It's Thyroid Awareness Month

January brings with it lots of reasons to celebrate – the holidays are over, a new year begins, and

spring is just around the corner. But January is also Thyroid Awareness Month; 31 days to spread awareness about thyroid disease, which affects nearly 20 million Americans.

Many of us don’t even know where or what the thyroid is. So how can something so obscure like a thyroid get its own month of recognition you may ask?  Well, that little butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of our necks influences the function of just about every major organ of the body including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and even skin.   

According to the American Thyroid Association:

• More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.
• Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.
• Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.
• One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.
• Most thyroid cancers respond to treatment, although a small percentage can be very aggressive.
• The causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown.
• Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility.
• Pregnant women with undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in their children.
• Most thyroid diseases are life-long conditions that can be managed with medical attention.

So what can you do to lower your risk of thyroid disease? When your body is active, the thyroid gland releases the thyroid hormone that boots metabolism and regulates your body’s temperature. When the thyroid isn't producing the hormone, the body’s energy level and heart rate drop. Physical activity is a significant way to improve your body’s metabolism, and studies have shown that aerobic programs with different intensities and durations can improve thyroid hormones.

Aerobic or “cardio” fitness as it is most often referred is when the body’s cardiovascular and muscular systems are providing the necessary energy to sustain activity that uses the large muscle groups over an extended period of time. Not only will regular aerobic exercise improve thyroid function, but it will decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Did you know…That Movement Works in Calabash, NC offers an entire lineup of aerobic and fitness programs. Try our Buti Yoga, a fun 
workout that combines elements from yoga, tribal dance and plyometrics. Or consider  Funk Fit, a fusion of dance, strength and cardio to the hottest Latin, hip-hop, swing and feel good music that incorporates toning sticks, weights, and chairs. Don’t forget Piloxing, which uniquely blends the power, speed, and agility of boxing with exhilarating dance moves and targeted sculpting and flexibility of Pilates. And of course, you can’t talk about aerobic exercise without mentioning Zumba! Our Latin-inspired dance-fitness party is a must for anyone looking to add aerobic exercise into their fitness program. and exercise programs? Try our Buti Yoga,

So celebrate Thyroid Awareness Month by participating in aerobic exercise. It’s the first step to improving your thyroid health!