Category Archives: Men’s Health

Brown Note: Helping People with IBD Find Hope and Support With Andrew Giffin — About IBD Podcast Episode 204

Amber Tresca talks with Andrew Giffin, a product manager in Toronto who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 19 after years of symptoms in high school. Andrew shares his experience navigating three major surgeries, adjusting his career path away from law enforcement, and learning to manage stress as part of living with a chronic illness. He also discusses developing apps, including Brown Note, a free, anonymous peer-support app for people with digestive diseases. Brown Note was inspired by his own feelings of isolation while preparing for his third surgery and is available on Apple, Android, and the web.

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How To Stay Active With IBD Featuring Sean Lochran - About IBD Podcast Episode 187

How To Stay Active With IBD Featuring Sean Lochran – About IBD Podcast Episode 187

Sean Lochran, who lives with IBD and an ileostomy, describes his IBD journey, including complications such as blood clots and adrenal insufficiency. Sean shares advice for staying active on difficult days, including the importance of personalization, hydration, and tracking health data. He debunks misconceptions about exercise with IBD or an ostomy and describes his client-centered approach to fitness coaching, grounded in empathy and lived experience.

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Getting Outdoors With IBD Featuring Jonathan Stewart of EverGreen Adventures - About IBD Podcast Episode 176

Getting Outdoors With IBD Featuring Jonathan Stewart of EverGreen Adventures – About IBD Podcast Episode 176

Jonathan Stewart, co-founder of Evergreen Adventures, a nonprofit focused on connecting the chronic illness community with outdoor activities, shares his journey with type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and sarcoidosis. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of staying active despite health challenges, describes the need for planning outdoor adventures, and encourages everyone to find joy in nature, no matter the circumstances.

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Tips on Navigating Hernia Surgery

How to Navigate Hernia Surgery

Insights from About IBD Episode 166

My husband, Mike, and I recorded a deeply personal and informative discussion about Mike’s journey with a hernia diagnosis and subsequent robotic surgery. This episode offers insights for anyone facing a similar situation, including the importance of preparation, support, and self-advocacy. Below are the key takeaways from our conversation.

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Navigating Hernia Surgery Featuring Mike Tresca - About IBD Podcast Episode 166

Navigating Hernia Surgery Featuring Mike Tresca – About IBD Podcast Episode 166

Amber is joined by her husband, Mike, who recently underwent robotic hernia surgery. In this candid conversation, they explore the entire experience—from the initial discovery of the hernia to the surgery itself and the recovery process that followed. Mike shares his insights on the challenges he faced, including unexpected pain, dietary adjustments, and the importance of having a supportive caregiver. They also discuss the nuances of patient-provider communication and how to navigate the complexities of post-surgery life. Whether you’re considering surgery or simply curious about the process, this episode offers valuable lessons and firsthand experiences that might resonate with you.

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About IBD Episode 154 - Men's Health and IBD

Men’s Health and IBD – About IBD Podcast Episode 154

There tend to be more women than men who share their journey with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). The reasons are challenging to uncover, but what’s clear is that more can be done to raise the visibility of men living with an IBD, ostomy, or other digestive condition. My guest is Jordan William Henry Aggen, otherwise known as Crohn’s Trooper. Jordan emphasizes the importance of open communication, pre-planning, and finding support from friends, family, and social media to cope with the disease.


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About IBD Podcast Episode 120 - Don’t Google Your Symptoms With CJ Papuro

About IBD Podcast Episode 120 – Don’t Google Your Symptoms With CJ Papuro

There aren’t as many men who are vocal in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) space as there are women. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect men as often as they do women, but fewer men seem comfortable being public about their disease.

That’s why Carlos “CJ” Cabrera, who also goes by CJ Papuro, entered the IBD community after his diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. He gives an overview of how difficult it was to be diagnosed as a US veteran using the Veterans Health Administration, his struggles with finding his way with nutrition, the ways in which IBD has affected him as a man, and his advice for other men.

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About IBD Podcasts Featuring Men's Voices

Men’s Health on About IBD Podcast

Men face particular challenges when it comes to their health. Looking at health statistics in the United States, men are less likely to have health insurance than women. They’re also more likely to have high blood pressure, smoke, and drink alcohol. Men also see a doctor less often than women. There are a variety of reasons for these disparities but the end result is that men might face more health problems.

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