How Much Impact Your Genes Have On Your Health And Wellness?

Your body, looks, fingerprints, and everything else comes from your genetics. Two sets of genes are passed down onto you from your parents. Therefore, just like the physical traits, you also inherit some health conditions from your parents. 

Your genes can predispose you to a disease

Sometimes, a gene that you inherit from one of your parents is not a perfect copy. Such changes are known as mutations. Some mutations have the ability to cause problems - having mutations in genes is a genetic disorder. Most diseases are caused by the combination of various factors such as genetic changes, daily lifestyle habits, and the environment. Having a mutation doesn’t mean you will certainly develop a disease; and not having a mutation doesn’t mean you can’t develop the disease in your lifetime. They can be hereditary or acquired. Acquired mutations can be triggered by environmental factors and cannot be passed on to children.

When do gene mutations develop into a disease?

Your genetic instructions are made of proteins. They are the building blocks of you, and your body. When your genetic instructions have mutations, they cause problems in the functioning of your body. For instance, if new copies of your genes have mistakes, then such gene changes can increase your probability for cancer. Most health conditions are related to gene mutations in a complex manner. Diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues are caused by mutations in multiple genes combined with lifestyle and environmental factors.

What does it mean to have a genetic predisposition to a disease?

Genetic predisposition or susceptibility means there is an increased risk of developing specific health conditions, diseases, and/or traits based on your genetic variations. Although these genetic variations contribute to the development of diseases but cannot directly cause it. Your genetic makeup is unique to you and is influenced by your lifestyle. Just remember, you cannot change your genes, but you can definitely change your lifestyle.

If you understand your genetic information, you can make appropriate lifestyle modifications to prevent the diseases and traits you are at high genetic risk of developing

You can understand more about yourself by understanding your genetic makeup. Genetic testing is an easy and user-friendly procedure that can decode your genetic information in a way that can be understood by you. Your genetic test report can be a powerful tool for you to become healthy, and live longer. 

 

Your genetic test report can help you in positively utilizing the impact your genes have in your health and wellness

Your genetic test report has all the predictions of diseases and traits that you might develop in your lifetime. Knowing about them can help you prevent them from developing. For instance, if your report says, you have a gene mutation that makes you more likely to develop breast cancer, you can make important preventive health decisions in accordance with your doctor. In case of high genetic risk, surgeries like prophylactic mastectomy or oophorectomy can lower your risk of getting cancer or the re-occurrence of it. If you have a high genetic risk score for developing cardiovascular diseases, you will be recommended ways to prevent it in your report and counselling. Book your genetic test to find out your genetic risk scores for 80+ diseases and traits.

Understand Your Predisposition To Lung Cancer & 70+ Other Health Parameters With Dnawise.

Your health is a product of a complex interaction between your DNA and your lifestyle. That means your daily food intake, habits, exercise routine, stress, and exposure to surroundings affect your health. Guess what? You cannot change your genes but you can change your lifestyle to lead a healthier life. DNAwise genetic test can enable you to modify your lifestyle to live a healthy and happy life.

What is DNAwise genetic test?

DNAwise is an user-friendly test that informs you about the genetic tendencies of your body. Such information helps you in making the right choices about your health and wellness. Your DNAwise report lists your genetic risks for various health conditions, response to fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, metabolism of nutrients, and the exercise that is best for your body.

How does DNAwise decode your genetic information to inform your genetic risks for lung cancer?

DNAwise identifies the genetic variants (risk variants and protective variants) that are associated with lung cancer. Your DNA that is extracted from your saliva sample is genotyped to see the alleles that your genes carry. Your genetic risk score for lung cancer is derived through a statistical method, and is mentioned in your report. The presence of lung cancer risk variants in your DNA can increase your likelihood of developing it, and the presence of protective variants lowers your chances of developing lung cancer. In case you have a high risk of developing lung cancer, there will be recommendations in your report that will help you prevent lung cancer, and live healthy.

DNAwise reports 80 parameters related to your health, nutrition, fitness and habit 

Your report can be your coach for a lifetime and help you to:

• Understand your health risks and help in early detection: Knowing your risks for various chronic health conditions helps you in taking timely preventive actions that ultimately save lives. 

