Back in the day, there was no such thing as preventative healthcare. Human beings had no choice but to just sit around and wait for diseases and defects to pop up. Luckily, those days are over. After decades of research into the human genome, scientists today can identify hereditary dispositions and genetic indicators for a wide array of potential health issues before they become serious. All you have to do is take a DNA test. And thanks to the Health + Ancestry service from 23andMe, the testing could not be easier.
The Future of Genetics and Preventative Medicine
For those who might need a little bit of a refresher, think of your DNA as a long string of words, with each word made of some combination of four different letters. This sequence is mostly the same for every human being. However, some of these words are different. And some of these differences are “markers” for certain diseases.
When you take a DNA test, you’re looking for these markers.
Of course, primary care physicians already screen their patients for potential hereditary health issues. Every time you see a new doctor, they’ll ask whether anyone in your family has suffered from x, y, or z. Actual DNA testing is just the next logical step.
“Growing evidence suggests that the benefits associated with genetic screening as a whole could be lifesaving in many at-risk populations,” argues Dr. Michael F. Murray in Annals of Internal Medicine. Meanwhile, a review article published in Genes & Disease goes even further, arguing that genetic screening is “the future of preventative medicine.” Citing numerous medical studies, the authors argue that “understanding at a genetic level how a patient may be predisposed to certain health conditions” may help “elude health issues that may later consume a patient’s life.”
While home DNA tests cannot offer the most complete picture of your specific health risks, they can be an excellent place to start. And that brings us to the Health + Ancestry Service from 23andMe.
Health + Ancestry Service by 23andme
At 23andMe, their goal is to help regular, everyday people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. That’s why they created the Health + Ancestry Service. It uses the most advanced home DNA test in the world and state-of-the-art genetic screening to provide you with over 150 personalized reports on your genetic ancestry and health predispositions.
Getting started with the 23andme Health + Ancestry Service could not be easier. Your at-home sample collection kit typically arrives three-to-five business days after you place your order. Once you receive it, just spit into the collection tube, seal it, and mail it back in the pre-paid packaging provided. And that’s it. No blood. No needles. Just spit. In three-to-five weeks, 23 and Me will send you an email telling you that your reports are ready to be viewed through your secure online account.
The 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service provides 35+ reports on your genetic ancestry, 30+ reports on various genetic traits and characteristics, 11 reports on your genetic predisposition to various diseases, 8 reports on genetic links between various wellness and lifestyle issues, and 40+ carrier status reports that indicate whether you are a carrier for a given condition.
These reports will tell you if there are any genetic indicators for the following diseases and conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Breast cancer
- Celiac disease
- Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Liver disease
- High cholesterol
- Red blood cell deficiencies
- Familial transthyretin amyloidosis
- Hereditary Hemochromatosis
- Increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
- Colorectal cancer
All 23andme Health + Ancestry reports are fully backed by science and meet the highest quality standards. The DNA collection kit is FDA-approved. The Genetic Health Risk and Carrier Status reports meet FDA criteria for being scientifically and clinically valid. All saliva samples are processed in CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited labs. And personalized reports are based on well-established scientific and medical research.
Of course, it’s important to remember that these reports are not diagnoses and that DNA tests cannot predict the future. That said, your reports can provide you with crucial insights so that you can be the best possible advocate for yourself with your primary care physician.
So why leave your future health up to chance? Take a more active role in safeguarding your future health and get started with 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service today.
Futurism fans: To create this content, a non-editorial team worked with an affiliate partner. We may collect a small commission on items purchased through this page. This post does not necessarily reflect the views or the endorsement of the Futurism.com editorial staff.
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