Released on: August 7, 2008, 12:36 pm

Press Release Author: Abbott Laboratories

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: \'Crohn\'s Casts\' offer insights from experts and people with
Crohn\'s

Press Release Body: Abbott Park, Illinois (NYSE: ABT) - 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 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 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 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.

About Abbott
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the
discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical
products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more
than 68,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott\'s news releases and other information are available on the company\'s Web site
at www.abbott.com.

Related Links
Abbott
Crohn\'s Online
Crohn\'s Casts: Speaking from the Gut
Dr. David Rubin
Dr. Amy Trachter

Crohn\'s and Colitis Foundation of America
The American College of Gastroenterology
American Gastroenterological Association
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


Web Site: http://www.CrohnsCasts.com

Contact Details: Angela Fraser
200 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 233-1310