Welcome to the monthly eNewsletter of the
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
Digestive Health Monthly - July 2018
As we look forward to raising national awareness for Gastroparesis Awareness Month in August, it makes sense to highlight some of the ways IFFGD and the digestive health community are raising awareness for all those affected by a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Awareness days, weeks, and months, like Gastroparesis Awareness Month, provide the people and communities affected by these conditions a special opportunity to focus public attention on their needs and make their voices heard by the media, policymakers and regulators in the government, and others who can act as champions for their cause.

Join us this month in taking a look at some of the ways that you can raise awareness and make your voice heard.
10 Tips to Reduce Your Nighttime GERD Symptoms
Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at least once a week. And, up to 4 in 5 individuals with GERD experience nighttime symptoms. Nighttime reflux is associated with more aggressive symptoms of GERD and can greatly impact quality of life.

Find 10 tips for reducing your symptoms and improving your sleep.
Meet Hayley
IFFGD welcomes new Operations Associate
IFFGD is thrilled to welcome Hayley to our team.

Hayley joins the IFFGD team as an Operations Associate and Patient Advocate. Hayley is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where she received a BA in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in African, African American, and Diaspora Studies while playing on UNC's Division I volleyball team.

At IFFGD, Hayley will work directly with the Director of Operations to assist in the management of daily operations and facilitation of IFFGD projects. Hayley looks forward to being able to support, educate, and passionately advocate in her new role at IFFGD.
The FDA Wants to Hear From You
Share your experiences with chronic pain
Earlier this month, IFFGD President, Ceciel Rooker, attended a public meeting hosted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to learn more about the perspectives of people living with chronic pain.

Chronic pain often accompanies life with a GI disorder. If you are affected by chronic pain, the FDA wants to hear from you. We encourage you to share the impact pain has had on you, your views on treatment approaches, and the challenges or barriers you have faced accessing treatments

Share your comments with the FDA
CELAH Celebrates 10 Years of Service to the Latino Community
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Center for Latino Health (CELAH), a grant-funded program to improve the care Latino patients receive at UNC, bolster community advocacy, and support research into health issues affecting this population.

CELAH Program Manager and IFFGD Patient Advisory Committee member, Claudia, reflects on 10 years of serving the health needs of the Latino community of central North Carolina and how her experiences as a patient have helped shape her relationship to the Latino patient community.

Start a Fundraiser to Raise Awareness
Raise awareness in your community by fundraising for GI research
Millions of people of all ages and walks of life are affected by a chronic GI condition. Yet public awareness of the burden posed and the needs of those affected is limited.

One way you can raise awareness and provide your family and friends with a way to support something important to you is by starting a fundraiser with IFFGD. The money you fundraise goes to fund research aimed at broadening our understanding of GI disorders and their treatment.

Learn how you can raise money for GI research
Gastroparesis Awareness, Coast to Coast
Melissa shares a community-driven campaign to raise awareness
To raise awareness of how patients, their loved ones, and others can raise awareness of gastroparesis, IFFGD is highlighting active voices in the community throughout the month of August.

We're starting with gastroparesis advocate and IFFGD Patient Advisory Committee member, Melissa. Here, Melissa shares how she is raising awareness through a community-driven campaign to establish official proclamations for Gastroparesis Awareness Month in cities and states across the nation.

New Cosponsor from the "Centennial State"
Congressman Ed Perlmutter signs onto HR 1187
This month Congressman Ed Perlmutter demonstrated his commitment to all those affected by a chronic GI disorder in the 7th district of Colorado and across the US by cosponsoring The Functional GI & Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act (HR 1187). HR 1187 seeks to advance scientific understanding of these often-misunderstood and under-recognized conditions by encouraging and bolstering research.

Learn how you can ensure your House Member of Congress supports this important legislation.
IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
IFFGD | 414-964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org