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Health Bytes
Health Bytes is your source for information on things you can do to get and stay healthy.
Current Health Byte: January 30, 2012 issue
January is Thyroid Awareness Month
The thyroid gland is a common target of disease or dysfunction. Experts estimate as many as 40 million Americans may be suffering from undiagnosed or misdiagnosed thyroid disease. This disease increases with age and women are seven times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men. A woman in the U.S. has a one in five chance of developing a thyroid problem in her lifetime.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck below the Adam’s apple and above the collar bone. Despite its small size, this gland produces many of the hormones that control metabolism and bone growth. Thyroid hormones influence every cell, tissue and organ, so if this gland isn’t working properly, your whole body feels it.
The thyroid gland requires iodine – usually supplied by the diet – to produce thyroid hormone. In countries where iodine is not present in the soil or in foods, an enlarged thyroid, called a goiter, may be seen due to iodine deficiency.
Other risk factors for thyroid disease include:
- genetics and heredity
- personal or family history of endocrine or autoimmune disease
- infection
- exposure to goitrogenic foods – broccoli, cauliflower, dark, leafy greens, peaches, soy and strawberries
- cigarette smoking
- pregnancy
- certain drugs
- radiation or other chemical exposure
If the thyroid makes too much hormone, it speeds up metabolism and other body functions. This condition, called hyperthyroidism, may cause an increased heart rate, excessive sweating, anxiety, insomnia and weight loss. If the thyroid produces too little hormone, a condition referred to as hypothyroidism, may cause body processes to slow down, so cold intolerance, fatigue, dry skin, forgetfulness, depression or weight gain may occur.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms noted above, schedule a thorough medical evaluation with your health care provider including:
- a review of your thyroid risk factors
- a review of your family history and personal history
- a review of your symptoms
- a medical examination, including feeling for enlargement or masses in the thyroid, a reflex check, evaluation of skin/hair/eyes, blood pressure, heart rate check, body temperature, weight, and lymph/node spleen exam
- clinical evaluation for thyroid-specific signs, including loss of eyebrow hair, facial/hand/feet swelling, bulging eyes, and other signs
- blood tests
- imaging tests as needed
The good news is with the right diagnosis and treatment, your symptoms of thyroid disease can improve and resolve.
Source: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
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View Health Byte Archives:
January 16, 2012 -- Are Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Really Necessary?
January 3, 2012 -- New Year, New You!
December 19, 2011 -- How to De-Stress Your Holidays
December 5, 2011 -- December 4-10 is Hand Washing Awareness Week
November 21, 2011 -- Tipping the Scale in your Favor this Holiday Season
November 14, 2011 -- The Great American Smokeout is here! R U Ready?
November 7, 2011 -- November is Diabetes Awareness Month
October 31, 2011 -- Celebrate the Great American Smokeout - Nov. 17th
October 24, 2011 -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 17, 2011 -- Trick or Treat Temptations
October 10, 2011 -- Are you at Risk for Osteoporosis?
October 3, 2011 -- October 3-7 is Drive Safely Work Week
September 26, 2011 -- September is World Alzheimer Month
September 19, 2011 -- September 24 is Family Health and Fitness Day USA
September 12, 2011 -- September is National Cholesterol Education Month
September 6, 2011 -- September 4-10 is Suicide Prevention Week
August 29, 2011 -- Can Eating at Your Desk Make You Sick?
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August 15, 2011 -- Are you Getting Enough Vitamin D
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June 20, 2011 -- June is National Migraine Awareness Month
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May 16, 2011 -- May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month
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May 2, 2011 -- May is High Blood Pressure Month
April 18, 2011 -- April 18-24 is Screen Free Week
April 4, 2011 -- April is Alcohol Awareness Month
March 28, 2011 -- Cholorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March 21, 2011 -- March 22 is Diabetes Alert Day
March 14, 2011 -- National Problem Gambling Awareness Week
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February 21, 2011 -- February is Wise Health Consumer Month
February 14, 2011 -- February is Heart Health Awareness Month
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January 17, 2011 -- Healthy Weight Week is Jan. 16-22, 2011
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December 27, 2010 -- Toasting the Holidays Safely
December 20, 2010 -- Stress-less Tips For the Holidays
December 13, 2010 -- Holiday Gift Ideas for Good Health
December 6, 2010 -- Lighten Up Your Holiday Eating
November 29, 2010 -- November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
November 22, 2010 -- GERD Awareness Week is Nov. 21-27, 2010
November 15, 2010 -- Maintain, Don't Gain! Holiday Challenge
November 8, 2010 -- November is American Diabetes Month
November 1, 2010 -- Celebrate the Great American Smokeout: November, 18, 2010
October 25, 2010 -- Managing Your Medications
October 18, 2010 -- October is Depression and Mental Health Month
October 11, 2010 -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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September 27, 2010 -- September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
September 20, 2010 -- September Cholesterol Education Month
September 13, 2010 -- September Childhood Obesity Month
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