Author Archives: Amber

Instagram Giveaway

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I’m giving away 3 copies of “Up and Adam: A Patient’s Experience on Winning with IBD” by Adam Finkelstein.

“Up and Adam” is a book for kids and parents who are touched by IBD. The book depicts a relatable role model for young (pediatric) patients so they know they are not alone. As a child, Adam did not realize that having IBD was unique, and so he did not feel different from other kids. Adam gives practical tips and tricks for families to manage the ups and downs of IBD with emotional resilience.

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About IBD Podcast Cover Episode 130 - Up and Adam A Patient's Experience on Winning with IBD - Adam Finkelstein

About IBD Podcast Episode 130 – Up and Adam: A Patient’s Experience on Winning with IBD

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Is it possible for kids to look at their touchpoints with medical care as empowering experiences? Adam Finkelstein, a medical student and author, shared his experiences of living with IBD from a young age, and how he coped with surgeries and doctor’s appointments as a child. Adam provides tips for helping kids develop positive associations with going to the doctor, which include building trust with healthcare professionals, being honest about what to expect during appointments, and creating a comfortable environment for kids. Adam’s book, “Up and Adam,” is a resource for children with IBD and their families. 

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About IBD Podcast Survey

About IBD Podcast Survey

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This short survey focused on About IBD Podcast will help me make content that resonates with you!

AIBD Podcast 129 Cover - Living with IBD How Caitlin McGinnis, LCSW Supports Mental Health

Living with IBD: How Caitlin McGinnis, LCSW Supports Mental Health

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AIBD Podcast Episode 129

Caitlin McGinnis, LCSW was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 22 and had her entire colon removed. This experience prompted her to become a social worker and specialize in providing mental health support for patients with various digestive health issues. Through her own experiences and connecting with support groups, Caitlin has learned the importance of creating communities, bringing awareness, and being a source of support for those going through similar struggles. She strives to provide her patients with the support she did not have when she was diagnosed.

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About IBD - Unexpected Things to Buy With Your FSA

Unexpected Things to Buy With Your FSA

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For some people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis), yearly healthcare costs are exorbitant. This is true for myself, as there are yearly tests, check ups, and medications that insurance doesn’t fully cover.

For this reason, I’ve been using the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program for many years. The FSA program is offered through an employer, similar to insurance plans. Every year, either as an individual or as a family, you decide on a dollar amount that will be automatically pulled from your paycheck and placed into a holding account.

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Episode 128 - About IBD Podcast Episode Cover

About IBD Podcast Episode 128 – CDPATH: A Prognostic Tool for Crohn’s Disease

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Are we getting close to predicting how Crohn’s disease might change over time? Dr. Corey Siegel, co-director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Jessica Caron, a patient key opinion leader who lives with Crohn’s, discuss a prognostic tool called CDPATH. This tool may help patient and healthcare providers understand how the disease may change over the next few years, and better inform a discussion of treatment options.

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About IBD - Community Poll Watching Food Videos While Fasting

Community Poll: Watching Food Videos While Fasting

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People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are no strangers to fasting prior to procedures. Or, in some cases, to manage symptoms. How people cope with this time ranges from not wanting food anywhere near to them to binging cooking shows. But why?

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About IBD Podcast Episode 127 - The Plant-Based Crohn’s and Colitis Cookbook With Helena Murphy

About IBD Podcast Episode 127 – The Plant-Based Crohn’s and Colitis Cookbook

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For years we were told that diet doesn’t matter in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We know now that diet is important in IBD. What’s still not clear is how we should be thinking about it in terms of management. Helena Murphy is a photographer, yoga teacher, and Crohn’s disease patient who brought her skills and experience to writing a book entitled, “The Plant-Based Crohn’s and Colitis Cookbook.” She shares her secret to publishing her book, as well as how her life has changed since being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

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AIBD Episode 126 - Pelvic Health With Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC

About IBD Podcast Episode 126 – Pelvic Health With Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC

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Caring for pelvic health is important for people of all genders who live with an inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Dr. Amanda Olson, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy and is the President and Chief Clinical Officer for Intimate Rose, has dedicated her professional life to helping people improve their pelvic health. Learn more about pelvic therapy and how she has developed resources and tools to help people living with all types of conditions.

Find Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC at:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

Episode transcript and more information at: https:/bit.ly/AIBD126

These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Can You Stop Your Medication? - An IBD Community Poll

Can You Stop Your Medication? – An IBD Community Poll

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Many inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients receive medication. Which drugs, in what dosage and their combination, is individualized.

Almost everyone would probably prefer to not take any medications at all. However, IBD is complicated to treat, and there is potential for serious complications with untreated Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. 

Still, there are some patients who want to discontinue their IBD medications. And this might be a valid goal — if they can get into deep remission.

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