When the possibility of DNA testing for identifying possible
health issues is raised, a sizable segment of the medical community responds
that such testing is unnecessary because a family health history is more
useful. Fortunately, I believe the number of practitioners espousing this
belief is diminishing. Actually, it’s not either/or. Genetic testing should be
part of a comprehensive family health history.
Those of us who have been serious family historians for a
while, recognize that we rarely have a complete health history of three or more
generations of our family. Even if we have been able to collect death
certificates for our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents (along with their
siblings), really don’t have detailed information upon which medical diagnoses
can be based. Some of our relatives died in wars, childbirth, epidemics or
other causes before their underlying health conditions manifested themselves.
In addition, many the causes of demise listed on many death certificates are
too vague to add much guidance to present day diagnoses. Most patients, when
asked to fill out family health histories in a clinician’s office, have far
less reliable information than those of us who are genealogists.
DNA testing, even if is of whole genomes, also represents
other challenges. Many medical practitioners are not knowledgeable about DNA
and may feel threatened to admit this to their patients. This avenue to
information within our bodies was not available when most of them received
their professional training. Much as we might wish it were the case, DNA
testing cannot provide information on all the causes of our current or future
states of health. Environmental factors still contribute significantly. The long running “nature” versus “nurture”
debate rages on.
Part of RootsTech 2016, which I attended earlier this month,
was an Innovator
Showdown competition for a prize pot of $100,000. An international field of
46 competitors was narrowed to 12 prior to the conference. At the Media Dinner
on Wednesday, that group was narrowed to 6 finalists. On Friday these remaining
competitors were interviewed before thousands of attendees. The panel of judges
then selected the winners with participation of the audience who voted on their
smartphones. First place went to TapGenes.
The winners received $20,000 in cash and additional in kind awards that more
than doubled that amount.
Yes, the eagle eyes of some readers have identified Judy
Russell, The Legal Genealogist, seated
in the lower left background, who was a member of the distinguished panel of
judges.
TapGenes offers you the convenience of keeping all your family health history in one safe and secure place.
A visit to the TapGenes website will explain what this prizewinning app has to offer you and your family. If you wish to signup right away please use this link.
