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New York – March 12, 2007 – Dr.
Judith Reichman, a well-known women’s health specialist,
is giving women food for thought with Straight Talk on Women’s
GI Health (www.GIStraightTalk.com), a new campaign about digestive
health.
According to a nationwide survey released
today, only 28 percent of women age 40 and older recognize
constipation as a common part of aging – even though the condition affects up
to 42 million adults in the United States and is more prevalent
in women than men. Women in this age group expect their bodies
to change, but few realize that digestive health problems,
such as constipation, may also increase with age and fluctuating
hormones may not always be the cause.
“As a gynecologist for more than 25 years, I have seen how the body changes
as we get older. Too often my patients blame their abdominal bloating, discomfort
and constipation on hormonal changes,” said Dr. Reichman. “However,
as they describe their symptoms to me, I realize it’s not their hormones,
but instead general wear and tear in their GI tract. If you’re
a woman age 40 and older, I encourage you to take time to talk
with your doctor about your symptoms. Digestive health problems,
like constipation, can disrupt your quality of life.”
The survey, conducted by Braun Research, also found that of
women age 40 and older who suffer from chronic constipation:
- 87
percent say chronic constipation makes them physically uncomfortable.
- Eight
in ten (80 percent) report that their constipation has had
a negative effect on them.
- 66 percent report that their constipation
negatively affects their mood.
- 31 percent say constipation
has kept them from leaving their home.
Thirty-three percent of these women also wished they had been
warned about the condition as much as memory loss (30 percent)
and arthritis (31 percent). When asked about what steps they
have taken to relieve their symptoms, the majority (82 percent)
of women surveyed said they have tried over-the-counter (OTC)
medication; however, nearly 60 percent report that the treatments
work some of the time or not at all.
“If digestive health problems are disrupting the quality
of your life or if you are constantly aware of your gastrointestinal
tract – when you last went to the bathroom, if you had
to strain, when you might go again – you should see a
doctor. Changes in diet and exercise, while a foundation for
therapy, may not always work,” said Dr. Reichman. “If
you are not getting the relief you want, be persistent and
keep an ongoing dialogue with your doctor about treatment options
that can help alleviate your symptoms. Take charge of your
GI health with these D.I.G.E.S.T. tips.”
- Diminish stress.
Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation.
Take a moment to do something you enjoy, such as reading
a book, gardening or spending time with a friend.
- Increase
your intake of fiber, bran and water. They may help reduce
discomfort and enable your colon to pass stool more easily.
Also, keep a food diary to help your doctor determine if
any specific foods could be triggering your digestive health
problems.
- Get more exercise. Try to exercise for
30 minutes each day.
- Establish a daily bathroom routine.
Set aside an adequate amount of bathroom time so that you
don’t feel rushed.
And never ignore your urge to have a bowel movement. Stop
what you’re doing and go!
- Stay informed. Many people
fail to recognize that the discomfort or bloating they feel
could be an indication of a more serious condition, such
as chronic constipation. It is important to be aware of these
symptoms in order to find relief.
- Talk with your doctor.
Don’t be shy. Describe
all of your symptoms. It’s the best way to ensure you
receive an appropriate and effective treatment for your condition.
If your condition is persistent or chronic, you may need
more than over-the-counter medications.
The Straight Talk on Women’s
GI Health campaign is sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceuticals
North America, Inc. and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For
more information about the campaign, including a downloadable
brochure and symptom checker, go to www.GIStraightTalk.com.
The Straight Talk on Women’s GI Health survey was conducted
online between November 8, 2006 and November 16, 2006 by Braun
Research, and included a total of 1,004 respondents among a
nationally representative sample of women age 40 and older
(+/- 3% margin of error). Of the total respondents, 147 indicated
that they had chronic constipation.
Constipation is the most common digestive complaint. Up to
42 million adults in the United States have constipation
and the condition is more prevalent in women than men. Chronic
constipation is defined as unsatisfactory defecation that
is characterized by infrequent stools, difficult stool passage,
or both. Difficult stool passage includes:
- Straining
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Difficulty
passing stool
- Incomplete evacuation
- Prolonged
time to stool
- Need for manual maneuvers to pass stool
Symptoms
must persist for at least three months.
The Straight Talk on Women’s GI Health campaign is sponsored
by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and Sucampo
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Based in Deerfield, IL, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
North America, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda
Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the largest pharmaceutical
company in Japan. Sucampo Pharmaceuticals is an emerging pharmaceutical
company based in Bethesda, MD.
Contact:
Amy Losak
Ketchum
646-935-3917
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