Join us as we continue last month’s meeting with Dr. Thangam Venkatesan and Dr. Benjamin Liu to further discuss Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Click the button below to watch April’s edition.

We are excited to partner with MBiota Labs to announce an official SIBO Awareness Day on Tuesday April 8th.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. 

It is estimated that up to 22% of the population may be living with SIBO. SIBO shares symptoms with many other GI disorders, leading many researchers to believe that the true number of those with SIBO may differ. 

There are many similarities between SIBO and IBS, with SIBO often being the cause of some IBS symptoms. Patients with SIBO account for an estimated 75% of those dealing with IBS. 

Click the button below to learn more.

IBS can significantly impact workplace ability by causing reduced productivity due to symptoms, absenteeism, presenteeism, and increased stress and anxiety during work hours. All of these can negatively impact job performance and work quality. 

IBS can affect the ability to concentrate and be productive, leading to a decline in work output. Constant worry and stress about managing symptoms can impact decision-making ability and well-being. Many people may find themselves isolating to avoid the stress of explaining symptoms. Many may end up avoiding certain careers all together because of symptoms. 

We encourage employees to advocate for themselves and urge employers to provide a safe and comfortable working environment for those with disabilities that may not visually present themselves. 

IFFGD is supporting a range of legislation aimed at better supporting the patient community just as we have done for the past 30 years.

We encourage you to do your own research and contact your representatives about supporting these initiatives or others that may be important to you:

Safe Step Act- This bill would establish a clear process for requesting exceptions to step therapy protocols and require group health plans to grant exceptions when specific criteria are met. Currently, health plans may require patients to try multiple medications before covering the one chosen by their provider, which can delay proper treatment and worsen conditions. This legislation mirrors laws in over three dozen states and aims to extend similar protections to federally regulated employer health plans 

HELP Copays Act- This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, and discounts toward cost-sharing requirements. It closes a loophole allowing employer plans to exclude certain covered drugs from counting toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. The bill ensures all private plans count cost-sharing for covered services.