The Navigator - Navigenics Blog

Genetic insights into health and wellness

All results for "Macular degeneration" (2)

October 16, 2008

Got your genetic test results? Do tell

Elissa Levin, M.S., CGC,

Navigenics Genetic Counseling Program Director

Posted 01:15 PM PDT

imageIf you’ve received your Navigenics genetic test results, it may be time for “the talk.”

Time to have a candid conversation with your physician about your DNA and what you can do to improve the future direction of your health.

This summer, I blogged about some of the barriers patients might face in sitting down with a physician to go over the results. Fear of discrimination and too-short appointments are foremost on some people’s list.

Yet your doctor can be your greatest ally in your quest to make informed decisions about your health.

And, as one of our satisfied customers relates, having that conversation can be one of the most important steps you can take along the path toward optimal wellness.

In Patrick’s case, it meant early detection and early treatment of a health condition that might otherwise have gone undetected for some time.

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Categories: For physicians, Macular degeneration, Working with your doctor

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August 18, 2008

Don’t let this healthy catch get away

Michael Nierenberg, M.D.,

Navigenics Medical Director

Posted 09:55 AM PDT

imageAn apple a day isn’t enough anymore. Now you also need to think fish or flaxseed in your diet to help keep the doctor away. That is why Navigenics has new recommendations to encourage our members to be sure they get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t snake oil, promising to cure all ills; rather, they are oils from fish or certain nuts and plants, and researchers have found strong evidence that they have many potential health benefits.

These polyunsaturated fatty acids are found primarily in fish and fish oils, but also in some plant-based oils, such as canola oil or flaxseed oil, and certain leafy green vegetables, including spinach, kale, broccoli and seaweed.  They are essential to human health, but cannot be made by the body. That is why it is so important for people to make sure they get sufficient amounts of them through diet or supplements—and to know how much they need.

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Categories: Alzheimer's disease, Crohn's disease, About Navigenics, Breast cancer, Heart attack, Heart disease, Macular degeneration, Rheumatoid arthritis

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