May is definitively food awareness and dietary health month. May is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month and also celebrates Food Allergy Week from May 21 to 27 and World IBD Day on May 19.  

World IBD Day aims to unite people globally in their fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – also known as inflammatory bowel diseases. 

This May is a chance for Australians to understand a little more about what it is like to live inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  

Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Association (CCA) estimates that as early as 2024, more than 100,000 Australians will be living with Crohn’s or colitis – lifelong, incurable conditions that are on the increase. For every person diagnosed, not only are their lives changed forever but also the lives of their family and friends. The CCA reports that more than 200 genes have been connected to inflammatory bowel disease. 

The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract (the gut) and other organs that help your body break down and absorb food. It is a long, twisting tube that starts at the mouth and goes all the way to the anus.  

Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that can cause inflammation anywhere in the digestive system. Inflammation can cause redness, swelling and pain, and is the body’s response to injury or irritation. Up to 80% of people with Crohn’s disease will need surgery at some point in their lives. 

Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD that can cause inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine (colon and rectum). Inflammation can cause redness, swelling and pain, and is the body’s response to injury or irritation. Ulcers (sores) also develop on the surface of the intestines inner lining which may bleed and produce mucus. After 30 years of having ulcerative colitis, approximately 35% of people may need surgery to treat the disease. 

In general, most patients with IBD should follow the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and do not need to restrict their diet. However, there is emerging or established evidence to support specialty diets for specific situations. Learn all about these specific situations here.  

#FlushtheStigma #GotGuts #WorldIBDDay2021 

For any post surgery support, transitional care, companion care, personal care or assistance at home give your local Right at Home office a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website on www.rightathome.com.au

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

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