Thyroid disorders affect millions of Filipinos, yet very few are aware of them. One in 11 Filipino adults has goiter, and around one in 12 Filipino adults suffers from some form of thyroid disease. It is estimated that eight out of every 1000 children worldwide are affected by thyroid disease.
Awareness should never be overlooked because it could save someone’s life and help so many other people in the process.

The International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) is the perfect opportunity to learn more about how the thyroid gland and the thyroid disorders that affect one’s metabolism.

Not a lot of people know how important the thyroid is when it comes to growth and development. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ in the neck, and produces thyroid hormone. If something is wrong with the thyroid, it can result to hormonal imbalances that if undiagnosed and left untreated, can have a harmful effect on brain development, growth, puberty and well-being.

The ITAW’s objective is to help mothers and pregnant women spot the signs and symptoms early so they can be cured treated and children can then live normal and healthy lives afterwards.

The theme of the week-long event is known as “Catching Butterflies: Spotting the Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders in Children.” The event will have two colorful mascots representing the two different thyroid disorders.

HYPO, the green-blue,slow and sluggish butterfly represents hypothyroidism; and HYPER, the pink, thin and overly active butterfly represents hyperthyroidism. Apart from being very colorful, the two mascots show how thyroid disease can affect children’s minds, bodies and metabolism.

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