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Because Digestive Health Matters

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders November 2024 eNewsletter

December is Constipation Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a condition that affects millions of people every day, but is often kept behind closed doors. Chronic constipation affects up to 20% of adults and 16% of children in the United States alone.


While constipation is a common issue, many suffer in silence, unsure of how to manage their symptoms or where to seek help. Our goal this month is to break the stigma surrounding digestive health, provide valuable resources, and encourage open conversations about what so many people experience. Whether you're dealing with constipation or supporting a loved one, this month offers a chance to learn, share, and advocate for better understanding and care.


Throughout Constipation Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing helpful tips, information and resources, and personal stories to shed light on the importance of digestive wellness. We want to empower everyone to recognize the signs of constipation, seek professional advice when needed, and embrace healthier habits that can make a real difference. 


Together, we can help reduce the stigma around constipation, raise awareness of its impact on daily life, and encourage more people to take proactive steps toward a healthier gut. Join us by using #ConstipationAwarenessMonth and #ConstipationRelief on social media.

Beyond Better

We are excited to announce the launch of our new YouTube series- Beyond Better. These patient-focused videos will cover various topics relating to Constipation Awareness Month, showcasing these discussions through the lens of how to better communicate with your health care provider.


The five videos will be released throughout the month of December to complement our Constipation Awareness Month material. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on the latest release.

Constipation Awareness Month Toolkit

During Constipation Awareness Month, we're excited to offer a comprehensive Media Toolkit to help raise awareness about this common yet often overlooked condition. Our toolkit includes educational resources, social media graphics, and tips on how you can help spread the word about the importance of digestive health. 


By sharing these materials, you can help us empower others to seek support, share their experiences, and break the stigma around constipation. Download the toolkit today and join us in raising awareness!


Click the button below to learn more.

Constipation Awareness Month Toolkit

Opioid-Induced Constipation Awareness Day


Opioid-Induced Constipation Awareness Day falls on December 5th this year. It is aimed at highlighting the often-overlooked side effect of opioid pain management—constipation. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) affects millions of people who rely on prescription opioids for pain relief, and it can significantly impact quality of life. 


On this day, we raise awareness about the challenges of OIC, encourage open discussions between patients and healthcare providers, and emphasize the importance of seeking proper treatment. Despite being a common side effect, OIC is often under-diagnosed and untreated, leading to unnecessary discomfort and distress. 


Resources like OIC Awareness Day provide education about the condition, along with potential treatment options to manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes. By bringing attention to OIC, we hope to ensure that individuals living with chronic pain can manage their condition more effectively and with fewer unpleasant side effects.

Opioid-Induced Constipation Awareness Day

5 Minutes in GI

This month’s edition of ‘5 Minutes in GI’ will be live tomorrow. We sat down with Dr. Prashant Singh to discuss the FODMAP diet. We’ll delve into what each letter of FODMAP represents and which foods fall into each category. 


Click the button below to pre-save the link or head to our social media pages tomorrow to be the first to know when the video goes live.

5 Minutes in GI

Giving Tuesday

This upcoming Giving Tuesday, we invite you to be part of a global movement that celebrates generosity and community spirit. Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has grown into one of the world’s largest giving days, providing an opportunity for individuals, families, organizations, and communities to come together and support causes that are close to their hearts. Whether through donations of time, talent, or resources, your involvement on Giving Tuesday can have a lasting impact.


As we reflect on the year, we are reminded of how much has been accomplished with your support. From hosting another year of our patient-focused Advocacy Day event, to the various research grants and awards, we have seen firsthand how your contributions make a difference. 


This Giving Tuesday, we ask you to consider extending that support once again. A donation, no matter the size, will help us continue to fulfill our mission and reach even more people in need. Thank you for your continued support—let’s make this Giving Tuesday a celebration of hope, compassion, and community.

Giving Tuesday
Clinical trials and research studies help to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and advance the development of new and better treatment options. By participating in a study, you can help further the advancement of research and learn more about your condition.

Here are 3 studies currently recruiting participants:

Chronic Constipation

A Study of Prucalopride in Breastfeeding Women With Constipation

Gulf War Illness

The war related illness and injury study center is recruiting for multiple studies


Chronic Stomach Pain

Validation of a mental wellbeing scale for young people with chronic stomach symptoms

December Spotlight

IFFGD Team Member Shelby Rhodes

Shelby joined the IFFGD team in June 2024. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Computing in the Arts. In her free time, she enjoys art and design, and is always experimenting with new creative projects. She was drawn to IFFGD with prior knowledge of the organization’s goals and outreach, as well as the chance to leverage her skills to support the organization's meaningful work in the community. 

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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
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