Coastin Carl
💩 IBS Awareness Month ORIGIN & HISTORY
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month is observed in the Month of April to raise awareness of the condition and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide. IBS is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with estimates suggesting that up to 20% of the population may experience symptoms of IBS at some point in their lives. Even though it’s a taboo subject for most people, IBS affects 25 to 45 million Americans.
The IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) declared April as the awareness month for IBS back in 1997. In this month more attention is given to the importance of health and awareness regarding IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. Only about 20% of people with IBS actually seek out medical treatment. Symptoms of IBS can occur early in life and some patients have symptoms as soon as they reach 30 years of age.
IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The condition can be chronic and difficult to manage and have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
IBS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of the condition, reduce stigma, and promote support for those living with IBS. Throughout the month of April, advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and other organizations may hold events, distribute educational materials, and launch social media campaigns to raise awareness of IBS and its impact on individuals and communities. The goal of the observance is to promote understanding and education around IBS, as well as to encourage more research, funding, and treatment options for the mysterious condition.
Defining Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome has confused doctors for more than a century. The syndrome was first known as “mucous colitis” by Sir William Osler in 1892 suggesting a digestive disease with mucorrhea and abdominal colic. Later on, this condition was diagnosed as a “colonic spasm”. But by 1929, the used to describe it was “irritable colon” in published research.
IBS is a chronic condition that affects the larger intestine and can cause a range of symptoms that can be difficult to manage. While there is no known cure for IBS, with the right treatment and management strategies, many people are able to successfully manage their symptoms and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Treatment for IBS typically involves a combination of dietary and lifestyle modifications, medication, and therapy to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What can I do for IBS?
To help avoid IBS, try eating meals cooked at home, It’s highly recommended to include organic and homemade food into your diet. Fresh food is a great way to save yourself from this disorder, so make sure to eat a majority of fresh fruits & veggies this month!
Mental health support is an important aspect of IBS treatment and management, as the condition can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health, including increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.
- Consult a healthcare provider: If you are experiencing symptoms of IBS, you should consult a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or gastroenterologist. They can perform diagnostic tests, recommend treatments, and provide guidance on managing IBS symptoms.
- Join a support group: Joining a support group can provide you with emotional support, information, and resources for managing your condition. Many support groups meet in person or online.
- Try dietary changes: Some people find relief from IBS symptoms by changing their diet. This may include avoiding certain foods or following a low-FODMAP diet, which restricts certain types of carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms.
- Consider therapy: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, and therapy can help you manage these feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating IBS.
- Explore alternative therapies: Some people find relief from IBS symptoms through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, or massage.
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The exact cause of IBS is not known, but it is believed to be a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, diet, stress, and changes in gut bacteria. As a result, there’s no single test or diagnostic criteria for IBS, and diagnosis often involves ruling out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.
The observance has become an important annual event for those living with IBS and those working to support them. By promoting awareness and understanding, IBS Month helps to reduce the isolation and stigma that can often accompany living with this condition and encourages greater support and resources for those who need it so you can 💩 better.
🧡 HOW to Celebrate & Observe IBS Awareness Month?
Not sure how to LOVE the month? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do during IBS Awareness Month!
💙 Get some HELP
- Focus on self-care and stress reduction techniques to manage IBS symptoms and promote overall well-being.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of IBS, you should consult a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or gastroenterologist. They can perform diagnostic tests, recommend treatments, and provide guidance on managing IBS symptoms.
- Joining a support group can provide you with emotional support, information, and resources for managing your condition. Many support groups meet in person or online.
- Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, and therapy can help you manage these feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating IBS.
- Some people find relief from IBS symptoms through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, or massage.
- Go for walks or jogs. Try to choose any favorite activity and encourage others to join you too. An increased heart rate decreases intestinal issues.
💙 Share your SUPPORT
- Host a virtual IBS support group to provide support for those affected.
- Share your personal experiences with IBS to help reduce stigma and raise awareness.
- Encourage healthcare providers to prioritize IBS awareness and education in their practices.
- Advocate for better access to healthcare and resources for those with IBS.
- Participate in a virtual IBS awareness event, such as a walk or fundraiser.
