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Thyroid Function May Decline With Age Levothyroxine Or Desiccated Thyroid Which Is Best?The Role Of A Home Health AideBy Dr. Donna Becker#1. “I have been taking the same amount of thyroid for 20 years, I guess it’s ok.”Maybe it is ok, maybe not. The thyroid has a wide range of “normal” and I like to help patients get to 50% of normal, at least. I call this “optimal”. It is best to be in the upper end of normal range, rather than the bottom end.#2. “I asked my doctor to please give me Armour thyroid, but he/she would not.”Levothyroxine is the storage form of thyroid, T4, while Armour, desiccated thyroid from a pig, contains both the active and storage forms, T3 & T4. With increasing age, T4 may not convert very well into T3. It is like having money in the bank, but none in your hands for spending. When taking levothyroxine, your T4 (storage) might be great, while the T3 (active) could be barely above the lowest range. It depends on the blood levels of T3 & T4, and both should be in the mid-range of normal.#3. “My thyroid has been tested many times, and the doctor always says it is normal.” The lower end of normal may not be optimal for you.Of all the hormones which may decline with aging, I think thyroid replacement is the most controversial. Yes, thyroid can be a double-edged sword—too much and your heart pounds, hair eventually falls out, bones crumble into the urine, and you feel shaky and weird! But too little thyroid can have symptoms such as fatigue, depression, coldness, constipation, sluggish energy, and weight gain. Laboratory evaluation and physical findings must guide thyroid dosage.“... therapy with once-daily desiccated thyroid in place of levothyroxine causesHeartworm - continued from page 8 • Weight lossAccording to the AHM, active dogs, dogs with heavy heartworm infections or those with additional health problems frequently exhibit pronounced clinical signs. Heartworm and catsThe AVMA notes diagnosis of heartworm in cats is more difficult than it is with dogs. Unlike dogs, cats are not natural hosts for heartworms, and the AHS reports most worms in cats do not make it to the adult stage. In fact, many cats with heartworm have no adult worms. That contributes to the difficulty of diagnosis, and it does not protect cats against harmful side effects of heartworm, including a condition known as heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD).The AHS notes that signs of heartworm in cats can be subtle or very dramatic. Sadly, the AHS also reports that the first sign of heartworm in some cases is the sudden collapse or sudden death of the cat. If cats exhibit symptoms, those signs may include: • Coughingaregivers come from all walks of life. Doctors and nurses may bethe frontline medical providersCpeople encounter most frequently, but there are plenty of others who do their part to maintain the well-being of individuals, including home health aides.Home health aides, sometimes called personal care aides, are brought in to assist a person with activities of daily life. An HHA typically helps a person who may need some assistance with tasks they cannot perform due to illness or disability. HHAs may work in a person’s home, in a group home or in another care facility.AARP says home health aides are considered health care paraprofessionals and must meet established training requirements, which vary by location.HHAs may perform various duties, including:• assistance with personal care, such as dressing, toileting, feeding, and moving from bed to chair, etc.• checking vital signs• monitoring a client• light housekeeping• meal planning and cooking• picking up prescriptions• companionshipHHAs typically will not provide skilled nursing care and may not be able to offer recommendations on treatment or medications.modest weight loss and possible improvements in symptoms and mental health without appreciable adverse effects.” (Desiccated Thyroid Extract Compared with Levothyroxine in the Treatment of hypothyroidism: A Randomized, Double Blind, Crossover Study Hoang, T. Olsen, C, Mai, V, Clyde, P., & Shakir, M. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 May ;98(5):1982-90)Endocrinologists treat illnesses of the thyroid, like nodules, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. I am not an endocrinologist, and I properly refer patients to that specialty who have a sickness of their thyroid.Dr. Donna Becker. practicing medicine for over 30 years with focus on hormone replacement for past 20 yrs. Call for free 30m consult.Dr Donna BeckerSpecializes in anti-aging & health maintenance medicine.(210) 545-5224 www.antiagingsa.com• Attacks that mimic an asthma attack • Periodic vomiting• Lack of appetite• Weight loss• Difficulty walking• Fainting or seizures• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen Heartworm poses a potentially serious threat to cats and dogs. Pet owners are urged to speak with their veterinarians about heartworm prevention and what to do if a pet becomes infected.Individuals can find the services of HHAs who may work independently or are placed through agencies. Sometimes a doctor or hospital will have connections to HHA services and can make referrals. It can be useful to interview several potential HHAs to find one who will fit with the needs and personality of the person requiring assistance. A good HHA will be compassionate, patient and flexible. As illness or injury also can affect a person’s mood, HHAs must be able to adjust if a client is reluctant to receive help or is depressed or anxious from his or her limitations.Home health aides serve vital roles in the health care community by providing care and companionship to those who can no longer live independently.Get Your Life Back with All NaturalHormonesFocus of Treatment:• Weight Loss• Hot Flashes• Vaginal Dryness• Insomnia• Loss of Libido• Thyroid Issues• Erectile Dysfunction• Weakness• Brain Fog• Vitamin Deficiencies• Bone Loss• Men & Women Anti-AgingEnhancement of Life CenterCall to schedule yourFREE consultation!(210) 545-522414603 Huebner Rd., Ste. 2601 (Huebner & NW Military)Dr. Donna BeckerTreatment Plan Includes:• 3 pages of Blood Work• Detailed Analysis• Individualized Treatments.May 2024www.heloteshighlights.com9