In 1999, the U.S. National Health Observances calendar was updated to designate the week of Thanksgiving as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week. What is this condition, and why does it merit a national awareness week, especially one that includes America’s holiday centered on eating? GERD is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that … Read More