HEART TOUCHING STORY ABOUT ABDUL KALAM (SCIENTIST & EX-PRESIDENT OF INDIA)

Ex Indian President Dr. Abdul Kalam Says: 
"When I was a kid, my Mom cooked food for us.
One night in particular when she had made dinner after a long hard day's work, Mom placed a plate of 'subzi' and extremely burnt roti in front of my Dad.
I was waiting to see if anyone noticed the burnt roti. But Dad just ate his roti and asked me how was my day at school.
I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember I heard Mom apologizing to Dad for the burnt roti.
And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burnt roti."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy, good night & I asked him if he really liked his roti burnt. He wrapped me in his arms & said:
"Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she was really tired. And besides... A burnt roti never hurts anyone but HARSH WORDS DO!"
"You know beta - life is full of imperfect things... & imperfect people..."
I'M NOT THE BEST & AM HARDLY GOOD AT ANYTHING!
I forget birthdays & anniversaries just like everyone else.
What I've learnt over the years is: To Accept Each Others Faults & Choose To Celebrate Relationships"
Life Is Too Short To Wake Up With Regrets..
Love the people who treat you right & have compassion for the ones who don't.


thanks and regards
Manu

HELP INDIA !!! HELP INDIA !!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Khaabaar [food]? Chips? Paani? Please?" she said. She later introduced herself as Malia, and this moment would be her first not-scavenged-from-trash-piles meal consumed all week. What was more disturbing than that was what she proceeded to say, following her request: "Doya kore, I will give anything."
Anything - it's a level of desperation that, if she approached the wrong person, would likely lead her to be sexually abused. Over 50% of India's children are taken advantage of. Malia is just one of the 500 million children in India. In her world, one in every three children of the 500 million live in poverty. I come from a different land - my third of the world is battling obesity and spending huge sums to burn off excess calories. Malia's world, the other two-thirds of this Earth, yearns to get more of them. Why is it that the only time she tasted kulfi was when newspaper photographers came to visit? Why is it that in Malia's world, living a decent life is getting lucky enough to scrape out a half-eaten bhatura from the dumpster, barely escaping the wrath of the slumlord you refused to strip down for in order to have a drink of clean water, and evading the outbreak of malaria in your village?
I love India, but becoming attached to a country involves pressing, uncomfortable questions about justice and opportunity for its least powerful citizens. Questions that very few people are willing to address, let alone ask.

It might be depressing, but it's also the truth that no one has the power, the money, or the resources to save everyone in India from going hungry, living in poverty or allowed basic human rights. Even still, I like to consider the other side of this: there are people in this world who really would do all of these things for everyone if only they could. So, there is hope after all.

Source: Humans Of India

Fruits You Can Eat All Summer Long

The epitome of summertime may be sitting at a beach with an ice-cold beer, but the more time we spend under the sun, the more we should spend thinking about what we eat as well as drink.

"Being outside, we need to be aware of dehydration, skin sensitivities and vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may happen to our bodies during the peak of summer," says Rosanna Lee, a nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto.

On top of drinking water, fresh juices and smoothies, eating fruit can also help your body stay energized and hydrated.

"These summer fruits not only taste great, but they also provide your body with water and a combination of nutrition, keeping your body healthy and happy."

Lee says dehydration is a common health risk during hotter months, and for some, it's due to the lack of a proper diet. Particularly children, older adults and endurance athletes are more likely to lose body fluids quicker, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It's also important to note that when the air outside is humid, our sweat can't evaporate and cool us down like it normally does, which can make us feel hotter and thirstier.

The solution? Eat up. If you're looking for a new way to get hydrated, check out 11 of the healthiest fruits available this season.

Watermelon  :

If you're thirsty, watermelon works wonders in replenishing lost fluids for the body, says Rosanna Lee, a nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto. "Watermelon will keep you cool, hydrated, satiated and healthy. Melons contain lycopene that protects your skin against sun damage, and they're a good source of vitamin A and C."

