Autoimmune News / January 2005 / Autoimmune Disease News -- Graves', Hashimoto's, Thyroid, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma, Psoriasis, Sarcoidosis, Adrenal Problems, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Hair Loss, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Other Conditions

THE AUTOIMMUNE REPORT -- January 2005

from Patient Advocate Mary J. Shomon, Author of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Success," "Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia,"
and the forthcoming "Living Well With Graves' Disease & Hyperthyroidism"

VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER ONLINE AS A WEB PAGE WITH CLICKABLE LINKS

This newsletter is located online at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/jan05.htm
Read back issues of this newsletter at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/news.htm

HERE COMES THE FLU... AND HOW TO AVOID IT!

It's that time of year again...the flu is starting to make its way around the nation. If you didn't get a flu shot this year (or you never get one), there are still ways to help keep yourself well, and Dr. Vicki Rackner has these ideas for you. Avoid the flu now.

THYROID HORMONE MAY BE INNOVATIVE TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

In a study published the Nov 16, 2004 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers reported on studies that looked at use of thyroid hormone as a potential treatment for the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. Find out more about this exciting news now.

TIRED, GAINING WEIGHT, MOODY? YOU COULD HAVE A THYROID PROBLEM

And if so, you're not alone, because more than 27 million Americans have thyroid problems, but half are still undiagnosed. I've marked January's "Thyroid Awareness Month" activities by launching my own patient awareness campaign: the "4 D's of Thyroid Disease": Disseminate, Diagnose, Doctor and Demand. If you have a family history of thyroid disease, are a woman, are over 60, or have persistent fatigue, weight problems, and moodiness -- among other symptoms -- you may have an undiagnosed thyroid problem. And if you already know about your thyroid problem, the 4 D's can help you finally live well. Find out more now.

WINTER EXERCISE TIPS

With the temperatures plummeting this time of year, many of us tend to hibernate inside our homes. But, hibernating is for bears. As humans it's important to stay active through all four seasons. Yet, a poll of 5,000 people found that 30 percent get no exercise at all during the winter months. Certified personal trainer Lynn Bode has some suggestions to help you stay active, even when it's frigid outside. Start exercising now!

I'M PREGNANT!

No, not me!! But a reader wrote to me in late October: "I am overweight, a hypothyroid and have been trying to become pregnant for a few years now..." Find out her good news, and how she did it, now!

And if you're an autoimmune disease patient thinking about getting pregnant, having fertility problems or recurrent miscarriage, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you need the Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Success. It will help you with information that makes it possible to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy and baby. The guide is available at for ordering online, by phone, mail or fax. The general price is $15 in the US ($25 non-US), but if you order online, you'll get a discounted price.

Information and ordering details for Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Success

Search My Thyroid, Autoimmune & Diet Sites

Wondering if I've already written an article about a topic of interest? See what's already out there, at both the thyroid.about.com and thyroid-info sites.

MICHAEL BARBEE ON POLITICALLY INCORRECT NUTRITION

Fluoride...good or bad for the immune system and thyroid? What about that so-called "wonder food" -- soy? Can it hurt your health instead of help it? And green tea -- is it the health food it's touted to be, or are there hidden dangers? Find out the answers in my interview with Michael Barbee -- author of the book Politically Incorrect Nutrition which explores these controversial topics, and their connection to autoimmune disease and other health concerns. Politically Incorrect Nutrition

HOMELAND SECURITY WARNING FOR THYROID PATIENTS!!

Just when it's time to get on a plane for your winter vacation, a warning for anyone who's had radioiodine (RAI) therapy. If you've had radioiodine (RAI) therapy -- a common treatment for autoimmune Graves' disease, and thyroid cancer -- and are traveling by airplane this season, find out about this important warning. Unless you're prepared in advance, you may find yourself having a run-in with the Department of Homeland Security!! Don't set off the geiger counter!

RING IN THE RE-NEW YEAR WITH A MENTAL DE-TOX!

New Year's Eve and New Year's day naturally lend themselves to a bit of reflection on the past, present and future, says Brook Montagna, life and business coach. Find out how to detox yourself mentally, and renew yourself for the new year in this excellent guide.

DO YOU NEED A GREAT DOCTOR?

Thyroid patients from around the world continue to recommend their favorite practitioners for treatment of thyroid and autoimmune conditions at my Thyroid Top Doctors Directory. Hundreds of new doctors were recently added -- and some doctors were removed -- so it's a good time to check out the directory to find a new doctor, or see if your current doctor is listed. Doctors are recommended by patients, and listings are in your own words, so you'll hear what your fellow patients have to say about particular doctors and practitioners. You can also add your favorite practitioner if he or she is not already on the list. Also, tap into a specialized list of hard-to-find doctors who prescribe Armour Thyroid and Thyrolar. Find a doc now.

