World Thyroid Day: The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment Regarding One of the Non-Communicable Diseases

Thyroid diseases are among the most common endocrine disorders globally, second only to diabetes. The two most prevalent types are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). This important awareness day emphasizes on increasing awareness among the public about thyroid diseases and the necessity to keep the thyroid gland healthy in order to ensure a healthy lifestyle; particularly applying to pregnant women, children, and our most senior citizens, all of whom are more vulnerable to thyroid disease risk factors and thyroid dysfunction.

NMPC campaigns to promote steady and helpful ways to slowly but surely eliminate the growth and immunization of thyroid diseases in the body, mainly to have timely thyroid function testing, and vitally, adequate intake and/or dietary supplementation of iodine, selenium, iron, and vitamin D, all of which are needed to minimize the risk of thyroid disease cultivation in our bodies. Moreover, health sectors everywhere need to actively participate in the development of policies (e.g., campaigns against tobacco use and universal health coverage) to counteract the spread of non-communicable diseases. 

At best, let us consider this day as a commemorative reminder, marking this health awareness day as an opportunity to show support to each other battling a health condition and the prospect of encountering a disease, to encourage one another to get tested and further seek necessary medical care.