STICKING OUT OUR NECKS
August-September 2005


Thyroid News for People Who Want to Live Well -- "We're Patients...Not Lab Values!"
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 coming soon, "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/news/augsep2005.htm
Back issues are online at http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/index.htm

COULD YOU HAVE A THYROID PROBLEM?

More than 25 million Americans have thyroid disease, and as many as half the people with thyroid problems don't even know it yet! This diagnosis failure is often due to unfamiliarity with the risks and symptoms of thyroid disease. This quiz walks you through some of these most common thyroid risk factors and the frequently seen symptoms of thyroid disease. After you've answered the questions, you'll get a rating, which will evaluate how many of your responses fit in with someone who is at risk for thyroid disease, or has thyroid symptoms. This helpful tool can be a useful first step in your effort get a proper diagnosis. START THE QUIZ NOW!!

COMING NEXT WEEK... LIVING WELL WITH GRAVES' DISEASE AND HYPERTHYROIDISM: WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESN'T TELL YOU...THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

http://www.thyroid-info.com/graves

My newest book is just about to be published, and you can order a copy now so that the minute it's published, a copy is on its way to you from Amazon.com. I wrote Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism to help you identify if you have symptoms. At that point, you'll find information to help you get the proper diagnosis. And then, perhaps most importantly, how to navigate the confusion of treatment options that range from antithyroid drugs, to permanent, irreversible treatment such as radioactive iodine to the thyroid, or surgery. Finally, the end result for most people with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism is the opposite condition -- hypothyroidism, where you'll life with a life-long underactive thyroid. You'll learn how to manage that part of the disease as well, along with persistent symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, depression and hair loss, that can be common, as well as how to have a healthy pregnancy.

This book is for you if:

* You strongly suspect you have Graves' disease and/or hyperthyroidism, but are having difficulty getting a diagnosis by conventional means.

* You aren't sure if your various symptoms point to hyperthyroidism, but you need to find out more.

* You've been diagnosed with Graves' disease and/or hypothyroidism, and have been told that you need to have a particular treatment right away. You want more information before you commit to decisions that may affect your health for the rest of your life.

* You have in the past, or are currently being treated Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism, and are still struggling to feel well.

* You are receiving what your doctor feels is sufficient treatment, and yet you still don't feel well.

* You're an open-minded health practitioner looking for innovative ways to understand and help your patients with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism.

* Above all, this book is for you if you want to learn about living well with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism from the perspective of empowered patients and caring practitioners.

For more information, see the book's website, at www.thyroid-info.com/graves.

DO YOU HAVE GRAVES' OR HYPERTHYROIDISM?
If you have suspect symptoms or risks, or want to know if you do, fill out the "Graves' Disease & Hyperthyroidism: Risks, Signs & Symptoms Checklist." A condensed version of the checklist is online at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/graves/checklist.htm

FIND OUT MORE
Read the book's Table of Contents
Find out about Herbs, Supplements, Minerals and Other Products Discussed in the Book

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY FROM AMAZON.COM NOW
You can pre-order your copy from Amazon at the Amazon price of $10.17, a savings of $4.78 off the list price of $14.95. Click now to order. Note: Your credit card won't be charged until the book ships. Estimated ship date is September 27, 2005!

Library Journal has written: "Shomon excels at comprehensiveness, covering all the decisions that a patient has to make when dealing with thyroid conditions." Make sure you get your copy of this helpful guide!

CHIEF JUSTICE WILLIAM REHNQUIST DIES OF THYROID CANCER AT AGE 80

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died September 3, 2005 in Arlington, Virginia, after a more than 10-month battle with thyroid cancer. Find out more about William Rehnquist, thyroid cancer in general, Rehnquist's thyroid history, and explore the still pressing medical question about Rehnquist's illness and death: Did the Chief Justice have the rare, often rapidly moving, and frequently fatal anaplastic form of thyroid cancer? Read more.

5 LIES ABOUT YOUR THYROID YOU'RE LIKELY TO HEAR

Do you ever get the feeling that sometimes, practitioners are just repeating the same old things over and over, and that they may not be getting to the truth? Maybe you've been told your thyroid levels are "normal" or that iodine or kelp will solve your thyroid problem. Or perhaps your doctor is saying that you're hyperthyroid, and need radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment right away! Or a holistic practitioner is saying that basal body temperature can definitively diagnose hypothyroidism. Or, you may have heard the granddaddy of them all, that Synthroid is the only treatment for hypothyroidism. Do any of these sound familiar? Then you need to read about the "5 Lies About Your Thyroid" -- and get the real story.

