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Because Digestive Health Matters |
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders April 2023 eNewsletter |
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Greetings!
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month.
Up to 45 million people in the United States suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although IBS is a common condition, it is often misunderstood, and the symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life for many patients.
IFFGD will join patients, family members, and caregivers this April to increase public awareness about IBS. This year, we will focus on IBS symptoms, management strategies, and quality of life issues. Join our social campaign using the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #YouandIBS across all social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
IFFGD invites everyone to join this year's campaign by visiting www.aboutIBS.org to learn about IBS. |
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IFFGD has created a social media toolkit containing information and resources intended to help amplify the voices of the patient community and provide tools to spread awareness about IBS.
You will find information about IBS, key messaging, ways to get involved using your platform, social media content, social media images, posters, and website banners all within the toolkit.
Click the button below to explore our toolkit.
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Have you ever wondered how different types of nutrients affect your GI symptoms? If so, you’re not alone. Diet often plays a key role in managing different GI disorders and their symptoms, so understanding the basics of nutrition is key.
Understanding nutrition allows people to make better informed food choices for managing GI symptoms and overall health. Different disorders have different nutritional recommendations- no GI disorder has a one-size-fits all solution!
Watch this presentation by RDN Amanda Lynett to learn more about nutrition and how the food choices you make can affect your GI symptoms.
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Individuals who live with bowel incontinence experience involuntary leakage of stool. Incontinence is a condition that is long-term, unpredictable, and often stigmatized.
Education about incontinence is important and can help reduce the associated stigma. Better education and understanding could encourage those suffering to speak more openly about it with family, friends, and most importantly, their healthcare provider.
Click the button below to read some of the most common FAQs about incontinence.
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IFFGD’s 2023 Education and Advocacy Event is a complementary event to educate the community about access to health care and treatment and how to best advocate for yourself in the medical field. This event will be held on April 16-17, 2023.
The educational program is designed to help attendees learn more about how to receive the health care they need and deserve.
Education Program Overview:
- Understand legislation designed to improve access to care
- Learn how to contact your representative via social media
- Practice how to share your personal story
- Prepare for going to the Hill
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the space will be limited to 50 guests. If you cannot attend this year's in-person event, you will also be able to submit a personal story which will be hand delivered by IFFGD staff to Congressional Representatives on the Hill on April 17th. If you are interested in sharing your story, click here to get started. We are asking that all stories be submitted no later than Monday, April 10, 2023.
Click here to view the event page for more information and to RSVP. |
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Registration opens Sunday, May 7, 2023
Event dates are Saturday, June 24, 2023 – Saturday, July 1, 2023
Like a traditional walk event, participants register to walk and be active to get credit for steps taken during the event. However, this event goes beyond a step goal.
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The event will provide goals that can be achieved by people of varying abilities as activities will focus strongly on wellness, self-care, traditional and non-traditional fitness activities.
Goals will go beyond physical fitness by encouraging participants to schedule a doctor’s appointment or colonoscopy, try a new gut-friendly recipe, or start a diary of their food and/or symptoms. By adding these alternative activities, we hope that anyone that wants to participate, can participate. #Moves4GIhealth23
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New technological advancements are everywhere. They have improved virtually every field, including the medical field and more specifically, gastroenterology. These include advances in endoscopic procedures, innovative therapeutics such as biologic medicines and an improved understanding of the gut microbiome. All of these advances have helped to improve quality of life and symptom management issues for those living with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
With the rise of modern technology, we have also seen improvements in the tools used for doctor-patient communication. With spaced out healthcare visits lasting only 15-30 minutes every few months, there is little time for proper communication between doctors and patients. For those living with chronic GI conditions, this might be especially challenging.
Click the button below to learn more about some of the advancements in the GI field.
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Relaxation training is a type of behavioral therapy that has been shown to help those living with GI disorders manage their symptoms. Research shows that relaxation can have several health benefits and is an important part of stress management and cognitive-behavioral therapy programs for treating many different problems.
Daily relaxation practice can lower arousal levels associated with wear and tear on the body. Regular practice of relaxations allows one to calm the body before beginning stressful activities and has shown improvements in the immune system.
Click the button below to learn more about relaxation and how it can benefit you.
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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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Systematic Pediatric Assessment of Rome Criteria (SPARC) |
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Study to Assess How ABBV-951 is Absorbed When Administered at Different Subcutaneous Sites of Adult Participants With Parkinson's DiseaseStudy to Assess How ABBV-951 is Absorbed When Administered at Different Subcutaneous Sites of Adult Participants With Parkinson's Disease |
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Intestinal Inflammation in CF Patients |
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Patient Advisory Committee Member: Alyssa Sutton |
Alyssa Sutton joined the IFFGD team in December 2020 to assist in redesigning 7 of the 9 websites which were successfully launched in April 2021. Shortly after, Ms. Sutton transitioned into the role of IFFGD’s Program Coordinator assisting the president, Ceciel Rooker, with various programs particularly in the areas of patient support, education, and advocacy as well as handling all website-related matters. |
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Ms. Sutton received her Bachelor’s in Science from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. She taught early childhood education for 6 years. This experience ignited her passion in helping others, leading her to the IFFGD team. Ms. Sutton is proud to work with IFFGD and continue to raise awareness for the gastrointestinal community. |
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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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