Decoding Genetic Health: Family History & Preventative Care

Understanding your family's medical history is an important yet often overlooked aspect of maintaining good health and preventing future illnesses. While we may be aware of our immediate health concerns, the genetic blueprint passed down through generations can provide additional insights into potential health risks that may not be immediately apparent. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations in the United States agree that this knowledge empowers busy Chicagoland professionals to take more proactive steps in their healthcare journey — including earlier interventions and lifestyle modifications that significantly impact long-term well-being. 

By delving into your family's health history, you're not just learning about the past but actively shaping your future health outcomes. When shared with your primary care doctor, this information becomes an invaluable tool that enables your physician to develop a more comprehensive picture of your health profile and tailor preventive strategies that effectively reduce your risk of developing certain health complications.

Read on to learn more about the link between family history and health — and where to find the highest-rated concierge doctors in Chicago.

The Link Between Your Family History and Your Health

Understanding health problems that run in your family is a powerful predictor of your own risk level of health issues. Genetic factors can significantly influence your susceptibility to certain diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Understanding this hereditary component allows your healthcare team to take more targeted preventive measures and recommend earlier cancer screening protocols. 

For instance, if there's a strong family history of colon cancer, your doctor might recommend earlier or more frequent colonoscopies. This knowledge empowers both you and your healthcare providers to make informed decisions about preventive care, lifestyle modifications, and treatment strategies. 

An understanding of your family history paired with detailed genetic testing gives you the opportunity to take a more proactive approach to your health and longevity. However, it is important to remember that while family history is influential, it's not deterministic — lifestyle choices and environmental factors also play crucial roles in overall health.

The Benefits of Genetic Testing

A question we often get at SHIFT is, “Should I get genetic testing?” The answer our experienced concierge physicians give is a resounding “yes.” Genetic testing offers significant advantages for both you and your provider. This testing provides insights that elevate your personal health management and your physician’s medical decision-making. 

This proactive approach to whole-body healthcare leads to earlier treatment of health concerns, more effective treatments, and, ultimately, better health outcomes. For business executives who strive for a higher quality of life, consider customized screenings and treatment strategies, which can result in:

• Improved digestive health with earlier detection of gastrointestinal sensitivities and diseases, which leads to better nutrient absorption, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of colorectal cancer
• Personalized stress management techniques for greater energy boosts, better work-life balance, and optimal wellness
• Faster weight loss with tailored approaches for those who have excess body fat
• Precision nutrition coaching for sustainable weight management, mindful eating habits, and optimal fueling for better workout performance and faster recovery
• Earlier detection of potential health risks and personalized prevention strategies for medical conditions for which you are genetically predisposed
• Targeted medical treatments that can have enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse reactions and side effects

Genetic tests analyze DNA to identify potential health risks, guide preventive care strategies, and customize healthcare and treatment options — including dietary guidance, preventive screenings, fitness goals, and custom wellness goals. 

Who Should Know About Your Family Medical History? 

Your family medical history is valuable information that can decode the best way to optimize your health. While it might feel important to you to safeguard this information, it should be shared with your trusted healthcare professionals, such as: 

• Your primary care doctor: Your personalized healthcare provider can use this information to assess your risk for chronic conditions, recommend appropriate screenings, and tailor preventive strategies. For instance, a family history of heart disease might prompt earlier or more frequent cardiovascular check-ups. 
• Registered dietitians: Your nutritionist can leverage your genetic background and family health patterns to create customized nutrition plans that address potential genetic predispositions to conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. Based on your genetic profile, they might recommend specific dietary interventions or supplements. These personalized recommendations can help you achieve the most optimal health transformation and create healthy habits that are sustainable for long-term success.
• Physical therapists: Specialists for advanced PT recovery benefit from knowing your family history of musculoskeletal issues or genetic conditions affecting mobility. This knowledge allows them to develop targeted exercise programs and preventive strategies to maintain joint health or manage hereditary conditions affecting movement. For example, a physical therapist might focus on bone-strengthening exercises if there's a family history of osteoporosis. 

Sharing your family medical history and genetic testing results with your team of wellness experts benefits you with more effective medical care that addresses your unique health needs and potential risks.

Where to Find the Best Preventative Medicine Doctors in Chicago

Your comprehensive family health information and genetic testing can equip your primary care doctor and registered dietitian with critical insights to provide you with the most personalized and proactive care possible. For Chicago’s executives and busy professionals, working with a cohesive team of wellness experts can ensure precise testing and healthcare strategies. 

At SHIFT, we offer a comprehensive approach to executive health, combining concierge medicine with primary healthcare services and personalized nutrition coaching to create a seamless, whole-body wellness strategy. Our team of expert physicians and registered dietitians work to provide Chicago's business leaders with thorough executive physicals, ongoing primary care, and tailored nutrition plans that address unique health needs and goals.

Our patient-first approach empowers busy professionals to take control of their health, optimize their performance, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. By integrating cutting-edge medical assessments, preventive care strategies, and customized nutrition guidance, we help executives build a foundation for long-term health and vitality.