Berhampur: To commemorate World Thyroid Day, Diabetes & Endocare Clinic, Berhampur in association with College of Nursing, MKCG Medical College and School of Nursing, Christian Hospital Brahmapur has organised separate workshops on thyroid disorders at their respective premises for their students, faculty and other nursing staff. Principals of respective institutes Smt Raja Lakshmi Mishra and Smt Sumita Gorai were the chief guests. Dr Sunil Kumar Kota, consultant endocrinologist from Diabetes and Endocare Clinic, participated as the chief speaker/ resource person. A free thyroid blood testing was conducted for the students and staff on this occasion, where about 130 people got tested. Then in an interactive session on thyroid disorders, Dr Sunil explained to the nursing professionals about causes, symptoms and treatment of various thyroid disorders. Here the guests unveiled an educational video on Thyroid disorders, prepared by Dr Kota and dedicated it to the society. Youtube link of same was subsequently shared with all the attendees.
Now 8%-10% of total Indian population are affected with Thyroid disorders. Earlier the cause was iodine deficiency, now these are predominantly due to autoimmune imbalance. These are seen 5 times more commonly in females. Hypothyroidism is a state associated with low thyroid hormone levels in the body. It presents with weight gain, loss of appetite, body aches, swelling of face, hands and legs, reduced sweating with dry skin, tiredness, lethargy, hair fall, constipation, delayed and excess menstrual blood flow, infertility and depression. Hyperthyoridism denotes high thyroid hormone levels in body and presents with weight loss, trembling of hands, palpitation, excessive sweating with wet skin, feeling of excess heat, sweating, repeated motions, swollen, red eyes. Sometimes a swelling in front of the neck can be there called as goiter. It can affect newborns, growing children with impaired mental, physical and sexual growth. Thyroid testing should ideally be done in all pregnant ladies to avoid complications, because it is found in around 13-15% of pregnant ladies. Treatment is in the form of tablets, radio iodine therapy, surgery etc depending on severity of the disorders. Dr Sunil emphasized upon the fact that timely treatment and periodic follow up with doctor prevents the complications. Later on the attendees engaged Dr Sunil in an interactive question and answer session.
All the dignitaries unanimously called upon the nursing staff and students to be aware of these increasingly common thyroid disorders and convey the message among general public. Smt Rajalakshmi Mishra and Smt Sumita Gorai expressed their profuse thankfulness Dr Sunil Kumar Kota for having successfully organized the thyroid camp. They called upon Dr Kota to further carry out his Diabetes and Thyroid related awareness programs for other sections of the society. Lastly Dr Kota extended vote of thanks to the guests and the audience to conclude the session.
