on access to stores and a handful of restaurants where we can access “safe” food. It makes leaving home possible, while it’s not nearly as fun as spontaneously grabbing a table at a local café in an unfamiliar city or seeking out an ice cream cone at a theme park during the middle of a hot summer day. Even ordering pizza isn’t easy (or always possible). &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We spend hours researching restaurants, drilling servers on their allergen-free protocols and reminding our kids (and myself) to focus on the fun, not the food, out in the wider world where allergens are absolutely everywhere. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We try hard not to look disappointed when dietary restrictions get in the way of fun, but the truth is that food is fun, or at least it’s supposed to be, and it plays an enormous role in any trip you take. It is not a vacation unless you get to take time off from worrying about it.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;The Diagnosis that Brought About a Dream&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Maureen Basye, MS, co-founder of Celiac Cruise, understands the hardship and heartache that comes with the sort of diagnosis that makes vacationing all but impossible. Her family juggles multiple celiac diagnoses along with her own autoimmune disease that requires her to strictly avoid gluten, too. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Armed with a dream for her family to travel in a safe, worry-free gluten-free environment, Basye teamed up with Connie Saunders, the founder and CEO of Total Travel and Events Inc. Together, they created Celiac Cruise, the answer to Maureen’s family’s dietary dilemma — and the millions of Americans who live with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy and other food allergies, too.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Partnering with Royal Caribbean, Celiac Cruise guarantees a gluten-free cruise experience, including a classic cruise welcome cake, French fries made in a dedicated fryer, ice cream cones on the pool deck and absolutely everything in between. They offered naturally gluten-free foods such as bacon and eggs, grilled chicken salads and baked potatoes, as well as gluten-free pancakes and waffles in the morning, burgers and sandwiches in the afternoon and a pasta option every night (not to mention a daily bread selection) all in one dedicated dining room onboard (they even accommodate food allergies!). They even had midnight buffets and an option to order a &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/why-low-sugar-snacks-are-better-choices-for-medically-complex-kids.aspx" title="Blog Post: Why Low Sugar Snacks Are Better Choices for Medically Complex Kids" target="_blank"&gt;to-go lunch&lt;/a&gt; to take off the ship on excursion days!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This enormous undertaking is one that Basye takes seriously. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I got to chat with her a few times while I was on the ship. I was surprised to see her there, but Basye told me it was important to her to be on board from start to finish because at the end of the day, this is people’s health we’re talking about. The guests trust her, so she feels compelled to make sure it’s done right.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Basye works tirelessly with the crew, preparing the designated kitchen and dining room for a gluten-free week; training the dining room service staff; training all staff on board to take gluten-free guests seriously (and training them how to avoid cross-contact in other dining rooms); and working with the designated gluten-free Royal Caribbean chef, selecting menus and ensuring the food is on par with what the other cruise guests are served in other dining rooms. If it was dinner time, she was in the dining room overseeing operations, making sure everything was up to her standards of safe and delicious. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;And it was. The service was amazing. I never felt like an inconvenience or burden, which is a big deal after years of watching servers fighting the urge to roll their eyes when you ask for a gluten-free menu at most restaurants stateside. I didn’t know how to thank these people, but I think my tear-stained smiles may have expressed how deeply I appreciated their hard work and the experience. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;In Good (Gluten-Free) Company&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;When you are gluten free, you wrestle with the idea that your body ruins the fun for everyone else. People who love us assure us it’s not our fault and that we’ll just figure something else out, and they mean it. They really do. But it is still hard, and it’s easy to feel alone.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;On the Celiac Cruise, I discovered I most certainly wasn’t alone. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;There were families with young children diagnosed with celiac disease as babies; retirees with recent diagnoses; young married couples whose travel dreams were dashed with a celiac diagnosis; middle-aged people with non-celiac chronic diseases that required a gluten-free diet; groups of girlfriends who booked a gluten-free getaway so they could all go explore the world together; and couples celebrating anniversaries like my husband and me, grateful for a way to get away and have a real break. Not everyone in the dining room had celiac disease or a condition that required them to avoid gluten or other allergens: Families and friends rallied around their loved ones and willingly ate gluten free for a whole week so they could all be together at mealtime. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I met many of them during the trip. Despite our demographic differences or diagnostic journeys, their stories are mine and my story is theirs. We all needed some time away without the worry that comes along with it.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We spent the week exploring the world, getting real rest and eating food we didn’t shop for, &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/five-staple-instant-pot-recipes-to-simplify-summer-cooking.aspx" title="Blog Post: Five Staple Instant Pot Recipes to Simplify Summer Cooking"&gt;cook or serve&lt;/a&gt;. We didn’t even have to clean the kitchen! More importantly, we didn’t have to do any research about ingredients or cross-contact. We had seven whole days off from “gluten worry” and were able to focus on people, places and fun instead. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;It was the first real vacation most of us had been on in years. A dream and the determination to make vacationing possible regardless of diagnosis or dietary needs did that. What a gift.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;More information about Celiac Cruise is available at &lt;a href="https://celiaccruise.com/" target="_blank"&gt;celiaccruise.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/gluten-free-on-the-sea-how-celiac-cruise-makes-the-dream-of-a-real-vacation-possible.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/gluten-free-on-the-sea-how-celiac-cruise-makes-the-dream-of-a-real-vacation-possible.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=ad9af275-61f9-4f01-9288-e4c9d7b19603</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Need to Know</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=ad9af275-61f9-4f01-9288-e4c9d7b19603</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=ad9af275-61f9-4f01-9288-e4c9d7b19603</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/gluten-free-on-the-sea-how-celiac-cruise-makes-the-dream-of-a-real-vacation-possible.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=ad9af275-61f9-4f01-9288-e4c9d7b19603</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Why You Might Want to "Go Dry" this Labor Day</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage082924.