August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Gastroparesis is a condition wherein your stomach empties its contents into the small intestines very slowly. This condition is not because of some blockage but due to a malfunction in the nerves that serve this region. Here, Gastro refers to our stomach, whereas Paresis refers to nerve-related muscle weakness.
The disease is uncommon among people. Out of every 100,000 people, only ten men and approximately 40 women suffer from the same. However, symptoms similar to gastroparesis occur in about one out of every four adults in the US. The problem can begin at any age, although the average age for the onset of the disease can be around 34-35.
While gastroparesis is an uncommon disorder, it can be draining and exhausting for people suffering from the same. Lets understand more about the disorder and know what Gastroparesis Awareness Month 2026 holds for people.
Gastroparesis Awareness Month 2026
The month of August is dedicated to improving the understanding and managing the disorder. The disorder is known for delaying gastric emptying affecting the muscles in the stomach, preventing proper movement of food through our stomach and intestines. The muscles in our stomach are controlled by the vagus nerve, which contracts food movement through the gastrointestinal tract. When this nerve gets damaged, muscles in our stomach cannot function the way they usually should, meaning the food starts to move slowly at first, and at later stages, stops movement altogether.
Symptoms
The chronic condition is characterized by different symptoms varying between life-limiting to life-threatening. Some include the feeling of having a paralyzed stomach, often starting during or after consuming a meal, beginning to appear suddenly at times.
Symptoms of gastroparesis disorder include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach fullness, even after a normal-sized meal
- Dry heaves or retching
- Inability to finish a meal due to early fullness
What causes Gastroparesis?
Most often, the cause behind gastroparesis is unknown and is sometimes termed idiopathic. Symptoms for the problem can begin after a viral infection, as seen in most cases. Other causes can include diabetes, certain medications, surgeries, and different kinds of illnesses.
How do you know if you have Gastroparesis?
Diagnosis is usually done by a doctor, performing a physical exam and specific tests. You can tell your doctor about any previous surgeries or any medications that you are intaking. If the doctor does suspect the chronic disease, tests can further measure how fast your stomach empties into the small intestines to confirm the diagnosis.
How widespread is the disorder?
As per different studies, the disorder affects an alarming number of Americans. However, the numbers can vary for different studies, between 500,000 to 5 million people. The National Institute of Healths research states this is only the tip of the iceberg, that is, gastroparesis. There are thousands of people experiencing symptoms close to the ones we have discussed above, but they remain undiagnosed owing to the lack of awareness. The symptoms also resemble those of celiac disease and GERD.
Gastroparesis diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose gastroparesis, doctors during the Gastroparesis awareness month 2026 state that several tests need to be undertaken to rule out various conditions that may or may not be related to the problem. Several other issues can cause similar symptoms as we have discussed above.
Diagnosis
Experts state that you might have to undertake the following tests:
Gastric Emptying Study Test
To undertake this test, a patient will have to consume a light meal on the lines of toast and eggs containing tiny amounts of radioactive material. Doctors take the help of scanners that will be placed on your abdomen. These scanners can detect the movement of radioactive material in the food. The scanner will monitor the rate and time at which food consumed leaves your stomach.
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The procedure helps examine your upper digestive system visually through a small camera.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds help diagnose the problems persisting in a persons gallbladder and kidneys and to understand if it is causing similar symptoms to gastroparesis.
Upper Gastrointestinal Series
A series of X-rays can also be undertaken wherein you will be made to drink Barium, a white, chalky liquid. The liquid will coat your digestive system, and if there are any forms of abnormalities, they will show up in your X-ray.
Treatment
Treatment for Gastroparesis includes medication and surgery (only if required). The foremost thing to note here is that if you are actually diagnosed with Gastroparesis, diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition.
On Gastroparesis awareness month 2026, if you are suffering from the condition, experts state the importance of a nutrient density-based diet that is easy on your digestive system. You will be required to intake small meals consisting of well-cooked meals, stripped of high-fat-based food. High-fat-based food items can delay the emptying of your stomach.
Foods rich in fiber are somewhat difficult to digest and are also limited and sometimes completely eliminated in such conditions. Fruits and vegetables with naturally present nondigestible fiber content need to be cooked well to be served. In some cases, these foods might also be required to be converted into a puree for better absorption.
