NATIONAL FEEDING TUBE AWARENESS WEEK

NATIONAL FEEDING TUBE AWARENESS WEEK

National Feeding Tube Awareness Week focuses on the positive benefits of feeding tubes. During the first full week in February, we are taking this opportunity to educate  the public on this life-saving intervention.

#FeedingTubeAwarenessWeek

While all of us eat to survive, some people receive their nutrition differently. Their day to day life relies on tube feeding to receive their calories and essential nutrients.

There are hundreds of different conditions that may require the nutritional support of tube feeding. The week aims to increase awareness about the types of conditions the lead to the need for tube feeding. It also offers resources providing support for proper nutrition.

Another goal of the week is to dispel myths associated with tube feeding. Those with feeding tubes can lead full and healthy lives. They do not have to remain in the hospital but can administer their tube feeding at home or even on the go.

Tube feeding does require medical attention and constant care. People of all ages are impacted by conditions that result in the need for tube feeding. Family support is helpful at any age. Understanding in the workplace and at school improves a person's socioeconomic outlook, broadening their support network.

HOW TO OBSERVE #FeedingTubeAwarenessWeek

Learn more about feeding tubes, tube feeding, and enteral nutrition. If you have a feeding tube, share your experience. Help remove the stigma and dispel the myths of feeding tubes. Share what you think is important for the world to know. Support friends and family with feeding tubes. Ask them what their biggest obstacles are and ask how to help them to overcome them.

Other ways to participate:

• Host a fundraiser that supports feeding tube awareness or research

• Promote an awareness or educational event

• Write about your story

• Share a video

• Go to the source - watch a video or read stories by people with feeding tubes

Use #FeedingTubeAwarenessWeek to share on social media.

NATIONAL FEEDING TUBE AWARENESS WEEK HISTORY

Feeding Tube Awareness created the week-long observance in 2011 to raise awareness about tube feeding and the benefits of feeding tubes.