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you’re planning to have family or friends over, fire up the grill and &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/five-staple-instant-pot-recipes-to-simplify-summer-cooking.aspx" title="Blog Post: Five Staple Instant Pot Recipes to Simplify Summer Cooking"&gt;enjoy a meal outside together this Labor Day&lt;/a&gt;, 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?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Why the Dry Hype?&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Driven by health and wellness trends, more and more consumers — especially Gen Z — are taking a closer look at the effects of alcohol on their overall health and asking whether the extra calories and long-term ill-effects of drinking adult beverages are worth it. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The data speaks for itself: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of many types of cancer such as breast, liver, head, neck, oesophageal and colorectal cancer; it is associated with risks of developing liver and heart disease; and it contributes to depression, anxiety and, of course, alcohol use disorders, not to mention unintentional injuries that can result from an intoxicated state such as poor decision-making, falling, drowning, sexual assault and more. Alcohol can cause harm to others, not just the person consuming alcohol, such as car accidents caused by an intoxicated driver that injures people who haven’t been drinking. And consistent overconsumption can strain relationships at home or work.&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Healthier Social Connections, Too&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;In a culture that’s already so focused on holistic wellness and mindfulness, it’s not terribly surprising that people are "sober curious" and &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/reluctant-to-start-a-new-treatment-remember-this.aspx" title="Blog Post: Reluctant to Start a New Treatment? Remember This"&gt;rethinking social drinking&lt;/a&gt;. However, giving up alcohol is one thing, but giving up meeting a friend for a drink is another. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Some folks are perfectly happy ordering a simple seltzer water garnished with lime or a Shirley Temple instead of a traditional cocktail (and some still do; Shirley Temples are classically delicious!). But many want to connect over something more than that. They don’t want the alcohol, but they still want the fun. Mocktails meet them in that in-between place with creative combinations of flavors. Mocktails give this generation a reason to connect over drinks, just like previous generations have done over a round of traditional cocktails. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;8 Reasons to Try Going Dry&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Still not convinced? Here are eight more reasons cutting down on alcohol intake is good for your health:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;Alcohol weakens the immune system. It makes it hard for your body to make enough white blood cells it needs to fight off infections like pneumonia.&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Over time, alcohol can lead to or exacerbate chronic diseases such as heart and liver disease, stroke, cancer and dementia.&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Alcohol can interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and even some herbal remedies. It can decrease the medicine's effectiveness or make them useless; make drugs harmful or toxic to the body; and it can intensify side effects of your medications.&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Alcohol is expensive. Laying off it will save you money. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Alcohol can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Avoiding alcohol improves skin, helps you lose weight and can improve your body image.&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Drinking less alcohol improves sleep, clarity and focus.&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;On average, non-alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are lower in calories than beer, wine or spirits that contain alcohol. (Plus, booze-free beverages have added benefits. Vitamins, adaptogens, nootropics, herbs and extracts.)&lt;sup&gt;5,6&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Easy, Elevated Non-Alcoholic Options&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you still want to serve a fun beverage to a crowd or sip on something refreshing to help you unwind after a long day, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. The "sober-curious" movement launched booze-free beverages into the mainstream, and they are just as creative and flavorful as their alcohol-containing counterparts. You can easily find them in many major grocery stores. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;But buyer beware: Read the label carefully to understand what you’re getting (some alcohol free canned mocktails contain CBD or THC), and canned mocktails can be just as pricey (or even more expensive) than beer or canned cocktails. If you want a fancy drink but want to save money, here are a few that are perfect for Labor Day.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;5 Easy Mocktail Ideas:&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;The easy, healthiest option: Waterloo Mocktail sparkling waters (All Day Rose, PI-Ño Colada and Mojito Mocktail). Not only are these 100 percent good for you (pure sparkling water plus non-GMO natural flavors), they're also really good. Drink as-is or use as the base for your own mixed mocktail.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Ginger beer mocktail: When the weather can't quite decide whether it's still summer or if fall has arrived, ginger beer bridges my palate's gap. It's light and bubbly, but has a deep, rich spicy flavor that makes me ready to welcome sweater weather. Mix lime juice, ginger beer and a splash of apple cider vinegar, then garnish with mint.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Orange sparkler: If you like mimosas, try this: Mix part orange juice with part sparkling water. It's that simple. It's my husband's go-to breakfast beverage. Try dressing it up with a sprig of mint, maraschino cherry or a sugar rimmed glass.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Shirley Temple: An oldie but a goodie. Did you know that the Shirley Temple is still the top mocktail to be ordered in restaurants today? For an at-home version, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 8 ounces of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and 1 ounce of grenadine, then top with a maraschino cherry. Add a dash of lemon juice for extra zing. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;So long summer sangria: If you're serving a crowd, try whipping up a pitcher of this delicious drink. Fill a pitcher with a medley of fruit. Then, fill the pitcher with sparkling juice and refrigerate until ready to serve. Try mixing cranberries and orange slices plus sparkling apple cranberry juice; mixed berries with lemon and lime slices plus sparkling apple juice; or strawberries and sliced stone fruits plus sparkling pear juice.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Whatever You Do, Think It Through&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;It's no wonder the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone reduce their alcohol intake. It’s better for your health, better for your social circle and better for the community for everyone to rethink drinking habits and reduce alcohol intake. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you’re "sober-curious," does that mean you have to be a teetotaler? Of course not (unless you and your doctor have reasons for abstaining from alcohol altogether). But rethinking why you drink alcohol, along with how much and how often, isn’t such a bad idea.