OPTIMUM TIME AND CONDITIONS FOR THYROID BLOOD TESTS: WHEN SHOULD YOU TEST, AND SHOULD YOU FAST?

Does it matter what time you have your TSH test done? Are results from first thing the morning likely to be the same as tests done later in the day? Should you fast before a TSH test? I've taken a look at some research findings that help explore these questions. Read more now.

WHAT IS A NORMAL TSH LEVEL?

At most laboratories in the U.S., the "normal" TSH range still runs from approximately .5 to 5.0. But the concept of the normal reference range is now a raging controversy, and recommendations to narrow the range made several years ago are still being resisted. How many people are actually hypothyroid, if the new, narrower range were adopted. The answer will shock you.

QUIZ: IS YOUR THYROID MAKING YOU FAT?

Could your thyroid be making you gain weight, or sabotaging even the best efforts to lose weight? Find out whether or not you may be one of the millions of people who are struggling with extra pounds, thanks to an undiagnosed, untreated, or undertreated thyroid condition. TAKE THE QUIZ NOW!!

TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT?

If you want the latest weight loss news for thyroid patients, sign up for "A Weight Off My Mind" email newsletter. Just send an email to diet@thyroid-info.com with "Subscribe Diet" in the subject, and I'll get you on the list. Or sign up here now.

A WEIGHT OFF MY MIND -- Free Email Newsletter On Weight Loss
for Thyroid and Autoimmune Disease Patients, from Mary Shomon

Sign up now, and you'll get Mary Shomon's free weight loss and metabolism newsletter by email. Featuring the latest news on effective weight loss and weight management for people with thyroid conditions, autoimmune disease, and metabolic conditions.
* Email Address:   


PERCHLORATE AND THE THYROID: DECONSTRUCTING A QUESTIONABLE INDUSTRY-FUNDED STUDY

The issue of perchlorate – a byproduct of rocket fuel production that we know now is contaminating water supplies in various parts of the country – is a controversial one. While some experts claim even very low levels of perchlorate exposure can have health implications —including the potential to damage the thyroid – those who may have the most at stake financially as a result of perchlorate contamination contend that perchlorate poses no health risks. Unfortunately, there appears to be so much corporate involvement in the research process, that some of the information being released to the public, and presented as "unbiased research," may in fact reflect, consciously or unconsciously, the interests of its sponsors and participants. One study that raises such questions was reported on in 2005 in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and we take a look at the relationships and connections between study authors, study funders, and the folks who may be on the hook to pay for perchlorate cleanup... Read more now.

DO YOU NEED PREVENTATIVE THYROID TREATMENT? TREATING ANTIBODIES WHEN TSH IS NORMAL

Preventative thyroid treatment: It's a controversial subject, and many endocrinologists will simply dismiss you if you ask about it. But there's mounting evidence that if you have autoimmune Hashimoto's disease -- EVEN if your TSH is totally normal -- you may need to be treated in order to prevent, slow, or even stop Hashimoto's -- and even hypothyroidism -- in its tracks! Find out about the latest findings reported at the Endo 2005 conference, and learn more about this important news and what it means for you.

WALK SLOWLY FOR WEIGHT LOSS, ACCORDING TO STUDY

Leisurely walking for distance combined with low-impact cardiovascular activity appears to be the best formula for obese people seeking to get into shape and stay healthy, according to a University of Colorado at Boulder study. Should you start walking?

WEBMD THYROID CHAT WITH MARY SHOMON NOW POSTED

I had the opportunity to do a one-hour international chat with thyroid patients at WebMD to answer questions, talk about my latest books, and discuss issues important to thyroid patients. Find out if your question was asked, and read the transcript, which covers questions including:
  • What are symptoms that should send me for a thyroid check?
  • What tests will the doctor perform to check my thyroid?
  • Where can I find information about the new TSH levels?
  • How serious is Graves' disease?
  • Are there any risks involved with radioactive iodine?
Read the interview now.

SELENIUM AND THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Researchers looked at the element selenium and its effects on the endocrine system. They made a number of interesting findings... Learn more now.

ANXIETY IN SUBCLINICAL THYROID CONDITIONS

Few studies until now have looked at the connection between subclinical thyroid problems and anxiety. Researchers set out to look at the connection between anxiety and subclinical thyroid dysfunction. A test known as the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was given to all patients, and the findings were very telling. Learn more now...

