Have you ever noticed that you take after your parents — not just in the way you look but also in the way you act or talk? That’s because genetics plays a major role in who we are.

How do our genetics affect our health? Well, certain genes can be more susceptible to illnesses, respond differently to medications or be weaker to environmental factors. That’s why being knowledgeable about your family’s medical history is crucial to your overall wellness.

Check your family medical history

Knowing your family’s medical history is essential to making informed decisions. Be sure to share medical histories up to your third relatives with your physician. Include the following information:

• Age at time of illness and death if deceased.
• Ethnicity.
• Chronic diseases.

With this information, your physician will have more knowledge about what type of care and preventatives should be taken. You can attain this information by asking your family members about their history or requesting medical records through a physician.

Now, let’s discuss what specific weaknesses or vulnerabilities you should be looking for in your family history.

Illnesses

Eating healthy, hydrating and exercising are powerful ways to stave off preventable illnesses. Even then, it’s important to recognize that many illnesses can strike no matter what your lifestyle — and some can be more likely due to your genes. The following are some common illnesses that you should keep an eye out for in your family’s medical history:

• Heart disease, including coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
• Asthma.
• Diabetes.
• Various cancers.

These devastating diseases can be life-altering. If you notice something seems off, it is important to see a physician as soon as possible. If you are not experiencing any symptoms but would like to be proactive in your health, you can ask your physician for testing. In a few cases — such as breast cancer — you can undergo treatments and surgeries to reduce your chances of falling victim to the disease.

Reactions to medications

Medications are instrumental for our bodies to heal and maintain proper functions. However, it is important to remember that not everyone responds to medication the same way.​​ Genetic variation can determine your response to medications and their side effects. With that being the case, it is important to inform your physician about certain genetics and have yourself tested for medication allergies. Doing so can help your doctor prescribe the medications and dosage that your body will respond to more positively, maximizing the efficiency of the medication.

The next time you take medication, whether it is prescribed by a physician or over the counter, be mindful of how your body responds. If you have a negative reaction, consider trying a different brand or lowering the dosage. Consult your physician if the medication was prescribed.

Environmental responses

Have you ever been sick but your friend who has been around you for the last week managed to escape the illness? While this could be due to them building up their immune system over time, your genes can also contribute to how your body responds to certain germs.

If you are continuously eating healthy, washing your hands and steering away from overpopulated areas but finding yourself sick often, it may be due to your genes rather than your lifestyle. Speak with your physician to inquire about an extended immune-building supplement that you can incorporate into your diet.

Knowing if you have any relatives who have illnesses that can be passed down to future generations is one key to a long, healthy life. By being aware of what genes you possess, you can be proactive in screening for common illnesses in your family, medicating properly and adapting to your environment.

Lindsey Certonio is a project manager at Fullcast, a Silicon Slopes-based, end-to-end RevOps platform that allows companies to design, manage and track the performance of their revenue-generating teams.

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