Medical professionals have long been aware of the fact that people from different ethnic backgrounds carry different risk levels for some medical conditions. As such, it’s important that steps be taken to compensate for the medical disadvantages that come with a patient’s genetic makeup. Here are just some of the ways that you can proactively compensate for the risks that may affect you because of your ethnic background.
Know What You’re Prone To
The first step in combating whatever ethnic medical disadvantages you may have is to know just what they are. Research the conditions that are associated with your ethnic background so that you have a complete picture of your own risk profile. You should also ask your doctor what you might be susceptible to as a result of your genetic makeup.
Take Optimal Care of Your Heart
Many conditions that are affected by ethnic background involve the heart and cardiovascular system. African Americans, for example, are extremely prone to high blood pressure. This condition, if left unchecked, can contribute to heart attacks and strokes. If you eat properly, exercise and have your heart checked regularly by a medical professional, you can greatly reduce genetically inherited risks and improve your chances of a long and healthy life.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
As with heart disease, genetic traits play a key role in dental health throughout a person’s lifetime. People from India, for example, have been shown to be more susceptible to periodontal disease than other populations. Visiting a dentist, like Jay A Hollander DDS, often can help to combat and prevent such serious dental health problems. Since tooth alignment and discoloration also have genetic components, a visit to a specialized cosmetic dentist can also help you to keep your teeth in optimal condition in spite of any genetic factors working against you.
Balance Your Overall Risk
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about the fact that your genetic makeup predisposes you toward some illnesses. What you can do, however, is eliminate lifestyle risks in order to offset that fact. For example, Asian Americans, who are extremely prone to osteoporosis, can change their diets to include more calcium. By adjusting your lifestyle to better fit your individual health needs, you can combat the increased risks posed by your ethnic background.
The key to combating medical disadvantages stemming from your genetics is to be proactive. The more you can do to mitigate your risks, the better off you will be. Always be sure to seek the advice of your doctor, as he or she will be able to give you personalized insights into the plan that is right for you.
