International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
September 2021 eNewsletter
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Greetings!
Chronic pain affects an estimated 30 to 50 million Americans and is defined as continuous or intermittent pain lasting longer than six months. Pain is often one of several overlapping, unpleasant symptoms for those with a functional gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorder.
The social costs (the overall cost to society, a sum of the personal and external expenses) in disability and lost productivity total more than $100 billion annually.
This month, we will look at a few GI conditions that are commonly associated with pain, ways to manage or cope with pain, and lastly, how to best communicate your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
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We invite you to attend the inaugural 2021 Ally Award Gala to celebrate both nominees and winners of the 2021 IFFGD Ally Award.
The Award Gala will be held virtually on October 15th, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. EST.
The IFFGD Ally Award is an award to recognize those who go above and beyond to support and ensure the needs of an individual within the gastrointestinal (GI) community are met. We will recognize individuals nominated for IFFGD's 2021 Ally Award and announce the winners during the Ally Award Virtual Gala.
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With the growing need for nutritional support and education for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, we created a dietitian listing with over 100 trained professionals specializing in GI disorders.
Many of the dietitians listed on our site receive specialized training during the Food: The Main Course to Digestive Health annual conference held by expert faculty and dietitians from the University of Michigan and other institutions.
During this conference, dietitians are provided with the tools to help educate patients about nutrition, understand their particular nutritional needs, and provide support through diet challenges and symptoms.
Are you thinking about finding a dietitian to help you manage your GI symptoms with dietary modifications?
Click the button below to access IFFGD’s Dietitian Listing and search by your city, dietitian specialty, and whether they accept insurance to find a dietitian in your area.
If you are a dietitian specializing in GI disorders and want to join our list or learn more about this year's Food: The Main Course to Digestive Health conference, email us today at iffgd@iffgd.org.
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Going back to school remotely or face-to-face this year brings many uncertainties, causing stress and anxiety for parents and children, especially for kids living with a GI disorder.
Functional GI and motility disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS), are chronic conditions that affect people of all ages, including children and teens.
Balancing school-related demands with one of these disorders can be challenging.
If your child has been diagnosed with a functional GI or motility disorder, click the button below for tips to help navigate this exciting yet challenging time.
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The Nancy and Bill Norton Virtual Patient Education Series Event: IFFGD’s Thirtieth Anniversary Edition will be held on November 6-7, 2021, to commemorate their 30th Anniversary.
This program is a FREE two-day virtual event that will include medical education sessions with leading experts from around the world, patient stories, and a bonus virtual pediatric program. Click here to view the full pediatric agenda and presenter biographies.
Click here to learn more about the event and register!
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Last Month to Submit Names: IFFGD Patient and Caregiver Acknowledgment Wall |
During the Nancy and Bill Norton Patient Education Series Event and the Virtual Ally Award Gala, we would like to remember those we have lost to GI disorders and honor those still in the fight.
Hearts honor those still living with a GI disorder, and candles are to remember those we have lost to GI disorders. Please submit their first name, last initial, and age (no limit on the number of submissions).
To acknowledge these individuals, email their information no later than Friday, October 1st, 2021, using this link.
Once we have received all submissions, we will create a short video with all hearts and candles to present during the Nancy and Bill Norton Patient Education Series Event and Virtual Ally Award Gala.
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With the help of patients, caregivers, and our Industry Council, IFFGD has created a survey to gain insight into the impact COVID-19 and the pandemic has had on the Gastrointestinal (GI) Illness population. We hope this will assist healthcare providers, lawmakers, and industry partners on the future care of patients.
*Approximate time to take this survey is 7 minutes
Click here to take the IFFGD COVID Impacts on GI.
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Chronic pain afflicts an estimated 30 to 50 million Americans and is the number one reason individuals seek medical care.
Chronic pain can lead to disability and profound emotional suffering, preventing those affected from participating in personal and professional activities.
But, there are things you can do to help.
If you are suffering from chronic pain, it's important to work with your healthcare providers to develop a pain management plan that works for you.
Click the button below for 8 chronic pain management tips.
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Functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders have a wide range of symptoms amongst patients. This means managing these disorders requires a lot of patient input and maybe even spending more time with your healthcare provider.
The sensitivity of GI conditions can make it challenging to express how you feel so your healthcare provider can understand. So, what are the ingredients that comprise successful provider-patient communication about functional GI disorders and pain?
Click the link below to learn more about how to describe your pain from Dr. Darren Brenner of Northwestern University.
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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:
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IFFGD has an Advisory Board made up of 60 medical professionals from various disciplines representing the USA and ten other countries. Many of these individuals are noted experts in the field of functional gastrointestinal disorders. This month we would like to recognize our new advisory board member, Dr. Shanti Eswaran.
Dr. Shanti Eswaran completed both her medical degree and internal medicine residency at the University of Michigan. She then pursued her fellowship in gastroenterology at Columbia University Medical Center, with a clinical and research interest in celiac disease and functional GI diseases. She then served on the faculty at Northwestern University in Chicago and was thrilled to return to Ann Arbor as faculty in 2009. She has a research interest in the role of diet and food in functional bowel diseases such as IBS.
Dr. Eswaran’s research interests are complemented by her clinical interests in functional GI diseases, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. She has been named a Rome Foundation Fellow and has several grants supporting her research.
Watch Dr. Eswaran’s presentation on the GI system during The 2021 Nancy and Bill Norton Virtual Patient Education Series Event: IFFGD’s Thirtieth Anniversary Edition by registering here
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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.
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