Following on from their successful talk on Bowel Cancer last month, the Friends of St Chad’s and Chilcompton Surgeries have arranged a further talk – this time on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

IBS is a common condition that affects the digestive system. An estimated 13 million people in the UK suffer with IBS.

It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time.

It is usually a lifelong problem. It can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life. There is no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms.

The exact cause is unknown – it has been linked to things like food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly, oversensitive nerves in your gut, stress, sensitivity to certain foods and a family history of IBS.

This talk for local residents is on Monday, 20th March at the Methodist Church Hall at 6 pm. Our speaker again this month will be Dr. Charlie Andrews. Apart from being a GP at St Chads, Dr Andrews also has an extended role in Gastroenterology at the RUH where he runs a weekly outpatient clinic.

This talk is open to patients from any local surgery, there is no charge.

For further information please ring Jenny Evans on 01761 232 244.

The purpose of these Health Talks is to improve general health knowledge and self-care. Problems diagnosed early are often easier to treat. See you on 20th March.

Jenny Evans