DNA Test for Personalized Wellness: An Investment in Health

• A DNA test/genetic test for personalized wellness, or genomic wellness, represents a new form of health management that utilizes genetic information to create highly personalized health plans.
• Investing in health is no less important than a financial investment as it provides guidance for health maintenance and screening, helping individuals understand which eating habits, exercise routines, or behaviors contribute to good health and reduce the risk of illness.

Currently, genetic testing is widely utilized in the field of medicine for various purposes, such as:

• Genetic testing for hereditary diseases before pregnancy to assist with family planning.
• Precision medicine for cancer patients to determine the most effective treatment based on individual genetic profiles.
• Pharmacogenomics to identify which drug types are most suitable for an individual's genetic makeup, maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing the risk of adverse reactions to certain medications.

A DNA test or genetic test for personalized wellness, also known as genomic wellness, represents a new form of health management, utilizing genetic information to create more specific and targeted health plans. The term ‘personalized wellness’ refers to individualized, precise health planning which recognizes the genetic differences that exist among individuals. Genetic testing plays a role in this planning, acting as a roadmap for healthcare. Just as having an accurate map guides a journey, accurate genetic information guides us toward proper and precise health management. This is made possible through the use of modern technology such as whole exome sequencing (WES), which analyzes over 31 million data points from DNA and provides more than 500 comprehensive reports, making the interpretation of results more efficient compared to other technologies.

1. Patients must fast for at least 1 hour prior to screening.
2. A tissue sample is taken from the inside of both cheeks 10 to 15 times on each side - using a swab.
3. Results are available within 30 to 45 days.
4. A consultation is then set up with a specialist, who will advise patients on healthcare plans based on those results.

The occurrence of illness and disease is influenced by three key factors, as follows:

1. Genetics: A portion of our health issues is predetermined from birth. Some diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, have been found to have a hereditary component, which can be passed down from one generation to another.
2. Environment: Our daily living environment significantly affects our health in multiple ways. For instance, living in polluted areas or near factories emitting toxins can negatively impact health, potentially leading to respiratory or other health problems.
3. Lifestyle: Our everyday lifestyle choices have a profound impact on our overall health. Factors such as diet and exercise play a crucial role, so opting for a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity can contribute greatly to good health, even in cases where genetic predisposition to certain diseases exists. 

By integrating information regarding genetics and environmental factors into our health management plan, we can gain insights into which types of foods to consume or avoid, what forms of exercise are beneficial or detrimental, and which behaviors might lead to or help prevent certain diseases. Crucially, this pathway can become our chosen route, so the earlier we understand these aspects (in our 20s, for instance), the more effective the actions will be in helping to mitigate or avoid the onset of certain diseases, such as diabetes.

Individuals of any gender can undergo screening from as young as 20, because the earlier screening takes place, the more effective the healthcare plans will be for the recipient.

Investing in health is a matter that should be no less significant than a financial investment. This is because investing in health yields only profits and no losses. For example, imagine the value of knowing how to care for and monitor your health, or the value of being aware of which dietary habits, exercise routines, or behaviors contribute to your overall well-being and help you steer clear of potential health risks.

In addition to having quality and reliable laboratory facilities, the accurate interpretation of results and appropriate healthcare planning are crucial. As the saying goes, "one wrong turn could change your life". The path we take in managing our lives should therefore be carefully guided, as there is no destination possible without a starting point. We at Samitivej Genomic And Lifestyle Wellness Center understand that medical knowledge is constantly evolving, so we have a team of expert medical geneticists ready to assist you in creating a personalized healthcare plan, ensuring you have not only good health but also happiness along the way.