teachers

(NLDO) - More than 600 teachers in Ho Chi Minh City have undergone early screening for thyroid dysfunction, helping to detect and treat the condition promptly.

On November 9th, Dr. Le Quang Tri, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 175 (Ho Chi Minh City), announced that in commemoration of Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20th), the hospital is organizing a program of "Free examination, consultation, and screening for hypothyroidism for high-risk individuals," including teachers in six wards of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Go Vap district) and their relatives and family members of hospital staff.

From early morning, hundreds of teachers were present at the hospital to receive check-ups, have their pulse and blood pressure measured, undergo blood tests and ultrasounds, and receive direct consultations from doctors. Those found to have abnormalities will receive free fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The program is expected to screen approximately 600 people.

From early morning, hundreds of teachers from many schools in the former Go Vap district gathered at Military Hospital 175 to queue for screening.

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Bao Tran, a teacher at Nguyen Thuong Hien Primary School (Hanh Thong Ward), said that before the examination, she felt worried because many people said slightly protruding eyes could indicate a thyroid problem. However, after receiving the results and advice from the doctor, she felt more at ease.

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Bao Tran, a teacher at Nguyen Thuong Hien Primary School (wearing a black shirt), receives consultation and screening results from a doctor.

"Before going for the check-up, I was a little worried because someone had commented that my eyes looked a bit bulging, and I was afraid I might have a thyroid problem. But after blood tests, ultrasound, and consultation with the doctor, the results were all normal, so I was very happy. This is a very meaningful activity, helping teachers pay more attention to their own health," Ms. Tran shared.

Sharing the same sentiment, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Xuyen, a teacher at Go Vap Secondary School, expressed her joy at the thoughtful care she received from the hospital. "Everyone has been to the doctor many times before, but this is the first time the hospital has organized a special appreciation program for teachers to screen for thyroid disease. I feel very happy and grateful. The hospital welcomed us warmly and enthusiastically from the initial registration and ultrasound to the blood tests. The staff were all cheerful and friendly, making us feel cared for and appreciated," said Ms. Xuyen.

Teachers had their pulse and blood pressure measured before undergoing ultrasound and other tests.

According to Dr. Tri, the program not only expresses gratitude but also aims to raise community awareness about thyroid diseases, encouraging people to proactively undergo regular health checkups for early detection and effective treatment.

Teachers who come for the check-up will have their pulse and blood pressure measured, blood tests performed, ultrasounds done, and will receive examination and consultation regarding the results.

Dr. Tri added that, according to several studies worldwide and domestically, the prevalence of hypothyroidism can vary from 3-15% depending on the region and age group. A recent study from India showed that the average prevalence of hypothyroidism is over 10%.

In Vietnam, more than 4.6 out of every 100 people suffer from hypothyroidism. This rate is not insignificant, and it varies considerably by age group, with older adults being more affected, and women being more affected than men. Recent studies show that hypothyroidism is not uncommon in the population. Therefore, screening for thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism, is very important in life.

Hypothyroidism has two forms: clinical hypothyroidism (manifested by fatigue, memory loss, sleep disturbances, depression, and significantly reduced thyroid hormone levels) and subclinical hypothyroidism (asymptomatic, only detected through laboratory tests. This form is more common than clinical hypothyroidism). Therefore, screening and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle are essential.

To prevent this, Dr. Tri recommends that in addition to iodized salt, iodine, selenium, and zinc should be supplemented from natural foods such as seafood, eggs, milk, and cereals. A balanced diet is essential, as both deficiencies and excesses can affect the thyroid gland.

Dr. Tri also emphasized that the current urban lifestyle, with its late nights, irregular eating habits, and lack of exercise, is causing many people, especially young people, to suffer from diseases previously only seen in older adults, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Regular screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to long-term health protection.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/benh-vien-kham-tam-soat-mien-phi-tuyen-giap-cho-hon-600-giao-vien-nhan-dip-20-11-196251109121558328.htm