Many people want to know more about their roots. Genetic genealogy is genetic testing to see if people might be related or have similar ancestry.
What you should know.
Risks of sickness and death are higher in some racial and ethnic groups.
Some differences in disease and death rates may be related to genetic factors. Some are due to lifestyle, health behaviors, health literacy, insurance coverage and problems in access to health care.
Genes are the building blocks of your heredity. Everyone has fairly similar genetic makeup. But some differences in genes can lead to differences in how well our bodies deal with modern, high-calorie, inactive lifestyles and other health risks.
Scientists are researching the genetic risks for diseases. Researchers hope to find better medicines and methods to treat or prevent diseases that run in families. Scientists are researching the genetic risks for diseases. Researchers hope to find better medicines and methods to treat or prevent diseases that run in families.
Genetic testing can help determine health risks. A sample of blood or skin is usually needed for testing.
There are several types of genetic testing: “Carrier identification” spots people who have a gene that could pass along a health problem. There is prenatal testing (before birth) and newborn screening.
There is also testing when health problems arise. “DNA fingerprinting” identifies a person’s characteristics (in paternity or criminal cases.)
Many people want to know more about their roots. Genetic genealogy is genetic testing to see if people might be related or have similar ancestry. A kit can be purchased for $100-$350 to get a tissue sample that is sent to a lab. Generally, this testing is not covered by insurance. Some people question how good simple genetic testing kits are. They often suggest other genealogy research as well.
Many people have mixed ancestry, which blurs issues when researching genetics and genealogy.
As many as one in 500 African- Americans in the United States has sickle cell anemia (a genetic disease passed along by both parents.)
Hispanics are almost two times more likely to have diagnosed diabetes than non-Hispanic white Americans. Indians also have a high rate of diabetes. These groups have high incidences of obesity.
African-Americans in Tennessee have higher rates of sickness and death from diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Tay-Sachs disease occurs in one in 3,600 infants of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (Eastern European).
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