Carbonated and fizzy beverages must be avoided at all costs, including alcoholic beverages.
Gastroparesis Awareness Month 2026 promotes the importance of maintaining the vitality of our health as far as this condition is concerned. Pinpointing the diagnosis can sometimes be a little difficult, but once rightly done, it can help improve the overall life quality and other issues connected to this chronic disorder. Therefore, it is essential that you get screened for the conditions presented above, especially as you get older.
In addition to these treatment options, there are multiple prescription medicines that can help treat the symptoms of gastroparesis. Medicines like Prokinetic or promotility agents can help your stomach empty easily and quickly and can also improve nausea, bloating, and vomiting. However, you need to consult your physician before intaking such medicines.
Dietary and lifestyle measures
Nutritionists will help design a specific dietary plan to meet your personal requirements. If you have diabetes along with gastroparesis, your blood glucose level requires controlling as well. If your blood glucose levels go up after your stomach contents are emptied into the small intestines, this means you do not have gastroparesis since it is irregular in disorder.
Procedures
When a person has severe symptoms of gastroparesis, it can result in extreme dehydration. This can further lead to loss of essential nutrients and minerals from the body, often leading to an imbalance of electrolytes. Malnutrition is another consequence of the disorder getting severe, which can sometimes require hospitalization. Special treatment measures can help manage the disorder. These treatment measures can include:
- Enteral nutrition
- Parenteral nutrition
- Gastric Electrical Stimulation
- Other surgical procedures
Tips for living with Gastroparesis
In celebration of Gastroparesis Awareness Month 2026 this August, we have contacted experts and advocates to share some of their best tips for people living with the disorder. Gastroparesis is a terrible disorder, which often sees no cure. However, we hope that this article finds you and helps you navigate through your diagnosis process with the right advice.
Read these tips to live a better life if you are suffering from this chronic disorder:
Baby Steps
Suffering from Gastroparesis is overwhelming, especially when you are recently diagnosed. It might take many hits and trials to find out what you can include in your diet and what you cannot. Experts recommend keeping a small food journal to start your journey. You can write down the items you eat and see how your body reacts to them. You can start with either a paper and ink journal or download an app for the same.
When you are writing and keeping track of the foods you consume, please also note down your symptoms.
Every person is different, and everybody type is different. One thing that one person can tolerate might cause issues to the other person.
Like, foods high in fiber content are not tolerated well by the digestive system of people with gastroparesis. They can cause serious health issues to people with the disorder. It will take some time, but you need to take baby steps to understand what your body can or cannot tolerate.
Keep a check on your electrolytes.
Another thing you need to ensure is to keep a check on your electrolytes. Experts state that one way you can do this is to make your own electrolyte-based drinks instead of relying on Gatorade or Powerade. Other alternatives to these drinks can be Ensure or Boost, only if your body can tolerate them.
Try to learn and make your own broth. It is essential to have it with you at all times when you are not able to digest your food properly. Broth can easily boost your electrolyte level by offering your body with necessary vitamins and minerals.
Ginger candies can also help people suffering from nausea as a symptom, along with the drinks mentioned above.
Find the proper medication.
There are hundreds of medicines available as an option for treatment. However, you do not have to give up on finding the right one that suits your body. If your prescribed medication does not work out for you, talk to your doctor about the same. You might find a new medication or find a combination of different medicines that work for your case.
If traditional medicines are not working out for you, and in fact, nothing is working in your case, dont be scared. Medical cannabis is another possible treatment option. Medical cannabis can help ease the symptoms; of course, the consumption of the same should be in control and limitation and with proper strains and terpenes. This method has helped people control nausea and vomiting and increase their appetite as well. Moreover, this also helps relieve the abdominal pain that comes along with the disorder.
Final Word
In 2015, Congresswoman Gwen Moore introduced the problem that affected thousands of Americans to the US House of Representatives. So, in honor of the National Gastroparesis Awareness Month 2026, lets learn more about the disorder and curtail it so it does not affect more peoples lives every day.
