Risk
factors include: 1) age (most people are diagnosed
in their 20s - 30s), 2)
race or ethnicity (Caucasians have the highest risk, but IBD can occur
in any
race; there's an even higher risk if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent), 3) family history (risk is higher if a
close relative has the disease), 4) cigarette smoking (the most important controllable risk
factor for developing CD), 5) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (includes ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin IB, others], naproxen sodium [Aleve], diclofenac sodium [Voltaren], and others), and 6) where you live (you are more likely to develop IBD if you live
in an industrialized country).
The presidential campaign could be a major
factor in several
close congressional
races and
in the fight for control of the state Senate, where Republicans have control with the help of one Democrat who meets with them.