Berries 
Not only are these little gems delicious and sweet, but they are also packed with flavonoids that

provide antioxidant benefits. "They can also promote increased blood flow to your skin and decrease your sensitivity to light to improve your skin’s appearance, structur
e and texture," Lee says.

Pineapple
When we think of summer, we also think of the tropical vacations and exotic fruits. Pineapples provide a good mix of vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes like

bromelain that can protect your body against inflammation.

Mango
Mangos (fresh or frozen) in yogurt, smoothies, salads, or on their own, add a nice topical kick to your summer fare. These fruits are packed with vitamin A and C, and have cancer-preventing beta-carotene.

Kiwi
Did you know green and yellow kiwi are packed with more vitamin C than oranges? "These are definitely a great choice when it comes to one of the summer fruits that offer excellent nutrition. Kiwis are giant berries that are packed with vitamin C and E, potassium, and fibre," Lee says.

Papaya 
Some people use papaya juice to tenderize meat or as a natural exfoliating ingredient for healthy and glowing skin. But there are

also nutritional benefits to eating papaya on its own. "Papaya contains a healthy dose of vitamin C to help you fight against colds. Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene also help to reduce inflammation within the body."

Oranges
Squeeze! Nothing says summer like the smell of fresh citrus fruits. Oranges are rich in potassium and an essential nutrient and have enough potassium

that can prevent against muscle cramps during workouts. On top of this, oranges also contain 80 per cent water so they will also keep you hydrated on the go.

Guava 
Another one on the tropical list, guava is often found in beverages. But this fruit also contains a high concentration of antioxidant

properties that can help fight against prostate cancer. "One cup of guava also contains more potassium than a serving of banana," says Lee.

Passion Fruit 
Native to South America, passion fruit contains tons of vitamin A and fibre to help improve our vision and lower cholesterol. One serving of this fruit will give you two times more potassium than a banana — who knew?

Peaches 
Not only are these fruits juicy and tasty during the summer, but peaches also come with a healthy dose of vitamin C and A. If you're still worried about that beach body, peaches are low in calories and can help you manage your weight.

Starfruit 
North Americans call this the starfruit, but in Asia it is known as carambola. Starfruits are low in calories and high in vitamin C and a good

source of antioxidants. These fruits are usually in season from July through September.

11 Fruits You Can Eat All Summer Long

Manu

Food habits you should change for your health’s sake!

Few things are more important for your existence than food. Everybody needs it, and hunger can drive a good man crazy. However, due to lack of awareness, laziness and apathy – a lot of people eat in unhealthy ways. Here are some diet habits that people need to change.

1. Eating restaurant food

With increasing work pressure, deadlines and stressful lifestyle a lot of people (especially bachelors) feel too tired to cook their own food, and eat out instead. However, this is not a wise thing to do as restaurant kitchens are often dirty and both the quantity and quality of oil is undesirable. In case, you have no choice try orderingsandwiches and dosa that take less oil to prepare. (Read: How to order a healthy meal at an Italian restaurant)

2. Not eating breakfast

Some people really enjoy their sleep. So much so, that when they wake up – the unhappy realization of being back in the real world makes them do most things half heartedly. This often leads to people skipping breakfast which is extremely unhealthy since breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not eating it will lead to lower levels of alertness and fatigue through the day. Here are some healthy Indian breakfast options that you can try.

3. Not eating enough fruits and vegetables

A lot of people look at food as a means of survival, and eat to fill their stomach so that they don’t feel hungry. However, our body is like a machine and it uses food as its fuel. If we eat unhealthy food, we are only making it difficult for the machine to work properly. It is good if we look at nutrition and eat foods that are good for us. Most fruits and vegetables are extremely good for you. A single orange can meet more than 100% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C. A single carrot can meet more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin A. (Read: 10 reasons to eat an orange a day!)