- There are many ways to support IBS Awareness Month, such as wearing a blue ribbon, participating in awareness events, and donating to advocacy organizations or research funds.
💙 RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth, #IBSMonth, #IBS, #IBSAwareness, #IrritableBowelSyndrome, #HealthyHolidays, #AprilHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ IBS Awareness Month.
EIGHT Key Facts you never knew about IBS Awareness Month
- Stress and anxiety can make IBS symptoms worse, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress, like exercising or doing a fun hobby.
- IBS can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race.
- There are many different types of IBS, including IBS-C (with constipation and abdominal discomfort, IBS-D (mostly diarrhea and abdominal distress), IBS-mixed (alternating loose stools and constipation along with abdominal pangs), and an undefined subtype called IBS-U.
- Many foods can trigger IBS symptoms, but everyone’s triggers are different. It’s like a personalized puzzle to figure one’s self out!
- IBS Awareness Month is observed in April, which is also National POETRY Month, AUTISM Awareness Month, and National GRILLED CHEESE Month.
- IBS is more common with women being affected about twice as often as men.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome is often called a “hidden” condition because people may not feel comfortable talking about their symptoms, but it’s important to raise awareness and support those who are affected.
- The exact cause of IBS is still unknown, but research suggests that it may be related to a combination of factors, such as genetics, stress, and changes in gut bacteria. Changes in normal bowel movement and sensation can occur due to a disturbance or disconnect in how the gut, brain, and nervous system interact.
Famous PEOPLE also born during the Month of April
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Queen Elizabeth II
Former monarch of the UK and its Commonwealth Realms. She reigned from 1952 until her death in 2022, making her the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning female monarch in world history. She surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria in 2015. Only King Louis XIV of France beat her by less than two years. She’s known for her dedication to public service, her love of horses and dogs, and her role as a figurehead for the British royal family. Born 1926.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II Quote
“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”
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Maya Angelou
American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for her powerful writing on race, identity, and womanhood. Born 1928.
MAYA ANGELOU Quote
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
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Shirley Temple
American actress, singer, and diplomat who rose to fame as a child star in the 1930s and later became a prominent political figure and diplomat. Shirley was one of the most successful child actors of her time. Her mother would style her hair with exactly 56 curls in all her films. Born 1928.
SHIRLEY TEMPLE Quote
“When you’re a performer, you have to please a large audience. And when you’re in politics, you have to please a large audience, too.”
Future DATES for IBS Awareness Month
| Year | Date | Month of the Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | April |
| 2024 | April 1 | April |
| 2025 | April 1 | April |
| 2026 | April 1 | April |
| 2027 | April 1 | April |
💩 Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ
WHEN is IBS Awareness Month?
- IBS Awareness Month is an annual celebration held all throughout April each year.
Can CHILDREN be affected by IBS?
- Yes, children can be affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In fact, IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents.
Can IBS lead to other health COMPLICATIONS?
- While IBS itself is not typically life-threatening, it can lead to other health complications such as hemorrhoids, malnutrition if avoiding certain foods, and reduced quality of life. It’s not a risk for cancer or colitis, doesn’t get worse with age, nor shortens your life span.
The Imp💜rtance of IBS Awareness Month
Most of the people suffering from IBS don’t seek medical advice, hence if people are more aware of it then they would go to the doctors and get medically treated for it.
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ADVOCACY & Awareness
IBS Awareness Month helps increase awareness of the condition and its symptoms. By educating people about IBS, more individuals can understand the challenges that those with IBS face on a daily basis. It provides a platform for advocacy and awareness of IBS. By speaking out about the condition, people can advocate for better access to healthcare and resources for those with IBS.
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SUPPORT & Resources
For those who suffer from IBS, finding support and resources can be challenging. However, IBS Awareness Month can help connect people with advocacy organizations, support groups, and other resources that can help them manage their condition.
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Reduced STIGMA
Many people with IBS feel embarrassed or stigmatized by their condition. IBS Awareness Month helps reduce stigma and raise awareness of the impact that IBS can have on people’s lives.
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RESEARCH & Funding
IBS Awareness Month can help raise funds and support research into the causes of IBS and better treatments. This can lead to better management options and improved quality of life for those with IBS.
