Welcome to the monthly eNewsletter of the
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)

Digestive Health Monthly - July 2016

 
As we look forward to recognizing Gastroparesis Awareness Month in just a few days it makes sense to focus the conversation on awareness. While we tend to think of awareness as the precursor to advocacy, raising public awareness in itself is critical to advancing research and improving the lives of all individuals affected by a chronic digestive condition. The more we spread the word and talk openly about conditions such as gastroparesis, the greater our ability to make connections with people who can benefit from our support as well as policy makers and regulators who can act as champions for our community.

Take a look at how IFFGD and the digestive health community are raising awareness and taking action on behalf of all those affected by a functional gastrointestinal or motility disorder.  
Statement Introduced Recognizing Gastroparesis Awareness Month  
 
On July 12, 2016 Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) introduced an official statement for the record on behalf of the millions of Americans affected by gastroparesis recognizing August as Gastroparesis Awareness Month. We are grateful to Senator Baldwin for taking a stand on on this important health issue.

Read her full remarks here.  
Rome IV Released at DDW 2016   
   
This May the Rome Foundation, a nonprofit professional organization, unveiled the fourth edition of their comprehensive diagnostic criteria for functional digestive conditions at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in San Diego.

The Rome Foundation has played a pivotal role in creating diagnostic criteria and contributing to the discovery and application of new knowledge in the field of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Rome IV is a collection of the knowledge accumulated since Rome III was published 10 years ago.

Read more about Rome IV here.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. During this month IFFGD works to focus attention on important messages about gastroparesis diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. The goals of this awareness event include improving understanding of gastroparesis to help patients and families manage the condition and encouraging preventative strategies.

Find out how you can get involved in raising awareness for gastroparesis here. 
5 New Cosponsors for HR 2311 

After hearing from their constituents last month, the Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act (HR 2311) received 5 new cosponsors:
  • David Joyce (OH-14)
  • Sean Duffy (WI-7)
  • Eliot Engel (NY-16)
  • Mark Pocan (WI-2)
  • Ron Kind (WI-3)
Thank you to everyone who has taken action for this critical legislation. To learn more about HR 2311 and to find out how to advocate click here.
IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders.


IFFGD | (414) 964-1799 | [email protected] | www.iffgd.org  | www.dha.org
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