How many times have you heard people say that they were destined for certain health conditions because of “bad genes” or genetics?
In medical settings, we hear this all the time! Many patients that come into the clinic say something about their “bad genes”.
It is a negative statement that can leave people with the conclusion that they may as well give up on making good choices (like exercise!) because they believe their efforts won’t change anything.
What does the research say about genes and health?
Fortunately, research tells us that this idea of bad genes is far from the truth! While there are conditions that we are predisposed to genetically, our daily habits have an enormous impact on the quantity and quality of our days.
In fact, a research study was released last year sharing more great news about our morbidity and mortality in relation to activity level. Check out this summary from Institute for Clinical Medicine:
“Higher amounts of light physical activity and moderate to vigorous physical exercise were associated with lower mortality regardless of genetic risk. Conversely, higher amounts of sedentary time were associated with higher mortality rate regardless of genetic risk. You can only get away with good genetics & poor lifestyle for so long before time catches up to you. Regular activity & exercise always win in the end, even if you have “bad genetics”.” [1]
What does that mean? It means that, regardless of your genes or genetic predispositions, exercise and physical fitness help reduce mortality (death) rates! One good way to test your current physical fitness is our totally free Sit to Rise Challenge.
Additionally, a study(2) published by the Journal of the American Medical Association Network in 2021 demonstrated great news about Dementia. Most of the information we hear about Dementia is that it is genetically predetermined and beyond our control. Interestingly, this study concluded that there is a progressive DECREASE in dementia risk as activity level INCREASES! Even a small amount of regular physical exercise was shown to be a factor in risk reduction.
What does that mean for you?
So what should you do?
Anything!
Talk to your doctor if needed (or book an appointment with one of out therapists), and begin with small goals. If you are not exercising at all, make a goal to walk 5-10 minutes a day for at least 5 days next week. If you are already participating in cardiovascular exercise, buy some small weights from amazon or a thrift store and begin lightweight resistance training.
Want more ideas? Check out Susannah’s take on the 5 Best Pieces of Home Exercise Equipment.
Find something you enjoy, bring a friend along, and commit to beginning now – don’t wait for the energy and motivation! It usually follows the discipline, not the other way around.
Summary
If you experience pain, or are concerned about some genetic factors that may impact your ability to regularly exercise, go see a physical or occupational therapist! (Book an appointment with us here!) A physical or occupational therapist will work together with you to assess your current physical status and can help you develop an exercise or activity plan that works with your lifestyle and routines. Whatever the scenario may be, physical and occupational therapy is a cost effective solution that can help you improve both your physical health and your quality of life!
References
[1] Posis AIB, Bellettiere J, Salem RM, LaMonte MJ, Manson JE, Casanova R, LaCroix AZ, Shadyab AH. Associations of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time With All-Cause Mortality by Genetic Predisposition for Longevity. J Aging Phys Act. 2022 Aug 24:1-11. doi: 10.1123/japa.2022-0067. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36002033.
[2] Yoon M, Yang PS, Jin MN, Yu HT, Kim TH, Jang E, Uhm JS, Pak HN, Lee MH, Joung B. Association of Physical Activity Level With Risk of Dementia in a Nationwide Cohort in Korea. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Dec 1;4(12):e2138526. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.38526.