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;span style="font-size: 13px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;References&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;World Health Organization. Alcohol. Accessed at www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Buddy, T. The Benefits of Quitting Alcohol. Verywell Mind, Oct. 1, 2023. Accessed at www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-alcohol-recovery-67761.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;NHS. Risks: Alcohol Misuse. Accessed at www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/risks.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Ansorge, R. Alcohol and Medication Interactions. WebMD, March 6, 2024. Accessed at&amp;nbsp; www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-interactions-with-medications.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Medline Plus. Calorie Count — Alcoholic Beverages. Accessed at medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000886.htm.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Crossip Drinks. Are Alcohol-Free Drinks Lower in Calories? Accessed at www.crossipdrinks.com/blogs/news/are-alcohol-free-drinks-lower-in-calories.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/why-you-might-want-to-go-dry-this-labor-day.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/why-you-might-want-to-go-dry-this-labor-day.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=54ddf1ea-009f-4549-a9fd-f49da3144dd1</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Support &amp; Encouragement</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=54ddf1ea-009f-4549-a9fd-f49da3144dd1</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=54ddf1ea-009f-4549-a9fd-f49da3144dd1</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/why-you-might-want-to-go-dry-this-labor-day.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=54ddf1ea-009f-4549-a9fd-f49da3144dd1</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Navigating the Social Aspects of Aging with a Chronic Illness</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Abbie Cornett&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage080824.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;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, &lt;em&gt;IG Living&lt;/em&gt;. However, the research also brought to light another crucial aspect: the social dimensions of aging with a chronic illness.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;As we age, the physical challenges associated with chronic illness are often compounded by social factors ranging from changing family dynamics to shifts in social support networks and even evolving societal perceptions of aging and illness. Understanding and addressing these social aspects is essential for maintaining quality of life and overall well-being.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;1) Shifting Social Networks and Support Systems&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;One of the most significant social changes that comes with aging is the evolution of our social networks. Friends and family may relocate, or relationships may naturally drift apart over time.&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; For individuals with chronic illnesses, these changes can be particularly impactful, as strong social support is often a key component in managing their condition. It's crucial to find new ways to build and maintain connections, whether through support groups, community activities or online communities tailored to specific health concerns.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;2) The Role of Family Dynamics&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Family plays a pivotal role in the lives of many older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses. However, aging can alter these dynamics. Adult children may become caregivers, which can lead to role reversals and potentially strain relationships. Open communication and setting clear boundaries can help navigate these changes, ensuring both the person with the chronic illness and his or her family members feel supported and respected.&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;3) Societal Perceptions and Stigma&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Unfortunately, societal perceptions of aging and chronic illness can sometimes lead to stigma. This can manifest in subtle ways such as underestimating the capabilities of older adults or making assumptions about their quality of life. It's important to challenge these stereotypes and advocate for a more nuanced understanding of aging and chronic illness. Sharing stories, engaging in advocacy and educating others can help shift perceptions and promote a more inclusive society.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;4) Financial Considerations&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;The financial implications of managing a chronic illness can become more pronounced with age. Increased medical expenses, potential loss of income and the need for long-term care are all factors that can impact financial stability. It's important to plan for these potential challenges, seek out available resources and, if possible, consult with financial advisors who specialize in healthcare planning.&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;5) Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Aging with a chronic illness often requires a delicate balance between seeking &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-support-animals-understanding-the-legal-distinctions-between-emotional-support-animals-and-service-animals.aspx" title="Blog Post: Navigating Support Animals: Understanding the Legal Distinctions Between Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals"&gt;support&lt;/a&gt; and maintaining independence. Adaptive technologies, home modifications and accessible transportation options can play a significant role in preserving independence. Moreover, staying active and engaged in hobbies and interests can greatly enhance quality of life.&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;While the physical challenges of aging with a chronic illness are often at the forefront, the social aspects are equally important to address. By understanding and preparing for these changes, individuals can navigate the aging process with greater confidence and resilience. As we continue to explore these topics, it's essential to foster a supportive and inclusive community that recognizes and celebrates the diverse experiences of aging with chronic illness.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;My upcoming column in IG Living will delve deeper into immunosenescence, specifically the biological aspects of aging how they intersect with chronic illness.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;span style="font-size: 13px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;References&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;National Academics. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Healthcare Setting, 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System | The National Academies Press. Accessed at https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/25663/chapter/2 &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;NAC &amp;amp; AARP Research Report: Caregiving in the U.S. 2020, May 13, 2020. Accessed at https://www.johnahartford.org/dissemination-center/view/nac-and-aarp-research-report-caregiving-in-the-u-s-2020&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Urban, P. Money Woes Accompany Chronic Disease. AARP, Sept. 7, 2022. Accessed at https://www.aarp.org/money/credit-loans-debt/info-2022/chronic-illness-medical-debt.html&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Maresova P, Krejcar O, Maskuriy R, et al. Challenges and Opportunity in Mobility Among Older Adults — Key Determinant Identification. BMC Geriatrics, 2023 Jul 21;23(1):447. doi: 10.1186/s12877-023-04106-7. PMID: 37474928; PMCID: PMC10360303. Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10360303/&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-the-social-aspects-of-aging-with-a-chronic-illness.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-the-social-aspects-of-aging-with-a-chronic-illness.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=65de5bdf-1dea-43d5-8ec8-92691e0ba118</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Need to Know</category> <dc:publisher>acornett</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=65de5bdf-1dea-43d5-8ec8-92691e0ba118</pingback:target> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=65de5bdf-1dea-43d5-8ec8-92691e0ba118</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-the-social-aspects-of-aging-with-a-chronic-illness.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=65de5bdf-1dea-43d5-8ec8-92691e0ba118</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Five Staple Instant Pot Recipes to Simplify Summer Cooking</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage072524.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Do you hate to cook dinner during the sweltering summer months as much as I do?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Enter the Instant Pot Multicooker. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I love it to pieces all year, but I especially adore it during the summer. It doesn’t heat up the house, it keeps my table stocked with mealtime staples and it saves me a lot of time: I get the Instant Pot going, walk away and get something else done without having to watch what’s cooking on the stove because my Instant Pot does all the work for me. (If only they came with a self-cleaning function. Now &lt;em&gt;that&lt;/em&gt; would be life-changing.)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;These five recipes just scratch the surface — you can make risotto, steel-cut oatmeal, baked beans – the possibilities are almost endless! But these are the recipes I use most often. I turn to them time and time again because they’re building blocks for other dishes, and they are perfect for minimizing the heat in my kitchen during the summer.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Hard-Boiled Eggs&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse: They pack six grams of protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids into a must-have summertime fridge staple.&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; Use them for cobb salads, potato salads, deviled eggs or egg salad sandwiches, or eat them plain for a quick snack! Making them in the Instant Pot is quick and easy with minimal clean up. Here’s how: Nestle the rack in the bottom of the pan. Add a dozen eggs and a cup of water. Seal and set for 5 minutes. Let come to pressure, cook for 5 minutes, then quick release the steam and remove from the pan to cool. Store in the refrigerator. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Chicken Stock&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Bone broth (which is just the trendy word for good old-fashioned chicken stock) is all the rage, but ready-made, shelf-stable varieties pale in comparison to homemade (which just plain tastes better!). Not only is it a delicious way to up your culinary game, but it also contains amino acids and collagen and can help reduce inflammation.&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; I often buy rotisserie chicken as another little short-cut during the summer months, and I always toss the bones into my instant Pot along with some carrots, celery, onion, salt and apple cider vinegar (and other aromatics if I’m feeling adventurous), and then I set my Instant Pot for six hours on high pressure and walk away. A few hours later, I come back, strain the broth, pour it into mason jars, cool them, cap them and freeze them for later use. It’s much less expensive (and so much more delicious!) than store-bought stock/bone broth. Use it instead of water when cooking rice or instead of milk for dairy-free mashed potatoes.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Rice and Quinoa&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Maybe you have a rice cooker and you’re thinking, “Why in the world would I need another kitchen gadget to make rice?” If you love your rice cooker, well then, don’t buy an Instant Pot just for this function. But if you &lt;em&gt;don’t&lt;/em&gt; have a rice cooker, the Instant Pot does the trick — and fast! After the Instant Pot comes up to pressure, brown rice cooks in 20 minutes; white rice cooks in five; and quinoa cooks in just one minute! It all comes out perfectly fluffy, too. I often make big batches of rice and quinoa, then divide it up into smaller portions and freeze for quick meals. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Mashed Potatoes&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you haven’t made mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot, you’re doing it wrong! This method saves so much time. Scrub five pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, cut them into quarters and put them in the Instant Pot. Next, add one quart of chicken stock and set the pressure cook function on high for five minutes. When the cycle is done, do a quick release of the steam, drain the stock (reserving as much of it as you can), then start mashing. Add a stick of butter (or vegan butter or 1/2 cup olive oil if you’re dairy-free), two to three tablespoons of white vinegar and salt to taste. Mash again. Add the reserved chicken stock little by little until the potatoes are smooth, rich and creamy. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Shredded Chicken&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Shredded chicken is perfect for getting dinner on the table when you don’t want to think about what to cook. Put two-and-a-half pounds of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle them with some salt or dress it up with a jar of peach salsa, barbecue sauce or any other bottled sauce you’ve got laying around. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes. Do a quick release, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. After the meat has cooled down, shred it with a fork. Add some of the cooking liquid back into the shredded chicken to help prevent it from getting dry. Then, the sky’s the limit for how to use it: Toss it with some bottled sauce and serve it on a bun; fold it into soft tortillas or pile it on top of a bed of rice. Add toppings of choice and bam — dinner! During cooler months, it’s a great shortcut for making shredded chicken to use in soups and casseroles, too.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Of course, going out to eat, ordering take out or making a meal out of chips and guacamole are also perfectly acceptable dinner options during the height of a heat wave. But when those aren’t options, the Instant Pot is a great tool to help round out easy summer meals.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;span style="font-size: 13px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;References&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;Frysh, P. Health Benefits of Eggs. WebMD, June 26, 2023. Accessed at www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-eggs-health-benefits.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;WebMD. Bone Broth: What It Does to Your Body. Accessed at www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-bone-broth.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/five-staple-instant-pot-recipes-to-simplify-summer-cooking.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/five-staple-instant-pot-recipes-to-simplify-summer-cooking.