CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA----- The National Nutrition Council-Region II joins the nation in the observance of Goiter Awareness Week (GAW). Presidential Proclamation 1188 signed on December 11, 2006 declared every 4th week of January as Goiter Awareness Week to increase public awareness on the prevention and control of Goiter and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

The lack of iodine in the body may result to Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) that has different signs and symptoms. Pregnant mothers who lack iodine in their body may experience miscarriage or give birth to a stillborn baby. Adult with iodine deficiency may encounter lethargy, lack of mental alertness, obesity, dry hair and goiter.

Goiter is a health condition that involves the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This causes the formation of a lump in the front of the neck. Most goiters produce no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, the following are the most common; Tightness in the throat, cough and hoarseness and trouble in swallowing.

Goiter can be caused by several different conditions like Iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease (Grave's disease) and hyperthyroidism as well as smoking and hormonal changes.

Most simple goiters are preventable through adequate intake of iodine,  such as iodized salt and consumption of foods rich in iodine like tuna, shrimp, seaweed, dairy products like cheese and yogurt, egg, and cow's milk.

The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) involved the Local Government Units specifically Nutrition Action Officers and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators of provinces and cities in actively monitoring the Asin Law (RA 8172) implementation. ASIN Law aims to promote the use of iodized salt to prevent/address iodine deficiency disorders in the country.

Remember the 7th Kumainment: “Gumamit ng iodized salt”! Let’s prevent and control goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders.###John Nestor Ballad