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August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Aug 01, 2019
Because gastroparesis is a somewhat rare disorder that affects such a small portion of the population, it’s important to do everything possible to spread awareness of the condition. One way of doing this is with Gastroparesis Awareness Month.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Because gastroparesis is a somewhat rare disorder that affects such a small portion of the population, it’s important to do everything possible to spread awareness of the condition. One way of doing this is with Gastroparesis Awareness Month.

Every August, the International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders takes action and shines a light on important health messages regarding gastroparesis diagnosis, treatment options, and quality of life issues to help improve an overall understanding of the disease and give patients and families every resource possible to manage it.

Gastroparesis is a chronic health condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life and relationships. That’s why it’s important that patients, as well as their families and friends, have a better understanding of the condition, what it means to live with it, and most importantly, that you are not alone.

Thanks to sponsorship by IFFGD, Gastroparesis Awareness Month became an official part of the U.S. National Health Observances Calendar in 2016. Throughout the month of August, individuals, health professionals, the community, and others can raise awareness of the health issue by sponsoring health promotion events throughout their local communities or sharing their personal stories on social media.

Gastroparesis is a gastric motility disorder where the muscular contractions of the stomach responsible for breaking down solid food, pumping liquid into our small intestine and storing food are essentially defective causing debilitating symptoms that impact one’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Like any chronic condition, gastroparesis can be a challenging and frustrating condition to live with. This means patients and families are always researching the condition searching for new advancements, what does and doesn’t work, and methods for controlling symptoms. That’s why Gastroparesis Awareness Month is so important.

How Can I Get Involved?

One of the best ways to get involved and help raise awareness about gastroparesis is to first understand the condition. Even though the number of people suffering from gastroparesis is relatively small the numbers are rising, and an estimated 4 percent of the population experiences gastroparesis-like symptoms. Gastroparesis is grossly misunderstood, but by working together, talking about the condition, and working hard during the month of August as well as the rest of the year to raise awareness, the greater the chances of achieving real results that can impact people’s lives in the future.

If you have any questions about gastroparesis symptoms, treatment, or other anything else related to you or your loved one’s personal health, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at GastroCareLI by calling (516) 265-7049. You can also find resources on how to create positive change or share your personal story by visiting the IFFGD website or joining the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. So get out there and make this year’s Gastroparesis Awareness Month the best one yet!