I’m happy to say that our guest for February is Jennifer Davia. Jenn spoke with our group a couple of years ago and described safe ways to exercise with an ostomy and avoid hernias. She started her career working with spinal injury patients, and is now passionate about women’s health physical therapy. We will meet with her at Longmont United Hospital on February 6th, 1:00 pm, in the DaVinci Room.

Mike Okada, from Native Roots, spoke at the Crohns & Colitis support group meeting in Ft Collins in November. At that meeting he shared this article that compared measurements on a variety of CBD products. The bottom line: most products do not deliver what they advertise, but some come close. In the world of CBD it’s buyer beware, unless you know where the product is coming from.

I subscribe to a number of newsletters from other support groups around the country. Recently there was an article from the Ostomy Association of North Central Oklahoma by their President, Bob Baumel. Bob did an analysis on Trends in Ostomy and Continent Diversion Surgery. This in-depth article notes the current trends in ostomy surgery (temporary ostomies are up, permanent colostomies are down), the populations for each surgery, and the total numbers of ostomy surgeries. These trends are really interesting and support the anecdotal comments that surgeons are resistant to recommending permanent ostomies.

The UOAA has released a new nutrition guide, Eating with an Ostomy. It is currently available only online, but the printed version is expected soon. The guide is expanded with lots of new information including Registered Dietitians and Short Bowel Syndrome. There are also online links for the Emergency Blockage Card and a Food Reference Chart.

In January, we were introduced to the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC). This advocacy group offers multiple training classes in advocacy, grassroots organizing, Legislative Lobbying, benefit systems and more. Courses are available in-person on the DU Campus or online, and scholarships are available. We often forget about taking care of ourselves, and this may be a way to learn about options to improve our lives or the lives of our loved ones.

This is an image I captured from the newsletter of the Ostomy Group of Greater Chicago. I thought it described accessories really well.

AND FINALLY ——– THE NEW OSTOMY CLINIC AT LUH!!!