• Discover the best nutrition plan for your body: Move beyond the trial and error of fad diets. DNAwise empowers you with the best food plan for yourself. This includes information about the response of your body to various nutrients, and their influence on your metabolism, and body weight.

• Achieve your optimal fitness performance: Your genes influence how your body responds to various exercises. Knowing your DNA information helps you in training better by understanding if endurance based workouts are better for you than power exercises, if you need more recovery time than others, or if you are likely to get injured during exercise. 

• Find the possible addictions: Your genes affect your metabolism of addictive substances, and your tendency for addiction to these. DNAwise helps you in knowing your genetic tendency for the habit of three common addictions - coffee, alcohol, and nicotine.

Want to personalize your lifestyle to live a healthier and longer life? Order your DNAwise genetic test kit, and get the recommendations based on your genetics.

Unlock Your Fitness Potential With DNAwise Genetic Test

 

Genetic testing can help you achieve your fitness goals by planning the best possible regime and diet suitable for your body.  DNAwise genetic test is an advanced preventive healthcare solution that helps you in planning your fitness and diet that is effective for you. If you have been wondering why the same type of exercises have different results on different people - genetics is the answer to it. Everyone has different requirements due to the minor genetic difference. Your genes influence a lot of factors that affect your health and fitness like endurance, fat loss, muscle strength and injury.

Here is how DNAwise genetic test can help you personalize your lifestyle according to your genes, and live a healthier life by understanding your:

Body and its needs: To reach your optimal fitness performance, you need efficient training and a nutritious diet - this can only be achieved when you have a deep understanding of your body. DNAwise helps you create an effective training routine, and a food plan that nourishes your body by guiding you about your personal genetics, health and environmental components. 

Metabolism: Some gene variants impact on the way you metabolize certain nutrients - which also affect how these nutrients fuel your body while you exercise. Your rate of metabolism is important for managing your body weight. With this kind of information, you can personalize your training and diet plans to bring out the strengths of your body.

Exercise ability and endurance performance: You can lower your risk of exercise induced injuries if you are aware that you have an increased likelihood of injury. A genetic test also guides you about your nutrient metabolism, musculoskeletal structure, ability to gain muscle mass, and oxygen utilization.

Body’s response to exercise and weight loss/gain: Your genetic build influences your weight loss or gain in response to exercise. Knowing your genetic traits related to fitness helps you in making a fitness plan using exercises that can produce the most benefit.

Effect of exercise on your body’s health: DNAwise helps you know how you can lower your risk for various health conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Not just that, your genetic test report informs you about the best ways of maintaining your weight, increasing your energy, strengthening bone density, and improve the quality of your sleep.

Your genetic test report can be your fitness coach. In case your report shows that you are predisposed to iron sensitivity or salt induced increase in blood pressure, you can manage such nutrition issues by modifying your food intake to prevent stress on your heart. This can be critically important if your report also says you have a high genetic risk of heart disease. 

 

Interested in understanding more about your genetics and improving your fitness plans? Get your own DNAwise genetic test kit.

How Reliable Is Genetic Testing For Cancer Screening?

Predictive genetic testing can be a useful tool for prevention and early detection - it can inform you about the inherited cancer risks. There are some types of cancers where having specific genes can increase the risk of developing the disease - breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer are these cancers.

How is genetic testing done?

Genetic testing is a multi step, highly advanced procedure but very user friendly, and can be done from home. 

1. Sample collection - book your genetic test kit online. Follow the instructions on sample collection, deposit your spit sample in the given tube, and send the box back.

2. Sample analysis - your DNA is extracted from your saliva sample in a fully equipped laboratory. The extracted DNA is then analyzed using the latest technology.  

3. Your genetic report - in about 4 to 5 weeks, your genetic test report is delivered in your email inbox.

4. Genetic counselling - after you receive your report, an expert genetic counsellor explains the findings in your report in detail, answers all your queries, and recommends lifestyle modifications that can help you live a healthier life and prevent/delay the onset of cancer.

How does genetic testing help?

