The January Agenda

The first month of the New Year always feels like the busiest time, does it not? Between trying to keep up those resolutions (or intentions, in my case), dealing with erratic weather, and just getting back into the swing of a work routine, it is no wonder that I am just now getting around to posting an agenda for the month. But this month, my agenda post will be a little different. Rather than talk about my activities, I wanted to share a few exciting announcements with you all.

A New Year, A New Job

My year started off with some really exciting news in the form of a job offer. And while I am looking forward to this next chapter, it also means that I will be leaving my current position and the friends I have made over the course of the last year and a half. While I have resigned from positions before, this time feels different. I started this job after freelancing for a year and it took me some time to adjust to a 9-to-5 routine again and figure out the office dynamics all while taking on a different type of role. In addition, I battled some health issues soon after I started and quickly the strangers that I struggled to get to know became trusted friends. I have gone through so much while I have been at this job that it truly feels like the end of an era. So, think of me today as I say goodbye to co-workers who have become confidants and friends that have turned into family.

I am excited to start my new position, which I will share more about in the coming weeks, as it aligns with my personal and professional goals. But, more importantly, I felt like the position spoke to me and offered a sense of personal satisfaction that I have yet to experience in any role before.

January is Thyroid Disease Awareness Month

It is time to show your thyroid some love and have an annual neck check at your next appointment with your primary care. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), nearly 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, with up to 60 percent of people being unaware of their condition.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the middle of your neck that serves an important function in regulating energy levels, metabolism, and heart rate. Thyroid conditions include: hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid), hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid), Hashimoto’s Disease and Grave’s Disease, which are both autoimmune disorders.

Even if you have no symptoms, it is important to have your primary care check your neck, conduct routine thyroid blood work, and learn how to properly do a neck check at home. The Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (ThyCa) and the American Thyroid Association are both good places to get more information from on thyroid-related topics.

My First Instagram Takeover

I am so excited to be taking over Clara Health’s Instagram account later this week (you can follow along at @clarahealth). Clara Health helps patients get access to clinical trials and walks them through the process to connect them with the latest treatment options. As a cancer survivor and advocate, I am thrilled to be a part of this important mission and that’s why I joined Clara Health ‘s Breakthrough Crew to help raise awareness about clinical trials. I’ll be talking more about Clara Health and the wonderful work they are doing for patients in the coming week, but I’d love for you to stop over and say hello during my takeover.