In This Issue A 'Pain in the Neck' Diagnosis Tips for Strong Bones 2012-2013 Flu Activity Elevates

Overactive or Underactive Thyroid Symptoms January 2013~ Issue 1

Source: American Thyroid Association Hyperthyroidism means too much thyroid hormone is being produced by the thyroid gland and the thyroid gland is overactive.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms . Nervousness, Anxiety

Dear Beth January is National Thyroid Awareness month. Check out the list of symptoms of an over or under-active thyroid and read a personal story about a thyroid issue "A Pain in the Neck Diagnosis." Influenza-like illness (ILI) reports from across the country show elevated numbers from last season. Use the links in the article for information to find out what's going on in your town, county, U.S., and what the latest news is about this year's strain.

. Irritability . Increased perspiration . Heart racing . Hand tremors . Difficulty sleeping . Thinning of skin, brittle hair . Muscle weakness . Frequent bowel movements . Weight loss . High energy . Fatigue

By Marcey Tweedie Director of Marketing

In the spring of 1995, I awoke one Saturday morning feeling like I was hit by a bus. I thought I had the flu, although that seemed unusual for the time of year. By no means do I rush to the doctor for every little symptom, but I really felt lousy. Off I drove to a walk-in clinic a mile from my home. After my vitals were taken, the physician on duty asked me some questions and listened to my heart. He palpated my neck area and asked whether anyone has ever told me I have a "goiter." Perplexed, I asked what he meant by a goiter. He explained that I have a lump on my thyroid gland, which he called a thyroid nodule. I did not have the flu but the giddy, dizzy, exhausted feeling I had could possibly be tied into the goiter issue.

Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland cannot make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally and the thyroid is underactive.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms . Intolerance to cold

. Extreme fatigue . Lack of energy . Dry skin . Forgetfulness

Looking back over the past five years before this diagnosis, I experienced a few occasional weird health symptoms. Perhaps they were related to this lump-in-my-throat goiter thing? One day a business colleague asked if I had a cold. My voice was hoarse and raspy and I was straining to speak. I joked about "sick skyscraper syndrome" and how all germs circulate directly to my office on the top floor. "Maybe I am getting sick once again!" I chided. Then on several occasions during my toning and conditioning exercises at the gym, I noticed my upper arms and legs felt wobbly, weak and shook slightly during the repetitions. How strange, I thought, but because I was otherwise healthy, and it did not always happen, I shrugged it off.

. Depression . Constipation . Weight Gain

There are many causes of thyroid disorders. For more complete information, visit your doctor or go to the American Thyroid Association website at www.thyroid.org

I also noticed it was difficult for me to relax. At times I felt like I had an electric charge running through my veins. I also had difficulty sleeping, and thrashed off bedcovers numerous times because I was too hot. My voice was always hoarse and I still strained to speak. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland which is part of the endocrine system. According to the American Thyroid Association, its job is to make hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormone helps the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, muscles, and other organs working like they should. A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth of cells that forms a lump within the thyroid gland. The majority of thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous). Grateful to the walk-in clinic doctor, but anxious, I followed up with an ear, nose, and throat specialist at his suggestion. The ear, nose, and throat specialist rolled out my care plan. My blood was tested for the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). He explained that these hormones control how cells use energy, which is called metabolism. An ultrasound confirmed that my nodule was large and pressing on my vocal chords. That explained my hoarseness and straining to speak issue. My T4 and T3 results were OK and not out of range. A needle aspiration biopsy was also scheduled. It was no picnic having a needle jabbed into my neck, but I knew it had to be done and it did not take long. The harder part was waiting for the biopsy results. Although I was nervous, I was reassured that thyroid cancer is treatable with a very high success rate. I just didn't like the idea of it, period. A few days later, I got a call that the needle biopsy was inconclusive. I would need a partial thyroidectomy, which would require an overnight hospital stay to monitor post-surgery calcium levels, which can be adversely affected by thyroid surgery. What an annoying, overwhelming, interruptive blip in my thyroid nodule saga! Basically the thyroid surgery was a "pain in the neck." One half of the gland was removed and I was stitched up, monitored overnight and sent home to recuperate. The anesthesia made me feel so

Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI), according to the Centers for Disease Control's FluView report. The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment, when appropriate, at this time. CDC tracks influenza activity year-round and publishes a report weekly on Fridays. According to this surveillance, the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for ILI in the United States has been elevated for four consecutive weeks, climbing sharply from 2.8% to 5.6% during

crummy, like I had been bar-hopping the night before. My neck had a large bandage on it and I was told I would have a scar. The stitches were to be removed in about a week. Until then I would need to change the dressings and make sure the incision did not get infected. When I took the bandages off for the first time, I examined my neck and cried and cried to my mother that I looked like the Bride of Frankenstein. The redness, swelling, and stitches were gruesome and I imagined people staring at my neck for the rest of my life. What more, I had to roll off the side of the bed to get up from lying down because it was too painful to lift my neck from the pillow.

that time. Last season, which was relatively mild, ILI peaked at 2.2 percent.

