How to Harness AI for Good Featuring Michael Tresca
About IBD
02/24/26
•47m
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized in healthcare for many purposes. Patients are wondering how they can safely and effectively use AI tools to educate themselves and to manage their health. Amber and guest Michael Tresca discuss what AI is, how it works, and why skepticism and source verification are essential. They highlight practical, lower-risk ways patients might use AI, such as organizing personal health data, drafting appointment questions, and explaining medical terms. The emphasis is on ongoing education, privacy concerns, responsible use, and the importance of "trust but verify" when using AI for critical health decisions without professional input.
Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD196
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Timestamps:
- 00:05 — Introduction and Guest Welcome
- 01:20 — Recap of Previous Episode and Relationship Disclosure
- 02:16 — Defining AI and Common Misconceptions
- 04:14 — AI in Clinical and Patient Use
- 05:11 — AI in Everyday Search and Unintentional Use
- 06:39 — AI Hallucinations: What They Are and Why They Happen
- 10:13 — Importance of AI Showing Its Work and Sources
- 10:58 — Challenges in Understanding AI's Reasoning
- 14:33 — AI Training Data and Source Reliability
- 15:31 — Risks of Outdated or Inaccurate Health Information
- 21:35 — AI's Responsibility in Providing Answers
- 23:13 — Tolerance for Error and Regulation in AI
- 24:02 — Transition to Patient Use Cases
- 24:19 — Using AI to Organize Medical Information
- 26:23 — Drafting Questions for Appointments with AI
- 27:19 — Tracking Symptoms or Diet with AI
- 28:22 — AI for Coping with Brain Fog or Fatigue
- 31:10 — Listener Feedback: Avoiding AI
- 32:31 — Listener Feedback: Privacy, Data Breaches, and Environmental Concerns
- 34:45 — Listener Feedback: Worry About Errors
- 36:29 — Listener Feedback: Using AI for Definitions and Basic Research
- 37:24 — Listener Feedback: Using AI to Explain Test Results
- 40:31 — Listener Feedback: Healthcare Providers Using AI for Notetaking
- 43:30 — Ethics of Recording Medical Visits
- 44:42 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- 46:25 — Outro and Credits
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Previous Episode
The bedroom can be a place of anxiety for people of all genders living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). How can you boost your confidence and deepen your connection with your partner while living with IBD? Dr. Stacy Friedman is a clinical sexologist and intimacy coach living with ulcerative colitis. She explains how IBD affects intimacy, body image, dating, and relationships. Dr. Stacy shares her personal experiences and professional advice, with a focus on communication, trust, and how to know if a partner will be supportive. In this episode, we talk about why intimacy is more than sex and give tips about how to manage challenges. Dr. Stacy also encourages listeners to seek out support and embrace connection in the ways that work for them. Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD195 Get Dr Stacy's book "Confessions & Lessons of a Sexpert: The Ultimate Guide to Intimacy and Better Sex" Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction and Episode Overview 03:10 — Dr. Stacy's IBD Journey 05:30 — Sex and Intimacy Coaching Explained 07:44 — Body Image and IBD 09:59 — Fear, Embarrassment, and Communication 12:26 — Intimacy Beyond Sex 14:32 — Communication and Relationship Dynamics 17:18 — Trust and Emotional Safety in Relationships 17:49 — Embracing Unpredictability 20:38 — Disclosing IBD or Ostomy to Partners 22:53 — Personal Stories of Disclosure 25:12 — Sex Coach vs. Sex Therapist 27:09 — Who Benefits from Sex Coaching 28:51 — Getting Started with Sex Coaching 30:43 — Changing Mindsets About Intimacy 31:32 — What to Expect from Coaching Sessions 33:37 — Resources and The Purple Passion Project 35:13 — Pelvic Floor Therapy and Additional Support 36:54 — Closing Remarks and Appreciation 38:01 — Outro and Credits Key Topics
- Impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on intimacy and relationships
- Personal experiences of living with ulcerative colitis
- Effects of IBD on mental health and body image
- Communication and trust in relationships for individuals with IBD
- Navigating dating and intimacy challenges related to IBD
- Importance of open discussions about medical conditions with partners
- Strategies for building supportive and understanding relationships
- Redefining intimacy beyond sexual intercourse
- Role of sex coaching versus sex therapy in addressing intimacy issues
- Resources and support available for individuals seeking to improve intimacy and relationships while managing IBD
- Web: DrStacyFriedman.com
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- Spotify: Purple Passion Project
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- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell: Verywell Health
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Next Episode
The Insidious Reasons Why IBD Destroys Sleep
March 10
•17m
Everyone needs sleep, but so many of us struggle to get enough. People living with IBD know that a good night's sleep can feel like a distant dream, whether it's pain, urgent bathroom trips, or racing thoughts keeping you up. But why exactly does IBD disrupt our sleep even during remission? And what is your sleep telling you about the risks of a flare-up?
Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD197
Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Host Background 01:32 IBD and Sleep: The Problem 03:00 Why Sleep Matters for IBD 04:14 Defining Sleep Disturbance in IBD 05:23 Inflammation's Role in Sleep Disruption 07:08 Wearables and Sleep Research in IBD 08:29 Mental Health, Pain, and Medication Effects 11:06 Why Prioritizing Sleep is Crucial 12:30 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 14:57 Communicating Sleep Issues and Seeking Support 16:12 Episode Wrap-Up and Resources 16:20 Credits and OutroMore Information on Sleep:
- Alien: How IBD Inspired an Iconic Movie:
- 10 Tips to Get More Sleep
- Talking to Your Doctor About Sleep
- I Am So Tired
- Have You Tried Yoga? – An IBD Community Poll
- A Meditation Journey – Week 1
- Struggling to Sleep? These 11 Foods Could Help You Rest Better
- 13 Foods to Eat Instead of Taking Melatonin for Better Sleep
- The Best Time to Eat Dinner for Better Digestion and Sleep
Sources:
- Su XY, Wang YN, Huang YH, Dai C. The sleep quality and its association with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. doi:10.17235/reed.2025.11305/2025.
- Zhang JZ, Song XZ, Song XN, Shen YL, Tang H, Li H. Prevalence and risk factors of sleep disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2024;39(1):140. doi:10.1007/s00384-024-04712-w.
- Chaemsupaphan T, Pimolsri C, Subdee N, et al. Poor sleep quality is common and independently associated with disease activity and poor quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: a long-term follow-up study. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2025;18:17562848241311142. doi:10.1177/17562848241311142.
- Kuzoian S, Jerson B, Brimacombe M, Schneeberg L, Hyams JS. Sleep tracking and sleep hygiene counseling improve fatigue in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025;81(1):62-68. doi:10.1002/jpn3.70066.
- Xu TY, Zhang Y, Zhao SL. Association of Poor Sleep Quality With Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Dig Dis. 2024;25(11-12):664-673. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.13328.
Find Amber J Tresca at:
- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell Health: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
- Twitter: @aboutIBD
- Pinterest: @aboutibd
- Instagram: @about_IBD
- YouTube: @AboutIBD
- https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd
Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
- Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
- Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
- YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
- Web: Cooney Studio
- Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
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