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Because Digestive Health Matters |
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders November 2022 eNewsletter |
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Greetings!
This year, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week is recognized on November 20th-26th. GERD is much more common than often realized, with 1 in 5 people suffering from this disease in the United States.
Close to 5 million people are admitted into the hospital each year for chest pains, some of which are due to a gastrointestinal (GI) issue. While just about everyone experiences episodes of heartburn or "indigestion", heartburn that occurs more than once a week or takes place at night and wakes you from sleep may indicate something more severe. An underlying condition, such as GERD, could be the cause.
In recognition of GERD Awareness Week, IFFGD will launch a campaign that acknowledges the life impacts of patients living with GERD — using the hashtags #LivingWithGERD and #GERDAwarenessWeek.
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One research grant award of $35,000 in direct costs is available for innovative research related to gastrointestinal disorders. We are seeking proposals for research that will ultimately lead to improvements in the understanding of GI disorders, its pathophysiology, and the care of patients. Learn more about the research grant here.
Eight travel awards of up to $2,500 each are available for young researchers focused on gastrointestinal disorders research. These travel awards recognize and support young investigators who have a record of research interest and accomplishment in neurogastroenterology and, especially, in the basic mechanisms or clinical aspects of functional GI and motility disorders. These awards are intended to encourage the participation of clinicians and scientists in large world-class medical meetings for the field of gastroenterology. Learn more about the travel awards here.
Applications for both the research grant and the travel awards must be submitted by midnight on Thursday, December 15th, 2022.
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NeedyMeds is a nonprofit that connects people with programs that help them afford their medication and other healthcare costs. NeedyMeds offers a discount card that can save you up to 80% on your prescription medications. The card is free and anonymous with no enrollment or registration required. This means that one card can be used multiple times by multiple people which is perfect for a family.
These cards are accepted at 65,000 pharmacies nationwide as long as you have a prescription. All you have to do is print the card and present it at a participating pharmacy!
To sign up for the card click here. Click the button below to learn more about the NeedyMeds discount card. |
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Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the esophageal lining changes, becoming similar to the tissue that lines the intestine. This abnormality in the lining of the lower esophagus is linked to complications of GERD.
Though this is not a common complication of GERD, it is important to understand what kinds of foods can cause a flare-up. Just like with heartburn and GERD, there are certain foods that can cause aggravating symptoms.
Click below for a FAQ by J. Patrick Waring, M.D., Digestive Healthcare of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, to learn more about this condition and diet tips associated with it.
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This was a free event hosted by IFFGD where we educated the community about access to healthcare and treatment and how to best advocate for yourself in the medical field.
We heard from both patients and healthcare professionals, as well as members of the IFFGD team. These speakers covered a variety of topics including how to communicate with your healthcare provider, working with your insurance company through the appeals process, patient assistance programs, what to do when insurance won't cover your medications, and much more.
Click here to view the YouTube video and learn more about how to advocate for yourself in health care. |
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IFFGD has created a social media toolkit that contains information and resources to amplify the voices within the patient community and help spread awareness about GERD.
You will find key messaging, ways to raise awareness 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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The upcoming holiday season can be full of fun and happiness, or gastrointestinal distress for those with sensitive stomachs. Parties, traditional holiday foods, travel by car or plane, and celebration meals can trigger heartburn, acid reflux, stomach pain, gas, or diarrhea that will put more than a wrench in your plans.
With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in your struggle. That’s why we have put together a guide to help you reduce stress and symptoms this holiday season.
Click the button below to learn more.
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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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ConTTRibute: A Global Observational Study of Patients With Transthyretin (TTR)-Mediated Amyloidosis (ATTR Amyloidosis) (ConTTRibute) |
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Natural History of Barrett's Esophagus Using Tethered Capsule Endomicroscopy |
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Internet Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Pediatric Chronic Pancreatitis |
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IFFGD Staff Member: Jamie DuMont |
Ms. DuMont joined the IFFGD team in 2018 bringing a combined 20+ years of experience in hospitality, project management, and corporate business to the organization.
Ms. DuMont first became involved in the field of functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIMDs) assisting healthcare professionals to find resources while working as an Exhibit Manager for the Rome Foundation. This experience ignited her passion for the field and the patient which led to her transition to providing patients and their families with resources at IFFGD. Ms. DuMont oversees the daily operations of IFFGD, working closely with the President on strategic planning, patient education, and awareness.
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In her free time, Ms. DuMont enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
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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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