Image courtesy of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
by Stacey Thureen | @StaceyThureen
It is that time of year – the time of year when we read and hear so much about ‘New Year, New You,’ setting goals, and creating bucket lists.
Coincidentally, January is also known as Thyroid Awareness month. And while many might be looking to resolve old habits, eat better, or lose weight, a lot of our health, wellness and overall quality of life hinges on whether or not our thyroid is functioning properly.
Food for thought
Did you know that the thyroid helps stabilize your metabolism hormones? And your metabolism is what helps your body burn fat, and shed those pounds. If you have been struggling to lose weight, or have the energy to get through a work out, it is possible your thyroid might need a check-up.
And if you want to ‘feel’ better or ‘think’ clearer this year, did you know that if your thyroid is not functioning properly, you can become depressed, forgetful, and exhausted?
I believe people have the opportunity to learn and heal when we share about our life experiences; it is one of the best ways to foster change. So if there is anything I hope people learn from reading my story in the American Association of Clinical Endocrinolgist’s EmPower Magazine, or watching it on Better Living with Liz Walker, produced by The Walker Group, LLC, it is that the thyroid plays a very important part in our overall health.
When I recently discussed the diagnosis of Hashimotos Thyroidistis with my eye doctor, he said the thyroid is a vital ‘engine’ in the body. He explained to me some of the things that can happen to the eyes if a person has Hashimotos, or other thyroid dysfunctions. And while I do not understand all of the medical terminologies, his message was clear – when the thyroid is not functioning properly there is a whole host of things that can go wrong inside the body.
So as you think about the year to come, and improving your health from the inside and out, please check your neck and talk to your doctor about your thyroid health. Awareness and advocacy is the first step to changing your overall quality of life in 2012 and in years to come.