Merck initiates campaign on International Thyroid Awareness week 2007

In time for the International Thyroid Awareness Week [ITAW] 2017, Merck, the leading science and healthcare innovation company has worked hand in hand with the Philippine Thyroid Association [PTA], Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism [PSEDM], and the Iodine Global Network [IGN], to raise consciousness and create more public awareness on thyroid diseases.

Thyroid disorders are some of the most common diseases worldwide. In our country, the case is about one in every 11 adults that suffers from goiter or other thyroid problems. It was also discovered that thyroid diseases are most common in women than in men. They are also at risk of hypothyroidism by 10 times. Studies also show that women who recently gave birth and those who are in the menopausal stage are more vulnerable.

You can have your thyroid checked and learn more about thyroid when you come and visit the International Thyroid Awareness Week 2017 on May 27, 2017, Saturday, at the Robinson’s Novaliches Trade Hall! There will be Free Thyroid screening, lectures and doctors consultaion plus other exciting perks in store for you. Best of all, they’re all absolutely FREE and it’s open to the public from 2:00 to 6:00PM!

Unmasking Your Thyroid: How to find out if you've got hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?

 I have often been asked if I had hypothyroidism by well meaning friends of mine. That's because I seem to have the symptoms (i.e. dry skin, slow metabolism, somewhat depressed). But to be honest, I didn’t know anything about it until Merck Inc. invited me to Unmasking your Thyroid Blogger’s Event held last September 21 at the Yakan Function room of Holiday Inn Makati.  During the said talk, Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr., President of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Professor at the UP College of Medicine and Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health gave us an informative talk. He also made sure that bloggers who were present clearly understood the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. He was able to enlighten my thoughts on the different conditions concerning our thyroid glands. He talked about each symptoms and what we can do about it. So now, if you will allow me, I'd like to share what I have learned with you.  

Dr. Nemesio Nicodemus Jr., President Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism

So what is the importance of our thyroid glands? And when do you say that you have hypothyrodism and hyperthyrodism? Based on my own understanding of Dr. Nicodemus' lecture, The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck. It releases hormones that control metabolism—the way your body uses energy. The thyroid's hormones regulate vital body functions, including: Breathing, Heart rate, Central and peripheral nervous systems, body weight, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, as well as our cholesterol levels. The thyroid gland is about 2-inches long and lies in front of our throat. 

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How the Thyroid Gland Works