1. Tilt your chin up slightly and swallow a drink of water in front of a mirror.

2. As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: don't confuse the Adam's apple with the thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland is located just below the Adam's apple and immediately above the collarbone.

3. Repeat several times.

4. If you do see any bulges or protrusions in this area, see your physician. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule and should be checked to determine whether cancer is present or if treatment of thyroid disease is needed.

-American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists