Definition and reaction to video
Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in organisms where those changes are caused by modifications of gene expression and not alterations of the genetic code. The video on “PBS Nova ScienceNOW Epigenetics” from YouTube, gives the numerous ways in which epigenetics is manifest in the lives of identical twins. It uses real life cases of numerous twins from diverse ages to assert that differences that exist between identical twins especially on behaviour and mannerisms are a result of epigenetics.
Discussion of epigenetics article
The article titled “Epigenetics: The Science of change” by Bob Weinhold discusses the core issues about epigenetics and why they cause significant and noticeable changes in individuals. The article first appreciates that epigenetics is evident in the numerous cases where we see illnesses, behaviors, diseases such as cancers and conditions in the cardiovascular and reproductive systems (Weinhold, 2006). It also states that epigenetics can be triggered by intake of pesticides, heavy metals, tobacco, and diesel exhaust among others (Weinhold, 2006). In essence, this article appreciates that indeed there may not be any changes in gene sequence as to cause huge hunches and differences between individuals but changes in the expression of genes.
Family history (Dr. Oz.pdf) in light of epigenetics
In light of the conditions named in Dr. Oz’s worksheet my family does not have a history of many of the health conditions except for diabetes and Thyroid disorders. A grandparent from my mother’s side had diabetes a problem which recurred in an uncle from the same side. Another grandparent from my father’s side had thyroid disorders and these problems reemerged in my two cousins from the same side. Although I and many of my family members to not suffer from any of these diseases, I can see a pattern and some relations that could be genetic. The recurrence of the diabetics in my uncle can be a case of epigenetics where his parent’s genes have failed to get altered in a manner to exhibit the diabetic tendencies however, the same genes which were carried on from the grandparent underwent significant alterations enough to manifest the problem. Probably the lifestyle influences such as exposure to heavy metals, hydrocarbons, bacteria, radioactivity or some other external issues including effects of diet and nutrition affected my relatives and caused the gradual alterations in the genes thereby leading to the activation of the problem that they had carried on from the grandparents. Those who fail to exhibit the diseases may have led lifestyles that discourage or suppress the activation of the conditions leading to a negative case where the alterations work against the genetic information for the said diseases.
Life expectancy (bluezones.com vitality compass)
The vitality test showed me that I had lived a good life and I was impressed with the results showing that due to life habits I had accrued some 14.4 years. Although I was impressed that I can live up to 90.8 years with my current lifestyle, I believe I can do better and I obtained numerous recommendations. Indeed, the results indicate that I can add up to 7 years to my life by following the recommendations given in this page. The recommendations are in order and I need to adhere to them as I fight some of the genetic issues such as diabetes and thyroid disorders that have been passed on in my previous generations. The more I live a healthy lifestyle, the more my body will suppress the negative potential of diseases and lead to positive alterations of my genes probably to offer me more immunity.
I am relatively good at many of the things that can be termed as contributing to good healthy but I can do more. Some of the things that I need to do to extend my life expectancy include consumption of more fish to obtain omega-3 fatty acids that are good for health (Tollefsbol, 2012). I also need to maintain positive attitude at all times, eat more vegetables, whole grains and fruits, cut salt intake, become friendlier and exercise more. In addition, I need to reduce consumption of junk food and consume more dairy products.
Some of the issues that have effects on my life expectancy and life have indirect influences. For instance, attitudes as shown through anger and stress can affect my ability to accomplish personal goals in a variety of ways. The subsequent result may be stress and adverse mental health issues. In some cases it is hard to realize that I am acting in a manner likely to harm my health. For instance, I may not be aware that I am being anxious and in this case, I need to learn about the signs of anxiety and refocus on ways to relax even when faced by life’s pressures. In other words, there many tangible and intangible things that I can do to influence my life positively. Sharing with family and friends, getting enough sleep, being more religious and having faith are intangible but they hold great significance for instance in the improvement of mental health.
References
Weinhold, B. (2006) Epigenetics: The Science of Change. Environmental Health Perspectives. 114(3): A160–A167.
Tollefsbol, T. O. (2012). Epigenetics in human disease. Amsterdam: Academic Press.
