| How to Buy and Store Fresh Pineapple Posted: 30 Jul 2016 05:00 PM PDT Because pineapple does not continue to ripen after being harvested, it's important to know how to choose a ripe one. Once you've mastered identifying the signs of ripeness and avoiding deterioration, you may want to store your pineapple to enjoy later. There are a number of methods to store your fruit depending on how long you want it to last. EditSelecting a Pineapple - Know what you're looking for. When choosing a pineapple, there are two qualifications that you should keep in mind: ripeness and deterioration. Ripeness is the measure of whether or not the fruit is ready to eat, while deterioration measures if the fruit has begun to break down.[1]
- Ripeness is indicated by the yellow gold color present on the skin of the pineapple.
- Deterioration is indicated by a wrinkling of the skin.
- Evaluate the coloring of the pineapple skin. The skin should be vibrant greens and yellows with no white or browned areas. Depending on the variety of the pineapple, the coloring should be more yellow than green.[2]
- The yellow-gold color should be present at least around the eyes of the fruit as well as around the base.
- While a pineapple can feasibly be ripe while fully green, there is very little way to know for sure that it is, so purchasing a fully green pineapple is risky.
- The higher up the pineapple the yellow-gold reaches, the more evenly flavored the pineapple.
- Feel the pineapple to see if it is ripe. If the coloring of the pineapple fits the ideal description, that doesn't guarantee that it's ripe. In order to be certain, you should feel the consistency and yield of the skin.[3]
- Gently squeeze the fruit. It should be firm but the skin should give slightly.
- There should be no indented or squishy spots. A good pineapple that is ripe and juicy will feel heavy.
- Check the size of the eyes from the top to the bottom. They should all be similar in size and color and be free from mold. The eyes can be some of the stronger indicators as to whether or not the pineapple is ripe and sweet.[4]
- Choose the pineapple with the largest eyes. The size of the eyes indicates how long the pineapple was left to ripen on the branch.
- Look for a pineapple with flat eyes. Flat eyes can indicate the sweetness of the fruit.
- Smell and listen to your pineapple. While the odor and sound of a pineapple are not necessarily strong indicators of its ripeness alone, in the presence of other indicators they can help you choose the best one.
- The smell of the pineapple should be sweet, but if it is too sweet and almost has a hint of alcohol, then it is beyond it's freshness.
- A ripe fruit will have a dull, solid sound. Unripe fruits will sound hallow.
- Look out for deterioration. Although you are looking for a fruit that has had enough time to fully ripen, you also need to look out for one that has spent too much time since being pulled from the branch. Once a pineapple begins to show signs of deterioration, it is considered over-ripe and is no longer a good choice.[5]
- A deteriorating pineapple will exhibit wrinkled skin and feel soft to the touch.
- Look for leaks or cracks in the fruit, both are strong signs of deterioration.
- The leaves of a deteriorating pineapple will appear brown and stiff.
EditStoring a Pineapple for a Short Time - Store the pineapple on your counter. Pineapples do not need to be refrigerated for the first few days you have them at home. In fact, if you intend to eat your pineapple within a day or two of purchasing it, feel free to just store it on your counter.
- Keep an eye on your pineapple to make sure it doesn't begin to exhibit signs of deterioration as it sits.
- It is recommended that you purchase your pineapple on the same day you intend to eat it so as to avoid deterioration.
- Refrigerate your pineapple whole. If you would like to prolong the life of your pineapple for a few more days, you can keep it in your refrigerator. Remember, pineapples do not have a significant shelf life even when refrigerated so it is recommended that you eat your pineapple within 3-5 days even when using this method.[6]
- Wrap the pineapple in plastic before placing it in the refrigerator.
- Check the pineapple each day for signs of deterioration.
- Refrigerate sliced pineapple. You can prolong the life of your pineapple by another day or two beyond simply refrigerating it by slicing it first. It can be more difficult to know if your pineapple has begun to deteriorate once it is sliced, so it is recommended that you eat the pineapple within 6 days of purchase even using this method.[7]
- Use a serrated knife to cut off the top of the pineapple off, then slice off each of the sides.
- Once you have the outer portion of the pineapple removed, slice it to a width of your liking, then use a cookie cutter or knife to remove the core from the center of the slices.
- Store your pineapple slices in an airtight container like Tupperware to maximize its lifespan.
EditStoring a Pineapple for Extended Periods of Time - Freeze fresh pineapple for long-term storage. You can prolong the life of your pineapple for as much as 12 months by freezing it. You will need to remove the skin and the core of the pineapple first.[8]
- Once the skin and core are removed from the pineapple, store it in an airtight container like Tupperware.
- Leave a small amount of air in the container with the pineapple.
- Use a dehydrator to dry pineapple for storage. If you happen to have a dehydrator, you can prepare and store your pineapple nearly indefinitely! Dehydrating removes the moisture from the pineapple and makes it a bit more like pineapple "chips" but with all the same nutritional value. [9]
- Use a sharp knife to peel, core and slice your pineapple. Make sure your slices are consistently about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick.
- Place in your dehydrator according to the manufacturer's recommendation or at 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) until the fruit reaches a leathery state but is not sticky.
- It may take 12-18 hours to be fully dehydrated.
- Can or jar your pineapple. The last possible method to storing your pineapple for an extended period of time is canning. Canning or jarring your pineapple can prolong its life for a year or more, but it is not recommended to store it for longer than a year to be safe.[10]
- Once again, slice and core your pineapple by cutting off the top and skins. This time, cutting the pineapple into chunks instead of slices may make it easier to can.
- You will need to boil your pineapple in a "packing" solution to occupy the additional space in the can and keep it moisturized. You can use apple juice, white grape juice or light to medium "canning syrup" you can buy at some specialty grocery stores.[11]
- After boiling the pineapple in the packing solution, fill your jars, leaving an inch or so of open space at the top.
- Place the lids on the jars finger tight, then place it (or however many you have) in a pot with water approximately 1-2 inches taller than the top of the jar or can.
- Boil the jars for 25 minutes for a pint jar, 30 minutes for quarts. After removing them, the air will have been evacuated and the pineapple will be good to store.
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| How to Give a "Fade" Haircut to Males Posted: 30 Jul 2016 09:00 AM PDT A "Fade", "Faded", or "Flat Top" haircut is one that is very short on the bottom and progressively gets longer towards the top of the head. Whether you want to save some money on haircuts, or are interested in cutting hair, you can learn to do a fade cut easily with the right tools and a bit of practice. EditCutting the Hair - Get the hair damp. Before you start cutting hair, spray it down so that you can easily mold and cut the hair. Then grab a comb and part the hair.
- the part in your hair. While the hair is moist, find the part and comb the hair, styling it into the general shape that you want to end up with.
- Take a towel and pat down the hair again to dry it slightly. Then comb again, remaking the part.
- Knowing where the hair will be parted is important because you may have to blend the shorter side a little more than the longer side depending on the style.
- Choose the right guard size for the fade line.[1] A lower guard size means a shorter cut. Pick a higher guard number to start with like a #3.
- You can use a higher number to get an even shave around the sides and back of the head as a baseline.
- To get the fade look you will switch to shorter guards as you move down. But by starting with the larger guard size you can easily get an even fade.
- You will shave the entire sides and back of the hair with your first guard, and then repeat with a lower guard, moving part way down the head, leaving the top the length you just cut.
- Decide where you want the fade line(s). The fade line will determine where the hair transitions from one length to another. It will wrap all the way around the back of the head, essentially going from ear to ear.
- Fade lines don't have to go straight across in the back. In fact, some fade lines dip slightly around the back of the head, then return to the original line before reaching the other ear.
- You can have more than one fade line. Start with one on your first cut; as you get more confident, dry doing two.
- Where you position the fade line is a matter of personal taste. You can put it anywhere from slightly above the top of the ear to above that.
- Move the clippers vertically as you begin to shave the hair. Just like shaving your face, the general rule of thumb is to shave in the opposite direction that the hair grows.[2] Start at the sideburns and move towards the back of the head.
- If you are cutting a fade, but leaving the hair long on the top, you may have to pin the hair up so that it stays out of the way and you don't accidentally cut it.
- Move your clippers in an up and down motion and don't be afraid to apply a bit of pressure to ensure that your clippers are getting all the hair.