Genetic testing is used to look for the small variations in genes that can be indicative of an increased risk of developing cancer. Inherited genetic variants make up about 5-10% of all cancers. As your genes are the blueprint of your life, genetic testing can be considered a reliable source of information about yourself, and your traits. Having an increased risk doesn’t always mean you will certainly develop cancer - rather, it arms you with possibilities to prevent it. All these genetic variants are mentioned in your genetic report - this report can be your guiding light for your lifetime. This report helps you in understanding more about your health, nutrition, fitness and some habits that you should avoid. Based on the recommendations of the report, you can modify your lifestyle to something that suits your body the best. 

Take preventive actions for cancer with your genetic test report

• Understand your genetic risk for cancer

• Personalize the tests and regularity of your health checkups 

• Know your preventive options

• Plan a treatment course with your doctor in case the disease develops

• Modify your lifestyle habits to enable your body to become healthier

Know your genetic risk score for cancer now.

The Importance Of Breast Cancer Awareness And Full Body Checkup

Breast cancer needs more attention than just turning pink every October! Breast cancer awareness should reach as many people as possible because this knowledge has the power to save lives. The more knowledge everyone has about breast cancer, the better the chances would be to detect irregularities before it develops into cancer. Early detection is very crucial in the case of cancers as the possibility of successful treatment is at its highest potential.

 4 things everyone needs to know about breast cancer, and also share this knowledge around

 

1. The risk factors for breast cancer:

• Consumption of tobacco in any form

• Being alcoholic or too much alcohol consumption

• Ageing 

• Having certain genes (like BRCA) that can add to  increase the risk

• A family or personal medical history of any cancer  

 

2. Signs of breast cancer:

• Lump/s in the breasts or armpit

• Persistent localized breast pain

• Swelling in the breasts

• Dimpling of breast skin

• Changes in the shape or size of the breasts

• Nipple discharge

• Thickening of the nipple or breast skin

3. Learning to do self breast examination:

• Should be done once a month, few days after your period ends 

• If you detect anything unusual, contact your doctor at the earliest

4. Early detection can save lives: 

• Know the breast cancer symptoms to keep an eye on them

• Know your family medical history

• Understand your genetic risk for breast cancer 

• Perform monthly self examination of your breasts

• Customize your full body health checkups based on your risk factors

• Understand what lifestyle changes you should make to prevent breast cancer 

• Plan the best possible treatment option with your physician for cure and longevity

 

How does a full body checkup help in detecting breast cancer?

A full body health checkup screens your body to analyze its current health status and functioning of the organs. The health checkup package for women should include breast screening tests for early detection of any kind of abnormal developments. As mentioned earlier, early detection helps in saving lives by providing treatment at the most appropriate moment. Choose a health checkup package that includes:

• Mammogram

• Molecular breast imaging

• Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

• Ultrasonography

Don’t know where to find full body health checkups that include breast cancer screening? Contact Indus Health Plus.

Why Maintaining A Consistent Sleep Schedule Important For Your Health?

Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining the health and functioning of the body. A consistent sleep routine helps in boosting your immune system, and reduces your risk of hypertension, obesity, mood swings, and depression. Sleep needs differ from person to person but having a routine is important.

Why should you maintain a regular sleep routine as an adult

A sleep schedule that is consistent every day has numerous benefits for your body. It keeps you healthy and prevents a lot of lifestyle health conditions. Here are the reasons why you should have a good night’s sleep:

• You can better focus on work as your mind is more active

• You are more energetic during the day, you exercise performance increases

• Your immune system becomes strong and healthy

• Your mental health improves

• Your heart functioning becomes better

• You feel happier, and your mood is enhanced

• You have an improved memory

Ways to set or improve your sleep routine

Going to bed at the same time every night is the first step to a good sleep schedule. Fix that and follow the below mentioned tips for a good sleep:

• Avoid having beverages with caffeine and alcohol a few hours before your bedtime. They tend to interfere with your normal circadian rhythm. 

• Keep your room temperature cool.  It helps you sleep quicker and helps your body rest and recover. 

• Opt for clean and comfortable beddings and bed clothes.

• Keep the screens away from your reach. Limit your phone or laptop usage; blue light from these devices can impact your sleep quality.

• Take a warm shower to relax, cool down your body and improve blood circulation. 

• Try reading a book, it can help you fall asleep faster.

