Online Custom «Epigenetics» Essay Sample

Epigenetics is described as the continuous control of the genes by factors other than the person’s DNA (Jones & Baylin, 2002). The changes involving epigenetics are vital since they can interchange the genes which will determine the proteins involved in transcription. The process of epigenetics occurs in the most cellular processes. Human body cells are of the same DNA but the cells in various bodies differ. Human bodies have different types of cells such as liver cells, inflammatory cells, neurons, and pancreatic cells among others (Jones & Baylin, 2002). This paper aims at discussing the influence of epigenetic factors on human beings, describing observations taken one family as an example as well as giving the recommendations for the health improvement.

The cells and tissues in our bodies differ since people have a particular set of genes, expressed or inhibited. The epigenetic silencing involves turning off the genes which result in the differences in expression. The behavior of an individual does not largely depend on the DNA. The epigenetic factors might influence the behavior of a person to some extent. The changes in some of these factors contribute to the occurrence of diseases. The effects of the external environment on the genes can manipulate diseases while some of the effects are succeeded by human beings. In some parts of the world, where the social systems are centralized, vital information concerning the influence of the genes upon families is available (Jones & Baylin, 2002). This makes it easy for the physicians to coin the best approach to deal with the situation since they can identify the source with ease (Jones & Baylin, 2002).

The epigenetic change is natural and its regular occurrence to some extent is because of such factors as the lifestyle, age, and health condition. The process of epigenetic modification results in terminal differentiation of the cells into liver cells, skin cells, and brain cells. Moreover, in some cases epigenetic modifications can lead to terminal diseases such as cancer. Many types of research conducted aim at uncovering the responsibility of epigenetics in different human disorders and terminal illnesses (Jones & Baylin, 2002).

Family History - Dr. Oz

Most of the deadly or terminal diseases are hereditary and thus it is important that every person has an idea of his/her family’s health. Dr. Oz argues that it is imperative for every individual to take preventive care by knowing the risks of certain diseases. The first step involved in uncovering the terminal disease is sitting down with the family members and noting their health conditions. This is important as one will have to directly examine the health status of every family member. This avoids or eliminates the element of speculation. Dr. Oz applied a simplified method of recording the health status of household members.

The initial process of identifying the disease in my family involves talking to my immediate relatives, that is my siblings and parents, concerning their health conditions and disease history. Additionally, it is important to include the closest family members such as uncles, aunts, and cousins in case their health information is unavailable. The family history worksheet primarily helps to conduct a conclusive research. This sheet consists of four columns with the first containing the condition of disease, the second - the parent who experienced it, the third - the sibling, and the fourth - any other relative. The first column consists of terminal diseases like lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and depression among other diseases (Jones & Baylin, 2002).

The information collected from my family history implies that some diseases are hereditary since they happen to more than one person. Other diseases are not genetic since they happen to some particular individuals. Since the epigenetic modification cause some diseases, lifestyle and age cause differences, and I believe that some people in my family suffering from cancer experienced epigenetic modification. The family history is important since it enables to take different precautions and avoid the occurrence of the genetic diseases.

Blue Zones - Vitality Compass

The Blue Zones website is critical since it gives an individual the opportunity to make a decision concerning a healthy life expectancy. This is significant as it permits an individual to make improvements in specific health conditions. Going by the results, my personal health expectance is average and it is therefore necessary for me to focus on my lifestyle, diet and other outside factors for the purpose of improving my health. The healthy life expectancy basically impacts on the overall length of the life of an individual. It is always the desire of all human beings to live to their old age without any diseases. This can only be achieved when someone focuses on his or her health from youth (Jones & Baylin, 2002).

An individual who is healthy and leads a better life at the young age tends to live a longer life. The life expectancy of an unhealthy person is shorter than that of a healthy one. Everyone wants to stay young and this desire raises the question of how an individual can live longer. A healthy life does not only depend on a diet but also on a lifestyle and some other external factors. In some areas of the world people have a longer life expectancy due to differences in lifestyle and environment. It is important that everyone emulates the lifestyle of people with a longer life expectancy. Below are some of the general measures that I consider when improving my life expectancy and health (Jones & Baylin, 2002).

How to Improve Health and Longevity

In order to improve my longevity, I will take several measures. First, I will ensure that I conduct a thorough research concerning my family’s health and ensure that I visit a doctor frequently for medical check-ups and cancer screenings. The epigenetic mutations can cause cancer under different circumstances and this fact makes it more important to have a medical check-up as often as possible (Jones & Baylin, 2002).

In order to improve my health, I will ensure that I am active throughout my life. It is important to have an active body and thus I will include some quiet intensive work into my daily routine. A walk or a hike is necessary since it helps to strengthen muscles and establish balance. Nevertheless, I will ensure that I cut down on some calories by avoiding overeating when the stomach is full which will help to lower the blood pressure. I will also avoid the consumption of processed foods and meat regularly and include almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts in my diet. Lastly, I will ensure that I consume more water regularly and avoid stress (Jones & Baylin, 2002). Personal health improvement should be taken seriously and as such no one should compromise his or her health status for any reason. A person ought to do exercises regularly and at the same time have a proper diet for the purpose of keeping fit.

Conclusion

In summary, epigenetics cause some deadly diseases and the solutions to these problems are necessary. The family’s health history is important for an individual since it reveals some hereditary diseases and enables one to take special precautions. It is important for a person to do a frequent medical check-up, especially in the case of presence of a genetic disease in the family. The health of an individual determines his/her life expectancy which emphasizes the importance of good health for a person. The health of a person should be placed above and beyond every other need in the family. There should be engagements that have a potential of health risk of any member.