- Move the clippers sideways across the fade line. This doesn't mean turning the clippers horizontally though, keep them vertical. Remember that the fade line is where the hair transitions from one length to the next.
- Hold the clippers in your hand so that your thumb is over the top, with your other fingers beneath. Move your wrist in a "flicking" motion upward.
- To make the fade lines disappear and give the hair a consistent transition, you want to angle the clippers so that only the bottom third or quarter of the blade is actually touching the head at the fade line.
- The portion of the blade, the teeth, that isn't touching the head will still cut the hair, but at a "natural" fade angle.
- Keep a steady hand, and move in small sections. The slower you go and the more precise you are, the better the cut will look, and you won't spend a lot of time at the end cleaning up uneven spots.
- Push the clippers forward a bit on uneven spots to make sure the blades are catching the hair.
- To cut behind the ears, pull the top of the ear down and cut straight up starting at the spot where the ear connects to the head. You may have to cut at an angle to get the hair behind the ear.
- Switch guards to continue fading the hair. Once you've got the base cut around the sides and back of the head, it's time to switch to your next guard. If you Started with a #3, switch to a #2.
- Repeat the same shaving technique as before, starting at the bottom and moving up.
- Don't go all the way to the top. To get an even fade you'll want to pick a spot where your next fade line will be. This will vary from person to person, but your second fade line should be above the ear.
- Depending on how much of a fade you want, you may have to switch guards again and repeat the process, shaving the lower portion of the head with a #1.
- Clean up the fade line with the clippers-over-comb method. Start to clean up the fade by grabbing a regular comb. (Use a white comb for dark hair, and a dark comb for light hair.) Angle the comb so that it's at a 45-degree angle to the fade line and comb upward toward the top of the head, only moving the comb an inch or two into the hair. Run the clippers upward over the comb, from the fade line, so that they cut the hair that's above the teeth.
- Repeat this process around the fade line(s), taking care to keep your combing distance the same all the way around.
- If done correctly, you should have a nice even fade with no visible fade lines. The hair should gradually get shorter as it gets closer to the base of the skull.
- Cut the top of the hair. Either use scissors if you want to keep the hair long, or a higher guard if you want a buzzed look. For something like a quiff, pompadour, or messy top, you'll use scissors; while a caesar, or crew might need clippers.[3]
- [cut with scissors], use a comb or your fingers and pull the hair up, cutting above the fingers or comb a little at a time.
- Take into account the angle at which you are cutting. For a fade look with longer hair on top you will want to cut the hair at an angle as you move towards the back of the head to blend it, avoiding the bowl cut look.
EditMaking the Final Touches - Shave the bottom of the hair with a beard trimmer or unguarded clippers. Now you want to make sure that fade has a distinct ending point at the base of the head and bottoms of the sideburns. Take your trimmer or clippers and shave any remaining hair away.
- You may not need do this to the sideburns if the person whose hair you are cutting has facial hair connecting to the sideburns.
- Shave down the base of the neck and up a little ways on the lowest fade to make sure that the hair is evened out.
- Blur out any remnants of the visible line using your clippers. Look for any patches where the hair is uneven now and make sure to go over them again to clean them up.
- You may have to position your clippers at a bit of an angle to get any stragglers and even out the fade.
- Clean up the base of the neck. Now that your bottom fade line is established, cut the hair beneath it. Make sure you get the sections at the bottom of the neck that have thinner longer hairs.
- Clean up the edges using a straight razor or the trimmer to make sure the edges of the cut are clean, as well as removing any neck hair.
- If you are using a straight razor, apply shaving cream to the area you are about to cut, then pad with a warm damp towel.
- Brush off any loose hairs and style the top with a pomade or gel for a finished look.
EditGetting the Right Equipment and Prepping - Get a set of professional-grade clippers. Clippers can get expensive, but in order to ensure that you get a consistent fade you'll need clippers that are powerful and reliable. A great pair of clippers will make all the difference.[4]
- Some popular and highly rated clippers are:
- Oster Classic 76 Clipper w/ 2 Blades.
- Wahl Senior clippers.
- Andis Master clippers.
- Make sure the clippers come with at least 5 different guard sizes.