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=13ca560e-9c03-43ee-a943-5fbc4858c500</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=13ca560e-9c03-43ee-a943-5fbc4858c500</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=13ca560e-9c03-43ee-a943-5fbc4858c500</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/five-staple-instant-pot-recipes-to-simplify-summer-cooking.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=13ca560e-9c03-43ee-a943-5fbc4858c500</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Volunteer</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage070424.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;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, "&lt;em&gt;Don’t do it!&lt;/em&gt;" &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;She quickly learned she had bitten off far more than she could realistically chew. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Chronic Illness Ignores Good Intentions&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;A few years ago, I was new in town and equally bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready and willing to jump in and volunteer down at our local elementary school. My intentions were good: Support the school, get involved in my community, &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-motherhood-with-chronic-illness.aspx" title="Blog Post: Navigating Motherhood with Chronic Illness"&gt;meet other moms&lt;/a&gt;, maybe make friends of my own. I didn’t hesitate to sign up. But soon, I realized I had gotten myself into some serious trouble. It was way more than I could handle.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Having a chronic illness ignores my good intentions. Some days, it demands all my time and energy even when I have other commitments. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you’re reading this, I know you know what I mean.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;When I signed up, I was feeling good! Or at least, well enough to plan a few first-grade classroom parties with cookies and juice boxes. As the years wore on, I continued to volunteer for room mom duties while taking on more responsibilities too — until my body screamed loud enough for me to hear it insist, "&lt;em&gt;No more&lt;/em&gt;." &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I limped my way through the last few months of that school year, relying heavily on others to pick up my slack (and I &lt;em&gt;hated&lt;/em&gt; that feeling) until the sweet relief of summer break officially ended all my school commitments. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Reflect and Recalibrate&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Clearly, I hadn’t thought through what I could reasonably commit to ahead of time that year, but thankfully summer is a great time to reflect and recalibrate. In fact, I learned it’s a really important time to take stock of what worked about the previous school year, talk about what didn’t work, and adjust expectations and boundaries for the upcoming year, especially if the things were stretched too thin last year.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This is a great practice no matter where you volunteer: A mid-year check in is a great time to think about how things are going, especially if your health fluctuates and you need to make adjustments. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Here are the questions I learned to ask myself: &lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Do you even want to volunteer?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt; This is probably the most important question to answer. Sometimes we volunteer because we feel unspoken pressure to do so, and guilt makes the decision for us. Other times, we do it because we know it’s good for the community and good for us too. Volunteering out of guilt will only end up making a mess of things (frustration, lack of motivation, etc.), while volunteering out of a genuine desire to help has far more staying power. Know your motives before you volunteer — and consider not volunteering right now if you discover you are motivated by guilt.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Are you able to volunteer?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt; This one might be tricky because many chronic illnesses have good days and bad days, and planning far in advance can feel nearly impossible. One day you might be totally able to volunteer, but the next day? Not so much. &lt;br&gt; It might help to look at patterns of your illness: Is there a time of year that is harder on you than others, or certain duties you know you can or cannot handle? Maybe volunteering for indoor events during the winter isn’t in your best interest, but you are happy to help with an &lt;a href="https://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/observing-earth-day-with-chronic-illness-four-points-to-ponder.aspx" title="Blog Post: Observing Earth Day with Chronic Illness: Four Points to Ponder"&gt;outdoor carnival in the spring&lt;/a&gt;. Or perhaps you can’t commit to show up on certain days and times but can commit to working on tasks at home on your own timetable.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Do you have the time to volunteer?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt; Is there margin in your life right now to be able to give of your time? If so, how much time do you have to give? Settle on a reasonable amount and stick to it. How much time you have may not look the same as other volunteers, and that’s OK. Set clear boundaries and stick to them.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Use What You Have Right Where You Are&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Back to the movie: Over the summer, the over-extended mom reflected and recalibrated, finally getting honest with herself about her time, talents and desires, and guess what? She went back to teaching art. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;One day when she was leaving the studio for the day, she ran into the PTA president who wasted no time at all trying to get her signed up for a new PTA committee for the coming year. She gracefully thanked her for thinking of her but said she couldn’t sign up because she didn’t want to. With a sigh and a smile, she drove away, happy and free. Turns out she was already serving her community by teaching art classes. Who knew?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This little lesson reminded me to think carefully about what I can reasonably contribute to my community next year while still protecting my health and my joy. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you &lt;em&gt;want&lt;/em&gt; to say yes to volunteering and you have the capacity to follow through, that’s great! More power to you. The world certainly needs willing hearts and helping hands. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;But I bet you might also want to say no sometimes — and you need to know that’s OK too. Not every volunteer opportunity will be a good fit for you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Try not to jump into a commitment you’ll regret later; take the time to set boundaries ahead of time, and then don’t feel bad about following your own rules. Remember that knowing and protecting your limits is a critical piece of being able to follow through on your commitments.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The best way for you to make a difference is to simply be yourself and use the talents you’ve always had, generously sharing them in a way that fits within your boundaries.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-volunteer.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-volunteer.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=076a9291-8e17-4931-9b9b-0925837c7234</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Support &amp; Encouragement</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=076a9291-8e17-4931-9b9b-0925837c7234</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=076a9291-8e17-4931-9b9b-0925837c7234</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-volunteer.