GENETICS AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

How true is the belief that genetics and the acquired traits from parents have a role in dictating physical and emotional behavior and feeling?

Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Public Health reveal that genetic makeup can partially determine the state of physical and mental health of an individual. Funded by the National Institute of Aging, which is a component of the National Institutes of Health, the research found that 33% of genetics determine the individual’s physical state while nearly 36 percent are responsible for dictating mental and emotional well-being. The study appeared in the November issue of Medical Care.

According to the chief researcher of the study Dr. James Romeis, Ph, D., professor of health services research at Saint Louis University School of Public Health the quality of life concerned with health as well as the manner we perceive health and our beliefs on diseases and illnesses have an impact on capability to work. The genes have much more influence on the functioning of the body than what we think.

The study involved a total of 2,928 middle-age white men belonging to the middle-class and belonging to the Vietnam Era Twin Registry which were interviewed over the phone concerning the status of their health.

Information gathered from sets of identical twins (having exactly the same genes) were compared with those gathered from fraternal twins (sharing half their genes). Eight factors were asked from the interviewees concerning health-related quality of life namely bodily functions, its limitations, pain, general health, energy, capability to socialize, emotional boundaries and mental health.

The investigation revealed that attitudes are deeply implanted in the soul and not only on their belief but also on their biology. The influenced played by the genese have been left unrecognized and haven’t been given much thought.

Romeis tells that he is doubtful whether any gene can have an influence on the feeling of being healthy.
However it is likely that the intricate genetic relationships may have an effect on the feelings on the quality of health.
The findings may give evidence on the manner people make use of health services such as why there is a greater chance that people may call the doctor about medical concerns and why people veer away from the prescribed medical treatment.

It may also provide explanation on why efforts on promoting and preventing health, such as a new dietary pyramid and new recommendations for exercise, is not enough to conquer genetic forces to aid people in improving their health.
Dr. Romeis ended by saying that more studies are needed to strengthen the findings.