Healing Hands Community Clinic Health Tips

The Thyroid

January is Thyroid Awareness Month! Explore the thyroid with us throughout the month -- where is it, what does it do, what is thyroid disease.... WE ARE OFFERING A FREE THYROID SCREEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON JANUARY 26, 2016 FOR THE FIRST 50 OF YOU WHO CALL HEALING HANDS AT 706-994-6768 AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.

THYROID is like a 'buzz word' in our world today but have any of you wondered "what's a thyroid"? Well, your thyroid is a butterfly shaped endocrine (does not have an exit to the outside of the body) gland (secretes hormones that tells your body to do certain things) that sits in the lower neck along the front of the trachea (windpipe) just below the Adam's Apple. Now you know what it is, next we will look at what it does!

We have learned where the Thyroid is and what it is so now let's look at what it does! The Thyroid gland is a VITALLY important gland that plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and maturing of the human body. It helps regulate many body functions by constantly releasing hormones into the blood stream. REMEMBER to call 706-994-6768 and schedule your FREE THYROID SCREEN on January 26, 2016 at Healing Hands Community Clinic. This event is open to the general public.

FATIGUE, UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT GAIN, DRY SKIN, COLD SENSITIVITY, HAIR LOSS-these are all symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland.

1 IN 8 WOMEN WILL DEVELOP A THYROID PROBLEM IN HER LIFETIME! Symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) include weight gain, fatigue, depression, feeling cold, slower heart rate, hair loss. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) include unexplained weight loss, restlessness, irritability, excessive sweating, feeling hot, fast heart rate/heart palpitations, hair loss. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR STATUS!

DO YOU TAKE THYROID MEDICATION? When is the best time to take your medication for hypothyroidism (ex: Synthroid, Levothyroxine)? Always follow the instructions of your physician as to when to take your medication but the rule of thumb for these medications is: first thing in the morning with water only, wait at least 30 minutes after taking the medication before eating or having morning coffee/tea. This will help with the absorption of the medication and improve your thyroid levels. Get the most out of your medication!

FEELING JUMPY, HAVE TROUBLE CONCENTRATING, RAPID HEART RATE, EXCESSIVE SWEATING, PROBLEMS SLEEPING, BIG APPETITE WITH WEIGHT LOSS, WIDE-EYED STARE, LOOSE STOOL, TREMBLING HANDS? You could be suffering from hyperthyroidism. Free Thyroid screen (TSH) on January 26 for the first 50 who schedule appointment for testing at Healing Hands. CALL 706-994-6768 to schedule.

DO YOU TAKE MEDICATION FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM? Did you know that certain foods can affect the absorption of your medication? Here are a few of those foods: soy, gluten, fatty foods, sugary foods, processed foods, coffee, alcohol. Discuss how these foods could affect your thyroid disease treatment with your primary care physician.