GenSan residents receive free goiter screening from DOH, GMA Kapuso Foundation

Residents from General Santos City received free goiter screening in a thyromobile medical mission conducted by the Department of Health and GMA Kapuso Foundation.

According to a report on "24 Oras," Monday, beneficiaries also received free laboratory tests, consultation, salt testing, and hygiene kits as part of the commemoration of the Goiter Awareness Week.

Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck. It's most common cause is lack of iodine in the diet. Symptoms include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, difficult breathing, and the voice getting hoarse.

Dr. Teofilo San Luis Jr., the national coordinator of the Iodine Global Network, reminds everyone to get a checkup right away if they feel a lump on their neck. Pregnant and lactating women, in particular, are strongly encouraged to do so.

"Within the first six months, 'yung utak ng bata apektado kapag si mommy kulang sa iodine," he said. "The IQ goes down, as much as 10 to 15 IQ points nawawala."

For those who want to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News