Sticking Out our Necks Newsletter for Thyroid sufferers

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STICKING OUT OUR NECKSFebruary 2006Thyroid News for People Who Want to Live Well"We're Patients...Not Lab Values!"From Patient Advocate J. ShomonAuthor of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Graves' Disease & Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Success," and "Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," =====================================VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER ONLINE AS A WEB PAGE WITH CLICKABLE LINKS=====================================This newsletter is located online at: <a href="http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/feb2006.htm">http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/feb2006.htm</a>Back issues are online at:<a href="http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/index.htm">http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/index.htm</a>=====================================10 WAYS THYROID PATIENTS CAN FEEL BETTER IN 2006=====================================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!http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/ss/feelbetter2006.htm=====================================NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS AND THYROID ANTIBODIES? YOU COULD HAVE HASHIMOTO'S ENCEPHALOPATHY=====================================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 read more about Hashimoto's Encephalopathy.http://thyroid.about.com/od/relatedconditions1/a/sreat.htm=====================================WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CARALLUMA FIMBRIATA / SLIMALUMA: INDIAN CACTUS IS PROMISING APPETITE SUPPRESSANT AND DIET AID=====================================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.http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/caralluma.htm=====================================2005 THYROID CHEERS AND JEERS: BEST/WORST THYROID-RELATED PEOPLE AND HAPPENINGS=====================================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. Hotze, and the makers of Thyrin get "cheers" or "jeers?"http://thyroid.about.com/od/publicawarenessoutreach/ss/2005cheersjeers.htm=====================================PREGNANCY NEWS UPDATES=====================================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!http://thyroid.about.com/od/hormonepregnantmenopause1/a/tshbytrimester.htmASYMPTOMATIC THYROID PROBLEMS IN MOTHER CAN HARM NEWBORNIn 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. http://thyroid.about.com/od/hormonepregnantmenopause1/a/pediatricsjan06.htmTHYROID GUIDE TO FERTILITY, PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING SUCCESSIf 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.)http://www.thyroid-info.com/pregnancyguide.htm=====================================SEARCH MY THYROID SITES=====================================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=====================================INCREASED HEART AND STROKE RISK WITH TREATED HYPOTHYROIDISM=====================================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.http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/240829.htm=====================================THYROID CANCER UPDATE=====================================GENZYME GRANTED LABEL CHANGE FOR THYROGENDrug company Genzyme announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a modification to the label for Thyrogen (thyrotropin alfa). http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/240837.htmFDA GRANTS FAST TRACK DESIGNATION FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF ZACTIMA (ZD6474) FOR THE TREATMENT OF THYROID CANCERDrug company AstraZeneca announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation for the investigation of this drug. http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/240839.htmTHYROGEN LETS THYROID CANCER PATIENTS AVOID HYPOTHYROIDISM DURING TREATMENT, ACCORDING TO JOHNS HOPKINS STUDYA multicenter international study, including s Hopkins, has good news about Thyrogen -- genetically engineered human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH), for thyroid cancer followup. http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/236962.htm=====================================THE COOKIE DIET: TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, OR

DIET MIRACLE?=====================================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.http://thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsuccessfully/a/cookiediet.htm=====================================THYROID TOP DOCTORS DIRECTORY UPDATED!=====================================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!http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htm=====================================BOOK A PHONE SESSION WITH MARY=====================================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=====================================SLOW-RELEASE COMPOUNDED THYROID REPLACEMENT, DOWNLOAD FREE JOURNAL ARTICLE=====================================Naturopathic physician Dr. 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.http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/236943.htm=====================================MEN: IS YOUR THYROID CAUSING SEXUAL

