News

February 2009

RELEASE UPON RECEIPT February 5, 2009

For more information, contact:     Anne Thomure, Director Hospital/Community Relations 618-257-5649

GRAVES’ SUPPORT GROUP
TO MEET AT MEMORIAL

          (Belleville, Illinois) A support group for people and their families affected by Graves’ Disease will meet on Thursday, February 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hospital’s auditorium.  The meeting will feature a presentation by Don Courtial, PT, LMT, a licensed physical therapist at Memorial Hospital.  He will discuss meditation and relaxation techniques.

The leading cause of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ Disease, represents a basic defect in the autoimmune system, causing production of antibodies which stimulate and attack the thyroid gland.  This causes gland growth and overproduction of the thyroid hormone.  Similar antibodies also may attack the tissues in the eye muscles and in the skin on the front of the lower leg.

Part of the national network of support groups affiliated with the Graves’ Disease Foundation, the support group sponsored by Memorial will provide information and peer support.

To register for the support group, call Memorial’s Community Relations Department at 618-257-5649.  For more information, e-mail:  belleville_gdf@hotmail.com

         

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