4. Adding too much salt

There are some people whose taste buds aren’t excited unless and until they add extra salt to their food. However, salt has sodium which raises your blood pressure and can lead to hypertension which in turn can cause several problems for your body. Also, eating too much sodium can cause water retention, and in some cases dehydration. If your body isn’t well hydrated, the extra sodium will take water from your cells leading to a host of difficulties like nausea, stomach cramps, etc. (Read: How to reduce salt intake and control your BP)

5. Adding too much sugar

People with a sweet tooth really need to take a long look at their habits. Adding too much sugar in your diet, will not only lead to weight gain, it will also play havoc with your blood sugar levels and could ultimately lead to diabetes. Another reason for you to not add too much sugar in your diet is that it reduces your body’s immunity, thus making you more susceptible to infections. (Read: 6 healthy substitutes for white sugar)

6. Eating while walking or working

You have a deadline to meet and a train to catch. It would be better if you just grab some fast food and eat it on the way to office, right? Wrong. Research has shown that you tend to overeat when you are focusing on other activities. This habit is extremely common among the urban population and people who want to lose weight should beware.

7. Eating too quickly

Time is money, and a second wasted may be dollars lost. However, what will you do with the money if you don’t have the health to enjoy it? Eating slowly generates saliva and helps in breaking down the food which is good for your oral health and also helps your digestion. Additionally, eating slowly will enhance the pleasure of eating and make you appreciate the flavors better thus validating the effort that the cook has put in to make the food. 

8. Drinking tea/coffee on an empty stomach

A lot of people start their day with a cup of tea and coffee. However, it’s not healthy and these beverages make you secrete gastric acid which can lead to ulcers. Therefore, make sure you have your tea/coffee after eating your breakfast. In fact, if taken at the right time both tea and coffee can be healthy for you. (Read: Health benefits of coffee to help justify your addiction!)

9. Having just two meals per day

Research has shown that having small frequent meals has a range of health benefits. It helps with your digestion, keeps your metabolism in check, etc. Look at any diet plan recommended by a nutritionist and you’ll see that it has been broken into small, frequent meals. If you’re a housewife or a bachelor, who looks at food as means of survival – think again! Eating just two meals per day could be causing your body more harm than you know.

10. Eating food to release stress

Even people who are fat will admit that they love eating, and if they are feeling sad or stressed, their go-to drug for relief will be food. However, it’s an extremely unhealthy habit and is the cause of obesity in many people. In case, you have stress you can try these yoga poses or even get out of your house and travel!

Hopefully, you will say goodbye to these bad habits and welcome good habits.

Manu.

HOW COW URINE HELPS FOR HUMAN LIFE FOR CURING DISEASE'S

HOW COW URINE HELPS FOR HUMAN FOR CURINDG DISEASES.

Cow is a mobile dispensary. It is the treasure of medicines. The cow urine therapy is capable of curing several curable and incurable diseases. The holy texts, like atharva Veda, charak samhita, rajni ghuntu, vridhabhagabhatt, amritasagar, bhavprakash, sushrut samhita contain beautiful description about these things. Cow urine treatment and research center, Indore has conducted a lot of research in the past few years and reached at the conclusion that it is capable of curing diabetes, blood pressure, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, heart attack, blockage in arteries, fits, cancer, aids, piles, prostrate, arthritis, migraine, thyroid, ulcer, acidity, constipation, gynecological problems, ear and nose problems, abortion and several other diseases.

The analysis of cow urine has shown that it contains nitrogen, sulphur, phosphate, sodium, manganese, carbolic acid, iron, silicon, chlorine, magnesium, melci, citric, titric, succenic, calcium salts, vitamin a, b, c, d, e, minerals, lactose, enzymes, creatinine, hormones and gold acids. A person falls ill when there is deficiency or excess of the substances inside the body. The cow urine contains those substances, which are present in the human body. Therefore consumption of cow urine maintains the balance of these substances and cures incurable diseases.

