This month is Thyroid Awareness Month. It is an initiative established by the AACE or the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. AACE is a professional organization of “clinical endocrinologists committed to enhancing its members’ ability to provide the highest quality of care.” A large part of its mission is to influence policy-making as well.
What does that have to do with us as women? What does Thyroid Awareness Month have to do with a new year? All this month, Empowher.com will run a series of articles that challenge thyroid patients (and any non-thyroid patients) to make a better you. Life is hard –- no one doubts that. Now what?
Change and management is the only answer. The new year signifies that. Let’s all start over and start determined. Let’s learn to honor ourselves with not regretting the way we are by not taking positive and realistic steps for advancement. Want a cure? Give to research. Want to get healthier while doing it? Join a walk-for-a-cure event! Get out of that funk bit by bit. Don’t expect miracles overnight but if you do receive one, open your arms and run into it with full force.
So what’s a manageable goal for those of us with thyroid conditions? One thing that comes to mind is weight loss and maintenance. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism causes some to lose or gain weight. Say you’ve stabilized your condition –- which is most important –- now you feel the urge to do something about that fluff brimming over your belt.
The key is to make a plan that’s totally doable. If you are not a morning person, don’t set a plan for a 5:30 a.m. run -- not gonna happen. If you totally abhor carrots, don’t go on that carrot diet thingy. You’ll drop that midway the first week. With thyroid conditions, building the metabolism is important. Future articles will discuss hyperthyroidism and weight gain after treatment is administered, hypothyroidism and weight gain when left untreated, practical lifestyle changes, exercise, and emotional health and support.
Happy Thyroid Awareness Month!
Resources: AACE, American Thyroid Association
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer that loves the classics, poetry, and the pursuit of peace.
We are a wonderful breed, medical conditions and all. Dita captures the beauty of womanhood in her latest book of poetry. For an opportunity to view Dita’s poetry, please click the following link:
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/red-toenails/6181258