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Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

Think of your family’s health history as a sort of genetic GPS, showing you where you might be headed health-wise. It’s like a treasure chest of information about the stuff that might run in your genes, including the not-so-great stuff like chronic diseases! So, let’s dive into why family health history is so important and why making some lifestyle tweaks is your secret weapon against those chronic health issues.

Understanding Genetic Predisposition

Your family health history provides insights into your genetic predisposition to various diseases, including chronic ones like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. If certain conditions are prevalent among your close relatives, your risk of developing them may be higher.

Early Detection and Monitoring

Armed with this knowledge, you can be more vigilant about regular check-ups and screenings. Early detection of conditions is often the key to effective treatment and management. Monitoring your health based on your family history can save lives. 

Your family health history allows healthcare professionals to assess your risk and create a personalized health plan. It enables a more targeted approach to disease prevention and management, which can significantly improve your health outcomes.

Informed Decision-Making

Understanding your genetic predisposition empowers you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle, healthcare, and preventative measures. It gives you agency over your own health.

The Crucial Role of Lifestyle Changes

Now, let’s shift our focus to the second part of the equation: lifestyle changes. While family history provides valuable insights, your actions and choices play an equally important role in preventing chronic diseases.

  • Diet and Nutrition: A healthy diet is a cornerstone of disease prevention. Avoid excessive sugar, salt, and saturated fats. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
  • Physical Activity: Regular exercise is vital for overall health. It can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. 
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Even modest weight loss can have a positive impact on your health.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to various chronic diseases. Implement stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress levels. Surrounding yourself with positive-minded individuals can also help you adapt to life’s challenges, and engaging in activities you love is a great way to release stress.
  • Avoiding Harmful Habits: Chronic diseases are more likely if you smoke, drink too much, or misuse substances. So, steer clear of these habits to keep your health in good shape!
  • Regular Check-Ups: Even if you’re living a healthy life, don’t skip those regular check-ups! They’re like a health checkpoint, catching and dealing with chronic diseases early for better results.

Epigenetics Sheds Light on The Lifelong Impact of Early Experiences.

Epigenetics reveals the lasting impact of generational and early experiences on our lives by showing how environmental factors can modify gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications can affect an individual’s health, behavior, and susceptibility to various diseases throughout their lifetime. Understanding the role of epigenetics underscores the importance of nurturing environments and early interventions in promoting positive lifelong outcomes.

The Intersection: Combining Family History and Lifestyle Changes

Knowing your family’s health history gives you the motivation and a sense of why you need to make those lifestyle tweaks. You and your healthcare provider can work together to come up with a custom prevention plan, making changes that fit your specific risk factors. Plus, don’t skip those regular check-ups; they’re like your early warning system for any health issues linked to your family history. And if you get your family on board with healthier choices, you’ve got a built-in support system for prevention.

Upon receiving a chronic disease diagnosis, a common reaction among patients is to prioritize symptom control over addressing the underlying condition. It’s essential not to assume that chronic diseases are inherently untreatable. In fact, numerous chronic conditions can be effectively managed to the extent that their symptoms become inconspicuous. 

At Five Journeys, we recognize that certain diseases may remain persistent, but our approach involves individualized consultations to investigate less common factors and delve into treatment options that might be underappreciated by most conventional medical practitioners.

 

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Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint
Family Health History: A Window into Your Genetic Blueprint

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted