International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
November 2021 eNewsletter
Greetings!

1 in 5 people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the United States, and close to 5 million people are admitted into the hospital each year for chest pains. 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 GERD for patients — using the hashtags #LivingWithGERD and #GERDAwarenessWeek.
November 21-27, 2021, is GERD Awareness Week. 

This year we have created a social media toolkit, which 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 here to download the 2021 GERD Awareness Week media toolkit. 
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is typically defined as the presence of excess bacteria in the small intestine. 

Each part of our small intestine performs a vital role in nutrient absorption.

For those living with SIBO, symptoms occur after eating due to the bacteria in the intestine beginning to consume the food in the small intestine before it can be absorbed.

Common symptoms associated with SIBO 
• Chronic diarrhea 
• Bloating 
• Abdominal swelling 
• Gas and belching 
•Abdominal pain or fullness after eating

Click below to learn more about how SIBO is diagnosed and treated.
There are disparities in the healthcare provided to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that differ among racial groups.

Results from a retrospective analysis of health records revealed that patients who self-identified as Black, Hispanic, or Asian were less likely to receive care in accordance with evidence-based recommendations than their White counterparts.

IFFGD and WebMD are working to improve patient care in IBS by gathering information through a short survey.

If you are a person living with IBS, please click below to take a quick 3-5 minute survey to help us better understand the needs, concerns, and barriers to living with IBS. 
Don’t miss the free virtual program offering 35 sessions and featuring 21 GI healthcare experts from around the world.

To commemorate IFFGD's 30th anniversary, we will be hosting a very special complimentary 2-day virtual edition of the Norton Education Series (NES) on November 6th-7th.

The program will include 35 pre-recorded sessions, live hosts for Q&A, and registrants access to a supplemental pediatric program, The Nancy and Bill Norton Patient Education Series Event: IFFGD’s Thirtieth Anniversary Pediatric Edition.

The NES Event: IFFGD’s 30th Anniversary Pediatric Edition will be released to registrants on November 7, 2021.  The program will include 15 pre-recorded video sessions presented by patients, caregivers, and pediatric GI healthcare experts from around the world. The presentations will provide education and insight for parents, caregivers, family, and patients living with a chronic GI disorder. 

Click here to register, review both NES event agendas, and read speaker bios.
AmazonSmile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases on Amazon to a charity of your choice. All you need to do is start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. The donation will be made at no extra cost to you, and you can choose from nearly one million public charitable organizations. 

Customers can now support IFFGD in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones!

Follow the instructions below to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations while shopping all year long. 

  1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device 
  2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
  3. Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process 

If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, click here for instructions on how to update your app.
Diverticulosis is a condition characterized by the development of small pouches protruding from the wall of the colon. The pouches themselves are not harmful and rarely cause symptoms.

However, diverticulosis becomes more severe if the pouches become infected.
If an infection occurs, the condition is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is more severe because the infection can lead to other complications.

People whose diverticulosis develops into diverticulitis have abdominal pain (usually in the lower left side), fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and chills.

Symptoms of diverticulosis and diverticulitis are similar to other conditions, such as appendicitis, ovarian cyst, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome – so your healthcare provider may do tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, or endoscopy to make the right diagnosis.

Click below to learn more about the difference between the two.
We are pleased to recognize the 2021 IFFGD Ally Award recipients for their continued support to those living with gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses. We thank them for their commitment to go above and beyond to ensure the needs of someone living with chronic GI disorders are met.

The 2021 Ally Award Winners Are:
  • Joseph Popp
  • Howard DiPiazza, MD (retired)
  • Michelle Barnett, PA
  • Brad McNatt
  • Ravinder Mittal, MD

Click here to watch the 2021 Ally Award Gala.
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:
November Spotlight
IFFGD has an Advisory Board 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, Brittany Aliano.

Brittany Aliano is a patient who has dealt with gastrointestinal disorders, including Abdominal Phrenic Dyssyneria, for almost 10 years. She is on the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Patient Advisory Committee and is also a patient advocate and a healthcare policy lobbyist. Brittany is passionate and committed to improving the lives and healthcare of others with similar conditions. Her passion stems from her difficult journey in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. She became involved with the IFFGD in 2017 and joined the Board of Directors in Jan 2021. 

Brittany received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Studies and Human Science from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She is a former member, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and rescue diver of the Cold Spring Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. Brittany worked in hospitals and conducted clinical research regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Professionally, Brittany is a Vice President, Account Group Supervisor at Ogilvy Health, a pharmaceutical and healthcare advertising agency in New York City. 
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