WHEREAS, The thyroid is considered the bodys most important endocrine gland located in the neck. The thyroid makes hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body. The thyroid controls many of the bodys functions, including metabolism, an increase in heart rate, bone loss, and how quickly food and sugar move through the body; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Thyroid Association, approximately 20,000,000 Americans suffer from some form of thyroid cancer; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 60 percent of people who have a thyroid disease are unaware of their condition; and

WHEREAS, The cause of thyroid conditions is largely unknown; and

WHEREAS, To diagnose a thyroid condition, doctors consider a persons medical history, perform a physical exam, and perform specialized blood tests to determine the presence of thyroid stimulating hormones in the blood, which can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; and

WHEREAS, Thyroid nodules are present in 60 to 70 precent of women. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to experience a thyroid condition. One in eight women will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, If a thyroid condition is left undiagnosed and untreated, serious conditions may occur, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility; and

WHEREAS, It is especially important for pregnant women to be diagnosed and treated for a thyroid condition due to risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in children; and

WHEREAS, Most thyroid conditions are lifelong and all thyroid conditions are treatable; and

WHEREAS, Thyroid conditions may be treated by medications or surgery. Treatment depends on the particular diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and treatment may improve a persons quality of life and prevent further complications from a thyroid condition; and

WHEREAS, Thyroid health awareness is critical to recognize symptoms of a thyroid condition. Increased awareness allows people to understand when to seek medical testing and treatment; and

WHEREAS, The Legislature urges all citizens to educate themselves on thyroid conditions, support those who are affected, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat thyroid conditions through research, advocacy, and community engagement; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the month of January is Thyroid Health Awareness Month; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

SCR 16: Thyroid Health Awareness Month.

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