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ATF News & media

Welcome to the ATF News and Media

Here you will find the latest up to date news on Thyroid Health and Treatments

For All Media Opportunities please contact ATF CEO – Beverley Garside OAM – beverley@thyroidfoundation.org.au

Our news page is open to both members and non-members and provide information on managing your thyroid health as well as the latest events and medical updates locally and internationally.

We also encourage you to follow us on our social media, as we often upload information there first.

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Our news pages are put together by our wonderful team of volunteers.  As with every registered charitable organisation we are enormously thankful for the work of our volunteers, many of them with their own personal thyroid story. To assist us in keeping you up to date and to provide educational and support services on managing your thyroid health, we ask you to consider joining or making a donation. Your help really does make a difference as we operate entirely without any grants or government assistance.

Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy or news and social media pages.

  • 9 May 2019 4:57 PM | Membership Secretary (Administrator)

    On Monday 6 May, ATF CEO Beverley Garside & ATF Medical Advisor Professor Bruce Robinson, joined 2GB Afternoons Presenter, Chris Smith, to talk about thyroid health and answer questions for Thyroid Awareness Month. Listen to the full interview here...

    ATF on The Chris Smith Show for Thyroid Awareness Month - 6 May 2019

  • 9 May 2019 4:28 PM | Membership Secretary (Administrator)

    To kick off Thyroid Awareness Month, ATF CEO Beverley Garside was interviewed by Presenter of the Breakfast Program on ABC Mildura-Swan Hill, Julie Reynolds, about thyroid health. Both Julie and her mother have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (underactive thyroid). Click the link below to hear some of their on-air conversation.

    ABC Mildura-Swan Hill_TAM 2019.MP3

  • 9 May 2019 4:08 PM | Membership Secretary (Administrator)

    ‘The Many Faces of the Thyroid’: Why Aussies are being urged to “check your neck” this May

    • Approximately 60,000 new cases of thyroid disease are diagnosed each year in Australia.
    • Women are ten times more likely than men to be diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.
    • An estimated 1 million Australians may be living with an undiagnosed thyroid condition.

    As it marks the start of this year’s Thyroid Awareness Month, the Australian Thyroid Foundation Ltd (ATF) is calling on all Australians to be more aware of their thyroid health during the month of May and to see their doctor for thyroid testing.

    “In Australia, each year during May, we recognise Thyroid Awareness Month - an important opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of thyroid disorders, including thyroid cancer”, said Chief Executive Officer of the ATF, Ms Beverley Garside.

    “This is particularly important as thyroid disorders can be difficult to diagnose, due to the common nature of the symptoms, which can often be associated with other medical conditions”, said Ms Garside.

    ATF Media Release_Thyroid Awareness Month - May 2019.pdf

  • 21 May 2018 4:04 PM | Michael Sugg

    International Thyroid Awareness Week is 21st – 27th May. 

    Thyroid Federation International (TFI) instigated ITAW to recognise the importance of raising awareness worldwide through its member organisations.  The ATF is a member of TFI. 

    World Thyroid Day is an annual awareness day that was established in 2008 during the congress of the European Thyroid Association (ETA). It focuses on increasing awareness of thyroid health and educating about prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.

    The thyroid gland, often referred to as simply the thyroid, is one of the largest endocrine glands. This butterfly-shaped gland is located in the neck. Hormones produced by the thyroid influence critical body functions and regulate metabolism, therefore thyroid health is extremely important.

    Thyroid disorders are very common worldwide, they affect people of all ages and have a large range of symptoms. The most common thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. They are often caused by iodine deficiency.

    World Thyroid Day aims at increasing public awareness of thyroid deceases, namely the importance of their timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention. World Thyroid Day events and activities are coordinated by the European Thyroid Association, the American Thyroid Association, the Latin American Thyroid Society, and the Asia & Oceania Thyroid Association.

    The ATF encourages you to visit the ATF website and explore the pages to learn more about the Thyroid and managing your thyroid health.


  • 15 May 2018 2:02 PM | Michael Sugg

    The Australian Thyroid Foundation (ATF) wants all Australians to be aware of their thyroid gland and their thyroid health, during May, which is Thyroid Awareness Month!

    The Thyroid Gland is a small bow-shaped gland, located in the front of the neck, below the voice box or larynx (Adam’s Apple) on either side of the trachea (windpipe). The thyroid gland produces hormones which give energy to the body’s functions and controls the body’s metabolism.

    When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, the consequences cause the body to slow. When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, the body speeds and neither of these reactions are desirable. Thyroid health is so important to the way people function and how their body functions, says Beverley Garside – ATF CEO.

