The Genome Book: A Must-Have Guide to Your DNA for Maximum Health

If you're not a scientist or genetic professional, the whole concept of genomic medicine may be confusing and sound a lot like science fiction. What most people learned in high school about genetics was very limited, and what they remember of that is even less. In addition, the knowledge base has expanded exponentially in recent years, especially since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. In The Genome Book: A Must-Have Guide to Understanding Your Personal Genome for Improved Health, Wellness, and Longevity, author April Lynch brings you a thorough but easy-to-understand explanation of the growing medical benefits provided by the decoding of the human genome. She discusses genes' role in nutrition, cancer, blood and heart conditions, and even behavior, and gives an overview of the various types of available genetic testing and genomic care. She also discusses how your genes are passed on to your children, and the testing procedures that are now available when starting a family. You will also learn how to compile a family medical history to help you pinpoint your potential health risks and how to make lifestyle and nutrition decisions tailored to your genes. There's even a chapter on current laws regarding privacy and health insurance-including the new federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act-as well as detailed sections on ethics and questionable commercial tests. Another valuable feature of this book is a collection of real-life cases in which people's lives have been reshaped by their genomic choices, presented by leading genetic counselor Vickie Venne, a past president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. The book concludes with an exciting chapter looking into the future and touching on the many developments experts believe genomic research will bring us in the years to come.