LIVING WITH
CROHN'S DISEASE
(CD)
Explore ways to stay informed and supported in your day-to-day life.
Select a topic below to see resources that are available to you.
WELLNESS
Explore practical ways to manage stress and support your overall well-being.
Start your 30-day wellness challenge
Find strength, knowledge, and support one day at a time. This 30-day challenge is designed to guide and empower you with daily tools for self-care and reflection.
Guided journaling
Engaging in self-reflection about your emotional well-being may help you process your experiences. Contact a Nurse Navigator to request a journal that you can use throughout your treatment.* Available 8am–8pm ET, Monday–Friday.
Reflecting on your progress
If you're new to CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol), this guided reflection can help you think about where you are in your treatment experience and where you'd like to go.
Nurse Navigators do not provide medical advice and will refer you to your healthcare professional for any treatment-related questions.
Coping with emotional concerns
Anxiety and depression are common among people living with a chronic condition like CD. Stress can impact your symptoms, so it’s important to have a plan for when feelings of stress or anxiety arise. To help manage these feelings, you can try:
Reaching out to your support system. Stay in touch with family and friends, and be open with your care team.
Practicing mindful exercises. Regular meditation or yoga is a great way to clear your head. You can also try deep breathing exercises, which are known to help calm the body.
Setting priorities and realistic goals. Don't take on too much and instead prioritize one or two tasks per week. Try focusing on goals that are within reach.
To get moving. Physical exercises such as a brisk walk, scenic run, or long bike ride are great ways to get your body moving and to help you stay healthy and clear your mind.
Reflecting on past challenges you've experienced may help you navigate where you're going.
Use this guided reflection to check in with yourself and make a plan for moving forward.
SMART goals
Break down your goals using the SMART method to stay focused, realistic, and empowered.
The Headspace app
Headspace is a mindfulness and meditation app offering guided sessions to support relaxation, focus, and emotional balance.
Coping exercise: 5-5-5 breathing
Calm your mind and body in moments of stress using this simple breathing exercise:
INHALE 5 seconds
HOLD YOUR BREATH 5 seconds
EXHALE 5 seconds
REPEAT
NUTRITION
Discover how smart food choices can support your health and treatment goals.
The role of nutrition in managing Crohn's disease (CD)
After being diagnosed with CD, many people change their diet in an attempt to reduce their symptoms and lengthen the time between flares.
Diet/nutrition facts
- Some of the most commonly avoided foods include spicy foods, milk and dairy products, fried foods, and alcoholic beverages
- Soluble fibers found in oatmeal, legumes, fruits, and vegetables can help with your body’s digestion
- Studies have shown that people with a condition like CD have diets high in processed foods (sugars, red meat, and animal fat), which can lead to flares
- To help avoid the risk of malnutrition and nutrient deficiency, speaking to a dietitian may help plan your diet while avoiding unnecessary restrictions that can negatively impact you
Tips for success in using food labels
Learn how to read the food labels on the back of foods and beverages to understand how they fit your personal dietary needs.
Tracking your diet and symptoms
Track what you eat and your symptoms to find possible patterns with foods that trigger your symptoms.
GETTING ACTIVE
Learn the benefits of physical activity and how to move your body in ways that work for you.
Getting active
Physical activity has been shown to improve the immune system's response, improve mental health, and help increase muscle mass and strength.
Physical activity facts
- According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you should try to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity and 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity a week
Exercise and mobility videos
Looking for some simple exercises to get more active? Watch the videos below, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation, to learn movements and stretches to help you get going.
Side-Bend Stretch
Stretches your lower back and side muscles (obliques).
Shoulder Blade Stretch
Helps stretch out your back and open up your chest.
March
A range-of-motion exercise that also provides some cardio.
Sit-to-Stands
Helps work muscles used to rise out of a seated position.
Hamstring Stretch
Stretch your hamstrings out from a standing or seated position.
Leg Lifts
From a seated position, safely work a major muscle used for walking.
TREATMENT TOOLS
Get the support you need with tools and tips that make managing your treatment easier.
Discussing treatment with your healthcare team
Track your symptom experience so your healthcare team can better support your treatment goals.
Tracking your progress
To help evaluate your symptoms when starting CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol), keep tabs on how you’re feeling at each of your initial doses.
SMART goals
Break down your goals using the SMART method to stay focused, realistic, and empowered.
Sharps disposal containers
Safely dispose of used CIMZIA injectors using this FDA-approved container. Contact your Nurse Navigator to learn more.* Available 8am–8pm ET, Monday–Friday.
Nurse Navigators do not provide medical advice and will refer you to your healthcare professional for any treatment-related questions.
Traveling with CIMZIA
From proper storage for your injection devices to getting through the airport, get helpful tips for staying on track with your treatment while traveling. Call your Nurse Navigator for more information at 1-844-822-6877, available 8am–8pm ET, Monday–Friday.*
*Nurse Navigators do not provide medical advice and will refer you to your healthcare professional for any treatment-related questions.
Have a trip coming up? Download the Travel Checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
COMMUNITY
Find guides and tips for connecting with those close to you and organizations that support your condition.
The power of community
Whether it’s opening up to those closest to you or connecting with others who understand your condition, community can offer understanding, encouragement, and helpful support along the way.
Talking to family and friends about your condition
Learn tips for speaking with loved ones about your condition and any help you may need.
Patient associations
When it comes to living with Crohn’s disease (CD), you are not alone. There are organizations that offer resources, education, and support as you treat your condition:
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
Offers support through advocacy, education programs, and support services through local chapters.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Aims to educate patients and healthcare professionals while promoting research on digestive health.
Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Provides support for Black, Indigenous, and people of color with an irritable bowel disease.
Connecting to Cure Crohn’s and Colitis (CtoC)
Seeks to build a strong, supportive community, raise public awareness, and fund critical research.
