Awareness programmes held on iodine deficiency

Use of iodised salt recommended

Karimnagar: In the wake of increase in cases of iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism among women and children, the health officials conducted awareness programmes and iodine deficiency tests for children at various places in the district on Friday. An awareness programme on the use of iodised salt was held in the Government High school at Kanukulagidde village of Huzurabad mandal by the Chelpur primary health Centre officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the officials said that sea food and iodised salt are the best source of iodine. Iodised salt contains 400 micro grams of iodine per one teaspoon. Children will be active and their memory power increases by regular intake of sufficient quantities of iodine in their daily diet.

The recommended intake of iodine for adults is 150 micro grams per day. Pregnant women and mothers have a higher need for iodine at 220 -290 micro grams per day. For infants, 50 micro grams of iodine is required per day. For children of 6-12 years of age 120 micro grams of iodine is required per day. At Samudralingapur Government Primary School in Gambhiraopet mandal, iodine deficiency tests were conducted to school children by the officials of the primary health centre.

Health checkup was conducted for 90 children. The doctors found that three children were suffering with thyroid problem. An awareness programme was also held at the Government Primary School in Kamalapur mandal of Karimnagar district. Speaking in the programme, Doctor K Banu Priya of the primary health centre of Kamalapur said, “The iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism are becoming increasingly diagnosed conditions and use of iodised salt will virtually eliminate the problem.” Dr Ranjith Kumar and school Principal Pavan Kumar were present.