New Podcast Series from Abbott for People Living with Crohn's Disease

24-7 - As part of its ongoing commitment to the Crohn's disease community, Abbott today launched a series of podcasts addressing relevant issues for people with Crohn's disease. Crohn's Casts: Speaking from the Gut shares insights and tips from top health professionals regarding diet and nutrition, the emotional impact of the disease and its effect on relationships. Each Crohn's Cast also includes a first-hand account from a person living with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease is a serious, chronic gastrointestinal condition affecting an estimated half a million Americans. People with Crohn's disease suffer from symptoms like severe stomach pain and frequent, persistent diarrhea. Most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, Crohn's disease impacts not just a person's physical health but also can affect their lifestyle and emotional health. More information can be found at http://www.CrohnsOnline.com.

About 'Crohn's Casts: Speaking from the Gut'
The six-part podcast series focuses on key issues for people with Crohn's: diet and nutrition, emotional impact, and relationships. Visit http://www.CrohnsCasts.com to download and/or play each podcast.

Diet/nutrition:
• "Food: Friend or Foe?" features gastroenterologist Dr. David Rubin addressing the relationship between diet and Crohn's. Registered dietitian Tracie Dalessandro talks about some common food concerns.
• In "Enjoying Eating," Dalessandro shares tips for healthy eating, and Crohn's patient and professional chef Baron provides ideas for flavorful, Crohn's-friendly food.

Emotional Impact:
• It is estimated that up to one-third of individuals with a serious medical condition experience symptoms of depression. Clinical psychologist and Crohn's patient Dr. Amy Trachter joins Dr. Rubin in "Understanding the Mind-Gut Connection" to address how to spot signs of depression and what to do if you have depressive feelings.
• In "Coping with Crohn's," Dr. Trachter suggests tips for coping with the disease, and Crohn's patient Debra discusses her battle with Crohn's and depression -- and how she found solutions.

Relationships:
• In "Dating Dilemmas," Dr. Trachter gives pointers for navigating relationships. Jessica, a college student with Crohn's, shares how her disease affected her personal relationships and what she did to overcome those issues.
• "For Better or For Worse" includes married couple Bert and Heather talking candidly about how Crohn's affected their marriage and young family. Dr. Trachter stresses the importance of communication for couples.

Dates & Episodes:
The first two Crohn's Cast episodes are available now. Visit http://www.CrohnsCasts.com to listen to the podcasts and sign up to receive e-mail alerts as new episodes become available.

• August 6, 2008 - Food: Friend or Foe? and Enjoying Eating
• August 20, 2008 - Understanding the Mind-Gut Connection
• September 3, 2008 - Coping with Crohn's
• September 17, 2008 - Dating Dilemmas
• October 1, 2008 - For Better or For Worse

Who's Speaking From The Gut:
Dr. David Rubin - Gastroenterologist University of Chicago Medical Center
Tracie M. Dalessandro - Registered dietitian, American Dietetic Association
Dr. Amy Trachter - Licensed clinical psychologist
Baron - Chef living with Crohn's disease
Debra - Woman living with Crohn's disease
Bert and Heather - Married couple affected by the challenges of Bert's disease
Jessica - College student living with Crohn's disease

About Crohn's Online
Crohn's Online is a Web site developed by Abbott as a resource for people with Crohn's disease. In addition to general information about Crohn's disease, visitors will find information on how to manage Crohn's, including tips for traveling, managing stress and choosing the right diet. Visitors can also sign up to receive a free book that covers a wide range of topics, from diagnosis and treatment to diet and lifestyle.

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