Healthy Habits Can Help Offset Genetic Risk March 16, 2023 If health were determined solely by genetics, then what you eator if you exercise would not matter. And wouldn’t it be great if healthy habits alone could preventdiseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes? When it comes to staying healthy, lifestyle and genetics areboth important factors. However, recent studies have shown that lifestyle has aneven bigger effect on our health than previously thought.Unlike genetics, habits are things you can change, sohealth care providers are talking to patients about healthylifestyle improvements. “Lifestyle changes can have a tremendous impact on ourhealth,” said Brandi Boller, DO, a family physician at Samaritan. Even small steps can lead to lasting health results. “Adding a few minutes of walking to your day, drinking morewater and consuming less processed food can really add up,”Dr. Boller said. Dr. Boller often counsels patients about diet, sleep andexercise, as well as tobacco and alcohol use. Theseconversations are guided by a person’s goals, circumstancesand motivation. “Some people want to feel better, or breathe better or havemore strength, energy or endurance,” she said. “Otherswant to take less medication or increase their longevity andquality of life.” Prevention and early detection are keys to maintaining healththrough regular checkups and health screenings. Becausethere is a hereditary component to conditions such as cancer,heart disease and diabetes, care providers pay attention tofamily health histories. Having a genetic predisposition to a medical condition doesnot always mean you will develop that condition. It is oftenlifestyle that determines whether the illness will manifest.Many chronic, genetic conditions, including diabetes andhypertension, can be reversed with lifestyle changes. Samaritan Endocrinologist Melanie Jackson, MD, focuses onlifestyle interventions first. “We see where they are with their health now and help them tosee what the next step might be,” Dr. Jackson said. There isn’t one plan for ideal health. “With managing conditions like diabetes, the work is on thepatient and I’m giving them education and advice,” she said. Genes do play a role in the risk for many diseases, includingheart disease, the leading cause of death for both men andwomen in the U.S. But research has shown that up to 80% ofheart disease may be preventable through lifestyle changes. Samaritan Cardiologist Tyler Earley, DO, chose his specialtyto help people prevent heart disease. He assesses the risksof heart disease through a patient’s personal risk factors or acardiac CT. This scan can visualize plaque buildup in the heart,which is used to guide treatment options, such as lifestyleinterventions and medicines when necessary. “Exercise and nutrition are proven to help people live longerand better,” Dr. Earley said. Samaritan Internist Stacy Braff, MD, transformed her life from“semi‑couch potato” to triathlete and ultramarathon runner.She now helps patients address the root cause of many of theirillnesses through lifestyle changes. “I made some life changes that will likely keep me healthier andprolong my lifespan,” Dr. Braff said. “Whether your desire is towalk around the block without having to stop, improve chronicmedical problems, be around to watch your grandchildrengrow or even run a marathon, your doctor can help youachieve your goals.”