International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
January 2021 eNewsletter
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Greetings!
This year, IFFGD commemorates 30 years of supporting those living with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In 1991, IFFGD was founded by one person struggling with the challenges imposed by a chronic GI disorder. Thirty years later, many others from all walks of life have joined us.
IFFGD and the digestive health community have made great strides to raise public awareness of the burdens and unmet needs of illnesses affecting those living with chronic digestive conditions and encourage research into life-altering treatments.
We are grateful for all those who have supported us over the years and look forward to continuing to serve this vibrant community.
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We are excited to commemorate IFFGD’s 30th anniversary throughout the year with special programs including the anniversary edition of NES coming in the Fall, the launch of new websites, and social posts highlighting our history using the hashtag #30yrsIFFGD.
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If you live with any chronic GI disorder like IBS, going to the doctor can be stressful, especially if you are feeling sick and/or worried about the outcome of your visit.
Last October, during our virtual Norton Education Series, Justin Brandler, MD, a gastroenterology fellow at
In this presentation, Dr. Brandler explains how to use the IBS Snapshot Worksheet to help patient get the most out of their next appointment.
To download and print the IBS Snapshot Worksheet, click the button below.
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Sleep disturbances are a common problem for children and adolescents with chronic pain conditions and have been found in up to 45% of children with functional GI and motility disorders.
Inadequate sleep can negatively affect a child's daily function, decrease healing processes, and even worsen symptoms.
In contrast, adequate sleep appears to directly promote the repair of tissues, immune function, and the body’s natural pain relief systems.
Therefore, practices that help improve sleep may be of benefit to any child with a GI disorder.
To find 6 tips to improve sleep quality in children (and adults), click the button below.
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Join us the week of March 21, 2020!
Register now to ensure you will receive updates and information as this event draws closer. This year we are beginning the 117th Congress with a multiday advocacy program. Join us for all or part of the event to learn more about advocating and supporting yourself.
There will be a Sunday education program to kick-off the week and weekday learning sessions covering specific topics.
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To commemorate the 30th anniversary of IFFGD, we will be hosting a very special virtual edition of the Norton Education Series (NES).
The Nancy and Bill Norton Patient Education Series Event: IFFGD’s Thirtieth Anniversary Edition - This program will be a mix of pre-recorded videos and live feed that will take place Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th.
William Chey, MD will Chair the Program Committee and Lin Chang, MD and John Pandolfino, MD will serve as Co-Chairs. The Program Committee will join Ceciel Rooker, IFFGD President, in co-hosting the event.
Click here to learn more about the event and register!
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Having a functional GI or motility disorder gives you something in common with literally millions of other people who live with their digestive disorder every day.
It takes tremendous skills and strength to handle challenges that so many face while living with any digestive condition.
Sharing your experience of living with a chronic, life-altering condition can provide a therapeutic release for you and encouragement for others who may be suffering.
To share your story with the digestive health community, click the link below.
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Functional GI and motility disorders are the most common GI disorders in the general population. Estimates vary, but about 1 in 4 people or more in the U.S. have one of these disorders. The conditions account for about 40% of GI problems seen by doctors and therapists.
The term "functional" is generally applied to disorders where the body's normal activities in terms of the movement of the intestines, the sensitivity of the nerves of the intestines, or how the brain controls some of these functions are impaired.
As we learn more about the different types of GI disorders, we can take a more active role in raising awareness and educating those around us.
To learn about GI disorders and some of the most common symptoms, 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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IFFGD has an Advisory Board that is made up of 60 medical professionals from various disciplines representing the USA and ten other countries. Many of these individuals are noted experts in the field of functional gastrointestinal disorders. This month we would like to recognize our new advisory board member, Darren Brenner, MD.
Dr. Brenner is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery in the Division of Gastroenterology at Northwestern University and serves as Director of the Neurogastromotility and Functional Bowel Programs, Co-Director of the Integrated Bowel Dysfunction Program, and Director of the Motts Tonelli GI Physiology Laboratory.
He is also an active Irene D. Pritzker Research Scholar. Dr. Brenner focuses his clinical and research pursuits on a wide range of motility topics including IBS, constipation, opioid related constipation, fecal incontinence, gastroparesis and scleroderma.
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He has published more than 125 articles, abstracts, and online materials on these subjects, and has lectured both nationally and internationally in these areas. He acts as a reviewer and editor for multiple GI peer-reviewed journals and is a current associate editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Brenner is a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and American Gastroenterological Association. He has been appointed to the peer perspective board of Helio Gastroenterology and was named to the Helio 200 top innovators in gastroenterology and hepatology and Best Doctors in America lists. In his free time, Dr. Brenner is an avid practitioner of Shotokan karate, holds a 3rd degree black belt in this art and will be serving as head coach of the US Junior National Karate Team at the World Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2022.
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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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