Understanding Genetics: Key to Health and Disease Prevention

Aisha Odeyemi
Dec 26, 2025
2 min read

Houston, Texas

The Role of Genetics in Our Wellbeing

A hand in a glove uses tweezers to edit a glowing DNA strand on a blue background, symbolizing genetic modification or CRISPR technology. — The double helix structure of the DNA.

Today, when we hear the word “health", the first thing that comes to mind is lifestyle. Of course, this is essential, but there exists another important factor to our wellbeing - genetics. Our genes determine characteristics in our bodies, ranging from eye color to the risk of developing some diseases. Understanding our genes not only allows us to know more about ourselves but also contributes to public health by improving disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, as well as guiding reproductive decisions.

How Genetics Assists in Determining Health Risks

The awareness of genetic background can indeed make a difference when it comes to preventing health problems. By being aware of the risk of passing it down and the potential damage to one's own future. Individuals can take preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. Inherited conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer tend to repeat in families. By being aware of these inherited dangers, individuals can make lifestyle changes, take medications, and get screened on a regular basis to reduce the risk of their offspring acquiring the diseases.

Genes Are Not Destiny

The thing to remember here is that genes are only half the story. Even though they can increase the risk of certain conditions, lifestyle, behavior, and environment are also contributing factors in deciding one's overall well-being. In fact, most chronic illnesses are a result of a blend of genetic and environmental factors. That means even when you inherit certain risks genetically, you can still have control over your health by observing correct nutrition, exercising daily, controlling stress, and staying away from detrimental habits.

The Future of Personalized Health

Gloved hand holds a petri dish with blue colonies in a lab. Surrounding are more dishes, green pipette, scissors, and lab equipment. — CRISPR Gene Editing Tool used to precisely cut and modify DNA

As technology keeps advancing, genetics is transforming the future of medicine. With genetic testing and personalized treatment, doctors are now able to develop care plans specific to an individual's unique DNA profile. Not only does it make treatment faster, but it also addresses the disease before it develops. Genetics isn't just about science — it's about empowerment. Through learning more about our genes, we have the tools to make healthier life choices, live longer lives, and build healthier generations to come.