December 1 to 7 is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week

Read a short note from Dr. Alex Rowe about Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week:

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are often called “invisible” diseases because there is little awareness of their impact. These incurable conditions are also collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To create visibility around IBD, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has founded the Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, celebrated each year from December 1^st to 7^th

IBD attacks the digestive system and causes abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, fever and weight loss, including the need for surgery in severe cases. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it’s generally believed to be the result of a weakened immune system that reacts incorrectly to triggers, causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This chronic inflammation can result in permanent damage, as well as ongoing, painful symptoms that get in the way of living a normal life.

At UnitedHealthcare Global, we recognise the unique combination of challenges that IBD poses to people, including a lasting impact on mental and emotional health. The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a resource that can provide confidential support to people living with these diseases, including assistance when and where individuals need it. Our Health Management Programme offers trusting relationships with doctors who can help monitor and medicate individual’s with IBD who travel internationally on assignment.

The good news is there is progress being made to help better treat these issues. Studies are helping individuals with IBD better manage symptoms through medication, diet and nutrition, while new “smart pill” technology is being developed to deliver medicine directly to diseased areas in the GI tract. ² The first week of December is an opportunity to keep that momentum going by raising awareness, educating people and joining the effort in creating a future free of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. - Dr. Alex Rowe, Medical Director, Europe, UnitedHealthcare Global

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resources: 

^{1: https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/what-is-ibd.htm
2: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/impact-report}