FERTILITY, PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING HELP

If you have a thyroid condition and are thinking about getting pregnant, you are pregnant, or you're breastfeeding, you need my "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." The Guide, updated in 2005, features 30 pages of in-depth information on how to get pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy during thyroid problems, weather post-partum thyroid problems, and even deal with the breastfeeding problems that some people have along with thyroid conditions. You can order online, by phone, fax, or mail. Ordering information is online at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/pregnancyguide.htm

INFLAMMATION, BLOOD SUGAR AND SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM

Researchers have found that people who have subclinical hypothyroidism have higher levels of C Reactive Protein (CRP) a marker of inflammation that is thought to be a predictor of heart disease risk. What does this mean for insulin and cholesterol levels, and your general health? Find out now.

FREQUENTLY ASKED DIET-RELATED QUESTIONS

Question: What is hoodia gordonii, how can it help with weight loss, and what brand do you take?
Answer

Question: How can cinnamon help with weight loss?
Answer

THYROID TOP DOCTORS

We're always updating the Thyroid Top Doctors List, the list of patient-recommended practitioners. New doctors are added all the time, and periodically, doctors are removed because they retire, move, die, request to be removed, or I've receive serious patient complaints that warrant removal. Check and see if your doctor is on the list, off the list, or if there's another doctor who can be a terrific partner in wellness. Visit the Thyroid Top Doctors Directory now! http://thyroid.about.com/cs/doctors/a/topdocs.htm.

THYROID DIET STARTUP PACKAGE

Jump into the Thyroid Diet program with various supplements featured into my Thyroid Diet book -- the supplements that have helped me and many others as part of an overall weight loss program. The "Thyroid Diet Startup Package" includes Evening Primrose Oil, Hoodia, a complete Lean for Less Starter Package with Lean for Less Original, Carbo Regulator, Fat Regulator and Water Regulator, and CLA Tonalin. The entire package costs only $80.00 at Iherb.com, a major savings from health food stores and other online sources. Order from Iherb.com now...





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.

www.thyroid-info.comthyroid.about.com

FIBER SOLUTIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

We're finding out more and more than high fiber intake is one of the keys to diet success, and may just be the make or break factor for many of us, especially thyroid patients trying to lose weight. If you're trying to get the recommended 30 grams of fiber a day, check out Dr. Levine's Ultimate Weight Loss Formula, a fiber "shake" mix that, mixed with water, makes a zero-calorie shake (chocolate, raspberry or vanilla) with 17 grams of fiber per serving!! I hear the raspberry is the latest favorite flavor of my readers. Get more information now.

FALL 2005 BOOK SALE: ALL MARY SHOMON'S BOOKS $8 AT IHERB

 Iherb.com continues its absolutely wonderful price on copies of any of my books, including "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" (the LATEST edition -- just published, and already in a 3rd printing, after 20 printings for the 1st edition!), NY Times bestseller "The Thyroid Diet," (in its 10th printing!), "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease (in its 9th printing!), and "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia."

At this price, you can afford copies for your sister, your best friend, and your coworker... and of course, your doctors!!

Only $8.00, plus shipping, from Iherb.com!

Order online, $8 per copy or order by phone with Iherb.com toll-free at 888-792-0028.



SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL OCT 15, 2005! FREE 24-PAGE THYROID REPORT WITH SUBSCRIPTION!


Dear Email Newsletter Readers:

issue29.jpg - 63144 BytesAs a special offer to thank you for reading my email newsletter, I would like to extend an opportunity for you to subscribe to the print edition of Sticking Out Our Necks: Thyroid Disease News Report, and, if you subscribe now, get a free gift of a 24-page special issue of the newsletter. This terrific offer is good only if you subscribe through October 15, 2005. Order by then, and, as a FREE GIFT, you'll get the 24-page special issue of STICKING OUT OUR NECKS!

