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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2640 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 415 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 New Icon Cuts Through The Clutter To Increase Awareness Of Thyroid Disorders (NAPSA)—There’s a new health icon in town and learning more about what it stands for could help millions of Americans live a healthier life. That blue paisley icon represents Thyroid Awareness. As many as 30 million Americans may be affected by thyroid disorders, although more than half remain undiagnosed, say experts at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. The thyroid gland, or simply the thyroid, is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. Found in the neck, it controls how quickly the body makes energy, makes proteins and processes other hormones. If your thyroid isn’t working properly, neither are you. But many people are not sure where their thyroid is or what symptoms might indicate a problem. Here are some facts you should know: •Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in America and can be one of the most curable. The most common sign of thyroid cancer is a lump. •Thyroid disorders tend to run in families and are most common among women. •Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, develops when the body is exposed to excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. It occurs in almost 1 percent of all Americans and in its mildest form may not cause recognizable symptoms. •An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland produces less than the normal amount of thyroid hor- Used-Car Buyers Need To Check For Recalls (NAPSA)—Every year, vehicle manufacturers issue millions of recalls to help maintain safety and value. But did you know that one in three recalled cars never get fixed? For various reasons, many car owners fail to act on recall notices—even though manufacturers will fix these vehicles at no cost. While some recalls are issued to correct minor flaws in original equipment, you don’t want to buy a vehicle that has costly hidden problems, either. Many people do not realize the amount of research behind the development of commemorative icons, such as the blue paisley ribbon for thyroid awareness (www. ThyroidAwareness.com). mone. The result is the “slowing down” of many bodily functions. Thyroid Symptoms How do you know if you have a thyroid disorder? While fatigue is the most common symptom, others include: •Fast or irregular heart rate •Anxiety or irritability •Unexplained weight loss or gain •Intolerance of warm or cold temperatures •Muscle weakness. There is a simple neck check you can perform at home. You can find out more at www.ThyroidAware ness.com and (904) 353-7878. Chosen for its attractive pattern, the paisley is often found in items tied around the neck, such as neckties and scarves, where the thyroid is found. In fact, the curved shapes within the icon seem to mimic thyroid nodules. Note to Editors: January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Increasingly, used-car buyers are checking to see if a recall has been announced for a car they want to buy. If you’re shopping used cars, there’s an easy way to help improve your chances of buying one without open recalls. Go to recall.carfax.com to check vehicles for open recalls at no cost. Then, you can feel more confident about the used car you’re buying. You can also get more information about a specific recall at safercar.gov. Knowing about an open recall could help you avoid buying a used car with problems. Plus, fixing recalls helps maintain vehicle value and safety. To learn more, visit recall.carfax.com. A Toast To Pot Roast—The Perfect One-Dish Dinner (NAPSA)—Whether it’s for the nostalgia, the convenience or the reasonable cost, flavorful pot roast is making a comeback. Home cooks in the know are seeking out cost-effective cuts like boneless beef chuck, bottom round roast or rump roast and tossing them in a crock pot with simple pantry staples for melt-in-your-mouth dishes. Pot roast is easier to prepare than you might think, and it’s simple to customize by using different beef cuts, seasonings, liquids and vegetables. Plus, sandwiches, soups, tacos and hardy salads are among the possibilities for leftovers. When you’re busy and want a deliciously affordable meal, this recipe from Whole Foods Market makes it easy: Beef Pot Roast 11⁄2 1 1 ⁄2 1 ⁄2 1 ⁄4 1 2 2 13⁄4 1 11⁄2 1 teaspoons dried parsley teaspoon sea salt teaspoon minced onion teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon ground black pepper (21⁄2 to 3 pounds) boneless beef chuck roast tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil sliced onions cups reduced-sodium beef broth cup tomato juice pounds potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks pound carrots, cut into 1inch chunks Preheat oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, combine seasonings, salt and pepper. Pat roast dry with paper towels and rub all over with seasoning mixture. In a large Dutch oven or Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a crowded schedule, pot roast can be the answer. ovenproof heavy saucepot, heat olive oil over mediumhigh heat. Add roast and brown on all sides. Remove to a plate and set aside. Add onions and 1⁄4 cup water and cook about 8 minutes or until tender and golden, stirring occasionally. Stir in broth and juice and bring to a boil. Add roast back to pot, cover and transfer to oven. Roast 2 hours. Stir in potatoes and carrots, cover and continue roasting 45 minutes longer or until vegetables and meat are tender. Transfer roast and vegetables to a large serving platter and drizzle with pan juices. Give your grandmother’s pot roast a modern-day makeover by selecting meat from animals raised on a vegetarian diet without being administered antibiotics or added growth hormones. Buy from butchers like those at Whole Foods Market where you’ll find the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating ™ program in place so you know how the animals were raised for the meat you are buying. Learn More For additional recipes, tips and a how-to video, visit www. wholefoodsmarket.com.