- It's also a good idea to purchase a professional trimmer, which is used to line sideburns and clean up the areas around the ears, neck and forehead. Ask your barber where he purchases his, or look around online.
- Clean your clipper blades. Even if you have new clippers, you should make sure that they are clean before oiling them. Your clipper set should come with a cleaning solution, but if you don't have a cleaning solution you can use distilled white vinegar.
- Make sure your clippers are unplugged and remove the blades.
- If you have a solution, spray the solution over your blades and let it sit before wiping off.
- If you are using distilled white vinegar, put the blades to soak for a few minutes in a solution of vinegar.
- Avoid washing your clippers with soap and water as this can cause your blades to rust.
- Oil the blades before use. Read the instructions that come with your clippers to see if you need to remove the blades for oiling, or if you can simply point them toward the bottom of a sink and drop oil onto them. After you've applied oil to the blades, wipe off any excess with a soft, dry cloth.
- When oiling your clippers, you should make sure that you've brushed off any excess hair that might be in the blades.
- Turn your clippers on and drip the oil onto the blades, allowing the moving blades to become saturated.
- Run the blades for about 20 seconds.
- Thoroughly wipe the blades down, making sure that the tops of your blades are dry so hair doesn't stick.
- Do not worry if your first fade cut doesn't look perfect. It's a technique that requires experience and practice.
- You can do an easy fade by using three different guards. The first guard would be the longest (higher the number, more of the hair left), cut the whole head with this guard. The second guard would be the shortest, choose the fade line, but still go slightly beneath that. The third guard will be the medium size, this will help it blend, start a little lower than your fade line and go slightly above it. No more straight hard lines!
- If you've never done this cut before, ask your barber to explain to you what he is doing when he cuts your hair the next time and ask for tips. It's ok to be upfront and tell him that your friends ask you to cut their hair, or that you may want to keep your fade intact in between trips to him.
- If you create a line or a "mushroom" cut - with extremely visible fade lines - visit a barber to fix it.
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| How to Recognize the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Posted: 30 Jul 2016 01:00 AM PDT Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general term used to identify chronic inflammation of all or part of the digestive tract.[1] Inflammatory Bowel Disease primarily refers to Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. The condition is characterized by symptoms including severe abdominal pain. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is debilitating for many people and can also be life-threatening if not properly treated.[2] Because IBD is so serious, it's important to recognize the symptoms of the disease and see your doctor to confirm a diagnosis. She can then develop a treatment plan to help you manage the disease. EditIdentifying the Symptoms of IBD - Be aware of your risk for IBD. The exact cause of IBD isn't known, but doctors know that certain factors may aggravate but not cause the disease. Being aware of your risk for this disease can help you recognize it and get a diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.[3]
- Most people are diagnosed with IBD before the age of 30, but others may not develop the disease until they are in their 50s or 60s.[4]
- Caucasians, especially Ashkenazi Jews, are at the highest risk of IBD, but it can occur in any race.[5]
- If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has IBD you are at higher risk for developing the disease.[6]
- Cigarette smoking significantly increases your risk of developing Crohn's Disease.[7]
- Using certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac sodium, can increase your risk of developing IBD or worsen the disease if you already have it.[8]
- Environmental factors, such as living in an urban area or northern climates and eating a diet high in fat and refined foods, may increase your risk of developing IBD.[9]
- Recognize symptoms of Crohn's Disease. Although Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis may have similar symptoms, they still differ slightly. Recognizing the symptoms of Crohn's Disease can help you get a diagnosis from your doctor and take steps to manage the disease in your everyday life. Not all patients have severe symptoms, so it is important to be aware of the various ways that Crohn's disease can present.
- You may experience persistent diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, fever, and occasional blood in your stool.[10]
- Loss of appetite and weight loss may also occur with Crohn's Disease. It can also affect your joints, eyes, skin, and liver.[11]
- The most common complication of Crohn's Disease is intestinal blockage as a result of swelling and scar tissue. Symptoms of blockage, such as cramping pain, vomiting, and bloating, may be present. You may also develop fistulas as a result of sores or ulcers in the intestinal tract.[12]
- People with Crohn's Disease are at a higher risk of colon cancer and need to be screened more often than the general population.[13]
- Recognize symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Although ulcerative colitis may have similar symptoms to Crohn's Disease, it is nevertheless slightly different. Recognizing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can help you get a diagnosis from your doctor and take steps to manage the disease in your everyday life.
- Typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis are frequent bloody stools, cramping abdominal pain, and severe urgency to have a bowel movement or diarrhea.[14]
- Loss of appetite and weight loss are common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. You may also experience fatigue and abdominal bloating.[15]
- Most people with ulcerative colitis will have mild symptoms, though others can have severe cramping, fever, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.[16]
- Severe bleeding can lead to anemia in ulcerative colitis patients. They may also have skin lesions, join pain, liver disorders, and eye inflammation.[17]
- People with ulcerative colitis are at a higher risk of colon cancer and, like people with Crohn's disease, need to be screened regularly.[18]
- Observe your bodily functions closely. It's important to pay attention to your body and bodily functions for any symptoms of IBD. These signs, such as diarrhea or fever, can indicate the disease, especially if they don't go away.
- Watch your bowel movements for frequent diarrhea or the need to quickly evacuate your bowels.[19]
- Check the toilet tissue or toilet bowl for signs of blood before you flush.
- Watch your underwear or towels for signs of rectal bleeding or bowel leakage.
- Many people with IBD have a persistent low-grade fever and may also experience night sweats.[20]
- Some women may experience a loss of their normal menstrual cycle.[21]
- Evaluate your appetite and weight. Consider if you have experienced a recent, prolonged loss of appetite or unintended weight loss, especially in conjunction with other symptoms of IBD. These may be clear signs that you're suffering from IBD and should see a doctor.[22]
- The loss of appetite may be a result of abdominal pain and cramping and inflammation. This can lead to unintended weight loss.[23]
- Pay attention to aches and pains. Inflammatory Bowel Disease can present itself with severe or chronic pain in the abdomen and may even cause joint pain. If you have prolonged stomachaches or pain in the joints that is not related to other conditions or physical activity, you may have this symptom as a result of IBD.
- You may have general abdominal pain or cramping with IBD.[24]
- There may also be abdominal bloating accompanied by pain or cramping.[25]
- Aches and pains from IBD may present themselves in other parts of your body as well. Watch for pain in your joints or eye inflammation.[26]
- Examine your skin. Examine your skin to notice changes in your overall complexion or skin texture, such as red bumps, ulcers, or rashes. These could indicate IBD, especially if experienced in conjunction with other symptoms.
- Some skin lesions can turn into fistulas, which are infected tunnels that develop in the skin.[27]
EditGetting Medical Diagnosis and Treatment - See your doctor. If you discover any of the signs or symptoms of IBD and/or are at risk for the disease, see your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is important to help treat and manage the disease.
- Your doctor may diagnose IBD only after she rules out other possible causes for your symptoms.[28]
- Your doctor may use a variety of tests to help diagnose IBD.[29]
- Get tests and a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that you have IBD, she may order tests after conducting your physical exam and ruling out other causes. These tests are the only way to confirm a diagnosis of IBD.
- Your doctor may order a blood test to check for anemia, which is a common side effect of IBD. The blood tests may also determine if you have any signs of infection, bacteria, or viruses in your system.[30]
- Your doctor may order a stool sample called a fecal occult blood test that checks for hidden blood in your stool.[31]
- Your doctor may order an endoscopic procedure, such as a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy, to examine your intestines. In these procedures, a small camera is inserted into some portion of your gastrointestinal tract. If the doctor sees areas that are inflamed or abnormal, she will take biopsies. These are especially important in making the diagnosis.[32]
- Your doctor may also order an imaging procedure, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or and MRI. These will help your doctor examine the tissues of your gastrointestinal tract and see if there are any complications of IBD, such as a perforated colon.[33]
- Get treatment for IBD. If your doctor confirms a diagnosis of IBD with tests, she will prescribe a course of treatment based the severity of the disease. There are many different treatment and management options for IBD.