Your FREE 24-page Special Issue includes the following in-depth articles and news:

THYROID DRUGS AND TREATMENT
  • New Warning Regarding Levoxyl: FDA and Manufacturer Say Levoxyl Must Be Taken With Water
  • King Pharmaceuticals Letter to Pharmacists Regarding Levoxyl Issues -- Actual Copy
  • New Research: What is Your Optimal TSH Level?
OTHER INFORMATION
  • Possible Link Found Between Hypothyroidism and Glaucoma in Men
  • Thyroid Hormone May Treat Multiple Sclerosis
  • The Fibromyalgia/Hashimoto's Connection
  • Thyroid Problems Increase Risk of Heart Disease and Death
  • Freebies: Free Health Brochures and Reports
  • Fifteen Ways to Fight Heel Pain
THYROID CANCER
  • Dietary Supplement May Be Future Treatment For Thyroid Cancer
  • Genetic Differences Might Help Distinguish Various Thyroid Cancers
  • Head and Neck Cancer Brochure Helps Patients Understand Treatment
  • How to Do a Neck Check , and Thyroid Cancer Facts
  • Chernobyl Study Reveals First Direct Evidence That Risk of Thyroid Cancer Rises With Increasing Radiation Dose
THYROID DISEASE & PREGNANCY/INFANTS
  • High Levels Of Thyroid Hormone In Pregnant Women Can Have A Direct Toxic Effect On Fetal Development, According To A Study.
  • Vision Risks to Infants of Mothers With Thyroid Problems
  • Thyroid Problems May Be a Cause of Very Preterm Delivery;May Warrant Screening
  • Hypothyroidism in First Trimester Raises Risk of Breech Birth
THYROID, DIET, WEIGHT LOSS & NUTRITION
  • Bread and Pizza Are Among Culprits in World's Most Common Genetic Disorder
  • Lack of Sleep May Lead to Excess Weight - Study Finds Link Between Hours of Sleep and Risk of Obesity
  • Researchers Reveal That Nutrients in Citrus and Citrus Peel Are Linked to Weight Loss and a Reduced Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer
  • Thyroid Diet Supplements for Success
  • Thyroid Diet Success
  • Top Nutrition Mistakes Made by Active People
  • Half of U.S. Physicians Do Not Make Dietary Recommendations to Their Patients
HYPERTHYROIDISM/GRAVES' DISEASE
  • Is RAI Safe for Children?
  • Hyperthyroid Patients Receiving Thyroid Hormone Therapy After Radioiodine Treatment Have Reduced Risk of Death
  • Thyroid Hormone Changes After RAI
INSURANCE & MEDICARE
  • Do You Need a Health Insurance Patient Advocate?
  • Tips to Reduce Rising Health Insurance Costs
  • Medicare Discount Drug Cards Add Benefit But Also Complexity for Seniors
FALL/WINTER HELP
  • Thyroid Patient's Guide to the Flu:Advice for This Winter's Flu Season
  • Help for the Holidays: Feast on These Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
  • Therapists Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Aches and Pains
ORDER BY OCTOBER 15, 2005, AND YOU'LL GET THE FREE 24-PAGE REPORT!!

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NOTES FROM MARY

Dear Readers,

I've promised to let you know about some good news that's been keeping me VERY busy lately, and finally, he's here!! My husband and I have adopted a baby, and our 2nd grader now has a baby brother -- Daniel, who is 15 months old, and was born in Guatemala.

He's a joyful, happy baby, walking all over the place, talking (in both Spanish and English!), feeding himself, and energetic. He loves our cat, music, dancing, blowing kisses, giving high-fives, and is pretty adorable almost all the time! We're thrilled to have him join our family after a year-long adoption process.

He spent the first year of his life with a wonderful, loving and caring foster family (this is characteristic of the Guatemalan adoption system) who doted on him, and gave him a wonderful start! If you ever want information on the Guatemalan adoption process, or info on recommended agencies for Guatemalan adoption, please feel free to contact me -- I'd be glad to share my own experiences.

And, in the meantime, Danielito says "HOLA!"

Here are a few pix!!

danny.jpg - 12755 Bytes

Live well,

Mary

"Sticking Out Our Necks" email edition is published regularly by Mary Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. "Sticking Out Our Necks" is copyright 1997-2005 by Mary Shomon.
Web: http://www.thyroid-info.com
Email: thyroidnews@thyroid-info.com
Regular mail:
Mary Shomon
P.O. Box 565
Kensington, MD 20895-0565
Fax: 425-977-1175


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Sticking Out Our Necks and the contents of this website are © Copyright Mary Shomon, 2005. All rights reserved.
Mary Shomon, Editor/Webmaster, P.O. Box 565, Kensington, MD 20895-0565.

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 or changing any aspect of your medical treatment, diet or fitness regimen. Please see our full disclaimer.