Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
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!