PROBLEMS?=====================================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.http://thyroid.about.com/od/symptomsrisks/a/mensexsymptoms.htm=====================================ELLE MAGAZINE FEATURES THYROID DISEASE IN FEB. 2006 ISSUE=====================================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!! =====================================REVIEW OF "LIVING WELL WITH GRAVES' DISEASE AND HYPERTHYROIDISM"=====================================BOOK REVIEW BY MARY KUGLERAbout.com's guide to Rare Diseases, 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."http://rarediseases.about.com/od/booksandmovies/fr/gravesdisease.htmABOUT THE BOOK http://thyroid-info.com/gravesDOWNLOAD THE GRAVES'/HYPERTHYROIDISM RISKS AND SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST NOWhttp://thyroid-info.com/graves/checklist.htmGET THE BOOK NOW FROM AMAZON.COMhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060730196/scratcthenetwebs=====================================THYROID AWARENESS MONTH 2006=====================================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. http://thyroid.about.com/od/publicawarenessoutreach/a/aace2006.htmMARY SHOMON'S EDITORIAL: THE ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AT AACE ARE NOT IN TOUCH WITH REALITYJanuary 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. http://thyroid.about.com/od/publicawarenessoutreach/a/aace2006problem.htm=====================================THYROID NECK CHECK! =====================================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.http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/ss/neckcheck.htmCHECK YOUR NECK: FREE DOWNLOADABLE WALLET CARDOne 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!http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/235148.htm=====================================QUIZ: IS YOUR THYROID MAKING YOU FAT?=====================================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.http://thyroid.about.com/library/quiz5/blthyroidquizi.htm====================================="DINING OUT: WHAT TO EAT WHEN YOU'RE NOT AT HOME" -- HELP FROM "SOUTH BEACH DIET" AUTHOR ARTHUR AGATSTON =====================================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. http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/southbeachdiet.htm=====================================IHERB'S BOOK SALE: $8 PLUS SHIPPING=====================================Iherb.com is making my books available at an excellent price -- far less than any other online vendor, AND from a reputable online store! You can get any one 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, 2003Each book is available at the special discounted price of just $8.00 plus shipping, from Iherb.com. Order extra copies for you, your doctor,

friends and family now! http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+mbooks.html=====================================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 dietthyroid-info with "Subscribe" in the subject, and I'll get you on the list. Or drop by my Thyroid Diet site, http://www.goodmetabolism.com=====================================NOTE FROM MARY=====================================If you're not getting the print edition of my Sticking Out Our Necks newsletter, I just wanted to let you know that there is no better time to sign up than this month! The print newsletter

features expanded stories, special features you won't find anywhere on the web, and in-depth information on thyroid disease and related issues. Every other month, you'll get a 12-page issue by mail, and occasionally, I expand it or include extra inserts. For example, the Jan/Feb 2006 issue is PACKED with information that you might want, including a special section focusing on thyroid drugs, which includes:* In-depth Overview of Thyroid Drugs* Levothyroxine Details Comparison Chart, including dyes, fillers, and more for each brand* Detailed Chart on Antithyroid Drugs* Thyrolar, Cytomel and Natural Thyroid Comparison Chart* Thyroid Drug Manufacturers Reference Chart* Thyroid Hormone Replacement Equivalence Chart: Levothyroxine to ThyrolarThis month, I'm offering a special 20% discount coupon just for newsletter readers. That means, if you order a $25 one-year subscription to the Sticking Out

Our Necks newsletter, you'll get $5 off! 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.) Go to the "Subscribe page" now to sign up!http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htmI also wanted to mention that the Thyroid Top Doctors Directory at http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htm has been recently updated to include hundreds of new doctors, and you may notice that periodically, doctors are removed from the directory. Many times, people notice a doctor has been removed, but haven't seen the notice I have posted on the side of the page, answering the question "Why is a Particular Doctor No Longer Listed?" I thought it might be helpful

to answer this question here in the newsletter as well. Doctors who were previously listed here are removed for a number of reasons.1. The doctor has requested that his/her listings be removed because: he/she does not agree with this site's philosophy or patient-orientation; the practice is too busy and can't accept new patients; the doctor does not feel comfortable handling complicated thyroid problems; the doctor did not agree with what was said in the patient recommendations;or the doctor said "take me off the list" and offered no explanation.2. The doctor has moved, retired, or died. (When this is the case, I do try to note that on the site, as in: "Dr. Doe (retired, posted Feb. 06)"3. The doctor has lost his/her license, or given up his/her license, and is no longer practicing medicine. 4. Patients have provided negative input about the doctor that is of

sufficient concern that, in my opinion, the doctor should no longer be on the Top Thyroid Doctors List.I would face legal concerns if I published specific information about why patients had negative opinions about doctors, or if I shared a doctor's occasional ranting "take me off" email, or if I publicized doctors with licensing problems. So please, if you see that a doctor has been taken off the list and want to know why, try talking to the doctor directly. If you write to me to ask why a doctor was taken off the list, I won't be able to answer you or share the reason why without risking legal problems. In the meantime, do take a look at all the great new doctors added to the Thyroid Top Docs Directory. You'll find some great practitioners, new recommendations for long-time residents of the list. And remember, doctors don't pay for patient recommendations -- these are doctors that your

fellow thyroid patients are recommending! http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htmLive well, ====================================="Sticking Out Our Necks" email edition is published regularly by Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. "Sticking Out Our Necks" is copyright 1997-2006 by Shomon. All rights reserved.Web: http://www.thyroid-info.com Email: news@...Regular mail: ShomonP.O. Box 565Kensington, MD 20895-0565Fax: 425-977-1175 =====================================Note: 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 changing your treatment program.

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