DNA Testing to Improve Health

An article from Newsweek details a recent health trend: DNA testing. When I first came upon this article I was very skeptical. How could an expensive DNA test help to improve my health? Well, more and more consumers are seeking out such tests to determine the various diseases and deficiencies they are at risk for. For example, let’s say you didn’t know it but your great-grandfather had heart disease. By taking this test, it’s possible (note: I say possible) for nutritionists to determine your risk for heart disease and recommend various foods and activities to reduce such a risk.

Although I must admit the possibility sounds interesting, I don’t think we’ve made enough progress in health technology for me to try it. Oh yeah, it also costs $695 and I spent all my money on shoes last weekend. It seems to me that this sort of testing could be rather plausible and even reliable in the future but for now I think maybe I’ll stick with good old-fashioned exercise and eating healthy foods.

Lately I’ve been having to work extra hard to avoid the Halloween candy that seems to permeate my office. Everywhere I turn—BAAM! A big bucket of candy silently mocks my lack of willpower. I suppose an extra ten minutes on the treadmill is worth that mini-Snickers bar though….