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Because Digestive Health Matters | International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders August 2023 eNewsletter | | |
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It’s Gastroparesis Awareness Month! This awareness campaign was first established in 2016 by IFFGD. Every year during August, we work to share resources to raise awareness for gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that affects up to five million people in the United States and about 40 women and 10 men per 100,000 people.
In recognition of Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD will launch a campaign to acknowledge the varied impacts on individuals who live with gastroparesis — symptom burdens and how this may present differently from person to person, finding the right treatment options and lifestyle modifications — using the hashtag #GPreality.
During Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD invites you to share your story and make your voice heard by adding #GPreality to all social media post. Visit our gastroparesis website or view our media toolkit, which contains images and messaging that can be shared on your social media platforms. We encourage you to explore this month’s newsletter and our resources to learn how to support the gastroparesis community.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH) Health Disparities Research | |
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) strategic plan ‘Pathways to Health for All’ addresses the organization’s commitment to advancing health equity and health disparities research programs. Their report delves into the key areas they plan to improve in the coming years. These include:
- Improving health outcomes through research, education, and clinical care
- Advancing research by focusing on understanding the causes, developing new treatments, and preventing diabetes, kidney, and digestive diseases
- Increasing access to care by supporting educational programs and health care training and providing financial assistance
- Empowering patients by providing information and resources and supporting management programs
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To learn more about the NIDDK’s commitment to addressing health disparities, click the button below. | |
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Whether you’ve tried it or not, Virtual Reality (VR) is taking the world by storm. VR has been successfully implemented in fields such as architecture, design, marketing, entertainment, and more.
VR has even reared its head in the medical field, allowing students and surgeons to practice surgeries without stepping into the operating room. Virtual Reality can potentially transform how we approach GI healthcare by improving training, patient education, and the overall experience.
Click the button below to view a short video by Dr. Brennan Spiegal to learn more about the future of VR in GI.
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The human gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. It is estimated that there are trillions of microorganisms in the gut microbiome, and they play a vital role in human health.
The gut microbiome helps digest food, absorb nutrients, fight infection, and regulate the immune system. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in regulating human health and has been linked to a number of health conditions, including obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.
To learn more about the gut microbiome, click the button below:
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This year's NES program is a complimentary 1-day event that features live educational presentations for patients, families, and caregivers looking to learn more about the microbiome and its relation to the GI system.
The meeting will include activities, such as lectures, Q&A panels, and networking opportunities during the lunch break and the post-program reception. All attendees are welcome.
You do not want to miss this year's Norton Education Series that 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.
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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
Registration is open. Click here to register and learn more about this event.
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Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a chronic condition that affects the small intestine. It occurs when a significant portion of the small intestine is removed or damaged. This can make it difficult to absorb nutrients from food, leading to various health problems, including malnutrition, weight loss, diarrhea, and fatigue.
During Short Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, we raise awareness of this condition and the challenges that people with SBS face. We also celebrate the progress that has been made in understanding and treating SBS. By sharing information and raising awareness of SBS, we can help to improve the lives of people with this condition.
Click the button to visit our publication library to learn more about SBS.
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The Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders (AGMD) has provided patients and caregivers with resources focusing on digestive motility disorders and diseases since 1991. They offer various programs, including educational and informational support groups.
AGMD's virtual support groups are open to patients, family members, friends, physicians, nurses, researchers, and anyone else who may be interested. These groups provide a safe and understanding environment where you can connect with others who are going through the same thing. You can share your experiences, get advice from others, and learn new coping strategies.
AGMD's virtual support groups feature volunteer, dietitian, and healthcare provider speakers, as well as patient and family interviews. These speakers share their knowledge and experiences to help you better understand gastroparesis and how to manage it.
If you are struggling to manage your gastroparesis, a support group can be a valuable resource. To learn more about what AGMD offers, click the button below.
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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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Thoracic Neuromodulation for Diabetic Gastroparesis | |
Development and validation of a self-report general mental health scale for patients with functional gastroduodenal disorders | |
A Study to Evaluate Etrasimod Treatment in Adolescents With Ulcerative Colitis | |
Junior Academician- Mackenzie McArthur | |
Dr. Mackenzie McArthur obtained her Masters of PA Medicine and Doctor of Medical Science degrees from The University of Lynchburg. She completed her Advanced Practice Provider fellowship in Gastroenterology and Motility at Atrium Health. She is Certified by the National Commission on Certification of PAs. She is The Director of Neurogenic Bowel at Atrium Health, currently practicing as a Gastroenterology Motility PA, and is an instructor in the department of Internal Medicine.
Additionally, she is a faculty advisor for Gastroenterology and Hepatology for Advance Practice Providers (GHAPP). Dr. McArthur received her doctorate with the GI Motility Fellowship training as well as national recognition through the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and Gastroenterology and Hepatology for Advance Practice Providers.
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She also has extensive research experience, including being the Principal Investigator for a large multi-centered Medicare study for Neurogenic Bowel with Mayo Clinic. Her clinical interest includes: gastrointestinal dysfunction related to spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disease, and the management of complex neurogastroenterology motility patients. She has contributed to IFFGD publications such as Parkinson's and GI Motility and Gastroparesis Overview fact sheets. | |
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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