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=076a9291-8e17-4931-9b9b-0925837c7234</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Reluctant to Start a New Treatment? Remember This</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage052324.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;When I was first diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I was sad, afraid and overwhelmed, not to mention angry my doctor went right to medicine to mitigate my condition. I weighed the pros and cons of starting pharmacological therapy and got stuck in the weeds: Was a prescription drug my &lt;em&gt;only&lt;/em&gt; option? What if I had an adverse reaction? What if it made my condition worse? What if I couldn’t afford it? What if all I really had to do was change my lifestyle — wouldn’t that be better for me? &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;When chronic illness — autoimmune or otherwise — takes over, it’s very scary. It feels like decisions must be made &lt;em&gt;right now&lt;/em&gt;, and weighing the pros and cons of every option feels overwhelming at best and impossible at worst. Staring all that unknown in the face can be enough to scare us into doing nothing at all.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Sick and Stuck&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;My diagnosis came during a time several years ago &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/surviving-social-media-s-health-advice.aspx" title="Blog Post: Surviving Social Media's Health Advice"&gt;when blogs and social media were new avenues&lt;/a&gt; for patients to dig a little deeper, “find their tribe” and figure out a way forward without medication. While I found plenty of helpful advice online, I also found lots of opinions that put seeds of doubt in my mind: Was Western medicine the &lt;em&gt;only&lt;/em&gt; way to combat my condition? &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I wasn’t convinced prescription drugs were the best choice for me, so I declined starting any. Instead, I prayed for a miracle and tried all sorts of holistic angles. I implemented the FODMAPS diet, cut gluten out of my diet, tried the autoimmune protocol (AIP), transitioned to grain-free living and did the AIP two more times. I removed seed oils, added supplements, &lt;a href="http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/why-low-sugar-snacks-are-better-choices-for-medically-complex-kids.aspx" title="Blog Post: Why Low Sugar Snacks Are Better Choices for Medically Complex Kids"&gt;focused on whole foods&lt;/a&gt;, exercised and tried stress-reducing techniques, and for a while, it all seemed to help. But eventually, it wasn’t enough. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;At that point, I knew I had to make a difficult decision: Trust my doctor’s advice and start therapy, or let my disease run me into the ground. Both came with questions and carried risk. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Doctors &lt;em&gt;Practice&lt;/em&gt; Medicine&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;My husband, who is a medical provider, taught me a valuable lesson during that time: Doctors &lt;em&gt;practice&lt;/em&gt; medicine; they apply ideas about and methods for treating patients, and they exercise their skills regularly in order to improve their proficiency. Medicine is both a science and an art, and as such, it’s imperfect. Science involves testing hypotheses, learning from failure and applying lessons learned going forward.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In other words, doctors use what they know to do what they can, but they also continue learning as they go. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;True: Doctors have knowledge and experience patients don’t have, but that doesn’t mean they have it all figured out and can predict whether a given medication will work in all cases. They don’t really know until the patient takes it.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yes, they do their best to set their patients up for success and mitigate against bad reactions, of course, as well as use tried-and-true methods to test, diagnose and treat diseases, but each patient is unique, and sometimes a treatment that works for one patient simply doesn’t work for another. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Try a Different Angle&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pondering all this, I took a deep breath and gave thanks I am living in a time when medical help is available and accessible. The learning that has brought us to where we are now is astounding, when you stop to really think about it. The sheer amount of brilliance it takes to figure out how to help the body mitigate disease states on a molecular level is amazing. That we have any treatment options for a myriad of disease states at all is a miracle!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;It’s amazing how my worry dissolved when I looked at my situation from a different angle. I was sick, but I had options! &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;After I talked with my doctor about starting treatment, I left with a sense of relief and hope, and while I still was a little nervous to get started, I wasn’t scared like I previously had been. Instead, I was thankful for access to a doctor who was just as interested in helping me heal as I was.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I wish finding the right medication was quick and easy, but it wasn’t. It took a lot of trial, error and tears, but together we finally found a combination of medication and lifestyle management that works for me: It helped my body return to a normal level of functioning — and it made me feel so much better. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you’re a chronic disease patient, you probably feel a wide range of emotions about your diagnosis just like I did, and if you’re also hesitant to start a new-to-you therapy, I know how you feel. The complicated mix of anxiety and hope is a heavy burden to carry. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Try looking at it from a different angle. Don’t shy away from it, pretending it doesn’t exist (like I did in the very early days). Instead, take a deep breath and reflect on how far the practice of medicine has come. Then, look at your condition head on and sigh a prayer of thanks you live in a time in which doctors and treatment options are available to help you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Medicine might just be the miracle you’ve been waiting for, too.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/reluctant-to-start-a-new-treatment-remember-this.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/reluctant-to-start-a-new-treatment-remember-this.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=5fa67667-9d4d-4791-9f41-b7b752aab13c</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Support &amp; Encouragement</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=5fa67667-9d4d-4791-9f41-b7b752aab13c</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=5fa67667-9d4d-4791-9f41-b7b752aab13c</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/reluctant-to-start-a-new-treatment-remember-this.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=5fa67667-9d4d-4791-9f41-b7b752aab13c</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Navigating Motherhood with Chronic Illness</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Abbie Cornett, MBA&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage050924.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;As Mother's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting deeply on the intersection of my illness and motherhood. My journey as a mother has been uniquely shaped by the challenges of living with a chronic condition, and it's a topic close to my heart as we celebrate this special day.