National Thyroid Awareness Month and Giveaway

January is National Thyroid Awareness Month. I wanted to tell you a little bit about why I am posting about this. I have a daughter, sister, and a friend's daughter that all have thyroid disorders. My daughter, Tatiana, had a brain tumor that was discovered and surgically removed at 8 months of age. Because of this she has multiple endocrine problems including hypothyroidism which she takes Levothyroxin for. Because the pituitary gland regulates the functions of the thyroid gland her thyroid doesn't work. My sister, Melody, has hyperthyroidism to the extent that it caused her to have Grave's Disease. My Uncle Jesse has just the hyperthyroidism. One of my best friends, Erin of Connected2Christ blog also has a daughter that was diagnosed with Congenital Hypothyroidism three days after she was born. I know way too many other people that also have some sort of thyroid problem. It is a growing problem and I feel we need to make more people aware of it.

The thyroid is a small gland located in the middle of the lower neck, which produces hormones that regulate many functions including temperature, weight gain, and weight loss. Many Americans experience various problems with the functioning of their thyroid. Some red flags to watch for are:

* sudden weight gain or increase in body fat
* inability to lose weight despite proper diet and exercise
* fatigue, insomnia or restless sleep, anxiety or panic attacks
* gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
* chronic sinusitis or lingering infections

It is important that people experiencing these warning signs see their physician to learn more.

There are also many online resources for those seeking more information and support. One online resource is the Fibro 360 Community - Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center. This online community not only offers a network of support, but also resources to those seeking more information about fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and related disorders including those concerning the thyroid.

If you'd like to learn more or would like to join the Fibro 360 Community, please visit Fibro 360 on Facebook. You can also follow Fibro 360 on Twitter.

WIN IT:
Could you use a little pampering? One reader from this site will win a $25 gift card to Amazon.com to be used on whatever you need! Let us treat you!

Mandatory entry: To enter, please visit the Fibro 360 Community on Facebook and become a fan, then let us know in the comments here.

Bonus entry: Let us know in the comments here that you follow @Fibro360 on Twitter!

Contest ends January 31st at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Since I am a Global Influence Member I received this information to share with my readers.