Follow the Connecticut Department of Health website for a breakdown of influenza activity by county and by town. http://www.ct.gov/dph/site /default.asp For more information on symptoms of influenza, how it spreads, and what you can do to reduce your risk of becoming infected go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm

Then I got a call from the doctor. My biopsy was benign! No thyroid cancer, just an ugly incision that would fade over time. I was lucky! Almost two decades later, I barely notice my scar. It has faded into the natural skin lines on my neck. The other half of my thyroid picked up full responsibility for proper function, so I never needed medication. I still get it checked annually. My voice is hoarse only when I have a cold. As for the other weird symptoms, I do not know for sure if they tied into my thyroid issue. It is very possible. All I know is I do not experience these symptoms anymore. Bottom line, pay attention to subtle symptoms and ask your doctor about your thyroid. An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause havoc on your body over time. It is better to know what's going on with a simple blood test. When in doubt, get it checked!

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Urgent Care of Connecticut Locations After age 30 your body does not make new bone as quickly to replace the old bone that naturally breaks down. If you are younger than age 30, and up 40 years old, think about your body as a "bank" for strong and dense bones to optimize future bone health.Take action now. If you are older than 40, still follow these tips, even though you are producing less new bone.

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Eat Healthy & Calcium-Rich Foods - Eat healthy and nutrient-rich foods containing calcium - This includes broccoli, kale, bok choy, low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Try to get as much calcium daily through these nutritious foods whenever possible.

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Take a Vitamin D Supplement - Vitamin D allows your body

WHERE THE DOCTOR WAITS FOR YOU

to absorb calcium: 400 IU's (International Units) for infants; 600 IU's - age 1-70; 800 IU's age 70 and older. It is difficult to get enough Vitamin D through food, or staying outside in the sun.

Take a Calcium Supplement - 1,000 mg. for men, 1,200 mg. for women, and up to 1,500 mg. for menopausal women. This is important if you are uncertain about how much calcium you are getting daily through your diet. Perform Weight-Bearing Exercise - This includes walking, running, elliptical training, and lifting weights daily. Exercise improves circulation, fitness, and helps move nutrients throughout the body. Stretching exercises and yoga can improve flexibility and balance to help prevent falls and broken bones.

The information provided in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only. None of such information is intended to, nor shall it be deemed to constitute, directly or indirectly, the practice of medicine, the dispensing of medical services, a professional diagnosis or a plan of treatment. The information in this newsletter should not be considered complete nor should it be relied upon to suggest a diagnosis or course of treatment for a particular individual. None of the information provided in this newsletter is a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you have any healthcare- related concerns, please call or see us, your regular physician, or another qualified healthcare provider immediately.

Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake -Smoking and drinking alcohol rob your body of bone mass.

Jeannie M. Kenkare, DO Chief Medical Officer

Healthy Recipe: Leaner & Really Easy Stovetop Chicken Stroganoff (Mmmmm - Winter Comfort Food!)

INGREDIENTS: 1 8-oz container of low fat sour cream; 1 can reduced fat cream of chicken soup; 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves; 1 package of white mushrooms (cleaned and sliced); 2 tbsp olive oil spread; 1 quart low fat chicken broth; 1 pkg whole grain noodles or box of your favorite whole grain pasta; Paprika, parsley, sea salt, cracked black pepper - or any of your favorite seasonings that you have on hand for taste. DIRECTIONS: Place on the stovetop a large skillet, pasta pot with water, medium-sized saucepan and small saucepan. Spray the skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Place one tbsp each of olive oil spread into the small saucepan and skillet and melt over medium heat. Set burner for pasta water to medium and cover. 1. Put mushrooms in small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth, cover & cook until tender. Turn burner off and set aside. 2. Place chicken breasts in skillet and brown slightly on both sides in olive oil spread over medium heat. Add 1 cup chicken broth, cover & cook until juices run clear. Remove to cutting board and let cool slightly.

3. Mix cream of chicken soup & 1 can of chicken broth in medium saucepan over low heat. Stir together until smooth. Add container of sour cream and stir. 4. Cut the cooled chicken breast into cubes and add to medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup more of chicken broth or to desired thickness. Season to taste. Add mushrooms, stir and heat over medium heat while noodles cook until al dente. 5. Transfer stroganoff to a serving bowl with ladle and the noodles to a platter. Garnish with parsley. Ready to serve 6. Great with a favorite green salad - also great for a crowd or a superbowl party, double the recipe if necessary.