    Thyroid Diseases can affect Australians from the very young to the elderly, with women affected more than men. When the thyroid gland is out of balance or diseased, everything from mental health, fertility, weight gain or weight loss and many other symptoms can be included.

    Family thyroid history, auto-immune disease and iodine deficiency can all be responsible for the thyroid gland malfunctioning, so please be aware!

    Thyroid cancer is affecting more Australians, with younger people being diagnosed. Proper early diagnosis and treatment is essential and the ATF support all current research that is improving outcomes for thyroid cancer patients.

    Iodine, from a daily intake of iodine enriched foods, support the thyroid gland production of thyroid hormones. Therefore be aware of replacing the salt you use with iodised salt, eating a diet which includes dairy, eggs, bread and seafood, all sources of ingested iodine.

    The ATF recommend all women of child bearing age should be aware of their thyroid function levels, family thyroid history and daily iodine intake. Thyroid function (TSH levels) and auto-immune disease testing (thyroid antibodies) are recommended to rule out a thyroid disorder during this life stage. Testing should be done as early as possible in pregnancy or prior to conception. Without enough thyroid hormone and a proper diagnosis, the pregnancy and foetal development can be affected.

    The ATF says, Do Not Overlook Your Thyroid Health and discuss any concerns with your GP or treating doctor. Awareness, correct diagnosis and then treatment if necessary are what’s needed to improve Australians thyroid health.


    NOTE:

    Thyroid Awareness Month - May

    May is Thyroid Awareness Month in Australia, which incorporates International Thyroid Awareness  Week 21 – 27 May 2018 and World Thyroid Day 25 May.

    About Thyroid Disease

    The thyroid gland is a soft, small bow-shaped gland, located in the front of the neck, below the voice box or larynx (Adam’s Apple) on either side of the trachea (windpipe).  Thyroid disease is usually caused by an auto-immune disease, which affects more women than men.  Iodine deficiency is the most common worldwide cause of thyroid disorders.  Along with auto-immune thyroid disease, a low iodine diet can cause hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) and can affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes and foetal brain development.

    About the Australian Thyroid Foundation

    The Australian Thyroid Foundation Ltd (ATF) is a member based organisation, managed by volunteers and was founded in 1995.  The ATF is now the peak advocacy and support organisation for Australians living with a thyroid disorder.  The ATF is a national not-for-profit organisation with a focus on providing education and support to its members and promoting Good Thyroid Health messaging throughout the community.  The ATF is a member of Thyroid Federation International (TFI), a world-wide thyroid patient organisation dedicated to global action of thyroid related issues.


  • 15 May 2018 11:52 AM | Michael Sugg

    ATF Medical Advisor Professor Bruce Robinson and ATF CEO Beverley Garside spoke with Chris Smith on Radio 2GB – 873 AM about the ATF 2018 Thyroid Awareness Month and Thyroid Disease.


    Click on the image to listen to the interview.



    From left to right: Professor Bruce Robinson – ATF Medical Advisor; Chris Smith – Radio 2GB 873; Beverley Garside – ATF CEO

  • 14 May 2018 5:52 AM | Michael Sugg

    Today at about 2.30 pm ATF Medical Advisor Professor Bruce Robinson and ATF CEO Beverley Garside will be speaking to Chris Smith on Radio 2GB - 873 AM about thyroid disease and the ATF Thyroid Awareness Month!

  • 8 May 2018 5:59 PM | Michael Sugg

    Last week, the Courier Mail published the attached story about the iodine content of almond milk.

    To protect your thyroid health, it is important to ensure you have a diet enriched with iodine. So dairy, eggs, seafood, bread (which includes iodised salt) and iodised salt are all ways to ensure you are receiving enough daily iodine through foods.

    For pregnant and lactating women, it is essential they include iodine in their daily diet, to protect the pregnancy, and the growth and development of the baby. A pregnancy supplement, including at least 150mcgs of iodine daily, is also essential for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding. Ensuring their thyroid function is tested and adequate is also just as important.


  • 18 Feb 2018 6:03 PM | Michael Sugg

    Womens Health Australia recently published an article on the common signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease.

    "Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This leads to inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue, reducing its ability to produce the hormones that coordinate many of the body’s essential functions.

    READ MORE

  • 30 Jan 2018 6:06 PM | Michael Sugg

    On behalf of the Australian Thyroid Foundation (ATF), we would like to congratulate our Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Creswell Eastman AO, who was awarded an Office of the Order of Australia (AO) as part of this year's Australia Day Honours list.

    Professor Eastman’s AO was presented for ‘Distinguished service to medicine, particular to the discipline of pathology, through leadership roles, medical education, and as a contributor to international public health projects.’

