Here are five things to know about the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders for IBS Awareness Month.
1. The foundation first designated April as IBS Awareness Month in 1997 to bring attention to this common — and commonly misunderstood — GI illness. In the U.S. an estimated 30 to 45 million people, or 10 to 15 percent of the population, are affected, and IBS is the second leading cause of work absenteeism.
2. IFFGD was founded in 1991 by Nancy Norton and William Norton as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
3. IFFGD aims to improve digestive care by raising awareness, improving education, and supporting and encouraging research into treatments and cures for chronic GI conditions.
4. The charity also advocates for national policies on behalf of the digestive health community.
5. IFFGD provides patient support and education and supports research into gastrointestinal disorders.
Here is more information on IFFGD.
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