Merck offers FREE Thyroid Screening to raise Awareness against Thyroid Diseases

Did you know that 1 out of 11 people suffer from thyroid diseases? You didn’t? You are not alone! Even up to 60 percent of those who have thyroid disease are unaware of their own condition. Most people never consider undergoing thyroid screening although they suffer from its symptoms. This alarming fact is the very reason why Merck steps up its awareness campaign against thyroid diseases. In partnership with the DOH, PTA, PSEDM, and IGN, Merck has launched the “It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid” campaign in time for the International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) 2017. This campaign aims to raise consciousness against thyroid disorders.

Let’s start with you. How much do you really know about thyroid? Find out in this short quiz:

It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid Quiz

Found out that you didn’t know much? That’s all right. I think most of us really don’t know much about our thyroid. Now, let’s see if you may have a thyroid disorder and have been completely in the dark about it.

Do You Have A Thyroid Disorder?

Have you ever felt so extremely tired, experienced anxiety, had difficulty sleeping, suddenly gained or lost weight? I think we all have! These are also some of the signs of a thyroid problem but when we do suffer from them, we just think we’ve been working too hard or we’ve not been keeping a healthy lifestyle. If your symptoms keep recurring, it’s about time to have them checked because it may be more than just work-related stress – it could be a thyroid disorder. You may want to consider looking for the best CBD oils in an attempt to alleviate any anxiety, insomnia, pain or other physical and mental ailments you may be experiencing.

Do you have any of those symptoms? A self-check isn’t enough to diagnose thyroid problems. You must undergo some tests and consult a doctor. Do take advantage of the FREE Thyroid Screening and Consultation at the Trade Hall of Robinson’s Novaliches this Saturday, May 27. There will also be free massages, nail art, eyebrow threading, hair and make-up and so much more. Just perfect for us moms who want to stay healthy and beautiful for our loved ones.

 

Want to know more about Merck’s campaign against thyroid diseases? Read on…

(press release)

Merck steps up awareness campaign against thyroid diseases

MANILA, Philippines – In time for the International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) 2017, leading science and healthcare innovation company Merck, joined forces with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA), Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PSEDM), and the Iodine Global Network (IGN), to raise consciousness against thyroid disorders.

You and your thyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that sits in at the lower front of the neck. It plays a key role in one’s overall health and well-being by producing thyroid hormones that help keep the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs in tip-top condition. [1]

Thyroid disorders are some of the most common diseases worldwide. In the Philippines, one in every 11 adults suffers from goiter or other thyroid disorders. [2]

Thyroid problems are more common in women. Figures show that women are four to seven times more likely to have thyroid disorders than men.[3] They are also at risk of hypothyroidism by 10 times. Moreover, women who recently gave birth and those who are in the menopausal stage are more vulnerable. 2

But why are thyroid diseases usually left undetected and misdiagnosed? Blame the symptoms. Tiredness, anxiety, weight fluctuations, difficulty in sleeping – these are some of the telling signs of a thyroid problem. Unfortunately, more often than not, people usually attribute these to merely having poor lifestyle choices. This is why the theme of this year’s ITAW is: “It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid”.

It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid

Since its primary role is to control the metabolism, disorders may occur when there’s little (hypothyroidism) or overproduction (hyperthyroidism) of thyroid hormones.

Patients with hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone, tend to have slower metabolism: they gain weight despite not eating much, move and speak slowly, feel tired and have depressed thoughts, cannot tolerate cold, and have irregular menstrual periods. [4] On the other hand, patients with hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone, will have hyperactive metabolism: they lose weight despite having good appetite, have heart palpitations, irritable thoughts and insomnia, have sweating and heat intolerance, and can have tremors in their hands. [5]

The diagnosis of thyroid disorders can easily be made by checking the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in the blood. Treatment brings the level of thyroid hormones back in balance, restoring normal metabolism to the body.

For more information, visit www.thyroidaware.com or follow “Unmasking Your Thyroid” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thyroidph).

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About Merck

Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company with headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. Merck is a leading science and technology company that works to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.

References

[1] American Thyroid Association. Thyroid Information. http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-information/ Accessed May 2017.

[2] Carlos-Raboca, J et al. The Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study 1 (PhilTiDeS 1): Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders Among Adults in the Philippines. JAFES. 2012.

[3] Thyroid Foundation of Canada. Thyroid Disease: know the facts. Available online http://www.thyroid.ca/know_the_facts.php last accessed May 2017.

[4] American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism. Accessed from: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hypo_brochure.pdf on August 2016.

[5] American Thyroid Association. Hyperthyroidism. Accessed from http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hyper_brochure.pdf on August 2016.

 

For more information about thyroid disorders and the campaign against it, visit Unmasking Your Thyroid on Facebook. Like the page for updates and promotions.