Heart Awareness: Lucky Genes

Laura Cloukey, DO and Medical Director of The Villages Health®, explains how genetics - good and bad - affect our overall health. She tells us of a 90-year-old woman who has been smoking for 80 years, since she was 10 years old, who doesn't have lung cancer and has no need for any inhalers. Doctors study people like her because there's something special in their DNA; something they can't predict.

Dr. Laura explains, "Of course, genetic lineages go both ways. There's the 21-year-old woman with end-stage cancer who can't qualify for a liver transplant because she used to drink a six pack a weekend. Then there's the 85-year-old guy who's been drinking a bottle of Crown Royal every night for the past 55 years, and has no cirrhosis.

"It's a bit of a crap shoot and a lot of it boils down to DNA. You never know if you’re an alcoholic until you take a drink. You never know if you’re addicted to nicotine until you smoke a cigarette. Is that nicotine receptor going to turn on or not? You don’t know until you try a naughty habit. So be careful what you’re trying - but it’s never too late to change. Even though you tried something and now you’re addicted to it…sugar, nicotine, Red Bull, Crown Royal, pizza…whatever you’re addicted to you can always have a behavior change that makes an impact. It’s never too late to try.

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Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment purposes only and it is not meant to be relied on as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your physician before starting any exercise or dietary program or taking any other action respecting your health. In case of a medical emergency, call 911.

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