⟵ Back
This year we had the privilege of working with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) to create a new brand and event materials for their annual Bustin’ a Gut comedy show — where medical docs and comics kick it to get folks comfortable with talking about all things digestive health.
ABGH call Bustin a Gut a Medutainment event. Medutainment meaning; the process of laughing out yo’ seat while learning something about your health—and that description couldn’t be more true.
MC’d by Dave Helem, comedian and writer on Rap Sh!t, and featuring special guest comedian Zainab Johnson, this event had everyone in stitches.
ABGH’s gut health docs Drs. Janese Laster and Ed McDonald answered audience questions about the gut, how to prevent cancer, and more all while having a good laugh.
We’ve all heard the phrase–laughter is the best medicine–but this event goes deeper than that. Often, people suffering from digestive issues suffer in silence for years before seeking medical help at which point their condition is far more advanced and debilitating.
In one Gastro Girl Podcast for example, former NCAA baseball player and Crohn’s Disease advocate, Luke Melms, said he waited 4 years after first seeing blood in his stool before finally seeking medical attention. At which point, his entire large intestine has been damaged and had to be hospitalized and treated for fistulas. When asked why he waited so long, he said that shame and embarrassment had kept him to telling his doctor. Since being diagnosed with Crohn’s and being prescribed the right medication and diet, Luke has been able to live a much happier life.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States and the the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Yet it’s one of the few cancers that’s preventable thanks to screening. African Americans bear a disproportionate burden, with an incidence of CRC that is >20% higher than in caucasians, and an even larger difference in mortality. In particular, African Americans are more often diagnosed with CRC at an earlier age and with more advanced disease. These factors are why ABGH and COGI have been working so diligently to spread awareness of digestive diseases within the black community.
That’s why events like Bustin’ a Gut and organizations like ABGH, Gastro Girl, and COGI are so important. They show people that it’s ok to talk about poop. In fact, talking about your digestive problems with your doctor could save your life. If you or a loved one have frequent digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloody stool, abdominal pain, or heat burn; don’t suffer in silence. Tell your doctor and get screened.
Screening can find the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, letting doctors take action to prevent the disease. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
There are many other digestive disorders beyond cancer. Tracking the frequency of your different symptoms can help your doctor more accurately diagnose your condition and get you on the road to recovery much faster.
To learn more about symptoms and digestive conditions, check out GastroGirl.com.
Their extensive health hub and informative podcasts make Gastro Girl
the leading website for all things related to digestion.
Interested in finding a Gastroenterologist near you?
Take a look at ABGH’s network on doctors at www.BlackinGastro.org.
Already been diagnosed and interested in spreading the word,
advocating for others, or participating in medical studies?
Visit colorofgi.org. Their ambassadors advocate for minorities struggling to get diagnosed and work with pharmaceutical companies to build more diverse study groups for their new drug trials.
Contact Sabra Creative today to schedule a free consultation.
