The Charlton Centre

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gut. People who have these diseases have symptoms that include but are not limited to, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, pain, and tiredness. Many patients find it difficult to leave the house because they always need access to restrooms due to the unpredictability of their disease. The point of treating IBD is to reduce symptoms in order to allow patients to resume their lives without interruption by their disease.

World IBD Day takes place on May 19 of every year. Each year there are different events to raise awareness for these diseases. This year’s slogan is “IBD has no age” which emphasizes that elderly people still suffer from IBD. The World IBD Day website includes details about events in Brazil, France, Greece, India, Ireland, and New Zealand. Click here if you are in these places or if family members are there that wish to participate.

If you are in Canada and want to get involved in raising awareness and funding for IBD, you can participate in the Gutsy Walk, which is Canada’s largest fundraiser for IBD research and patient programs!

If you wish to participate in the walk, the event takes place on June 5, 2022. The typical participant walks 5km, but anyone can do any distance they are comfortable with. You can sign up for different regions around Canada and there is even an “Ontario Virtual Walk” option for those who may not be able to come to the walk event areas. If you are unable to participate, you can consider sponsoring a team or individual who is! For more information on the walk, please visit the Gutsy Walk website.

Carolyn Whiskin is the Pharmacy Manager for Charlton Health. Carolyn specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, pharmaceutical compounding, women’s health, pain, and smoking cessation. Carolyn has won provincial and national awards for her commitment to patient care and public service.