There are so many things to keep track of with a thyroid condition, but when it comes down to feeling better, there are really 10 key ways that you can truly improve your health in 2006. A quick read through these 10 items, and you'll be ready to tackle the upcoming year feeling healthier, happier, and more in control of your wellness!

Find out the 10 key ways now!

It's a mouthful to say -- but much harder to recognize. Recent research found that all the patients in one study were initially misdiagnosed -- told they had everything from dementia to CJD (the human "Mad Cow" like disease). In reality, patients had Hashimoto's Encephalopathy, also known as "Steroid-Responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (SREAT). Frequently mistaken for stroke or mental illness, this thyroid autoimmune-related conditio is very hard to recognize and diagnose, but once suspected, it's treatable. If you have thyroid antibodies, and any unexplained neurological symptoms (fatigue, difficulty speaking or walking, memory problems...) you will definitely want to learn more.

Read more about Hashimoto's Encephalopathy now.

If you're trying to lose weight, you've probably heard about hoodia gordonii, the appetite suppressing cactus from southern Africa that has taken the diet world by storm. Now, another succulent cactus plant -- this time from India -- has just been introduced to dieters in the U.S. and Europe, and the results are potentially quite promising. Find out more about Caralluma fimbriata -- known as Slimaluma extract -- and how it may be able to help you successfully lose weight.

Read about Caralluma now.

When it comes to thyroid disease, who deserves your support -- and whose efforts may be working against patients -- over this past year? As I did in 2003 and 2004, I've taken a look back at some of the important thyroid news and personalities of 2005, along with the highs and lows -- the cheers and jeers so to speak -- of the year -- all from a patient perspective! Did the American Association of Endocrinologists, Synthroid, Dr. Thierry Hertoghe, Dr. Steven Hotze, and the makers of Thyrin get "cheers" or "jeers?"

Find out now!

WHAT ARE THE NORMAL TSH RANGES DURING EACH TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY?
Thyroid disorders during pregnancy are associated with potentially dangerous pregnancy complications and serious health implications for both mother and child. Now, researchers have just published the normal ranges for TSH during each trimester of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, or thinking about having a baby, this is essential information you need.
Read it now!

ASYMPTOMATIC THYROID PROBLEMS IN MOTHER CAN HARM NEWBORN
In January 2006, the journal Pediatrics reported on increased neurological risks to babies born with the mother was hypothyroid -- early in the pregnancy -- even if the mother had no symptoms. Concerned?

Find out more.

THYROID GUIDE TO FERTILITY, PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS
If you have a thyroid condition ad 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, just updated in Fall 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.

SAVE 20% IF YOU ORDER A FERTILITY, PREGNANCY, BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS GUIDE!

As a special opportunity just for newsletter readers, I have a 20% off coupon that will save you money on your purchase of the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." This coupon is good only until March 1, 2006, so don't miss this chance to save! Just type FEBBONUS in the coupon box when you're ordering online. (Note: This 20% discount is good only for online orders.)

For online orders, go to: http://www.thyroid-info.com/pregnancyguide.htm

Wondering if I've already written an article about a topic of interest? Pop over to my search page, and see what I have, at both the thyroid.about.com and thyroid-info sites.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/search.htm

Researchers have found that there's an increase in non-fatal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in patients with hypothyroidism that is treated.

Find out more about this disturbing news.

GENZYME GRANTED LABEL CHANGE FOR THYROGEN
Drug company Genzyme announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a modification to the label for Thyrogen (thyrotropin alfa).
Find out more.

FDA GRANTS FAST TRACK DESIGNATION FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF ZACTIMA (ZD6474) FOR THE TREATMENT OF THYROID CANCER
Drug company AstraZeneca announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation for the investigation of this drug. Learn more now

THYROGEN LETS THYROID CANCER PATIENTS AVOID HYPOTHYROIDISM DURING TREATMENT, ACCORDING TO JOHNS HOPKINS STUDY
A multicenter international study, including Johns Hopkins, has good news about Thyrogen -- genetically engineered human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH), for thyroid cancer followup. Read more now.

With February "sweeps" upon us, it seems to be a hot topic for TV news shows. The promos show overweight women stuffing cookies in their mouths, while the voiceover says, "What if you could lose 15 pounds a month -- while eating COOKIES??!! Find out why people are loving the Cookie Diet, tonight, on the six-o'clock news." If it sounds vaguely familiar, you're right -- because it used to be known as thyroid doctor Sanford Siegal's "Thyroid Cookie Diet."

Take a look at this latest diet craze now.

I just updated the Thyroid Top Doctors Directory, and HUNDREDS of new doctors have been added, and some doctors have been removed. Find a great new practitioner, see if your current practitioner is on the list, or contact me to recommend -- or cross off -- a doctor now!

