Because Digestive Health Matters
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders February 2022 eNewsletter
Greetings!

People who suffer from rare digestive disorders or any chronic illness face daily challenges that significantly impact their lives. Yet, even when faced with adversity, many persevere and overcome these obstacles each day.

There are 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. Raising awareness about rare diseases helps bring attention to the unmet needs of those who live with these illnesses and help generate change by policymakers. Each year, Rare Disease Day is recognized on the last day of February to express the uniqueness of these conditions and inspire others to take action within their community. 

On February 28th, you can help raise awareness by joining us, the rare disease community, and millions of people worldwide on social media using hashtags #RareDiseaseDay and #ShowYourStripes.
This year Rare Disease Day is February 28th.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) identifies a disease as rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.

NIH has documented many rare diseases that affect the digestive tract. Symptoms associated with a rare disease and a chronic gastrointestinal disorder can be debilitating and life-altering.

Click here to learn more about what rare diseases are and how you can help raise awareness.
Hirschsprung’s disease is a rare condition that people are usually born with and occurs in 1 of every 5,000 births.

Children with Hirschsprung's disease are missing the nerve cells (ganglion cells) within the wall of their colon or rectum.

These cells are responsible for the normal wave-like motion of the bowel (peristalsis). When they are missing, the stool stops, and an obstruction occurs. 

Click the button below for answers to ten frequently asked questions about Hirschsprung's.
February 7-11, 2022, is Feeding Tube Awareness Week.

In 2011, this awareness campaign was acknowledged on the National Health Observances (NHOs) calendar to promote the positive benefits of feeding tubes as life-saving medical interventions.

We encourage those with feeding tubes, parents, and caregivers to share how living with a feeding tube has impacted their life.
Click below to learn how you can help raise awareness about feeding tubes.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 10–15% of adults and has a significant worldwide prevalence.

This year's Norton Patient Education Series (NES): IBS Edition is a free 1-day event featuring live educational presentations for patients and others impacted by irritable bowel syndrome. This event will be held in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, starting at 10:00 AM CT.

The Norton Patient Education Series: IBS Edition will equip individuals with the tools they need to manage their IBS symptoms.

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

You do not want to miss this year's event. Click here to register, review the NES event agenda, and read about our 2022 speakers.

*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.
Several studies have estimated that 1 in 5 (20%) of the U.S. adult population experience Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related symptoms at least once a week.

Studies have also demonstrated that up to 4 in 5 (79%) of GERD patients experience nighttime symptoms.

GERD and sleep have a two-way relationship. GERD adversely affects sleep by awakening people during the night. Follow the link for tips to help you improve your sleep.

Click below for tips to help improve your sleep while living with GERD.
Diverticulosis is a condition characterized by the development of small pouches protruding from the wall of the colon. The pouches themselves are not harmful and rarely cause symptoms.

However, diverticulosis can become more severe if the pouches become infected.

If an infection occurs, the condition is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is more severe than diverticulosis because the infection can lead to other problems.

Click below to learn more about the difference between the two.
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:
February Spotlight
The IFFGD Ambassadors Program was designed to expand our reach in Mexico and South America by collaborating with local Pediatric Gastroenterologists. 
This month, we highlight Ambassador Dr. Rodrigo Vazquez Frias MD, MSc, DSc from Mexico.

Dr. Rodrigo Vázquez Frias MD, MSc, DSc is a pediatric gastroenterologist and nutritionist at National Health Institute “Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez.” He is also a Professor of pediatrics at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM; National Autonomous University of Mexico), and a Clinical investigator at HIMFG.

He holds the Vice-president elected position for the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. 

Dr. Frias received his PhD IN MEDICAL SCIENCES from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. He was written over 33 articles in the field and many book chapters. He is an active member of several professional societies and attends lectures and conferences regularly.
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