Welcome to the monthly eNewsletter of the
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
Digestive Health Monthly - April 2018
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone. Having IBS gives you something in common with literally millions of other people living with the disorder every day. IBS is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions, affecting an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the population - that's 30 to 45 million people in the US alone!

April is IBS Awareness Month. First designated by IFFGD in 1997 to bring awareness to this often misunderstood and stigmatized condition, IBS Awareness Month is now recognized globally. This April we are tackling social taboos about the condition that may keep affected individuals from seeking care and getting back to their lives.

Join us this month in raising awareness of IBS. The more we work together to raise awareness, the greater our ability to broaden public understanding of the condition and break down negative taboos about symptoms, empowering those affected to get the care they need.
Social Taboos May Prevent
IBS Diagnosis and Treatment
IBS is one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting an estimated 10 to 15 percent of people worldwide. But, many with the condition are reluctant to openly talk about their symptoms or seek medical care.

This IBS Awareness Month, IFFGD is breaking down taboos and raising awareness to encourage individuals who may be experiencing symptoms to talk to their doctor.

Read IFFGD's awareness release to learn more.
IBS Awareness Month Twitter Chat
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS may share similar acronyms and even some symptoms, but they have distinct differences. Join IFFGD and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation on Tuesday, April 24th at 8 PM EST for a Twitter chat on IBS, IBD, and the overlap between the conditions.

Tweet your questions during the chat using hashtag #IBDChat to participate!
Meet Alyssa, IBS Champion and Miss American Teenager Jr. 2018
As Miss American Teenager Jr. 2018, Alyssa chose to use her platform to be a champion for all those suffering with IBS. "Though I suffer from this disorder, I never let it stop me from anything I want to accomplish."

Learn more about Alyssa's experiences with IBS and help support her goal of fundraising to support research into the condition.
IFFGD Book of Interest
Title: Take Control of Your IBS
Author: Peter Whorwell, MD
Summary: IBS is common and while there is no definitive cure, there are ways to take control of the condition and minimize symptoms so you can get on with your life. Unraveling misconceptions, this book recognizes that a one-size-fits-all treatment doesn't exist. Dr. Whorwell distills 30 years of experience and research around IBS and gastrointestinal disorders into a practical and straightforward guide.

IBS and the Workplace
Symptoms of IBS can flare up unexpectedly and change over time or even from day to day, making trying to establish a regular work routine difficult.

While it's important to work closely with your physician to develop a long-term symptom management plan, there are a few simple things that you can do for a more comfortable working environment. In this guest blog post for True Help, we share 3 things you can do to help manage your IBS in the workplace.

2 New Cosponsors for HR 1187
For the millions of Americans affected by a chronic gastrointestinal condition, life-changing treatments and cures can only come through research. We are grateful to Congressman Andre Carson (IN-7) and Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. (NJ-10) for their cosponsorship of The Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act (HR 1187), which seeks to advance our understanding of these disorders by bolstering and encouraging research.

Learn how you can take action on this important legislation.
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