MEDIA ALERT: Thyroid Awareness Week, 1-7 June 2011
1 in 7 Australians will be affected by some form of thyroid disorder during their lifetime, with women making up the majority of diagnosed cases. Thyroid disorders can be triggered by a range of factors, including hormonal changes and stress. With Thyroid Awareness Week approaching, the Australian Thyroid Foundation is offering simple tips for Australians to best maintain good thyroid health and prevent future thyroid disorders from developing.
Thyroid Awareness Week is from the 1st to the 7th of June this year. Beverly Garside, President of the Australian Thyroid Foundation says everyone can make small changes to help improve their thyroid health: “The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormone, so changing from regular salt to iodised salt is a simple step everyone can take in order to maintain good health. Another healthy choice ATF recommends is to include iodine enriched foods in your daily diet, such as seafood, bread, dairy milk, dairy products, eggs and foods made with iodised salt.”
“On behalf of the Australian Thyroid Foundation, I urge people to ask their doctor to order a pathology test during Thyroid Awareness Week if they are unsure of their thyroid status.” Garside said.
The Australian Thyroid Foundation is Australia's consumer advocacy organisation for thyroid disorders and iodine deficiency, providing education, support and awareness.
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Iodine Deficiency Fast Facts: · The thyroid gland controls the body's metabolism and digestion, therefore maintaining good thyroid health is essential.
· According to the World Health Organisation, dietary iodine deficiency is the most common worldwide cause of preventable mental defects.
· Fortified bread, eggs, seafood, dairy milk and dairy product and foods containing iodised salt are the main dietary sources of iodine in Australia.
· The World Health Organisation recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding take a daily oral supplement including 150 mcgs of iodine so that the total daily intake is at least 250 mcgs.
· Iodine is an essential micronutrient that all Australians need for proper growth and development, however almost one in two are not getting enough iodine in their diets.
· The average Australian child needs 120 micrograms of iodine per day for effective brain development and function, whilst adults require 150 micrograms per day to ensure a healthy thyroid. For pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, this requirement increases to 250 micrograms per day. |
About the Australian Thyroid Foundation:
The Australian Thyroid Foundation Ltd. (ATF) was founded in 1995 by a small group of people, all with thyroid conditions, who wanted to provide a support and education service to members and their families.
The ATF is a national not-for-profit organisation which provides many support services for its members and their families and is focused on educating the Australian public about the importance of good thyroid health.
The mission of The Australian Thyroid Foundation Limited is to support and educate members and the community about thyroid disorders.
For further information visit www.thyroidfoundation.com.au
Media contacts:
Interviews available with:
· Beverley Garside, President of the Australian Thyroid Foundation
· Professor Creswell Eastman AM, Endocrinologist and Chief Medical Advisor to the Australian Thyroid Foundation
Beverley Garside, Australian Thyroid Foundation – 0416 269 982
Eliza Newton, Ogilvy PR Health – 02 8281 3252
ITAW Downloadables:
ITAW Factsheet Goiter & Nodules
