Do not miss this free ulcerative colitis forum when it is held in your community.
April 7, 2008, On the Road Again: a Forum for UC Learning was held at Fernbank Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. The forum featured a variety of ulcerative colitis experts with every minute packed with information, interaction, learning, and fun. Free food and goodies were an added perk.
This is undoubtedly the best organized and most conducive learning environment related to ulcerative colitis I have attended, to date. I think it is important that you know about the Atlanta event, so that if you or someone you know has ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease you will attend this forum when it is in your area. This ulcerative colitis forum helps you better understand the disease, empowers you with tools to promote better nutrition and healthier living, teaches you to locate or build your own online IBD support group, helps you navigate the difficult road of communication with others about UC, and provides you the opportunity to interact with others who have ulcerative colitis.
The Atlanta ulcerative colitis forum was attended by UC patients, family and friends from all over metro-Atlanta and beyond. The audience was welcomed professionally, treated to a healthy meal, and made to feel comfortable by Seth Ginsburg, of TGI Healthworks. The interactive program featured speakers, Q & A time, and non-threatening audience participation.
Speakers at On the Road Again, in Atlanta, included Marla C. Dubinsky, MD, who spoke about ulcerative colitis, current treatments, promising new treatments, and current research. I found Dr. Dubinsky clear, informative, and approachable. Among the most important things she did was help define what it really means to be in remission versus how patients perceive remission. Dr. Dubinsky promoted open communication and full disclosure with your doctor.
She explained that IBD patients shouldn’t have to live with constant flare-ups. A simple audience survey, taken via remote audience control responders, revealed that about ¼ of the audience suffered more ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s flare-ups than they reported to their physician. According to Dr. Dubinsky, a survey taken among physicians indicated they thought patients experienced about 3 flare-ups per year. According to broader surveys the average is around 8 UC flares per year with many patients experiencing 12 or more each year.
The most empowering information that Dr. Dubinsky shared was that it was not acceptable to live with uncontrolled ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s flare-ups. Dr. Dubinsky emphasized the importance of notifying your doctor of all flare-ups, taking medications as directed, and becoming your own advocate in the treatment of the disease.
Tracie Dalessandro, MS, RD, CDN, spoke about the impact of diet and nutrition on ulcerative colitis. She dispelled common myths related to diet and UC, shared information about foods that are more or less likely to trigger a flare-up, and shared her own inspirational story of coming to terms with ulcerative colitis. Tracie Dalessandro talked about the importance of diet and faith and hope as you take back control of your life from an IBD. Among Dalessandro’s parting words, “IBD does NOT define who you are.”
Thanks to Shire Pharmaceuticals participants were given a copy of Tracie Dalessandro’s book, What to Eat with IBD. Ms. Dalessandro also held a Q & A session following her presentation and was available after the event to speak with Crohn’s and colitis patients.
Once the audience was armed with information, Pete Dannenfelser shared ideas about how to find online support groups, communities, and informational networks which deal with ulcerative colitis. Mr. Dannenfelser shared how the anonymity of online support groups often opens pathways to discussions. Specific online resources for IBD patients provided by Mr. Dannenfelser include the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, On the Road Again, My IBD , and UC and Crohn’s. Pete Dannenfelser reminded the audience to verify new information found online with your physician.
There could have been no better conclusion to the On the Road forum than Laurie Ferguson, PhD. Doctor Ferguson addressed an issue from which many ulcerative colitis patients shy away, “The UC Mindset.” Her address included the importance of communication, deciding with whom one should discuss their disease, dealing with UC on the job, and the patient’s attitude. Dr. Ferguson addressed the importance of preparing your mind so that ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s doesn’t control your life.
This is just a glimpse at the information gained from On the Road Again: A Forum for UC Learning. You will only gain the full benefit of the live ulcerative colitis forum by attending. The event is free, and the forum addresses issues common with both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s.
You may check the Road to UC Learning for future dates and events and to register online.
Upcoming events include:
Chicago – 4/14/08
6:30pm Hyde Park JCC
5200 South Hyde Park Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60615
312-281-2915
Philadelphia – 4/30/2008
6:30PM
JCC’s Klein Branch
10100 Jamison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19116
215-207-9374
