Stop Smoking With Crohn's
If you smoke, one of the best things you can do for your Crohn's disease -- and your health in general -- is to kick the habit. Not only does smoking increase the chance of developing Crohn's in the first place, but the more you smoke, the greater your risk for flares.
An added bonus of quitting is that you'll lower your odds of getting cancer, heart disease, and the dozens of other dangerous conditions that are linked to smoking.
Get Support for Crohn's
Having a disease like Crohn's can be extremely isolating. "It's really easy to feel alone in your battle and in your struggle with it," Noyes says.
"I think it's important for people to understand that they're not alone, there are other people who have these diseases," Korzenik says.
One of the best ways to relieve some of the seclusion is to take part in a Crohn's disease support group, where you can share experiences with people who've gone through the exact same challenges. To learn about support groups in your area, contact the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Staying Flare-Free With Crohn's
Taking medication and redesigning his diet have helped Noyes get a good handle on his Crohn's disease. He's been flare-free since his 2007 surgery, which has allowed him to focus on other things -- like touring and recording a second album with his new band, Honor Society.
Having lived with Crohn's for several years, Noyes has learned a lot, including that laughter really is the best medicine. He says humor has gotten him through some of the lowest points in his disease.
"When I was really going through a tough stretch with the Crohn's right before my surgery, I was going to the emergency room on probably a weekly basis. My mom would take me to the emergency room and we would joke that it was 'date night,'" Noyes remembers. "If you can't laugh at the situation, it can become overwhelming."
