Digestive Health Monthly

Because Digestive Health Matters

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders August 2024 eNewsletter

It’s Gastroparesis Awareness Month! This campaign was first established in 2016 by IFFGD. Every August, we share resources to raise awareness for gastroparesis, which is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that affects millions of people in the United States.

In recognition of Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD will launch a campaign to highlight the quality of life issues faced by those affected and the need for more funding for research and effective treatment options.

During Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD invites you to share your story and make your voice heard by adding #GPImpact to all social media posts. 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 and advocate for more research funding.

Short Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a chronic condition impacting the small intestine, resulting from the removal or damage of a substantial portion of this organ. This impairment hinders nutrient absorption, leading to several health issues such as malnutrition, weight loss, diarrhea, and fatigue.

During Short Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, we shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by individuals with SBS and celebrate advancements in understanding and treating this condition. By disseminating information and raising awareness, we aim to enhance the lives of those affected by SBS.

Click here to explore our publication library and learn more about SBS.

FODMAP Survey

Do you or someone you know have experience with the FODMAP diet?

We're working with the University of Michigan to gather data to better understand the limitations of FODMAP and the experiences of those who have tried it.

Please visit the link below to share your opinion.

FODMAP Survey

5 Minutes in GI

The August edition of our ongoing YouTube series, ‘5 Minutes in GI,’ is live!

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Luis Alcala Gerardo to discuss the different causes of build-ups of gas in the intestines.

Click the button below to learn more.

5 Minutes in GI

2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event Recap

This year’s Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event was our biggest one yet! Thanks to participants like you, we saw record numbers. We can’t wait for next year! Check out the stats below:

Registered Participants: 887
Supporters: 1,724
Teams: 25
Sponsors: 11
Participants in 43 states & 6 countries
Registration & Donations: $34,996
Steps Taken: 35,287,014
Wellness/Participation Points: 19,579,504
Engagement Points: 243,840
Scrapbook Posts: 712

2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event Recap

Gastroparesis Media Toolkit

IFFGD has created a social media toolkit for Gastroparesis Awareness Month. This toolkit contains a variety of resources and information that can be used to spread awareness on social media and amplify the voices of the patient community.

In our mission to raise awareness for those who live with this condition, we have provided general information, key messaging, social media content, posters, and website banners, which can all be found in our toolkit.

Click the button below to explore the 2024 Gastroparesis Awareness Month material.

Gastroparesis Media Toolkit

RESEARCH CORNER

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:

Barrett's Esophagus

Obeticholic Acid for Prevention in Barrett's Esophagus

Gastroparesis

Study to Assess the Efficacy of VLY-686 in Relieving Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Achalasia

Assessment of Different Modified POEM for Achalasia

August Spotlight

2005 Research Award Winner, Dr. Fernando Azpiroz

Fernando Azpiroz is currently Professor of Medicine and Consultant in Digestive Diseases at the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain. He graduated from medical school in 1977, and trained at the San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, and at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, where he received the Edward C. Kendall Award for Meritorious Research. In 1986 he joined the Vall d’Hebron Department of Digestive Diseases where he served as Chief of the Department from 2009 to 2019.

Dr. Azpiroz clinical practice focuses on functional gut disorders. His research program investigates the origin of gastrointestinal sensations and the somatic manifestations of functional gut disorders, particularly abdominal distension, rumination and pelvic floor dysfunctions. Dr. Azpiroz has been distinguished with the Masters Award in Gastroenterology, Research Award of the International Group for the Study of Gastrointestinal Motility, Research Scientist Award of the Functional Brain Gut Research Group, and Senior Investigator-Clinical Science Award of the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Donate

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

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