August 2019: Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders (FGIMD) are one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the general population and can be very debilitating, as they are characterized by severe pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and can lead to malnourishment, weight loss, dehydration and other life- threatening complications; and,

 

WHEREAS, FGIMDs are chronic illnesses that affect more than 25 percent of the population in the United States; yet very little is known about these disorders in our state; and,

 

WHEREAS, FGIMDs are disorders of function, motility, visceral hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function, altered gut microbiota, and altered central nervous system processing within the gastrointestinal system; and,

   

WHEREAS, there is little awareness, no known cure, and few effective treatment options or medications; and,

 

WHEREAS, more research, improved medications and testing procedures, additional treatment options, better support, and hope for our future are crucial to the health and well-being of patients with FGIMDs; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is critical that our state make efforts to educate the medical community and the general public regarding the devastating effects of FGIMDs and promote awareness of their effects for the good of the public health;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 2019 as Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Awareness Month in Michigan.