Remember, if you have queries and questions about the disorder and other personal health conditions, talk with your physician. Take that first step and address your problems.
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Early treatment can prevent worsening.Stage 2Repeated flare-ups in the same areasTunnels forming under the skinVisible scarringMany people receive a diagnosis at this stage after years of symptoms.Stage 3Large areas affectedMultiple connected tunnelsSevere scarring and skin thickeningStage 3 hidradenitis suppurativa often interferes with daily movement and comfort.Must Read: 10 Best Shampoos for Psoriasis to Help Manage Your ConditionHidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Options That Are Commonly UsedThere is no cure, but hidradenitis suppurativa treatment focuses on reducing pain, limiting flare-ups, and preventing further skin damage. Treatment depends on disease stage and how often symptoms appear.Medical TreatmentCommon hs treatment options include:Topical antibiotics for early hidradenitis suppurativaOral antibiotics to calm inflammationSteroid injections for painful nodulesHormonal therapy for some patientsBiologic medications for moderate to severe hs diseaseThese treatments aim to control symptoms rather than eliminate the condition.Procedures and SurgeryWhen medication alone does not help, other hidradenitis suppurativa treatment methods may be used:Draining painful abscesses to relieve pressureDeroofing tunnels so they can heal properlyLaser treatments to reduce hair folliclesSurgical removal of severely affected skinSurgical treatment is usually considered for advanced hidradenitis suppurativa stages.Daily Care That Helps Manage HS DiseaseDaily habits play a role in managing hs disease. While they do not replace treatment, they can reduce irritation.Helpful steps include:Wearing loose clothing that reduces rubbingAvoiding tight waistbands and synthetic fabricsKeeping affected areas dryMaintaining a steady body weightQuitting smokingThese habits support medical hidradenitis suppurativa treatment and can reduce flare frequency.Explore more: Learn How To Fight And Treat The Problems Of RosaceaLiving With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Over TimeHidradenitis suppurativa does not follow a straight path. Symptoms often improve for a while, then return without warning. That unpredictability can be exhausting.Working with a dermatologist helps create a plan based on your hidradenitis suppurativa stages, symptoms, and triggers. Early care usually leads to better results. While hs disease is long term, consistent treatment can reduce pain and protect the skin from further damage.Tracking flare patterns, stress levels, and lifestyle changes can also help identify what worsens symptoms. Small adjustments over time often make flare-ups easier to handle. Staying consistent matters more than quick fixes.FAQsThese answers address common concerns about hidradenitis suppurativa.1. Is hidradenitis suppurativa caused by infection?No. Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory condition. Infection can occur later but does not cause the disease.2. Can hidradenitis suppurativa be cured?There is no cure for hs disease. Treatment helps manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.3. What type of doctor treats hidradenitis suppurativa?A dermatologist is best equipped to diagnose and manage hidradenitis suppurativa treatment.
Exercise for Intellectual Disabilities: Safe Fitness
Exercise is often presented as a universal solution, but for adults with intellectual disabilities, most advice is not usable as written. Programs are either too vague or too demanding. The result is predictable. People get excluded, injured, or discouraged.Exercise for intellectual disabilities works only when it is designed around real ability, not assumptions. The goal is not performance. It is safer movement, better stamina, and the ability to handle daily physical demands without stress.This article explains how physical activity for intellectual disabilities should be planned and delivered, what adaptive exercise programs look like in practice, and why inclusive fitness programs matter when done correctly.Exercise for Intellectual Disabilities Starts With FunctionExercise for intellectual disabilities should always support everyday movement. That includes walking, standing, lifting, reaching, and maintaining balance. If a workout does not help with these basics, it is not useful long term.Many adults with intellectual disabilities have lower muscle strength, slower coordination, or limited endurance. That does not mean they cannot exercise. It means exercises must be taught clearly and repeated often.Programs that work usually share the same structure:Same routine order each sessionFew exercises, repeated consistentlyClear demonstrations instead of long explanationsSteady pacing without rushingThis approach makes physical activity for intellectual disabilities easier to follow and safer to repeat.Top Pick: Best Exercises To Lose Belly Fat And Get A Flat StomachWhy Exercise Often Gets AvoidedAvoidance is rarely about motivation. More often, it comes