Disease
Carrie Johnson-- Competing in the Olympics with Crohn's Disease
By
Jul 18, 2008 - 9:47:03 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - The first kayaker to qualify for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team will be headed for Beijing, China with more than just her competitors to worry about. Carrie Johnson is also managing Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract affecting an estimated 500,000 people in the U.S.

In 2003, Johnson was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after she was unable to hold down food and lost 20 pounds in 30 days. She also had difficulty maintaining the energy level needed for training as a world class athlete. Despite this obstacle, Johnson was selected and competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and was a source of inspiration to Americans everywhere after finishing in 10th place during the competition.

Today, she is increasing awareness of Crohn’s disease through the Crohn’s & Me Web site (www.CrohnsAndMe.com), an educational site for people whose lives are affected by the condition. Johnson is proving that Crohn’s disease patients can live beyond the boundaries of the disease.

About Crohn’s Disease

· People with Crohn’s disease may suffer all of their lives, experiencing an ongoing cycle of “flare-up” and remission.

· Crohn’s disease usually affects people between the ages of 15 and 35 and tends to run in families

· Most common symptoms reported by Crohn’s patients include:

Persistent or recurrent diarrhea
Fatigue
Painful stomach cramps
Flare-ups

Johnson is now helping others with Crohn’s disease understand that “they are not alone and don’t have to be embarrassed by the disease.” www.CrohnsAndMe.com

www.HealthNewsDigest.com



© Copyright by HealthNewsDigest.com