    Beverley Garside – ATF CEO was honoured to be invited to give a recommendation from the Office of the Order of Australia on behalf of Professor Eastman.

    Professor Eastman has always shown great support and interest in the ATF and in 1997 as Director of ICPMR at Westmead Hospital found office space within his department for the ATF to use, including all the facilities of the department. This was a most generous offer and helped the ATF to conduct its daily duties and hold regular committee meetings. The ATF office space continued until his retirement as Director in 2006.

    Professor Eastman supported the work of the ATF and promoted the organisation by inviting prominent Endocrinologists and Endocrine Surgeons to become Medical Advisors of the ATF. In 1999 the ATF honoured Professor Eastman with the title of Patron for the vast contributions he had made, and continues to make to the ATF. This included his continued research into Iodine Deficiency and the connection of Thyroid Disorders affecting pregnant women. This research has both proven to improve outcomes for future generations of Australian children and the Asia Oceania region of the world.

    Until recently Professor Eastman was the Director of ICCIDD for the Asia/Pacific region and the Chair of the ACCIDD. Both are respected as world authorities for Iodine Deficiency.

    In 2003, Professor Eastman invited the ATF to be part of the National Iodine Nutrient Study (NINS) which showed 50% of 8-10 year old school children were mildly iodine deficient. Further studies also showed 50% of pregnant women were also mildly iodine deficient. This research proved that without a daily iodine intake, the pregnancy and the developing baby can be impaired. Further research has shown that an adequate thyroid hormone level during this time is also important to this group of women and their pregnancy.

    Professor Eastman was instrumental in forming a committee, which the ATF was a member. This committee recommended The Food standards of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) decision in October 2009 to introduce Mandatory Fortification of Iodised Salt into bread making to help overcome iodine deficiency in Australia.

    From Professor Eastman research, The National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in January 2010 recommended all pregnant and breastfeeding women should ingest 250 mcgs of iodine daily through a pregnancy and breastfeeding supplement. Pregnant and breastfeeding women cannot possibly get the recommended daily intake of iodine from food alone, so it is essential that they take a supplement during this time.

    Professor Eastman has conducted Iodine Deficiency Research, in Tibet, China, Thailand and many other countries of the Asia Oceania region which has shown outstanding results in overcoming iodine deficiency. Many governments of this region have ruled that all salt manufacture must include iodine. Salt is the simplest and cheapest form of iodisation, which all humans use in their daily life and has proven to overcome iodine deficiency, goitre and cretinism in this region.

    In 2014 Professor Eastman was awarded the Health Promotion Princess Award by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. The award was presented to Professor Eastman for his outstanding research outcomes which he had completed in Thailand and improved iodine deficiency outcomes in Thailand.

    Professor Eastman is currently researching iodine deficiency and thyroid health outcomes in central Australia. This research is primarily looking at young Aboriginal women of childbearing years. This group of women usually do not have a substantial iodine enriched diet, which impacts on their health and their pregnancies. It also shows poor development and learning outcomes in their children. Iodine supplementation is being provided for this age group to assess and improve outcomes for future generations of children in this area.

    In 1975, Professor Eastman was one of the founding fathers of the Asia Oceania Thyroid Association (AOTA), the regional thyroid medical association. The AOTA brings together thyroid specialists and other associated medical professionals from this region and other parts of the world. Professor Eastman was instrumental in ensuring the ATF was invited to be part of the AOTA.

    As a Clinical Professor and part of the facility at Sydney University, Professor Eastman continues to teach Endocrinology to medical students of the university, with his passion, enthusiasm, and experience projecting onto his students.

    As CEO of The Australian Thyroid Foundation, I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive this award and promotion within the Order of Australia. Professor Eastman has made a lifetime commitment and contribution to improving outcomes of future generations of Australians and the Asian Oceania Region, through his iodine deficiency and thyroid disease research. His commitment to ensuring future generations reach the potential they were intended through his contribution to research is outstanding.

    On behalf of the ATF, I would like to congratulate Professor Eastman as I am sure all ATF members and supporters, many who have been under his care as their Thyroid Endocrinologist, will wish Professor Eastman the very best in receiving this reward from the Office of the Order of Australia.

    Beverley Garside

    ATF Chief Executive Officer

    READ MORE

CONTACT US

Email: info@thyroidfoundation.org.au

Phone: +61 (0) 447 834 724
(If you would like to organise a phone chat, please email to organise a time, thank you!)

Mailing Address: PO Box 7161, Norwest NSW 2153, Australia

OUR MISSION

The mission of The Australian Thyroid Foundation Ltd (ATF) is to offer support, information and education to members and their families through the many services provided by The ATF and raise awareness about health consequences of iodine deficiency and the benefits of good thyroid health. 


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