To help reduce the feeling of isolation experienced by those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada has launched an iPhone and Android application, Can’t Wait, designed to help people find the public bathroom closest to them in a hurry.

According to a written statement, more than 200,000 Canadians live with IBD. there is no cure, no known cause, and little public understanding of the pain, chronic suffering and isolation experienced by those diagnosed. A recent survey of Canadians living with IBD by the foundation found that most sufferers stay home when their disease is active because of the lack of public bathroom access. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue and diarrhea.

The Can’t Wait application uses GPS to track the user’s location and point to the closest bathroom; and it allows users to add bathrooms to share with the Can’t Wait community. It’s available as a free download through iTunes, by searching for Can’t Wait.

A web-based version of Can’t Wait is also available at cantwait.ca, which allows users to search for a specific location in Canada and find public bathrooms either en route or close by. Users can also link to both versions through ccfc.ca.

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