Latest Thyroid and Health Information - - June 2002

Surgery for Graves' Disease, Nodule Treatments, Ginseng Berries for Weight Loss

Weight Loss, Nutrition, Diet

Ginseng Berry Extract Shows Promise For Obesity
According to researchers, a Chinese remedy that has been used for 2000 years, consisting of an extract from the ginseng berry, shows promise in treating obesity. An extract of the berry was shown to completely normalize blood sugar levels, improve sensitivity to insulin, lower cholesterol levels, reduce appetite and help increase energy levels, resulting in weight loss.

Books About Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids and "good" fats can have an important role in dealing with health conditions, maintaining good health, losing weight, and more. Take a look at the top books about essential fatty acids and their role in health.

Health and the Environment

Seven Potential Hazards
Why should you be concerned about recombinant bovine growth hormone, ozone, electromagnetic fields, phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, chromated copper arsenate, and thimerosal? What are these substances, and how can they pose a health danger to you?

Women and Hormones

Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Therapy
The risks of estrogen are not unknown, but many doctors and patients have assumed that risks outweight benefits. Now, there are questions about whether estrogen can deliver its promised health benefits, or if the risks have become too great.

Clinical Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
An overview of the clinical manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including menstrual dysfunction hyperandrogenism, hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities, ovarian changes on ultrasound, infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes, sleep apnea and risk of coronary heart disease.

Autoimmune News

The Death Toll for Lupus is On the Rise
According to a report released this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths in the U.S. from lupus have risen sharply in recent years. Why is this autoimmune condition becoming more deadly?

Understanding Scleroderma
A look at scleroderma, the serious autoimmune disease whose name means "hard skin," and which can cause the skin to thicken and tighten, and affect blood vessels, kidneys, lungs and other parts of the body.

Dealing With Your Doctors

Appe aling HMO Claim Denials Frequently Successful
In one study, it was found that more than half of consumers who appeal the rulings when health maintenance organizations deny them coverage for particular medical procedures have some success, according to a study released by a watchdog group.