Is It In Your Genes?
Having a medical history of your close relatives can help you and your health care providers make better decisions about screening tests and preventive measures.
The following are some common inherited illnesses. If they run in your family, here's what to do to help protect your health.......
1. Coronary Artery Disease - To prevent heart attack or stroke:
lose excess weight, adopt a moderate exercise program and swear off smoking.
Work with your provider and have your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar tested.
2. Breast Cancer - Talk to your provider about mammograms. Lose excess weight, exercise regularly and limit alcohol use.
3. Prostate Cancer - Have regular prostate checks. Regular exercise and a low-fat diet may help.
4. Diabetes - Losing excess weight is often the only step needed for control. Regular aerobic exercise may prevent it.
5. Colon Cancer - Talk to your provider about screening. Regular exercise and a low-fat, high-fiber diet offer protection.
6. Osteoporosis - It's never too early to fight bone loss with regular weight-bearing exercise. Get adequate calcium and don't smoke.