Healthy & free! CLAIRE'S CROHN'S CONTROL
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|July 23, 2023
The Shortland Street star wants sufferers to know it’s not a life sentence
Wendyl Nissen
Healthy & free! CLAIRE'S CROHN'S CONTROL

Actor Claire Chitham knows a lot about keeping well. She shares her wellness journey with the Weekly.

You were diagnosed with Crohn's disease. How has that affected your life?

I don't say I have Crohn's disease any longer because I have not had it since I was 25. The reason I make that clarification is for people who have Crohn's disease to understand that it's not a life sentence. I was hospitalised with my Crohn's when I was 21 and on Shorty. I had a lot to live for because I was doing the thing I loved. The idea that could be taken away from me made my lioness come out. That drive is what got me to where I am today - healthy and free from Crohn's disease.

How have you learnt to live with this disease and prevent relapses?

The hard stuff was done between the ages of 18 and 25, and what I learned at an early age is to genuinely prioritise my own health at all times. Once I healed my body, that feeling of not being in pain, feeling healthy, strong and having loads of energy was amazing. It became easier for me to make that my priority. I never want to feel that bad again.

You have a successful, busy life. Does stress play a part in your wellness and how do you manage that?

Stress is unavoidable. I sometimes get little skin rashes that tell me I'm out of balance or inflamed. On a practical level, I will cut sugars, alcohol and dairy to try calm my system. Then I tend to need to get outside, put my feet in the sand, get in the ocean and walk in nature.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 23, 2023 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 23, 2023 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLY مشاهدة الكل
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024