|
|
Because Digestive Health Matters |
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders January 2022 eNewsletter |
|
|
Greetings!
For many of us, a new year is a chance for a fresh start, with renewed energy and motivation to be the best version of ourselves. We make resolutions and set goals for how we want to live during the next twelve months. Many people's top new year resolution s are simply being healthier and leading a healthy lifestyle mentally and physically.
To help you reach your 2022 goals and maximize the potential of the new year, in this newsletter, you will find a few tips for how to achieve your goals with a chronic digestive disorder.
|
|
|
|
Living with a chronic GI condition can be a lonely experience, and even close friends and family don't always understand. So, it's important to connect with others who have faced similar challenges and can relate.
As one advocate suggests, "If I can give any advice, it would be to reach out and connect with others who can relate to you, whether it be through social media or volunteering with non-profits like IFFGD."
Email us to learn how you can be part of the IFFGD community and connect with others with a GI disorder.
|
|
Functional GI and motility disorders are the most common GI disorders in the general population. Estimates vary, but about 1 in 4 people or more in the U.S. have one of these disorders. The conditions account for about 40% of GI problems seen by doctors and therapists.
The term "functional" is generally applied to disorders where the body's normal activities are impaired. These functions include; movement of the intestines, the sensitivity of the nerves of the intestines, and the gut-brain interaction.
As we learn more about the different types of GI disorders, we can take a more active role in raising awareness and educating those around us.
Click the button below to learn about GI disorders and some of the most common symptoms.
|
|
In the last couple of decades, there have been technological advances in gastroenterology.
These include advances in endoscopic procedures, innovative therapeutics such as biologic medicines, and an improved understanding of the gut microbiome, among many others.
Today’s healthcare providers conduct a 15-to-30-minute clinic visit spaced out every few months. Having such few meetings between patients and healthcare providers can make it difficult for ideal communication.
Regular communication helps to exchange information efficiently and effectively to help improve treatment and illness outcomes. This is especially true for those with chronic conditions such as functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, and chronic constipation.
To learn about the new advances in Digital Health, click the button below.
|
|
Do you or someone you know suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
If so, then you do not want to miss this year's Norton Patient Education Series that will be held in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, starting at 9:00 AM CT.
This year's free 1-day event will feature live educational presentations for patients and others impacted by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Topics to Discuss:
- The Epidemiology, Symptomology, and Strategy of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Treatment Options for IBS-Mixed and IBS-Constipation
- Treatment Options for IBS-Diarrhea
- Food and IBS – How Can Working with a Dietitian Help?
- Why Should I Work with a Behavioral Therapist?
- Speaker Panel Discussion and Q & A
Click here to register, review the NES event agenda, and read speaker bios.
As we return to in-person events, we will closely monitor the CDC regulations regarding COVID19. We will implement requirements based on the CDC and the event location guidelines for this program. Lastly, we will keep all registrants informed about the requirements and protocols that we will implement for the 2022 in-person NES event. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our staff at iffgd@iffgd.org with any questions and/or concerns.
|
|
If you live with a chronic GI disorder like IBS, going to the doctor can be stressful, especially if you are feeling sick and/or worried about the outcome of your visit.
Last October, during our virtual Norton Education Series, Justin Brandler, MD, a gastroenterology fellow at
In this presentation, Dr. Brandler explains how to use the IBS Snapshot Worksheet to help patients get the most out of their next appointment.
To download and print the IBS Snapshot Worksheet, click the button below.
|
|
Having a functional GI or motility disorder gives you something in common with literally millions of other people who live with their digestive disorder every day.
It takes tremendous skills and strength to handle challenges that so many face while living with any digestive condition.
Sharing your experience of living with a chronic, life-altering condition can provide a therapeutic release for you and encouragement for others who may be suffering.
To share your story with the digestive health community, click the link below.
|
|
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:
|
|
IFFGD has an Advisory Board that is 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, Erin Slater, RD
Erin grew up in Voorhees, NJ and graduated from Eastern Regional High School. She spent all four years writing for the school’s Literary magazine, completed a book of poems, a novel, and wrote several short stories. She also volunteered at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, in Philadelphia, PA during all four years of high school, which inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
She attended Northeastern University in Boston, Mass for two years, working towards a degree in Pharmacology. However, she ultimately completed her education at Penn State University in University Park, PA and graduated with her B.S. in Nutritional Science in 2009. Erin currently works as a Registered Dietitian in an acute care hospital near Tampa, FL.
|
|
|
She was diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome and IBS-C in 2009 after suffering with symptoms for five years. As a result of her illness, she began volunteering with the IFFGD, dedicated to ensuring that no person with a complex GI disorder ever felt forgotten.
She is currently on IFFGD’s Patient Advisory Council and Board of Directors.
Erin enjoys playing with her three cats, spending time with her family, and swimming in her neighborhood pool.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