Thyroid Top Doctors Directory

If you don't have the time or energy to websurf, read and research, and want someone to talk to -- now -- then book a phone consultation with me. In a one-on-one telephone coaching consultation, we'll brainstorm your thyroid questions, and I'll share ideas and resources with you on where to get more help so you can feel and live well. We can usually schedule your session for a convenient time in the next 48 hours! Find out more, or book your consultation now.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/consult.htm

Naturopathic physician Dr. Martin Milner has shared several free articles with thyroid patients. The articles are available online in PDF format. Of particular interest is "Hypothyroidism: Optimizing Medication with Slow-Release Compounded Thyroid Replacement," from the Jul/Aug 05 issue of the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding. In this detailed article, Dr. Milner discusses the benefits of time-released, compounded T4-T3 thyroid medication.

Read it now.

In a new study released in the December 2005 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers reported on the connection between men's specific sexual problems -- such as low sex drive -- and thyroid conditions, -- including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Could a small gland be having a big effect on your sex life?

Find out more now.

The February 2006 issue of Elle magazine (look for Madonna on the cover) features a story by writer Joe Hooper on thyroid disease. I was interviewed for this article, and really felt that Joe Hooper understood the issues surrounding thyroid diagnosis in 2006!

If you can get a copy of this article, I highly recommend reading it!!

BOOK REVIEW BY MARY KUGLER
About.com's guide to Rare Diseases, Mary Kugler, delves into many conditions and diseases with her characteristic comprehensive detail combined with support and information. She recently reviewed my latest book, Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism."
Read the review.

• ABOUT THE BOOK
• DOWNLOAD THE GRAVES'/HYPERTHYROIDISM RISKS AND SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST NOW
• GET THE BOOK NOW FROM AMAZON.COM

ENDOCRINOLOGISTS MARK THYROID AWARENESS MONTH 2006: CAMPAIGN URGES PATIENTS "TARGET YOUR NUMBERS"
the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) kicked off their activities for Thyroid Awareness Month in January. Their annual promotional and awareness efforts are funded by Synthroid manufacturer Abbott Laboratories.
Find out more about the objective of this year's campaign, and the awareness materials they have developed.

MARY SHOMON'S EDITORIAL: THE ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AT AACE ARE NOT IN TOUCH WITH REALITY
January was Thyroid Awareness Month, and as they do each year, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), supported by the American Thyroid Association and drug company Abbott Labs, has mounted a new publicity "campaign" to promote an aspect of thyroid disease. This year's effort, sponsored by the maker of top-selling thyroid drug Synthroid, is themed "Target Your Numbers" and focuses on the importance of the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test. Somehow each year, AACE manages to choose as its theme something that isn't particularly relevant to thyroid patients, while overlooking the essential issues. This year, in 2006, is unfortunately no exception. Find out why AACE has again missed the mark, and why they are deservedly known as "the accountants of medicine." Also find out the questions AACE should be targeting, and the unanswered questions that AACE still won't address. Read my article now.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR NECK FOR EARLY DETECTION OF THYROID DISEASE
Millions of Americans have undiagnosed thyroid problems. To help with early detection, you can perform a simple self-exam. Checking your neck can in some cases help you find lumps or enlargements in the neck that may point to thyroid conditions, including nodules, goiter and thyroid cancer.
Find out how to do a thyroid neck check.

CHECK YOUR NECK: FREE DOWNLOADABLE WALLET CARD
One way you can take charge of your thyroid health is by periodically checking your neck for thyroid disease. To help, download this free wallet-size card (PDF format) with instructions on how to perform a check of your own neck! Download the PDF card now.

Could your thyroid be making you gain weight, or sabotaging even the best efforts to lose weight? Take our quiz, and 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!

You have a busy life. Chances are that work and family keep you the go, and preparing home-cooked meals may be difficult because of time constraints. Finding a healthy lunch in the middle of a hectic day is often just as hard, and eating a good breakfast at home may be a rare event. In fact, if you're like most Americans, you purchase at least one meal a day at some sort of restaurant. And that's just on an ordinary day. What about weekends, holidays, special occasions, travel days, business dinners, and all the other times you're away from your own kitchen? Does this mean putting your diet on hold? No... and the South Beach Diet's Dr. Arthur Agatston will tell you how.

It's online at my site.

Can you think of a better gift this holiday season than the gift of health? Iherb.com, my favorite online vitamin/herb/nutrition store, is continuing their wonderful deal on my books.

You can get four of my popular books:

• Living Well With Hypothyroidism, New 2nd edition published 2005
• The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss, 2004
• Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, 2004
• Living Well With Autoimmune Disease, 2003

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" in the subject, and I'll get you on the list. Or drop by my Thyroid Diet site, http://www.goodmetabolism.com

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• In-depth Overview of Thyroid Drugs
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