MrTrainer Newsletter   Week of March 26, 2001   Keeping you up-to-date every single week! Trainer's Corner Front Sided Unfortunately, it is common for people to bring the bar down behind their heads while performing the lat pulldown exercise. For a strong and healthy upper back, use the "front sided" technique and bring the bar down in front of you. This technique provides all the benefits of a pulldown exercise while avoiding potential neck and shoulder injuries. If you are not sure how to properly perform the lat pulldown, consult an exercise professional or the MrTrainer video series.   Doc Talk Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to make adequate thyroid hormone. It can be caused by a variety of syndromes and diseases, including diseases of the thyroid itself, as well as the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. One of the most common causes of thyroid failure is due to an autoimmune condition called thyroiditis. In these cases, the body produces autoantibodies that attack, and shut down, the thyroid gland. There are generally few symptoms until thyroid levels have fallen to low levels. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, poor concentration, weakness, dry skin, brittle nails and hair loss. In extreme cases there can be build up of fluid in the body (edema), and coma. The diagnosis is made by blood work that measures both thyroid hormone levels, and a pituitary hormone known as TSH. A thyroid uptake and scan may also be used to help identify the cause. The TSH is paradoxically high when the thyroid levels are low. Minor elevations in TSH may not be significant, and a period of watchful waiting may be appropriate before considering treatment. In no circumstance should thyroid hormone be given in excess of the body's requirements, nor should it ever be used to 'rev-up' metabolism in an effort to produce weight loss. Thyroid replacement is given in pill form, and the dose should be adjusted to bring the TSH into, but not below, the normal range. Dose adjustments should not be made sooner than 6-8 weeks, since there is a delay in the TSH response.   About MrTrainer newsletter is a weekly publication. Trainers Corner is written by Matthew Beeners, ACE certified personal trainer. Doc Talk is written by Dr.William L. Harrison, M.D. THIS COLUMN IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY—IT IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE THE ADVICE OF YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN. Copyright (C) 2001 MrTrainer. All Rights Reserved.   Did you know? More than 39 percent of U.S. financial leaders are OBESE - which is way beyond overweight. Favorite Links Get Your Six Pack Eat Right Common Myths Past Newsletters User Q&A Please Note: Forward this newsletter to everyone you know. It is my goal to get people thinking about their health. Some day they may thank you for it. Coming soon to the website: "Workout Shortcuts" and "The Skinny on Bodyfat."   http://www.mrtrainer.com

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