Genetic testing

I’m currently waiting on results of genetic testing I had done on me.  There are a few companies out there that do DNA tests on individuals to tell you your genetic disposition for certain traits / medical issues.  It’s not dispositive, of course, but I thought it would be interesting to know. 

It’s made me seriously consider whether I’ll have it done on Oscar as well.  The kits aren’t for use on kids younger than three, but I’m really thinking it might be helpful to have the information when he’s older.  Given that I do not have any information on his medical history from his birth parents, I wonder if it would be better to know what he’s genetically disposed to acquiring.  I’m not a hypochondriac, so I don’t think I’d be obsessed in that manner – I’m more concerned about the things I don’t know.  I know my family has an issue with heart disease.  I’m trying to have a healthier lifestyle to optimize my health in that regard.  If he’s predisposed to certain maladies, would it be better to know about them and try to prevent them (to the extent they’re preventable), or should I just leave it alone?

October 30, 2008 - Posted by Oscar and Etta's mom | Oscar | DNA, DNA kits, genetic disposition, genetics