About.com Health: Family Ties - Genes and Your Health

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Health From Kristin Kane, your About Health Editor There has been a lot of buzz in the past few days about Walgreens' plan (now defunct, due to an FDA challenge) to sell over-the-counter, at-home genetic tests. The kits, if they ever hit shelves, would essentially allow users to get a sense of their genetic risk factors for a laundry list of disease and conditions. Opinions on these aren't in short supply. But one thing is indisputable: Genetics play a role in our risk for many health concerns. Now, we can't change our DNA. But we can work to reduce the risks that are within our control. Reduce Your Risk: Heart Disease Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for developing cardiovascular trouble (thanks, Gramps). Tease out if you truly have genes working against you, then do what you can to put them in their place. Heart Attacks Run in My Family. Am I Next? Reduce Your Risk: Colon Cancer This is one of the most preventable cancers. Screening is #1 when it comes to prevention tips, but there are other things you can do, too. Important Family History Facts to Know Video: What to Expect at a Colonoscopy Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling for Colon Cancer Reduce Your Risk: Diabetes Having a genetic disposition toward type 2 does not guarantee a diagnosis. Lifestyle plays an important part in determining who gets diabetes. Family History, Ethnicity and Diabetes Risk Reduce Your Risk: Breast Cancer Women with a first-degree relative -- such as a mother or sister -- who had breast cancer have an approximately 30% chance of developing the disease, too. Here's what you can do to help beat the odds. Myths About Your Breast Cancer Risk Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test? Health Ads Health Heart Disease Health Health Sexual Health Flu Health Risk Daily Health Tips Featured Articles Follow About.com Health on Twitter! Graduating? Important Health Insurance Info Quick Zit Fix Before Prom Essential Tips for Monitoring Asthma What to Know About Depression Meds Cut Calories from Pizza   More from About.com Disney Trip Planner Everything you need to plan the perfect Disney vacation -- from when to go and what to do, to saving money and picking a hotel. More > Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Reader to Reader Experiences With Head Lice Using At-Home A1c Test Kits "I Had My Tubes Tied" Advertisement