We all want our healthcare to fit us as individuals. An important piece is having good communication with our healthcare providers. But let’s talk about something even more personal — something totally unique to each one of us. The role of genetics in medication effectiveness and safety Our DNA makes us unique. We differ from one another in eye and hair color, height, gender, physical ability and more. All of
Each of us is unique. We have our own personalities, lifestyles, environments, and genetics. We may enjoy the same things as someone else, or not. Our bodies may respond to a particular medical treatment more efficiently than someone else’s, or not. It’s important that healthcare providers see each patient as an individual rather than as a disease that needs treatment. But how do we make that happen? Personalized medicine allows
Originally published May, 2019. Revised April, 2021; March, 2022, March, 2026 There’s a good chance you take at least one prescription medication or dietary supplement. Almost three-quarters of us do, and 20% of us take five or more. The older we get, the more likely we are to have health problems. And medications are the mainstay of treatment for chronic health problems like heart disease and diabetes. That’s because so
Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common problem among adults. It’s most often caused by iodine deficiency in other parts of the world, but here in the US it’s usually due to an autoimmune disorder (Hashimoto’s disease). More often than not, a diagnosis of hypothyroidism will require lifelong treatment with a thyroid hormone replacement. Luckily, thyroid replacement therapy is relatively simple. Safe and effective oral medications are available and doctors are