There is something to be said for the DNA that is provided to you from your parents. It can shape your face, determine your height and your eye color, and so much more. The question is, “Are we destined to have the health problems that our parents and grandparents have struggled with for generations?”  Science stands behind the correlation of heredity and some of these issues.

There are centers for inherited heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, and others. There is genetic testing that looks for mutations in various genes. Of course our doctors look at our extensive family history to see if we need to be evaluated more often or have alternative testing performed for specific diseases that might be hereditary.

One additional question needs to be asked, “Did you inherit a lifestyle?”

Then there are all of the follow up questions:

• Do you spend your time doing [or not doing] the things your parents did?
• Do you live a sedentary life?
• Do you cook the way grandma did with fatback, Crisco and sugar added?
• Is your mindset one of growth and opportunity or did you inherit some personality traits that you’d like to see become more positive?
• Do you deal with high levels of stress?
• Do you get any regular form of exercise?
• Do you have a close set of friends or family that you spend time with?

A lot of us are a product of a great home environment and we’d like to think we did or are doing the same for our children. Hindsight is 20/20, right? Sometimes these health and medical issues skip a generation. Sometimes they manifest at earlier ages in more progressive stages. The real concern should be, “Are we living the best life possible?”

Many health risks revolve around added body weight and unhealthy eating habits. These can be learned and taught for generations. Environment can also add to health complications and bring on layers of needed evaluations. If we need help with time management and allowing time for self, learning how to eat or exercise, learning how to meditate or just de-stress from the day, are we seeking out a change to our lifestyle to support that need? The habits that you may have inherited were built over time and will take some time to change. If your quality and quantity of life depended upon an adjustment to your lifestyle, would you be willing to take action? Health is your first wealth…without it, what do you really have?

Brandi Wells
Experience Life
404-402-1489