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

Digestive Health Monthly - September 2016

 
September is back-to-school time for many children and teens. While this time of year brings excitement and new opportunities, for children with a functional gastrointestinal (GI) or motility disorder, it can also bring up situations that cause stress and anxiety. This month we are taking a look at digestive disorders affecting kids and teens and strategies that parents and family members can use to help the child manage their symptoms and get back to living.  

Managing School-Related Issues   

Functional GI and motility disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS), are chronic conditions that affect people of all ages, including children and teens. Balancing school-related demands with one of these disorders can be especially challenging.

If your child has been diagnosed with a functional GI or motility disorder, here are some rules of thumb for navigating this exciting, yet challenging, time of year. 
September is National Pain Awareness Month
   
Chronic pain is associated with many functional GI and motility disorders and contributes to the considerable burden experienced by those affected and their families. It is important to talk about your pain and the stress it causes with your physician or other trusted healthcare provider to come up with a plan to minimize the effects of your pain on your daily life.

Click here for strategies to help you manage your chronic pain.

Helping Children Get Enough 
Sleep

Troubled sleep is recognized as a common  problem for children with chronic pain conditions, including functional GI and motility disorders. Sleep problems have been found in up to 45% of children with functional GI conditions. 

Click here for 6 simple tips to improve sleep quality in children (and adults). 
Share Your Story 

For a parent of a child with a functional GI or motility disorder, trying to maintain normality in the face of your child's painful and often debilitating symptoms can be an isolating experience. Sharing your story with other parents of children with chronic digestive conditions can be therapeutic for you as well as others. 

Check out stories from parents about their journey and share yours here. 

IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide comprehensive information and support to those affected by functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders.


IFFGD | (414) 964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org
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