As we say goodbye to 2012 and look ahead to 2013, here’s a look back at the year in review pertaining to thyroid health, awareness and people profiles.
Thyroid news
An interview with Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, Dr. Elizabeth Pearce who talked about the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test range. Pearce also talked about the The American Thyroid Association new guidelines in October 2011 for pregnant women. Click here to read more.
New jointly developed guidelines
On Sept. 12 the AACE released new jointly developed clinical guidelines for the management of hypothyroidism in adults.
According to a press release, “ 'The Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Hypothyroidism' is based on a comprehensive review and assessment by experts of what has been published about hypothyroidism,” said lead author Jeffrey R. Garber, M.D., chair of the AACE and ATA taskforce on hypothyroidism in adults, president of the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates’ endocrine division chief. “We trust that by providing evidenced-based guidelines for patients with hypothyroidism the quality of care for this common, important and readily treatable condition will improve.”
To read more about these joint guidelines click here for the full press release.
Raising Awareness
In 2012 several national thyroid organizations took part in setting their sights towards awareness and advocacy. Click on the links below to learn more.
Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation annual conference
ThyCa steered Thyroid Cancer awareness month in September. According to the thyroid cancer survivor’s association, in 2012 Thyroid cancer set a new record with 56,460 people newly diagnosed in the United States and more than 200,000 worldwide. Unlike many cancers, thyroid cancer is increasing in incidence, and it’s the fastest increasing cancer in both men and women. Thyroid cancer affects people of all ages, from young children to seniors. Click here to read more about Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.
Thryoid Cancer survivors share their stories
What started as an idea is now a reality for a California sister duo.
Both registered nurses, Anna Ryan is a mother of four and a thyroid cancer survivor who works as an Emergency Room nurse. Ryan’s sister Selena works in an adult Intensive Care Unit.
According to www.annieandisabel.com, “Our many years of working as nurses have made it clear to us that wearing a generic hospital gown is often a patient's number one complaint. We saw an opportunity, with our business, to improve the patient experience by designing gowns that are attractive, comfortable, and, most importantly, completely cover your backside. When you look good, you feel better.” Click here to read their story.
What happened to one Boston based performer eight years ago continues to serve as a message of hope and encouragement to thousands suffering from, and affected by, thyroid cancer. Click here to read more about Lorna Brunelle’s story.
For another Boston area woman, Stephanie Verrengia, she and her three sisters are thyroid cancer survivors. And their mother underwent a full thyroidectomy in 2012. Read their amazing story of hope and triumph.
Graves’ Disease patient shares her journey
Linda Pesonen is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, a national non-profit organization dedicated to autoimmune research, education and advocacy. Autoimmune diseases hits close to home for Pesonen who in November of 2005 was diagnosed with a thyroid autoimmune disease known as Graves’ Disease. Click here to read her story.
Hashimoto’s patient shares her journey
Lisa McManes understands what it means to live with thyroid disease; she has struggled with her weight all her life.
In 2012 she ran her first marathon and got to share about her experience on the Ricki Lake television show. Click here to read her inspiring story.
Former Olympian shares her hypothyroid journey
Athletes from all over the world made their way to London in 2012 for the Summer Olympics.
One former United States Olympian took some time to talk about her thyroid diagnosis since retiring from diving after the 2008 Summer Beijing Olympic Games. Click here for the recap.
Faces of thyroid awareness
Throughout January 2013, which is National Thyroid Awareness Month, Boston's Thyroid Health Examiner will be working on a year in review. She will also be highlighting some of the many faces of thyroid awareness. If you have a thyroid patient story you’d like to share please contact Stacey here.
Want to read more on thyroid health in 2013 and be inspired by thyroid patient stories? Then hit the "subscribe" link at the top or the bottom of this page under the bio. You can also follow thyroid news on Twitter, Google Plus, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or submit your email address to receive Stacey's blog posts. And if you have a story idea to pitch please contact Stacey here.
Comments