| How
true is the belief that genetics and the acquired traits from
parents have a role in dictating physical and emotional behavior
and feeling?
Researchers at Saint Louis University School
of Public Health reveal that genetic makeup can partially determine
the state of physical and mental health of an individual. Funded
by the National Institute of Aging, which is a component of
the National Institutes of Health, the research found that 33%
of genetics determine the individual’s physical state while
nearly 36 percent are responsible for dictating mental and emotional
well-being. The study appeared in the November issue of Medical
Care.
According to the chief researcher of the study
Dr. James Romeis, Ph, D., professor of health services research
at Saint Louis University School of Public Health the quality
of life concerned with health as well as the manner we perceive
health and our beliefs on diseases and illnesses have an impact
on capability to work. The genes have much more influence on
the functioning of the body than what we think.
The study involved a total of 2,928 middle-age
white men belonging to the middle-class and belonging to the
Vietnam Era Twin Registry which were interviewed over the phone
concerning the status of their health.
Information gathered from sets of identical
twins (having exactly the same genes) were compared with those
gathered from fraternal twins (sharing half their genes). Eight
factors were asked from the interviewees concerning health-related
quality of life namely bodily functions, its limitations, pain,
general health, energy, capability to socialize, emotional boundaries
and mental health.
The investigation revealed that attitudes are
deeply implanted in the soul and not only on their belief but
also on their biology. The influenced played by the genese have
been left unrecognized and haven’t been given much thought.
Romeis tells that he is doubtful whether any
gene can have an influence on the feeling of being healthy.
However it is likely that the intricate genetic relationships
may have an effect on the feelings on the quality of health.
The findings may give evidence on the manner people make use
of health services such as why there is a greater chance that
people may call the doctor about medical concerns and why people
veer away from the prescribed medical treatment.
It may also provide explanation on why efforts
on promoting and preventing health, such as a new dietary pyramid
and new recommendations for exercise, is not enough to conquer
genetic forces to aid people in improving their health.
Dr. Romeis ended by saying that more studies are needed to strengthen
the findings.
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