PREVENTIVE CARE OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

PREVENTIVE CARE OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM 

It has been said that we are what our glands make us. That, of course, is an oversimplification. Other factors enter the picture-but the glands do, indeed, have a vital role, influencing structure, function, and personality. What everyday care is required to prevent disease of the endocrine system? Everything that contributes to good general health contributes to good health of the endocrine glands. 

That includes sound nutrition; it includes proper exercise and other physical activity, which have a stimulating effect on many of the glands; it includes the avoidance as much as possible of excessive stress and strain, which may debilitate glandular functioning. If you suspect at any time that you may have a glandular problem, don't toy with the idea or attempt self-treatment. 

Let your physician consider the problem, make any necessary tests, arrive at an informed diagnosis-and then, using the constantly growing knowledge of endocrinology and growing stockpile of therapeutic aids, provide treatment.

 The sooner any endocrine disorder is discovered and properly treated, the more likely the prevention of debilitating conditions and complications. Some specific things to do : To protect the islets of Langerhans so they will secrete insulin normally, two items are important. First, keep your weight normal; obesity promotes diabetes. 

Second, use as little refined sugar as possible. We urge, too, that you read our section on diabetes and make certain that at your periodic medical checkups tests for diabetes are included. To protect the thyroid gland, use iodized salt, especially if you live away from the seacoasts. To protect the ovaries and testes against venereal disease, see our discussion of gonorrhea (page 580). 

To help assure the health of the adrenals, get reasonable amounts 'of physical activity which can provide normal stimulation for these glands. There is no primary protection for the pituitary, parathyroids, and other endocrine glands. See the Index for listing of diseases of these glands and what can be done for secondary prevention.