Wikipedia "Stub" Update

The Wikipedia stub article that I chose to update was on the topic of postpartum thyroiditis.  This is a transient thyroid disease that affects women within the year after they have given birth.  Please click here to view my article update.

This topic was of interest to me because, as an aspiring nutrition professional, I am keen to learn more about metabolic disorders.  Moreover, any subject area which pertains to maternal or paediatric health usually catches my eye.  Diseases associated with the thyroid are not uncommon and can have a major impact on an individuals’ health.  I have seen this first hand since several women in my family have developed thyroiditis which may have been linked to a previous pregnancy.  However, since screening for this condition postpartum tends to be overlooked, this connection could not be made.  And, as I have learned while updating this article, diet can both influence the onset of this disease, as well as affect the ability to manage it with medication.  An understanding of the appropriate management of this disease would be an asset as a dietician when counselling patients regarding their own health, and as I have learned while researching this topic, the health of any future children.

I remember when I first heard about Wikipedia, and I thought, that’s a catchy name you’re not going to forget!  The name links the words “quick” with encyclopaedia; this basically says it all.  This site provides an easily accessible, starting point for the general public to gather information on a topic of interest.  The articles present clear and focused information which is scientifically supported; this provides the researcher with readily understandable and valid information.  Furthermore, the information is presented from a fair viewpoint, which will prevent an unbiased interpretation of the subject area.  Features of the articles, such as the references and the links help to guide the reader to other sources of information or other articles within Wikipedia.  These features are important in supplying the reader with a more in-depth understanding of the topic.  Much like my fellow student Farzana, once I had mastered the technique of adding text, links, and referencing, I really enjoyed completing this assignment.

Since Wikipedia can be updated, reviewed, and edited by anyone, it serves as a hub of communication for the sharing of knowledge.  All that is required is to set up an account and then learn the user-friendly “Wikicode”.  Communication occurs amongst members to discuss updates and to make suggestions, in effect, its own social network.  This site represents a form of connecting people and their knowledge, and then making that knowledge accessible to the world.

References
Wikipedia screen capture. Retrieved December 5, 2011 from J. Brown personal collection.