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Because Digestive Health Matters | International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders October 2023 eNewsletter | | |
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October is Health Literacy Month. This is a month where we focus on recognizing the importance of making the health care system easier to navigate for patients and caregivers as well as making health information easier to understand. Making health information more digestible is a step towards making healthcare more accessible for everyone.
When living with a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, it’s important to be health literate. Being health literate often means that you are your own researcher. These conditions require you to become knowledgeable about symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments that are available for your disorder. Knowing these things is important so you can advocate for yourself in the healthcare world.
Increasing public knowledge surrounding chronic GI disorders is important not only this month, but every month. Advocating for increased health literacy means more people can be informed about potential treatments for their GI conditions. We encourage you to join us and share the resources that you use to learn more about your GI disorder.
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Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff), is a bacterium that infects the colon causing symptoms like diarrhea or even colitis. The bacteria enters the body and multiplies in the GI tract. It can resist heat, acid, and even some antibiotics. The infection can take up to 28 days to become noticeable in some people.
C. Diff is the most common hospital-acquired infection in the United States. Exposure has decreased with the rise of infection control and other health protocols, though it still remains a major problem for our healthcare system.
To learn more about C. Diff, click the button below:
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Finding the right healthcare provider is a crucial beginning step in managing your GI disorder. It can be a confusing process. You’ll want to focus on specific qualities when choosing a healthcare provider, like someone who is a good communicator, makes you feel comfortable sharing health details, and has years of experience in the field.
The right doctor can make all the difference. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to find out if your provider is a match:
- Are you able to get an appointment within a reasonable time?
- Does your healthcare provider spend the time needed to explain and discuss your condition?
- Is your healthcare provider sympathetic?
For more tips on choosing the right healthcare provider, click the button below.
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Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant cannot absorb it in their digestive tract. This leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gas, and bloating.
Lactose intolerance is common, especially among those of African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent. However, it is not a major health concern, and those with it can learn to manage their health as they identify which foods to avoid.
To learn more about lactose intolerance, click the button below.
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NES is only a few days away!
This complementary in-person event will feature live educational presentations for patients, families, and caregivers looking to learn more about the microbiome and its relation to the GI system.
The 2023 Norton Education Series will be held at the Beverly Hills Marriott (1150 South Beverly Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90035) in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 starting at 8:30 AM PT.
The meeting will include activities, such as lectures, Q&A panels, and networking opportunities during the lunch break, the post-program reception, and a book signing with Dr. Rezaie and Dr. Pimentel.
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Topics to Discuss:
- How Does Your Digestive System Work?
- The Gut Microbiome: What is it and Where do We Stand?
- Post infectious IBS: Road to Cure
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Helicobacter pylori: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Speaker Panel Discussion and Q & A
If you are unable to attend the event don't fret! Our YouTube premiere will be launching later this month. Follow us on social media to be the first to find out when our premiere goes live.
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The media is often the first source for breaking news such as weather disasters, popular culture events, and medical progress. The reliability of media has come under fire recently, with growing public distrust in the outlets that are meant to inform us.
This distrust is due to a number of factors, including exaggerated cures and claims, misleading information, and the fact that the reporting itself can sometimes be more confusing than the actual science.
Click the button below to view an article aimed at helping readers navigate health news.
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Are you looking to learn some nutrition basics? Whether you’re working to adjust your diet or just learn something new and useful, this information can benefit everyone.
Nutrition provides nourishment for the body. Through eating food, your body is able to use it for growth, metabolism, and repair. Eating the right food ensures that your body is able to perform functions efficiently.
Click the button below to learn about macronutrients, micronutrients, and the basics of nutrition.
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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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Comparison of the Atmo Motility Capsule System to the Reference Standard | |
Understanding Mechanisms of Normal and Disordered Defecation | |
Cross Sectional 12 year Trends of Eating Behavior Survey | |
Junior Academician David Cangemi | Dr. David Cangemi is one of IFFGD's Junior Academicians. He graduated from Florida State University College of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at Mayo Clinic Florida. After completing a general gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern and an advanced fellowship in motility and functional gastrointestinal disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital, he joined the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic Florida in August 2018. | |
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Dr. Cangemi has since focused his clinical research efforts on investigating novel pathophysiologic mechanisms and treatment interventions for functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. As principal investigator, he recently completed the first prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study assessing virtual reality for treating functional dyspepsia. He will soon begin another study utilizing virtual reality for the treatment of functional dyspepsia, sponsored through a clinical research awarded by the American College of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Cangemi is currently the principal investigator for a prospective study aimed to assess for markers of increased intestinal permeability in patients with functional dyspepsia and another prospective study evaluating the efficacy of glutamine to treat symptoms and improve intestinal permeability in patients with functional dyspepsia. In addition to his current research efforts, he maintains a busy clinical practice within the Motility clinic at Mayo Clinic Florida, evaluating patients with various GI motility disorders and functional disorders.
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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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