1. Amazing fact that few people are aware of…
There has been a lot of hype around genetics these past few decades. We’ve been led to believe that your health is dictated by your genes. Here’s a word you need to know… epigenetics. It’s a word literally meaning “above the gene.” Here is a simplified explanation… There are markers on genes that allow them to be expressed or inhibited. Genes just sit there, they are like an instruction book. Genes can be turned on or turned off. When you hear someone referencing the Alzheimer’s gene or the breast cancer gene, those genes can be present, but never active. What dictates whether a gene is turned on or turned off is the environment… what you’re exposed to, your lifestyle habits, stress, and other behaviors. So here is the great news few people know about or talk about… you can turn off bad genes, and turn on good genes, by living a healthier lifestyle. There are some very powerful studies that showed cancer fighting/suppressing genes getting turned on, and cancer promoting genes getting turned off in just several weeks of eating better, incorporating moderate exercise, doing relaxation techniques (breathing and mediation exercises), and getting more rest. Just know this… your genes are not your destiny. I have heard it said this way… Genes load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger. So as they study genes, gene mapping, gene splicing, or anything to do with genes… your genes are still under the influence how you live. This has been one of the most powerful (and exciting) things I’ve learned. Click here for a short 5-minute video that might help explain it better than I just did.
2. Super scary fact…
I asked several patients this week if they knew what the three leading causes of death in the United States are. Most knew the first two… heart disease and cancer. ALL of them were rocked when I told them the third… MEDICAL ERRORS! Yep, the third leading cause of death in the U.S. is medical mistakes. Wow! A John Hopkins study indicated medical errors being responsible for over 250,000 deaths (other reports indicate up to 440,000 deaths). Don’t believe it? Google “third leading cause of death.” This is crazy, upsetting, and unacceptable. I say it often, that I am not anti-medicine by any means, but safer, more natural alternatives should be sought as a first resort… not a last resort.
3. Something I told my son this week…
I believe the best way to lead is by example. I know my biggest influence on my children will not be what I say to them, but the example I provide through my behavior. However, I still throw out words of wisdom whenever possible. This week, I was in the car with my son, and we were talking about not trying to act like you know what you are talking about if you don’t. I told him to notice that I will be speaking and sharing if I know a lot about a topic, BUT if I do not know what I am talking about, I will get quiet and listen. We have all heard that we have only one mouth, but two ears. It is wise to listen up if you want to learn from those around you that know more about something than you. You don’t want to be (or at least I don’t want to be) that person that acts like they know everything about everything… when you don’t.