I was just sent this by a co-worker! It’s important to realize that while many of us are young and healthy now… most of us won’t remain that way as we grow older. Preventative medicine/action is important if we want to try to keep ourselves healthy for as long as possible!
“Dr. Oz had a show on the fastest growing cancer in women, thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned that the increase could possibly be related to the use of dental X-ray and mammograms. He demonstrated that on the apron the dentist puts on you for your dental x-rays there is a little flap that can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Many dentists don’t bother to use it. Also, there is something called a ”thyroid guard” for use during mammograms.
By coincidence, I had my yearly mammogram yesterday. I felt a little silly, but I asked about the guard and sure enough, the technician had one in a drawer. I asked why it wasn’t routinely used. Answer: ”I don’t know. You have to ask for it.” Well, if I hadn’t seen the show, how would I have known to ask?”
Someone was nice enough to forward this message to me.. I will definitely be asking about that little neck guard in the future! It’s pretty sad to hear about things like this. =(