 

Good sleep is necessary for your body. Getting less sleep can increase your body weight, and put you at risk of diabetes and heart disease. Along with fixing your daily sleep routine, you should also be regular with your full body health checkup that includes heart health screening. Find out why regular health checkups are important for maintaining good health.

How Can I Lower My Chances Of A Heart Attack Or Stroke If I Have Diabetes?

Having diabetes can increase the chances of heart attacks and strokes. Hence, controlling your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels is essential. Needless to say, preventive healthcare has to be an important and more frequent part of your lifestyle.

 The connection between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

• High blood sugar/glucose levels: Diabetes can damage blood vessels and the nerves controlling them - sugar can leak out of the liver into the bloodstream and stay there. A blocked vessel can slow the blood from supplying oxygen to the heart thereby increasing the risk of heart diseases.

• High cholesterol: Fats in the blood such as cholesterol and triglycerides tend to increase the risk of heart disease. They result in the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels causing blockages that lead to a heart attack or stroke.

• High blood pressure: It is one of the most common causes for heart disease, especially for people with diabetes. Having both high blood pressure and diabetes can double the risk for cardiovascular health conditions.

• Obesity: Being overweight along with an existing diabetes are high risk factors for heart diseases. Excess body weight or obesity also influences the blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels.

Preventive tips for lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke, and being healthy

• Keep your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure at healthy levels.

• Quit smoking - both firsthand and secondhand smoke are harmful for your overall health. It adds to your cardiovascular disease risk.

• Keep a check on your diet. Consume foods that have high fiber, and avoid foods that have saturated fat, trans-fat and too much salt. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy.

• Exercise - an active life is good for your health and also to control diabetes, body weight, and lower your risk for heart diseases. 

• Watch and track your health status regularly with heart health checkups. Opt for a full body checkup that includes tests that checks for your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels, along with detailed heart health screenings. 

Want to understand more about the essential heart health checkups? Click here.

Heart Attack In Women: Know The Symptoms, Risk Factors And Preventive Tips

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death globally, for both men and women. But some of the heart disease symptoms can be different  in women. Read this article to understand what those symptoms could be, and how to prevent heart attack.

Symptoms of heart attack in women

Chest pain or recurring discomfort that lasts are the common heart attack symptoms in both men and women. Important fact to note is - a heart attack can occur without chest pain also. Heart attack symptoms in women often tend to occur at the time of resting or sleeping. Given below are the signs that tend to appear more in women than men while having a heart attack:

• Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, or upper back

• Pain in arms

• Being out of breath

• Vomiting

• Unusual fatigue

• Too much sweating

• Dizziness

• Indigestion or abdominal discomfort

Heart attack risk factors in women

• Existing condition of diabetes: Women who have diabetes are more predisposed to develop heart disease than are men who have diabetes. Having diabetes can also change the way women feel the heart attack pain thereby increasing the risk of silent heart attack.

• Stress: Stress or any other mental health issue can affect women's hearts more and make it difficult to maintain a lifestyle that can prevent heart diseases.

• Smoking: It is a bigger risk factor for heart attack in women than for men.

• Menopause: Menopause lowers the levels of estrogen in the body and increases the risk of developing heart disease.

• Complications in pregnancy: Hypertension or high BP  or diabetes during pregnancy increase the mother's risk for heart disease.

• 
  
  Family medical history: If any close family member had an early heart attack then the risk factor in women is greater than men.

• Inflammatory diseases: Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of heart disease in women.

Women can follow these preventive tips to prevent or lower their risk of heart attacks

• Give up smoking or any kind of tobacco consumption along with exposure to secondhand smoke - all of these can damage the blood vessels.

• Being physically active is important. Do moderate exercise combined with some endurance exercises on some days of the week.

• Maintain a healthy BMI. Body weight should be the number that’s best for you in terms of your age and height. If it is anything off that number, change your lifestyle to get to your ideal weight.

• Eat a healthy diet, full of nutrition. Consume whole grains, lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, sea food, and fat free dairy and. Cut off trans fats, sugar, and lower the consumption of salt.

• Find ways that help in managing stress. Stress can tighten the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

• Keep blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol under control. They can increase the risk of heart attack.

• Get your heart checked on a regular basis, along with your full body checkup. Click here to find out the best essential heart checkup package in your city.