April is IBS Awareness Month
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone – IBS is common with worldwide prevalence estimated at 9% to 23%. Yet many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.
Attention Healthcare Professionals
In support of IBS Awareness Month, IFFGD will provide your office with complimentary copies of our IBS publication. Simply send us an email with your name and mailing address, and we will send 10 copies at no charge.
Bulk-order our introductory IBS publication for your clinic in quantities of 50 or 100, through our online store. Go »
In 1997, IFFGD designated April as IBS Awareness Month. During this time, we work to focus attention on important health messages about IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.
IBS Awareness Month is listed on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar. Health observances are days, weeks, or months devoted to promoting particular health concerns. Individuals, health professionals, teachers, community groups, and others can use these special times to sponsor health promotion events and stimulate awareness of health issues.
How you can get involved
The more we work together to raise awareness for IBS, the greater our ability to impact positive outcomes, such as additional research, increased educational opportunities and improved patient care, for the functional GI community. Here are a few tools for you to raise the visibility of IBS in your community.
- Send our press release on veterans with IBS to your local media outlet or share a link to it on social media.
- Write or email a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor are still great ways to share issues that are important to you. Lots of local papers post them online. Use this template to get started.
- Tell your legislators that research on FGIMDs including IBS is important.
- Download and print IBS awareness posters. Share these in your community to raise awareness for IBS.
- Read Some Take Things to Heart, Other to their Belly – Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What is it and how is it treated by Ami D. Sperber, MD. Available online at Amazon.com.
- Contact IFFGD to receive your free introductory packet on IBS. Health fair kits are also available upon request.
- Join the Digestive Health Alliance and use your voice to make a difference.
- Find us on social media and join the conversation.
- Introduction to IBS
- Facts About IBS
- Help for Talking to Your Doctor
- IBS Patients: Their Illness Experience and Unmet Needs Survey (pdf)
- IBS Awareness Month Tips
- Share Your Story
- Become a Digestive Health Alliance Advocate
Learn More About IBS