from past experiences where exercise felt confusing, unsafe, or embarrassing.Common reasons include:Gyms that feel overwhelmingInstructors who move too fastExercises that require balance or coordination too earlyLack of supervisionSpecial needs exercise programs exist to remove these barriers. When exercise feels predictable and manageable, participation improves.What Adaptive Exercise Programs Look Like in PracticeAdaptive exercise programs adjust movements so they can be performed safely without removing purpose. These programs are not watered down versions of fitness. They are structured differently.Typical adjustments include:Using chairs or walls for stabilityReplacing machines with resistance bandsReducing range of motionBreaking one exercise into smaller partsFor example, instead of lunges, an adaptive exercise program may focus on stepping forward and back while holding support. The legs still work. Balance risk stays controlled.Adaptive exercise programs rely on repetition. Familiarity matters more than variety.Special Needs Exercise Programs and Safety PrioritiesSpecial needs exercise programs should always favor control over intensity. Many adults with intellectual disabilities also manage joint issues, heart conditions, or sensory sensitivities.Safe exercise for special needs adults includes:Longer warm upsClear visual start and stop cuesBuilt in rest periodsConstant attention to posture and breathingPrograms should avoid loud music, crowded layouts, or sudden transitions. A calm environment supports focus and reduces anxiety.Safe exercise for special needs adults also means allowing bad days. Energy levels vary. Programs should adapt without pressure.Inclusive Fitness Programs That Actually WorkInclusive fitness programs allow people with and without disabilities to train in the same environment. When structured poorly, they fail. When structured well, they improve confidence and consistency.Inclusive fitness programs work when:Every exercise has an easier and harder optionModifications are demonstrated openlyNo one is singled outIn a group class, one person may perform a standing exercise while another remains seated. Both are participating fully.Inclusive fitness programs reduce isolation and help normalize adaptive movement in shared spaces.Safe Exercise at Different Ability LevelsSafe exercise for special needs adults depends on current ability, not diagnosis. Programs should scale gradually.Entry Level FocusShort walksChair based strength workGentle stretchingBalance with supportModerate LevelLonger walking sessionsResistance bandsStanding balance drillsSimple circuitsHigher CapacityStructured strength routinesLow impact group classesSports based activitiesAt all levels, safe exercise for special needs adults prioritizes movement quality over repetition count.Keeping Physical Activity ConsistentPhysical activity for intellectual disabilities becomes sustainable when routines stay familiar. Too much variation creates confusion.What helps:Fixed days and timesSame exercise order each sessionVisual reminders or simple checklistsEncouragement without pressureConsistency builds comfort. Comfort builds participation.Daily Movement Still CountsPhysical activity for intellectual disabilities does not need to happen only in a gym. Daily movement supports strength and coordination just as effectively.Examples include:Walking short distancesCarrying light objectsHousehold tasksRecreational playThese activities reinforce functional movement without formal structure.Long Term Outcomes That MatterWhen adaptive exercise programs and special needs exercise programs are followed consistently, changes appear gradually.Common results include:Improved balanceBetter walking enduranceLower fall riskIncreased comfort in public spacesInclusive fitness programs also support social confidence by reducing fear of shared environments.You may also like: Power Yoga for Weight Loss That Actually Works FastWhy Program Design Matters More Than MotivationExercise for intellectual disabilities fails when programs copy mainstream fitness without adjustment. It succeeds when design respects real ability and learning pace.Adaptive exercise programs work because they meet people where they are. Inclusive fitness programs work because they remove unnecessary barriers. Safe exercise for special needs adults works because it builds trust.That is what keeps people moving week after week.FAQsSome of the frequently asked questions are:What kind of exercise is best for adults with intellectual disabilities?Walking, basic strength training, and balance exercises work best. Adaptive exercise programs allow these movements to be adjusted without removing their function.Are inclusive fitness programs safe for beginners?Inclusive fitness programs can be safe when instructors offer clear modifications and control pacing. Many beginners benefit from exercising alongside others.How often should physical activity be done?Physical activity for intellectual disabilities should happen regularly, ideally most days. Short, repeated sessions are more effective than occasional long workouts.
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