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Seniors learn at NCCH breakfast
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| Dr. Mara Okshteyn speaks to senior citizens during a free NCCH breakfast. (Ainslee S. Wittig/ARN) |
By Ainslee S. Wittig/Arizona Range News
Dr. Mara Okshteyn, Northern Cochise Community Hospital's new endocrinologist, has opened her practice in Sulphur Springs Medical Center. She sees patients with diabetes, and metabolism and hormonal disorders.
At a recent Senior Breakfast event, Okshteyn spoke to attendees about the thyroid gland. She gave pointers about how to take a thyroid "neck check" to determine if there could be an abnormality such as an enlarged thyroid or a nodule that should be checked.
For the neck check, you'll need a hand mirror and a glass of water. Lean you head back and focus on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbone and below the voice box (larynx). Take a drink of water and swallow, checking the area for bulges or protrusions. Don't confuse the Adam's apple with the thyroid gland - it is below that. If you see bugles or protrusions, see your physician.
She also handed out a pneumonic, "SLUGGISH," to help remember the features of hypothyroidism:
Sleepiness, fatigue;
Loss of memory, trouble concentrating;
Unusually dry skin;
Goiter;
Gradual personality change, depression;
Increase in weight;
Sensitivity to cold;
Hair loss.
She said that the overactive thyroid is "a hidden epidemic," as symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to other conditions. To be sure your thyroid is functioning properly, take a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test to monitor your thyroid levels. If you have a family member with thyroid disease, are over the age of 35, or have any symptoms or risk factors associated with thyroid disease, you should speak with your doctor about taking the TSH test, which is a simple blood test.
She said that keeping your thyroid in balance is not difficult, but it requires taking medication as instructed by your physician.
NCCH chief executive officer Harley Smith told the seniors at the breakfast that the hospital has future plans with Okshteyn to have a Wellness Center, which will include weight loss, nutrition, and acupuncture for pain control, detoxification, massage and reflexology.
Smith also spoke briefly on the upcoming Senior Center behind the hospital and NCHS's taking on transportation for the elderly and disabled, which Catholic Community Services could no long afford to do. The transportation service is expected to begin Nov. 2.
The Senior Breakfast, which includes breakfast for the community's senior citizens and a speaker, will start again in January -- the fourth Friday of each month at NCHS cafeteria and the third Friday of each month at the VFW in Sunsites.
At a recent Senior Breakfast event, Okshteyn spoke to attendees about the thyroid gland. She gave pointers about how to take a thyroid "neck check" to determine if there could be an abnormality such as an enlarged thyroid or a nodule that should be checked.
For the neck check, you'll need a hand mirror and a glass of water. Lean you head back and focus on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbone and below the voice box (larynx). Take a drink of water and swallow, checking the area for bulges or protrusions. Don't confuse the Adam's apple with the thyroid gland - it is below that. If you see bugles or protrusions, see your physician.
She also handed out a pneumonic, "SLUGGISH," to help remember the features of hypothyroidism:
Sleepiness, fatigue;
Loss of memory, trouble concentrating;
Unusually dry skin;
Goiter;
Gradual personality change, depression;
Increase in weight;
Sensitivity to cold;
Hair loss.
She said that the overactive thyroid is "a hidden epidemic," as symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to other conditions. To be sure your thyroid is functioning properly, take a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test to monitor your thyroid levels. If you have a family member with thyroid disease, are over the age of 35, or have any symptoms or risk factors associated with thyroid disease, you should speak with your doctor about taking the TSH test, which is a simple blood test.
She said that keeping your thyroid in balance is not difficult, but it requires taking medication as instructed by your physician.
NCCH chief executive officer Harley Smith told the seniors at the breakfast that the hospital has future plans with Okshteyn to have a Wellness Center, which will include weight loss, nutrition, and acupuncture for pain control, detoxification, massage and reflexology.
Smith also spoke briefly on the upcoming Senior Center behind the hospital and NCHS's taking on transportation for the elderly and disabled, which Catholic Community Services could no long afford to do. The transportation service is expected to begin Nov. 2.
The Senior Breakfast, which includes breakfast for the community's senior citizens and a speaker, will start again in January -- the fourth Friday of each month at NCHS cafeteria and the third Friday of each month at the VFW in Sunsites.
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