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January 2011    
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St. Francis


January
Calendar
Take a look at
what's
going on

at St. Francis this month:

Tuesdays 

Surgical Weight Loss Information Seminar
 
1/4
Facts of Life for Mothers and Daughters

1/5
Surgical Weight Loss Post-Op Education and Nutrition Class
 
 1/6

1/10

 Caring for Your Baby

Childbirth Preparation
 
1/13
Great Expectations: Hospital Orientation

Sibling Preparation Tour

1/17

Breastfeeding

Childbirth Preparation

1/18

Hip & Knee Pain Seminar

1/19

Comfort Measures for Managing Labor
 
1/22
Childbirth Preparation
 
1/24
Breastfeeding

Surgical Weight Loss Support Group

1/26
Comfort Measures for Managing Labor

1/27
Breastfeeding

Great Expectations: Hosptial Orientation

Greetings!

It's the end of yet another festive holiday season where we often find ourselves with a few extra pounds from the endless supply of Christmas cookies and exhausted from fighting the shopping crowds. But, if you are experiencing unexplained weight gain and fatigue, along with anxiety, chills and mental fogginess, your thyroid gland may be to blame. Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism and can sometimes go haywire, especially in women. Please continue reading to learn more about common symptoms and treatment options:
Understanding Your Thyroid


Hypothyroidism ImageThe thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland, located in the front/lower portion of the neck, which produces hormones that manage the speed of your metabolism and are essential for the function of every cell in your body.  When a thyroid disorder occurs, your thyroid gland can become overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) due to the disruption on the production of thyroid hormones. When this occurs, you may experience a range of symptoms:

 

  • Unexplained Change in Weight
  • Swelling or Enlargement in the Neck
  • Changes in Heart Rate
  • Changes in Energy or Mood
  • Hair Loss
  • Feeling Too Hot or Cold

For more information on Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism, please click here to access St. Francis' Health Library.
 

Treatment

Getting the right treatment is crucial. Women at any age are more commonly affected by thyroid disorders, however, everyone should be screened for thyroid dysfunction on a yearly basis with a simple TSH level. If you notice any symptoms, see a doctor promptly in order to avoid serious health complications. If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, you may be prescribed thyroid replacement (in the form of a pill) to treat Hypothyroidism and antithyroid medication to control Hyperthyroidism. Surgery may also be recommended for patients with concerning thyroid nodules.

 

"More often than not, symptoms of a thyroid disorder appear gradually over time or not at all, which makes it hard to diagnose at times," according to Christopher Sonnier, MD of Millennium Endocrinology. "However,  when properly diagnosed and treated, all thyroid disorders can be managed effectively."

 

If you suspect that you may have a thyroid problem, St. Francis now has an endocrinologist on staff. Ask your primary care physician for a referral to Dr. Sonnier at Millennium Endocrinology. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 864-365-0140. 


Less Invasive, Most Effective

St. Francis' da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
is a breakthrough surgical technology granting the least invasive, most effective surgery to our patients. The da Vinci Robotic Surgical System enables our experienced surgeons the ability to perform Urological, Gynecological and even Heart surgeries through very small incisions with unmatched precision. As the first hospital in Greenville, having offered the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System for two years, our patients have had shorter recovery time, significantly less pain, less scarring, and in many cases better clinical results.

If you have been diagnosed with a condition that requires surgery, please visit our website to learn more about our da Vinci Robotic Surgical System and our experienced surgeons.

Robotic Surgery

The Vive! newsletter was created for women to offer education and lifestyle tips for betterknowledge and care for your health. Find more information online, and tell a friend!


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