You could be at risk of developing a medical condition because of genetics. Because of who our mother or father is we can have a higher risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or a mental illness.
It is helpful to be aware of our immediate family's medical history but just because we may be at a higher risk does not mean that a condition is inevitable.
Some people take the fear of having a genetic tendency to an unhealthy level. Their fear of a slight possibility often makes them choose extreme measures to avoid what they believe is a certain fate. Women who have a high rate of breast cancer in their family choose to have a mastectomy done even though they show no signs of cancer.
Others who know that there is a long line of mental illness in their family decide not to have children out of fear that they will pass this on to their offspring.
There are genetic conditions that are serious enough to seriously consider not having children. If the odds are high and a baby will not live long and be in severe pain, well then avoiding bringing a child into the world is the humane thing to do.
Conditions like heart disease and diabetes can be avoided if you take precautions to watch your weight, exercise, eat healthy and be proactive about your health. Mental illness is treatable and even with a high genetic history can be less serious if you practice stress reduction and live a healthy, balanced life.
Knowing your family's medical history only gives you a clue to possibilities. It isn't set in stone that you will suffer the same fate. It is a challenge to try and break the chain by living your life differently. If the worst thing happens and you do develop a genetically predisposed condition, educating yourself can help you to cope. It isn't the end of the world. It is just a challenge.
It is helpful to be aware of our immediate family's medical history but just because we may be at a higher risk does not mean that a condition is inevitable.
Some people take the fear of having a genetic tendency to an unhealthy level. Their fear of a slight possibility often makes them choose extreme measures to avoid what they believe is a certain fate. Women who have a high rate of breast cancer in their family choose to have a mastectomy done even though they show no signs of cancer.
Others who know that there is a long line of mental illness in their family decide not to have children out of fear that they will pass this on to their offspring.
There are genetic conditions that are serious enough to seriously consider not having children. If the odds are high and a baby will not live long and be in severe pain, well then avoiding bringing a child into the world is the humane thing to do.
Conditions like heart disease and diabetes can be avoided if you take precautions to watch your weight, exercise, eat healthy and be proactive about your health. Mental illness is treatable and even with a high genetic history can be less serious if you practice stress reduction and live a healthy, balanced life.
Knowing your family's medical history only gives you a clue to possibilities. It isn't set in stone that you will suffer the same fate. It is a challenge to try and break the chain by living your life differently. If the worst thing happens and you do develop a genetically predisposed condition, educating yourself can help you to cope. It isn't the end of the world. It is just a challenge.
