When people interested in Navigenics hear that genetic counseling is a core part of our service, they usually have two things to say. The first is “Great!” The second is “What do you do, exactly?”
Here is a look at who we are, and how we can help you make the most of your genetic insights.
Genetic Counselors are highly trained health professionals with specific expertise in medical genetics and counseling, but many people have never had access to us. That separation reflects the traditional role of genetic information in health care. For a long time, genetics focused mostly on either rare diseases or pregnancy. As a result, you might have been referred to a Genetic Counselor only if a rare condition ran in your family, or if you were considering a genetic test as part of having a baby.
But as science uncovers the genetics of common health conditions, Genetic Counselors are moving to center stage in health care. Think of us as genetic health advisors. With advanced degrees and professional credentials, we can help you understand your genetic information, how it works within the larger context of your values and your life, and how you can turn it into steps towards better health.
Above all, we help people realize that their genes are not their destiny. Genetic Counselors may be deeply schooled in genetics, but we also know that each of us can make important choices that modify our genetic risks to build healthier lives.
Professional guidelines state that genetic counseling should be a part of every quality genetic service, and we agree. Navigenics puts a special emphasis on offering genetic counseling. We help our members:
- Interpret their Navigenics genetic test results
- Assess family history, a powerful part of everyone’s health picture and an important consideration in genetic test results
- Understand how other factors, such as behavior and lifestyle, affect genetic risk
- Use genetic information to create personal health plans
- Share genetic test results with doctors effectively
And here are a few of things we don’t do:
- Just talk about genetics – we talk about your genetics as part of your health
- Just counsel people about emotional reactions – we talk about every aspect of your genetic experience
- Give you strict guidance to follow – we help you make decisions that are right for you
- Repeat what you already know – we work with you to uncover valuable genetic insights you might not be aware of otherwise
If you’d like to learn more, let us know. As genetics become a regular part of everyone’s health, this is a new era for Genetic Counseling. We’re excited to be an integral part of the Navigenics service.
Synjones Aug 21, 2008
Many people have never had access to the counseling. But Genetic Counselors are highly trained health professionals with specific expertise.
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Synjones