Genetics
 |
 |
Send to a Friend |
Genes are the blueprints for everything made in your body. You inherit them from both biological parents. In addition to personality, intelligence and physical make-up, genes are responsible for passing along health problems or diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cancer or cystic fibrosis.
Genetic counseling and possibly gene testing may help clarify your health and help you make decisions about how to manage them your own health risks or to help assess risks for your children or other relatives.
Before your decide about testing, talk with your health care provider and with a genetic counselor, a person who specializes in helping interpret complex family histories and in helping people understand complex genetic tests and how their genes affect their health.