How
true is the belief that genetics and the acquired traits from
parents have a role in dictating physical and emotional behavior
and feeling?
Researchers
at Saint Louis University School of Public Health reveal that
genetic makeup can partially determine the state of physical
and mental health of an individual. Funded by the National Institute
of Aging, which is a component of the National Institutes of
Health, the research found that 33% of genetics determine the
individual’s physical state while nearly 36 percent are responsible
for dictating mental and emotional well-being. The study appeared
in the November issue of Medical Care.
According
to the chief researcher of the study Dr. James Romeis, Ph, D.,
professor of health services research at Saint Louis University
School of Public Health the quality of life concerned with health
as well as the manner we perceive health and our beliefs on
diseases and illnesses have an impact on capability to work.
The genes have much more influence on the functioning of the
body than what we think.
The
study involved a total of 2,928 middle-age white men belonging
to the middle-class and belonging to the Vietnam Era Twin Registry
which were interviewed over the phone concerning the status
of their health.
Information
gathered from sets of identical twins (having exactly the same
genes) were compared with those gathered from fraternal twins
(sharing half their genes). Eight factors were asked from the
interviewees concerning health-related quality of life namely
bodily functions, its limitations, pain, general health, energy,
capability to socialize, emotional boundaries and mental health.
The
investigation revealed that attitudes are deeply implanted in
the soul and not only on their belief but also on their biology.
The influenced played by the genese have been left unrecognized
and haven’t been given much thought.
Romeis
tells that he is doubtful whether any gene can have an influence
on the feeling of being healthy.
However it is likely that the intricate genetic relationships
may have an effect on the feelings on the quality of health.
The findings may give evidence on the manner people make use
of health services such as why there is a greater chance that
people may call the doctor about medical concerns and why people
veer away from the prescribed medical treatment.
It
may also provide explanation on why efforts on promoting and
preventing health, such as a new dietary pyramid and new recommendations
for exercise, is not enough to conquer genetic forces to aid
people in improving their health.
Dr. Romeis ended by saying that more studies are needed to strengthen
the findings.
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