Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Summer 2020

6 HEALTH BEAT Wellness Thyroid disorders Focus on the neck Sitting at the base of your neck is a small gland that can cause big trouble if it’s not working right. The thyroid makes hormones that con- trol how fast your body burns calories and how fast your heart beats. If the gland produces too much—or too little—of these hormones, it can set off a long list of health problems. THE HIGHS AND LOWS When the thyroid is overactive— makes too many hormones—it’s called hyperthyroidism. Someone with an overactive thyroid may have signs or symptoms such as: Weight loss. Diarrhea. Intolerance to heat. Increased sweating. Anxiety. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thy- roid is underactive—makes too few hor- mones. It may trigger, among other things: Weight gain. Depression. Dry skin and hair. Constipation. Intolerance to cold. Tell your doctor if you think your thyroid is out of whack. He or she may order tests to check your thyroid hormone level. Your doctor will likely also feel your neck for nodules (lumps in the gland). Most thyroid nod- ules are harmless, but some can be cancerous. Depending on the results of your tests, your doctor may want you to: Take medicine to balance the amount of thyroid hormones in your body. Be treated with radioactive iodine, which will damage or destroy the cells that make thyroid hormones. Sources: Hormone Health Network; Office on Women’s Health Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 1 pound peaches, sliced into wedges, then cut crosswise (frozen may be used) 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, torn into medium pieces 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons rice vinegar Pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper, optional Directions ■  ■ In large mixing bowl, combine peaches, mozzarella and basil. ■  ■ Drizzle on oil and vinegar, add salt and pepper, if using, and toss gently until evenly coated. ■  ■ Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 4 hours. Nutrition information Serving size: 1/4 of recipe. Amount per serving: 211 calo- ries, 12g total fat (6g saturated fat), 13g carbohydrates, 15g protein, 2g total fiber, 351mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research Peach and basil salad with fresh mozzarella