Why You Need To Know More About Your Family’s Medical History
Where do genes and environment interact?
“There are other conditions that affect African Americans at a disproportionate rate and we know that these conditions have a genetic predisposition, but the environment and lifestyle play a huge role, and those are different lung diseases…heart disease, diabetes, strokes, hypertension,” Powell states. “Genetics and lifestyle will play roles.” Studies have shown that one’s lifestyle can have a significant impact on how these conditions play out in one’s life. Even changing one’s diet can drastically improve cholesterol levels, and diet and exercise can help delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes for those for whom it runs in the family.