The indian culture gives special place to cow. All the 33 gods have cow as their prime temple. Deva means to give, the strength to give, the ability to give more and take the minimum. This is known as devata. The cow takes very less from us and gives us more. Therefore Indian people have proved this with the help of strict devotion and dedication that cow has a prominent place in the Indian life and economy. Wealth, religion, sex and salvation are accomplished with the service of the cow. Indian farmer used to known as king or the giver of grains due to the developed tradition of India thousands of years back. When we were popular as golden bird and world guru then this was the basic mantra. Our entire life is dependent on cow.

The whole world calls cow as mother. The reason is that the birth-giving mother gives milk to its child only for one or two years, but the mother cow gives milk throughout its life, which is like nectar. A black cow is tied in the Shiva temple, when we see the shiva along with the black cow then we are able to overcome the malefic effects of planets in our natal horoscope. When we see the ankles of the cow we protect ourselves from sudden deaths. Taking rounds of the cow ie. Parikrama, is equivalent to visiting all the holy places. As the paipal tree and holy basil plant give oxygen similarly cow is the only animal, which emits major amount of oxygen. If one spoon of pure ghee is poured on the burning cow cakes dung (fuel) then they can produce one-ton oxygen, therefore ghee made with cow milk is used in sacrificial fires and havans. There is no other better method to remove pollution.

The cow milk, butter, ghee and buttermilk are like nectar. The cow dung is not faeces but purifier of faeces. It produces best quality of grains, fruits, and vegetables by becoming the best type of manure. Cow urine is a divine medicines and is a pesticide for the crops. Pure ghee made with cow milk on the cow cakes, the smoke emitted thereby subsides the effect of poisonous gas. Cow urine contains copper which helps to remove toxins inside the body. Drinking cow milk gives strength and increases the pure qualities in the human mind.

The horns and hunch of cow are like two powerful pyramids. We receive the strengths of stars and sun through the medium of cow dung, milk, curd, ghee etc. The place where the cow is tied does not produce any vastu related ill effects. If there is any malefic effect of any planet, serving the cow with chapatti, jaggery calms down the malefic effect.

Cow urine therapy is helpful in     Cancer, diabetes patient, aids, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, blood pressure, heart disease, prostrate, piles, asthma, isnophilia, cough,  phlegm, varicose veins, dismonerrhoea, cholesterol, chest pain,aids, migraine,headache, tension, constipation,
thyroid, eczema, ringworm, itching and other skin problems,psoriaisis,liver disorder,kidney problem,gynae and many such disease.

7 Foods 'TIPS' That Makes Men Active In Bedroom

To sustain marriage these days, men need to be super active and makes their wives enjoy them and Active In Bedroom

Having a healthy s*x life plays an important part of our wellbeing.  Low libid0 in men is much more common than we are lead to believe. There are many reasons why men can lose their s*x drive and simple factors like tiredness, stress, depression, certain medications (antidepressants and hypertensive drugs), excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug taking, and low testosterone levels may all play a part.
Having a newborn can also put the breaks on your s*x drive for a while due, primarily, to lack of sleep. Did you know that what you eat can also affect your desire for s*x. Here are some foods that will help spice things up in the bedroom. Help you enjoy a better s*x life. The Following Aren7 Foods That Makes Men Active In Bedroom

1. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds
Snacking on these nutritious seeds will help boost your zinc levels. Zinc is one of the most important minerals needed to improve sperm health and quantity and boost testosterone levels. Seeds also contain healthy fats that are vital for s*xual health. Add a handful to breakfast cereals, salads or to a trail mix.
2. Maca
This Peruvan superfood is considered ‘nature’s Viagra’ as it is a renowned aphrodisiac, improving s*x drive and s*xual performance. Maca is also rich in B vitamins, to help boost energy levels, and relieve stress. Add a spoonful to smoothies, soups or breakfast cereals.

3. Meat
Beef and pork contains high levels of L-Carnitine, an amino acid that can help boost libido, s*xual function and testosterone levels in older men. L-carnitine also helps improve energy levels by increasing the burning of triglycerides as fuel in the body.
4. Bananas
Bananas are an excellent source of B vitamins, needed to increase energy production and to dampen your stress levels. Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid needed for serotonin production, our ‘feel good’ hormones. Bananas are also packed with potassium, used to produce s*x hormones, and improve heart health and s*x drive. Bananas also contain an enzyme called bromelain, which helps improve blood flow and increase libido.
5. Cacao
Cacao, or raw chocolate, is also a well-known aphrodisiac that is rich in potent antioxidants called phenols, which are good for your heart.  Of course, a healthy heart means a healthy s*x drive. Cacao can lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. When you eat chocolate you actually get an increase in endorphins, the same chemicals you release when you are in love. Cacao also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that boosts dopamine levels, which increases your feelings of desire. Add a spoonful of cacao to smoothies, or enjoy some good quality dark chocolate.
6. Raw nuts
Snacking on raw nuts can help bring a spark back to your bedroom. Nuts such as almonds, cashews, Brazil and hazelnuts are rich in the amino acids L-Arginine, which boosts the production of nitric acid in the body, this will increase the production of s*x hormones, and promote a firmer er3ction and better s*xual performance. Nuts are also an excellent source of essential fatty acids, which are healthy fats needed for male s*xual health. Add some mixed crushed nuts to muesli or salads, or add to smoothies.
7. Celery
Including more celery in your diet can also bring a spark back to your s*x life. Eating celery can increase the pheromone androsterone, which is a natural aphrodisiac found in male perspiration. Celery also contains chemicals that can help dilate blood vessels, increase s*x drive, and enhance climax. Try a vegie juice with celery, or snacking on this s*x boosting vegie with hummus or almond butter.

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY TO ALL WOMEN IN THIS UNIVERSE .FEW STATEMENTS ABOUT WOMEN FROM RESPECTED PEOPLE.

1. A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."--Eleanor Roosevelt

2. Women are made to be loved, not understood."--Oscar Wilde

3. Women have always been the strong ones of the world. The men are always seeking from women a little pillow to put their heads down on. They are always longing for the mother who held them as infants." --Coco Chanel

4. Women will never be as successful as men because they have no wives to advise them."--Dick Van Dyke

5. The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes." ― C. JoyBell C.

6. She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city" ― Roman Payne, The Wanderess

7. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."- Maya Angelou

8. The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation. Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race."- Susan B. Anthony

9. I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you." -- Oprah Winfrey

10. It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less."- Susan B. Anthony

11. A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts."- Nancy Rathburn

12. A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform."- Diane Mariechild

13. Love is anterior to Life, Posterior to Death, Initial of Creation, and The Exponent of Earth."- Emily Dickinson

14. The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who is going to stop me."- Ayn Rand

15. The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."- Alice Walker

16. You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." -- Maya Angelou

17. Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weaknesses." -- Madame Marie du Deffand

18. The greatest gift to man is woman,
But the greatest gift to woman is herself." ― C.C. Campbell

19. I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. --B. R. Ambedkar

20.You can tell the strength of a nation by the women behind its men."--Benjamin Disraeli

I WISH YOU A HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY TO ALL THE WOMEN IN THIS UNIVERSE .
MANU

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SAND FOR CONSTRUCTION

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SAND FOR CONSTRUCTION

Role of sand:

Sand will play a key role in construction. If you use good sand, construction quality will get increased and buildings will last longer.

Even though good sand price will be always high, better to use good sand rather than filter sand.

Based on work try to bring sand of different types. For molding you can bring rough sand and for plastering you can bring nice sand so that you can avoid wastage.

While bringing sand make sure it is free of dust and clay balls. 

How to find out whether  it is good sand or not

Sand won't be sticky when you take it into your hand

Filter sand:

Filter sand can be made by washing the soil with water. once it is washed all the dust particles will go off and finally filter sand you will get.