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Being a mother while coping with chronic illness has presented its share of difficulties. In the early years of motherhood, when my twins were just infants, I struggled with frequent sickness and overwhelming fatigue. I recall a particularly tough time when I had to set up a baby gate and sleep on the floor of their room because I was too unwell to do much else. Those moments were a stark reminder of the extra hurdles I faced as a mother with health issues.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;However, my diagnosis eventually became a turning point — a blessing in disguise. It led me to the treatment I needed and reshaped both my life and my ability to parent. After starting intravenous immune globulin therapy, I became healthy enough to expand our family further.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;One of the most important things I have learned over the years is that motherhood with chronic illness demands a delicate balance of prioritizing our well-being without compromising our love for our children. Learning to prioritize self-care and accepting help when needed has been essential. It's OK to ask for support and to take time for ourselves — it ultimately makes us better mothers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;To all the mothers navigating similar paths, especially as Mother's Day approaches, remember the following:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You are enough:&lt;/strong&gt; Chronic illness may present challenges, but your love and presence are what truly matter to your children.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Prioritize self-care:&lt;/strong&gt; Take time for yourself without guilt. Your well-being is vital to your family's well-being.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Lean on your support system:&lt;/strong&gt; Embrace the love and assistance offered by family and friends. You don't have to do it all alone.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Embrace empathy:&lt;/strong&gt; Use your experiences to connect with your child on a profound level. Your understanding is a source of immense comfort.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;p&gt;This Mother’s Day, let's celebrate the strength and resilience that define us as mothers. Our journey may be marked by challenges, but it's also illuminated by love, compassion and unwavering determination. Together, we can embrace the beauty of motherhood in all its forms — nurturing, advocating and cherishing every moment with our children.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;To all mothers, whether facing illness, supporting a child with a chronic illness or simply navigating parenthood's joys and trials — know that you are seen, appreciated and celebrated this Mother's Day.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-motherhood-with-chronic-illness.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-motherhood-with-chronic-illness.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=5aed8f1f-57c0-42c7-9ffd-0729fcbd172a</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Support &amp; Encouragement</category> <dc:publisher>acornett</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=5aed8f1f-57c0-42c7-9ffd-0729fcbd172a</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=5aed8f1f-57c0-42c7-9ffd-0729fcbd172a</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/navigating-motherhood-with-chronic-illness.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=5aed8f1f-57c0-42c7-9ffd-0729fcbd172a</wfw:commentRss> </item> <item> <title>Observing Earth Day with Chronic Illness: Four Points to Ponder</title> <description>&lt;p&gt;By Rachel Maier, MS&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="pic"&gt;&lt;img src="https://site.fffenterprises.com/rs/217-DHG-997/images/IGLBlogImage041824.jpg" alt="IG Living Blog Image" class="img-responsive" title="IG Living Blog Image"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Earth day is quickly approaching. Do you ever observe it? If not, why not?&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;I’ll be the first to admit it: Observing Earth Day isn’t always at the top of my springtime to-do list. Instead of motivating me to take better care of the environment, it usually makes me feel guilty that my day-to-day choices aren’t as earth friendly as they could be and obligated to spend my day purging my home of toxic products, stocking up on green alternatives, planting a dozen trees and spending hours picking up trash in the neighborhood park.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Who has the time and resources for all that — let alone the energy?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Earth Day activities can sure be demanding, but we all know we could do a little better job of stewarding the earth and its resources. Despite the obstacles chronic illness poses, everyone can do something to pitch in — even you! Here are four things to think about to help you decide where to spend your time and resources.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Pick Your Priorities&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Going green” can be expensive. It often takes more money than I’m willing to spend (or more than I have) to pay for the things that are marketed as more sustainable or earth-friendly options. Example: My family vehicle is paid off, but switching to an electric vehicle large enough to accommodate us all costs more than I’m willing to spend right now. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;However, back when my kids were still in diapers, I was willing to spend a little bit extra on diapers that were free of chlorine, chemicals, plastics, etc. The diapers were more expensive than the mainstream conventional version, but it turned out to be a win-win: They were easier on my babies’ sensitive skin and better for the environment.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Point to ponder&lt;/em&gt;: Ask yourself what matters to you right now. What is a hard no for you this season? What are you willing to spend a little bit extra money on? &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Use What You Have&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;My grandparents were born during the Great Depression, lived through privations of World War II and lived by the mantras of make do, less is more, use what you’ve got and don’t throw anything away. Their generation was going green before it was even cool!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I used to roll my eyes when my grandmother washed and dried empty butter containers so she could add them to her stash of food storage containers. In her mind, this was a perfectly natural decision. Unless the tubs were cracked and leaky, they were perfectly good and could (and should) be used again. My grandfather was the same way: He didn’t throw anything away unless it was truly trash, opting instead to repair what he already had. He even had a habit of picking up perfectly good, discarded furniture from the side of the road and taking it back to his shop to refurbish it. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;They made do with what they had.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;My grandparents weren’t hip or trendy, and their furnishings were painfully out of date, but they were always clean, presentable and comfortable, and their choices had a low impact on the environment. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;But in today’s world, there is a lot of pressure to buy the next big thing, often in the name of sustainability. Maybe buying shoes made from recycled plastic bottles are today’s trend, but do the shoes you already have still fit and function fine? Why not use them until they wear out, and then invest in the latest fad. (Otherwise, you’re just filling up the landfill with perfectly good shoes!) &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Point to ponder&lt;/em&gt;: Do you feel pressure to follow trends? What would it look like for you to only purchase items you really need? &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Conserve Your Own Energy&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you are dealing with a chronic illness, chances are your time and energy are very limited.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yes, there are all sorts of opportunities to volunteer your time on Earth Day, but if you don’t have the margin to join an hours-long community clean-up or tree-planting event this year, don’t spend your energy feeling bad about it. Instead, use the energy you do have to make a difference where you can. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Think about things that don’t take much effort, and commit to one or two. (A few ideas: Put up a clothesline and dry your laundry in the sun; have your kids or grandkids over to plant pollenating flowers or a tree in your backyard; make a jar of sun tea instead of brewing it on your stovetop. The list goes on when you get creative!)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Point to ponder&lt;/em&gt;: Your energy is a limited resource. How do you spend it? How can you creatively do the best you can with what you have? &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;It’s All About Your Mindset&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Guilt is a powerful motivator, but it’s terrible at making sustainable changes — and isn’t sustainability what Earth Day is all about?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Several years ago, I made many decisions out of guilt and tried to do way more than I could reasonably achieve. Guess what happened? None of the changes I tried to implement stuck. In those days, one of my most trusted mentors gave me some of the best advice I ever received. She said, “Give yourself a big fat break!” &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Maybe you need to do that, too. Let this blog post give you the permission you need to let yourself off the hook for saving the world while you’re struggling to take care of yourself. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yes, learn and implement little ways you can contribute to cleaning up and caring for the environment. But don’t put the fate of the world on your shoulders. The weight of that is too much for you to carry. Remember that your little bit consistently practiced can and will go a long way. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Point to ponder&lt;/em&gt;: What motivates you to make changes? Remember that the condition of your heart is more important than the size of your contribution. Doing big things out of guilt are less valuable than small things done with care.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;20 Easy Ideas to Reduce, Reuse or Recycle&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Making big changes or participating in major community workdays might not be realistic for you this year, and that’s OK. The best way you can make a meaningful difference is to think about your life and realistic small, consistent changes you can implement over time. Here are some ideas to get you started:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul style="margin-top: 2px;"&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Borrow books from the library instead of buying them new.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Designate a “no shopping” day once per week. Take a break from Amazon! &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Choose to package and ship your items in larger bundles and wait an extra day or two to receive them.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Use reusable shopping bags at the grocery store.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Swap paper-based kitchen products for reusable washable dish cloths, napkins and plates.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Pick up trash on your daily walk.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Plant pollinator plants in your yard.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Grow your own herbs.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Invest in a rain barrel; use the water you collect to water your plants.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Sign up for electronic versions of important documents instead of receiving paper copies.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Learn how to darn socks and sew on patches.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Turn off lights when not in use.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Walk kids to and from school.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Financially support environmental organizations that matter to you.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Choose one or two fair trade items and spend your money on them instead of the cheaper, less sustainable options you typically buy.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Hit thrift stores or consignment stores first to find something preowned. Online thrift stores such as ThredUp work too!&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Give away or trade hand-me-downs when older kids outgrow their clothes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Participate in and shop at garage sales in your neighborhood.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Fix broken or damaged items before you replace them with a newer version.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="margin-left: 30px"&gt;Take a reusable cup to your favorite coffee shop.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br&gt; &lt;h3&gt;Make Earth Day Every Day&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;These ideas barely scratch the surface of ways you can positively impact the earth; the opportunities are endless!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Earth Day is a great time to think about how to be a better steward of the environment and natural resources, but it doesn’t have to stop there. You can make it Earth Day every day by thinking before you act and choosing products and services that are a little bit better for everyone. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Remember: You don’t have to go “all in” and do everything perfectly all at once. Small changes over time add up! What small change will you make today?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br&gt;</description> <link>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/observing-earth-day-with-chronic-illness-four-points-to-ponder.aspx</link> <comments>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/observing-earth-day-with-chronic-illness-four-points-to-ponder.aspx#comment</comments> <guid>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=9c2e513c-0ec2-4c7e-a280-55a5ec4030b1</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate> <category>Life With IG</category> <category>Support &amp; Encouragement</category> <dc:publisher>Rachel Maier</dc:publisher> <pingback:server>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/pingback.axd</pingback:server> <pingback:target>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post.aspx?id=9c2e513c-0ec2-4c7e-a280-55a5ec4030b1</pingback:target> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <trackback:ping>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/trackback.axd?id=9c2e513c-0ec2-4c7e-a280-55a5ec4030b1</trackback:ping> <wfw:comment>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/post/observing-earth-day-with-chronic-illness-four-points-to-ponder.aspx#comment</wfw:comment> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.igliving.com/BlogEngine/syndication.axd?post=9c2e513c-0ec2-4c7e-a280-55a5ec4030b1</wfw:commentRss> </item> </channel> </rss>