TOP 12 THYROID STORIES OF 2004

Haven't had time to read my About.com and Thyroid-Info email newsletters this year? Not a subscriber to my "Sticking Out Our Necks" print edition? Haven't been able to get to the website as often as you'd like? Well, if you bookmark just one page, it should be this one, which touches upon the key thyroid-related issues covered at my Thyroid website at About.com in 2004. From Justice Rehnquist's thyroid cancer, to generic levothyroxine, to new information regarding thyroid disease and pregnancy, to innovative help losing weight, here are the 12 thyroid-related stories you don't want to miss.

NEW FOOD-BASED SUPPLEMENTS IN THE WEIGHT LOSS BATTLE AVAILABLE

If you haven't heard about the supplement hoodia gordonii, there's no doubt you will very soon. It's one I've been taking regularly, and find quite helpful as part of my own thyroid diet. Hoodia, a natural appetite suppressant, is earning attention as a potentially powerful weapon in the war against obesity and the American focus on losing weight. Find out now how hoodia could help you in your effort to lose weight. All About Hoodia

And, if you think cinnamon is simply something to sprinkle on your holiday cookies or cappuccino, think again. The popular spice, once considered more precious than gold, has medicinal value that is making dieters take notice. I've added a cinnamon supplement to my daily supplements list, and you may want to as well. Find out more now about how cinnamon may be an aid in the battle of the bulge. All About Cinnamon

THE CORTISOL-WEIGHT LOSS CONTROVERSY: WILL CORTISLIM HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

We know that chronic stress may contribute to weight gain, but is elevated cortisol the culprit? Makers of the CortiSlim say it is, and encourage you to buy their costly weight loss supplement. Explore the controversy over this product, and the issue of cortisol and its role in your ability to lose weight and diet successfully. Explore the controversy now.

NEW RAPID HYPOTHYROIDISM TEST AVAILABLE: RESULTS IN MINUTES IN DOCTOR'S OFFICE

More Americans suffer from thyroid disease than diabetes and cancer combined. Tanks to FDA approval of ThyroTest(TM), a new rapid hypothyroid diagnostic screening device from ThyroTec, Inc., detection of hypothyroidism right in the doctor's office will now come sooner rather than later for millions of Americans. Find out about the Rapid TSH now.

LINDA DOWN 23 LBS IN 9 WEEKS ON THE THYROID DIET

I received a wonderful email recently from Linda, who has lost 23 pounds in 9 weeks following the Thyroid Diet! Writes Linda:

"I could not wait for the Thyroid Diet to come out. It certainly was 'worth the weight!!' Exactly 9 weeks ago today I weighed in at 144 lbs. Today I weighed in at 121!!! Those twenty three pounds have been with me for almost ten years and nothing was moving them. I had tried Atkins and after some weight loss I would stall on the scale, as soon as I ate again I would gain all the weigh tback and then some. I loved the diet plans and modified them to my benefit. I watched calories and found out carbs are my worst enemy. I eat healthy food and feel great. I just want to say thank you for all your effort in thyroid information. I receive your news letters and love the updates and am thrilled with the weight loss. You are a very special person. Thank you again." -- Linda W.

The Thyroid Diet is a national bestseller, going into 4 printings in less than two weeks, and going on to 8 large printings in just the first 15 weeks since release. The book earned a place on the New York Times Bestseller list starting in just its third week of publication! The book was an Amazon Top 10 Bestseller for a week, and in the top 100 for months.

Amazon.com even has named The Thyroid Diet as a 2004 Top Pick, in both the Health and Paperback Non-Fiction categories.

The Thyroid Diet is the first book to outline the unique challenges thyroid patients face in losing weight, and the only book to offer a variety of approaches -- including dietary changes and information on supplements and exercise -- that are specific to thyroid patients and their metabolic problems. It's also critical for people who can't lose weight because of an undiagnosed, untreated or improperly managed thyroid condition who need to get well before they can successfully lose weight. Why not read the first chapter online, and find out more about the Thyroid Diet, and how it can help turn around your diet struggles in 2005!

Find out more about the Thyroid Diet online at GoodMetabolism.com.

OVERLOOKING MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS: THE KEY TO YOUR PAIN?

If you have chronic pain, or fibromyalgia symptoms -- both of which are more common in people with thyroid conditions -- then you shouldn't miss this important information from Devin J. Starlanyl. An expert on the topic of fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain, Devin explores issues related to trigger points, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia that can have a life-changing impact on your health and wellness. Read Devin Starlanyl's article now.

