May 25: World Thyroid Awareness Day

The World Thyroid Day is observed every year on May 25 to spread awareness of thyroid health and educating about prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.

Observance of day highlights five major goals to:

• Increase awareness of thyroid health.
• Promote understanding of advances made in treating thyroid diseases.
• Emphasize prevalence of thyroid diseases.
• Focus on urgent need for education and prevention programs.
• Expand awareness of new treatment modalities.

Thyroid gland

Thyroid gland, often referred to as simply thyroid, is one of the largest endocrine glands. It butterfly-shaped gland located in neck. Thyroid health is extremely important, as hormones produced by it influence critical body functions and regulate metabolism. Thyroid disorders are very common worldwide, they affect people of all ages and have large range of symptoms. The most common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), yperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), thyroiditis or Goitre (inflammation of thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. They are often caused by iodine deficiency.

Background

In 2008, European Thyroid Association (ETA) and American Thyroid Association (ATA) had joined hands to create, for first time ever day devoted globally to Thyroid Gland and its numerous and often ‘invisible’ symptoms. It was observed for the first time in 2009. Since then, it has been celebrated annually round globe together with its extension, International Thyroid Awareness Week, which surrounds main Day.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2018