Download Check Your Neck– Thyroid Awareness

January 2016
Check Your Neck– Thyroid Awareness
Thyroid conditions are common and can cause serious health
issues and negatively impact quality of life. 12% of people will be
diagnosed with a thyroid condition in their life and it is increasingly
common for people over 60 years of age.
3 Things To Care About
1. January is Radon Action
Month. Radon is a naturally
occurring gas that can
cause lung cancer. Visit
epa.gov/radon for info.
2. Maybe baby? Learn more
about birth defects
prevention, including the
need for folic acid. Check
out cdc.gov/birth defects for
info.
3. New year, new insurance?
Review your coverage and
schedule your screenings!
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck just
below the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland secretes thyroid
hormones to set the pace of bodily functions including those in the
heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Too much hormone and your
body will shows signs of being stressed, too little hormone and
your body will be sluggish.
Of the 30 million Americans with a diagnosed thyroid problem,
most have hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Symptoms
include fatigue and weight gain but can often go unnoticed. An
estimated 15 million Americans have undiagnosed thyroid
problems. A review of any symptoms in conjunction with blood
tests (TSH, T3,T4, Free T4,) and an exam enables a physician to
diagnose a thyroid condition. For most people a simple
prescription taken daily can correct hypothyroidism.
To help with early detection of a thyroid issue like hypothyroidism,
hyperthyroidism, nodules, Graves disease or cancer, you can
perform a simple neck check self-exam to help you find lumps or
enlargements in the neck that may point to a thyroid condition.
Visit www.thyroidawareness.com/neck-check for instructions. If
you have any concerns about your thyroid health, contact your
primary care provider for a physical exam. For support in dealing
with a diagnosed thyroid condition, contact ConnectCare3 at
877-223-2350.
Elizabeth
England
Last spring I was having some disturbing
symptoms that really concerned me. After
multiple appointments and tests over many
months, I was finally directed to a colorectal
surgeon who gave me a diagnosis of a fistula
between my colon, bladder and vagina. He
explained that I needed surgery and it would
be rather complicated because of the location
and the number of organs involved. While I
was relieved to finally have a diagnosis it felt
overwhelming and I didn’t even know what
questions to ask.
Within a day I was assigned a nurse navigator
who listened to my saga and was able to
reassure me immediately. We spoke several
times and she provided me with a list of
questions which I added to my own list. I went
to my pre-op appointment with a notebook of
questions. I knew I did the right thing when
my surgeon came in, saw my list and sat down
to answer them all. Some questions I wasn’t
sure about, but it really made a big difference
in my interactions with my surgeon.
The questions provided to me helped me be
much better prepared mentally for the surgery
My manager always forwards the
ConnectCare3 newsletter so I was aware of the and recovery. The surgery went well and I was
service but was hesitant to call as most of the back to work in just five weeks. I would tell
anyone lucky enough to have this service,
stories I had seen were much more serious
don’t hesitate to call. The reassurance alone
than mine. My manager encouraged me to
makes you feel so much better.
call and I am so glad I did!