Today is Monday
Oct 06, 2008
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Ask Dr. Alexis: Thyroid disease more common for women |
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 | | | |
Q My daughter says thyroid disease is more common in women than men, and I should get screened. What do you think?
AYour daughter is correct; thyroid disease is eight times more likely to occur in women than in men. In addition, research shows that adults age 60 and over are more often affected by thyroid disease and should be screened starting at age 60. A problem in the thyroid (hormone-producing gland) can affect every system in your body, leaving you susceptible to heart disease, osteoporosis, and other illnesses. There are two forms of thyroid disease: overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism). Both occur more often in older adults. With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland has grown bigger and/or makes too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms seen in older adults include: nervousness, heart palpitations, heat intolerance, sweating, tremor, fatigue, weight loss, and depression. With hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone production slows down. Symptoms seen in older adults include: depression, cognitive dysfunction, dry skin, deafness, hoarseness, numbness/weakness in hands, unsteady gait, anemia, cold intolerance, and constipation. To get more information about a thyroid screening, visit www.thyroidawareness.com.
Q I have only been married once and that is to my wife of 35 years. This year, we will be celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. What can I do to show the mother of my children how much I love and appreciate her? Please help! | |
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ACongratulations on celebrating such a wonderful occasion! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 58% of women and 54% of men have only been married once, so you are definitely part of the norm! How about renewing your vows? What could be more romantic than for you to express your love and appreciation for your wife by asking her to marry you all over again? You can start by visiting the website, “I Do, Take Two” which offers guidance on vow renewals (www.idotaketwo.com). You will find a wealth of information on how and what to do to make your vow renewals both memorable and special. If you want to get her a present, traditional 35th wedding anniversary gifts have a theme of coral, and contemporary 35th anniversary gifts have a theme of jade—check out www.rl.tv/store to get more gift ideas; there is a whole section just for moms!
Q I will be 62 this year and am working part-time; can I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
AYou can apply as early as age 62 for these benefits, but the amount you receive each month will be less than if you wait until full retirement age (also called “normal retirement age”). If you want to keep working while collecting Social Security, your payments may be reduced depending on the amount you earn from your job. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on the amount you can earn from working while collecting Social Security benefits. For more information on estimating your potential benefit amounts using different retirement dates and levels of future earnings, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call 800-772-1213.
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