Few vendors will mix filter sand in good sand  and sell. So have a contact with good reliable vendor.

Filter sand will be available for cheaper rate.

Ex: Good sand is available in kolegallu. this sand is famous in Bangalore for good quality.

Price:

When we are constructing latest house we paid Rs 12000 for ~300-330 cubic feet's(November 2009). Price of the sand will vary from time to time. At the time of lorry strike prices will be very high and you may not get sand even if you want to pay more. so be cautious. Reserve one or two loads of sand always.

Have a vendor who will supply good sand.

Picture of good sand:

Rough Sand photos:

Assess the Quality of Sand Used for Your Home Construction A well-built home is not only meant to have good appearance, it should also have good strength and support. What is the use of having a beautiful home lacking proper structure or strength? If you are looking for such a well-built dream home, you need to purchase your home from a professional builder. A good builder indeed provides the best solutions in your home construction project. But remember, there are many shady builders out there trying to push in ordinary materials in every aspect of the construction to save few bucks.

However, you can check the quality of the builders by having a look on their previously built properties. You need to make sure that better building materials are being used for the construction. Assessing the quality of sand is a great idea to ensure the best construction. Sand is said to have more impact on the strength of the construction. The building may develop cracks or damages with use of improper quality of sand. Various gradings of sand The size of the particles or granules of sand ranges from 1/16mm to 2mm. Based on the size of the particles, the sand can be classified as fine, medium and coarse. The particles of fine sand are much smaller when compared to the other types. However, each of them has their own purpose in construction. The coarse sand is used for constructing pillars and underground tanks, while the medium sand is used for the first layer of plastering and other works. The final finish of plastering includes the use of fine sand. Pit coarse sand obtained from quarries is used in the construction of houses in urban areas of Hyderabad. It is filtered when required for specific uses in construction such as plastering.

Features of good quality sand Like any other material, there are certain features that determine the quality of sand. Good quality sand should not possess more than 4% of silt content. It should have natural and crushed stone sand. It must be free from organic matter and other dirt particles

How to check the quality of sand Many of us do not know the quality, features, and measurements of good sand. Many builders/suppliers make an advantage of this by providing a cheap rate load and may tell that it is of good quality. However, there are certain ways which help you in knowing the quality of sand. Take some quantity of sand and put it in a glass of water. Shake it well and allow it to settle. If a distinct layer of clay or impurities is formed at the top of the sand, it can be considered as of low quality. The other way of assessing the quality is to add sodium hydroxide or caustic soda to sand solution. The presence of impurities in the sand is detected by the colour change of the solution. Clay and silt content present in the sand also affects its quality. Here is another idea for assessing the quality of sand. When you rub the sand sample between damp hands, clean sand will leave the hands slightly stained. If the hands are left dirty, it indicates the presence of too much silt or clay in the sand. Still if you find it difficult to check the quality of sand, get help or take suggestions from the people who have constructed houses. Taking a few risks in assessing the quality of sand is better to avoid any future damages to the building.

thanks and regards

MANOJ KUMAR GANADI

CIVIL ENGINEER.

Thyroid

When Your Thyroid Goes Awry

Does fatigue drag you down day after day? Do you have brain fog, weight gain, chills, or hair loss? Or is the opposite true for you: Are you often revved up, sweaty, or anxious? Your thyroid gland could be to blame. This great regulator of body and mind sometimes goes haywire, particularly in women. Getting the right treatment is critical to feel your best and avoid serious health problems.

What Is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that control the speed of your metabolism -- the system that helps the body use energy. Thyroid disorders can slow down or rev up metabolism by disrupting the production of thyroid hormones. When hormone levels become too low or too high, you may experience a wide range of symptoms.

Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss

An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more common.

Symptom: Swelling in the Neck

A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid.

Symptom: Changes in Heart Rate

Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. People with hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. It can also trigger increased blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart, or other types of heart palpitations

Symptom: Changes in Energy or Mood

Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

Symptom: Hair Loss

Hair loss is another sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated.