$8 FOR ANY MARY SHOMON BOOK

Iherb.com is continuing its phenomenal sale on my books. You can get copies of the best-selling Living Well With Hypothyroidism, Living Well With Autoimmune Disease (now in its 4th printing!), Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, published last spring, or the national bestseller, The Thyroid Diet, each for only $8 per book, plus shipping. Order online directly from Iherb now or call Iherb.com toll-free at: 888-792-0028

You can also order any of my books from Amazon.com

GET THE COMPLETE STORY: STICKING OUT OUR NECKS, PRINT SUBSCRIPTION EDITION

Every other month, I publish Sticking Out Our Necks: The Thyroid Disease News Report, an expanded print edition of my newsletter. In this 12-page print newsletter, available only to paid subscribers, I feature articles and information you won't find in my email newsletters or websites. If you order online by the end of the month, you can get a special deal available only to my email newsletter subscribers. Order online by January 31, 2005, and you'll get, as a free gift, a copy of the 24-page Sep-Dec 2004 mega-issue of Sticking Out Our Necks. Just a few of the stories featured in this 24-page mega-issue include:

Thyroid Problems Increase Risk of Heart Disease and Death
High Levels Of Thyroid Hormone In Pregnant Women Can Have A Direct Toxic Effect On Fetal Development, According To A Study
Possible Link Found Between Hypothyroidism and Glaucoma in Men
Hyperthyroid Patients Receiving Thyroid Hormone Therapy After Radioiodine Treatment Have Reduced Risk of Death
Is RAI Safe for Children?
Dietary Supplement May Be Future Treatment For Thyroid Cancer
Free Head and Neck Cancer Brochure Helps Patients Understand Treatment
Hypothyroidism in First Trimester Raises Risk of Breech Birth
New Research: What is Your Optimal TSH Level?
Do You Need a Health Insurance Patient Advocate?
Medicare Discount Drug Cards Add Benefit But Also Complexity for Seniors
Fifteen Ways to Fight Heel Pain
Freebies: Free Health Brochures and Reports

A subscription to this bimonthly newsletter is easy to securely order online, at http://www.thyroid-info.com/newsoffer.htm.

The annual cost is $25 in the U.S., and $35 for non-US, and you'll get a bi-monthy 12-page issue, packed with information, PLUS order before January 31st, and you get the free 24-page Sep-Dec mega-issue.

To see a more detailed list of all the articles in this mega-issue, and to order your subscription now, see http://www.thyroid-info.com/newsoffer.htm

ORDER BY JANUARY 31, 2005 AND GET A FREE 24-PAGE MEGA ISSUE AS YOUR FREE GIFT!!!

NOTES FROM MARY --

You'll have to forgive my sporadic publishing of the email newsletter. There is simply too much going on in my life -- both professionally and personally -- to keep up with the workload! (Anyone interested in an online internship? If so, let me know!) In the meantime, I'm getting thousands of emails a week from readers, there are articles to write, books being written and promoted, and major house construction, and a new addition not only to the house, but to the family, coming this Spring. I'll share more news about that in coming issues!! But I hope this issue has a lot of useful information to help you live well!

Take care, and live well --

Mary

P.S. INTERN WANTED -- I'm looking for an college age or older intern who would be interested in working with me on online research and promotion projects. You'll have a great opportunity to learn about the online marketing arena, the publishing business, healthcare and online PR, health research, and more. A modest financial stipend will be available, as will glowing recommendations and glowing references for future job opportunities. I'm even happy to structure it within your university program and do their paperwork if that's what's needed. 5-10 hours a week, we'll communicate online with occasional phone calls, you'll need a reliable online connection, excellent English-language writing/editing skills, solid web surfing/research experience and some knowledge of HTML. Medical research experience/writing, and a thyroid condition yourself are a plus! If you think this is a good fit for you, I'd love to hear from you. If you're interested, send an email to news@thyroid-info.com, with the Subject: Intern.

The Autoimmune Report is published regularly by Mary Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. The Autoimmune Report is copyright 1997-2005 by Mary Shomon.

Web: http://www.autoimmunebook.com
Email: autoimmune@thyroid-info.com
Regular mail: Mary Shomon, P.O. Box 565, Kensington, MD 20895-0565
Fax: 425-977-1175

The Autoimmune Report, "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease" and this website are © Copyright Mary Shomon, 1997-2005. All rights reserved. Mary Shomon, Editor/Webmaster
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new fitness regimen. Please see our full disclaimer.