- Treatment for IBD revolves around reducing the inflammation that triggers the symptoms of the disease. There is no cure for IBD.[34]
- Treatment for IBD generally involves drug therapy or surgery; most people with Crohn's Disease will have to have some surgery during their lifetime.[35]
- Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as aminosalicylates or corticosteroids, to help relieve IBD short term. These drugs can cause side effects such as night sweats, insomnia, hyperactivity, and development of excessive facial hair.[36]
- Some doctors may prescribe immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine, infliximab, or methotrexate.[37]
- Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin to help control or prevent infection.[38]
- Get surgery for IBD. In cases where medication and lifestyle changes don't help IBD, your doctor may elect to do surgery to help manage the disease. Surgery is a last resort treatment and can have some unpleasant side effects that are not particularly long lasting.[39]
- Surgery for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease involves removing parts of the gastrointestinal tract.[40]
- You may have to wear a colostomy bag to collect bowel movements following surgery. It may be a difficult adjustment to living with a colostomy bag, but you can still lead a full and active life.[41]
- Almost one half of people suffering from Crohn's will require surgery, but it will not cure the disease.[42]A total colostomy can cure the GI aspects of ulcerative colitis, though it will not cure the systemic symptoms of the disease (uveitis, arthritis, etc.)
EditTrying Natural Treatments - Change your eating and nutritional habits. There is some evidence that changing your diet and taking nutritional supplements can help manage the symptoms of IBD. Your doctor may suggest changing your eating and nutritional habits along with other medical therapies.[43]
- Your doctor may suggest a feeding tube or nutrient injections to help your bowel rest and reduce inflammation.[44]
- Your doctor may also suggest a low-residue diet of foods that will not cause a blockage in your bowel.[45] Low-residue foods, which are low in fiber include yogurt, creamy soups, refined white breads and pastas, and crackers. You'll want to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grain products.[46]
- Your doctor may also suggest taking iron, calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B-12 supplements to help replace nutrients lost as a result of the symptoms of IBD.[47]
- Eating small meals that are low in fat and not high in fiber may help with the symptoms of IBD.[48]
- Drinking plenty of liquids can help alleviate the symptoms of IBD. Water is the most optimal choice to help keep you hydrated.[49]
- Consider trying alternative therapies. While most haven't shown much benefit, they have had positive results for some. Talk with a doctor before trying any herbal or alternative therapies.
- Recent studies have shown that alternative therapies such as consuming more soluble fiber or probiotics, drinking peppermint oil teas, or trying hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective at helping some patients minimize the symptoms of IBD.[50]
- Alter your lifestyle habits. Making changes to your lifestyle habits can help manage your IBD. From quitting smoking to avoiding stress, these changes may help alleviate your symptoms.[51]
- Smoking may make Crohn's Disease worse, and those who smoke are more likely to have relapses and need repeat surgeries.[52]
- Reducing stress may also help alleviate the symptoms of IBD. You can reduce stress through regular relaxation and breathing exercises or meditation.[53]
- Regular and even gentle exercise will not only help reduce stress, but may also help normalize bowel function. Speak to your doctor about the best type of exercise to manage your IBD.[54]
EditUnderstanding IBD - Learn about IBD. Since IBD is an umbrella term for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, it's important to know the difference between these similar diseases. This may help you more effectively recognize any symptoms of the disease and get timely treatment.[55]
- Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast to ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease mostly affects the end of the small bowel, or ileum, and the beginning of the colon, though it may appear anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus.[56]
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's are both abnormal immune responses, but each of them affects a different site. Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation in the colon and the development of open sores or ulcers in the colon.[57] While Crohn's Disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis only affects the colon.[58]
- Join a support group or see a therapist. IBD can be an extremely devastating disease for you and your loved ones. Joining a support group of IBD patients or speaking to other doctors or a therapist can help you understand and manage the disease.[59]
- The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America offers many tools on its website, including stories of others afflicted with IBD. You can also find a support group using their site at http://www.ccfa.org.
- Your prognosis may vary depending on which type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease you have, just as symptoms may vary from person to person. Despite the frustration and pain that comes with these conditions, many people with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases lead healthy, active lives with professional management of their condition and its related symptoms.
- Do not attempt to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease without the help of a health specialist. It is important to follow the guidance of a health professional familiar with gastrointestinal ailments and the related treatments for your condition or symptoms.
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