Symptom: Feeling Too Cold or Hot

Thyroid disorders can disrupt the ability to regulate body temperature. People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more often than usual. Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect, causing excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.

Other Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause many other symptoms, including:

• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Numbness or tingling in the hands
• Constipation
• Abnormal menstrual periods

Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can also cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Muscle weakness or trembling hands
• Vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Irregular menstrual periods

Thyroid Disorder or Menopause?

Because thyroid disorders can cause changes in menstrual cycle and mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause. If a thyroid problem is suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether the true culprit is menopause or a thyroid disorder -- or a combination of the two.

Who Should Be Tested?

If you think you have symptoms of a thyroid problem, ask your doctor if you should be tested. People with symptoms or risk factors may need tests more often. Hypothyroidism more frequently affects women over age 60. Hyperthyroidism is also more common in women. A family history raises your risk of either disorder.

Thyroid Neck Check

A careful look in the mirror may help you spot an enlarged thyroid that needs a doctor's attention. Tip your head back, take a drink of water, and as you swallow, examine your neck below the Adam's apple and above the collarbone. Look for bulges or protrusions, then repeat the process a few times. See a doctor promptly if you see a bulge or lump.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders

If your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder, a blood test can help provide an answer. This test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a kind of master hormone that regulates the work of the thyroid gland. If TSH is high, it typically means that your thyroid function is too low (hypothyroid). If TSH is low, then it generally means the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroid.) Your doctor may also check levels of other thyroid hormones in your blood. In some cases, imaging studies are used and biopsies are taken to evaluate a thyroid abnormality.

Hashimoto's Disease

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease. This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the thyroid gland. The result is damage to the thyroid, preventing it from producing enough hormones. Hashimoto's disease tends to run in families.

Other Causes of Hypothyroidism

In some cases, hypothyroidism results from a problem with the pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain. This gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid to do its job. If your pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH, levels of thyroid hormones will fall. Other causes of hypothyroidism include temporary inflammation of the thyroid or medications that affect thyroid function.

Graves' Disease

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland and triggers the release of high levels of thyroid hormones. One of the hallmarks of Graves' disease is a visible and uncomfortable swelling behind the eyes.

Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can also result from thyroid nodules. These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid and sometimes begin producing thyroid hormones. Large lumps may create a noticeable goiter. Smaller lumps can be detected with ultrasound. A thyroid uptake and scan can tell if the lump is producing too much thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Disorder Complications

When left untreated, hypothyroidism can raise cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. In severe cases, very low levels of thyroid hormones can trigger a loss of consciousness and life-threatening drop in body temperature. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems and brittle bones.

Treating Hypothyroidism

If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will most likely prescribe thyroid hormones in the form of a pill. This usually leads to noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks. Long-term treatment can result in more energy, lower cholesterol levels, and gradual weight loss. Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives.

Treating Hyperthyroidism

The most common treatment for hyperthyroidism is antithyroid medication, which aims to lower the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid. The condition may eventually go away, but many people need to remain on medication for the long term. Other drugs may be given to reduce symptoms such as rapid pulse and tremors. Another option is radioactive iodine, which destroys the thyroid gland over the course of 6 to 18 weeks. Once the gland is destroyed, or removed by surgery, most patients must begin taking thyroid hormones in pill form.

Surgery for Thyroid Disorders

Removing the thyroid gland can cure hyperthyroidism, but the procedure is only recommended if antithyroid drugs don't work, or if there is a large goiter. Surgery may also be recommended for patients with thyroid nodules. Once the thyroid is removed, most patients require daily supplements of thyroid hormones to avoid developing hypothyroidism.

What About Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is among the least deadly. The main symptom is a lump or swelling in the neck, and only about 5% of thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous. When thyroid cancer is diagnosed, it is most often treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy or, in some cases, external radiation therapy.  

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MANU,