
What is Wellness?
Wellness is the quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal. Good health can be sought for our mind, body, and spirit.
What is a Wellness Event?
IFFGD’s Virtual Digestive Health Wellness Events began in 2021 to celebrate our 30th anniversary. The activities in each event allow individuals to not only focus on their physical health but also their mental health and overall wellbeing. We have incorporated a variety of activities that include but are not limited to: walking, running, swimming, meditation, reading, scheduling doctor’s appointments, and so much more. The activities are designed to allow anyone to participate regardless of mobility or skill. The best part is that each participant can choose what activities they participate in based on their interests and abilities.
Promoting health and wellness extends beyond organized events, reaching into daily routines and the support systems that help individuals maintain balance and independence. For seniors or those managing chronic conditions, consistent care at home can be a critical part of overall wellbeing, and technology plays a vital role in making that care effective and reliable. Leveraging software home care allows caregivers to track health metrics, coordinate appointments, and ensure that every aspect of a patient’s routine is managed with precision. This integration of technology into everyday health practices not only enhances safety and adherence to care plans but also empowers individuals to stay engaged, active, and connected to the support they need to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Hosting wellness events, whether virtual or in-person, requires careful attention not only to participant engagement but also to the safety and security of everyone involved. Just as activities are tailored to individual abilities and interests, ensuring a safe environment is essential so that attendees can fully focus on their wellbeing without unnecessary risk.
To ensure that all participants can enjoy these wellness activities safely, special attention is given to fire safety throughout each event. Measures include clearly marked emergency exits, accessible evacuation routes, fire extinguishers strategically placed around activity areas, and trained personnel on-site to respond quickly in case of any incident.
Engaging a reliable Fire Watch Guards Service adds an extra layer of protection, providing continuous monitoring to detect and manage potential hazards before they escalate. This proactive approach allows attendees to focus fully on their physical and mental wellness, knowing that every precaution has been taken to create a secure and supportive environment. Are you interested in participating in our event?
Take part in activities that support your wellbeing by joining this year’s 2025 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness & Walk Event!
Who Should Get Involved?
Everyone! IFFGD’s events are designed so anyone that wants to become involved, can become involved. The events are virtual usually span several days, and don’t require athletic ability or skill.
Why Get Involved?
If you or someone you know has a chronic digestive disorder, you are not alone. Each year, 60 to 70 million people are diagnosed with a digestive disorder in the United States alone. We know the profound effect a disorder like gastroparesis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Incontinence, Constipation, and other functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders can have on daily life – on social interactions, on work or school, and on the loss of potential or opportunity. IFFGD is committed to raising funds to help promote ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) research to help treat and manage symptoms for patients worldwide and our wellness events are a way for us to pursue that commitment.
Participating in an IFFGD event supports research for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and promotes awareness of chronic functional GI and motility disorders. By getting involved, you are showing your commitment to helping others struggling with chronic digestive disorders. And you can have fun while interacting with other participants.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to become involved in an IFFGD Wellness Event and show your support of the gastrointestinal disorders community:
-
- Register for an event
-
- Share information about your involvement in an event with famiy, friends, and your social following to increase awareness and support
-
- Recruit others to register for an event
-
- Hang and post event posters online and at local businesses and healthcare provider offices
-
- Encourage your GI healthcare provider to register and create a team for their practice to become involved
-
- Fundraise for or donate to an event
-
- Submit your donation for a matching donation to employers with matching gift program
-
- Support a participant through encouraging words, donations, or sharing of posts
-
- Recruit a business sponsor for an event
-
- Share IFFGD posts about the event to promote awareness, encourage participation, and gain support
Email IFFGD at iffgd@iffgd.org if you need help registering for an event, have questions, or want more ideas on how to get involved.
The Benefit to Gastrointestinal Disorders Research
Each year the event proceeds go toward the support of gastrointestinal (GI) research.
To date, research support totaling over $105,000 has been funded by the annual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk event.
Looking Back: Past Wellness Events
2024
- IFFGD has called for applications to present a $40,000 research grant, a $5,000 Preceptorship Award, and 15 travel awards in 2025, thanks to the generous support generated by the 2024 event.
2023
- A $40,000 gastrointestinal illness research grant, a $5,000 Preceptorship Award, and 15 travel awards were distributed, funded through contributions from the 2023 event.
2022
- IFFGD awarded a $35,000 gastrointestinal illness research grant along with several smaller supporting grants, made possible through the fundraising efforts of the 2022 event.
2021
- A $30,000 gastrointestinal illness research grant was supported by the funds raised during the 2021 event.