PIA Press Release
Monday, January 23, 2012

DOH reiterates 'Neck Mo,I-check Mo' advocacy

BAGUIO CITY, Jan 23 (PIA) - - The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated its advise to the public - ‘Neck Mo, I-check Mo’ - advocacy in line with the observance of Goiter Awareness Week this January 24 to 30.

According to DOH-Cordillera partner physician and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Endocrinologist Dr. Domingo Solimen, that through various advocacy programs of government, goiter awareness has improved.

Solimen also affirmed that Cordillera remains to be among the regions with high cases of goiter, which is mainly due to iodine deficiency. He called on every individual, as well as families, to regularly help check each other for possible cases of goiter for early detection and treatment.

Solimen explained that one person need only to do is to face the mirror raise his head and look for possible ‘bukol’ or lump below his Adams apple or to monitor if he feels difficulty in swallowing which usually happens when there is a problem in the thyroid glands.

If such personal test turns out to be positive or if a person has some doubts of possible goiter, Solimen also advised possible patients to visit a doctor for early detection and proper medication.

Solimen explained that there is a kind of goiter that does not manifest or does not show lumps as it grows inside. In addition, he also said that goiter is not only caused by lack of iodine, as there is also what is called as hyperthyroidism, which is due to excessive iodine in a person’s body; hyperthyroidism cases are mostly hereditary.

Solimen also stresses that goiter is still more prevalent among women as present data still depicts a two to one ratio or two female against one male is afflicted with goiter.

Aside from the iodized salt program, Solimen urged parents to let their babies undergo the New Born Screening program of government as goiter is one of the illnesses that can be checked or screened. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)