The Experts: Knowing Genetics Helps You Become Health conscious
21.10.2021
Genetics is a powerful tool that allows people to be more aware of their own health issues and the health of society as a whole. This opinion was expressed by Maria Vorontsova, a leading researcher at the National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology of the Ministry of Health, at the expert session of the Third Eurasian Women's Forum in St. Petersburg on Wednesday.
"Genetics is neither a panacea, nor a universal evil. We strongly influence the realization of our genes, their expression. Genetics as a powerful tool can give us the opportunity to more consciously approach our health, as well as the health of our future children and, in principle, society ", - she said.
She noted that the study of one's own genetics is at the heart of personalized medicine, in the essence of which is an individual approach to the patient. The study of genes allows the doctor to take into account the characteristics of the patient and select the necessary treatment. "I think that today it is not entirely possible to implement it everywhere, but behind this, I am sure, the future. In everyday life, this gives a more conscious approach to personal health," said Vorontsova.
During the session, experts discussed the prospects for introducing genetic screening of citizens to detect genetic diseases in a recessive form. This would allow people to realize and prevent the possibility of giving birth to a child with severe pathology. Vorontsova noted that people have the right to refuse such examinations, and informed consent of the patient is one of the foundations of a conscious approach to their own health.
For future generations
Perinatal research is one of the most important areas of genetics. As noted by the candidate of medical sciences Evgenia Baranova, it is useful to study at the stage of pregnancy planning, where experts can calculate the likelihood of rare pathologies, even those that are poorly understood. "Genetics follows all the trends of modern medicine, such as preventive medicine, and it is much more effective to detect pathology before it develops than to treat it," she said.
Food and genes
One of the topics of discussion was the microbiome - the totality of microbes that inhabit the body. A personalized approach is essential for health and nutrition, as developing the right special approach to food contributes to the development of microorganisms necessary for life. "There is a whole set of methods for managing our own bacteria through food and lifestyle, which now fall into the hands of doctors and us. Bacteria are our neighbors, and we need to develop our neighborhood," said Sergei Musienko, a bioinformatist of the Atlas company.
Gender issue
The session speakers also paid attention to the issue of female realization in science in general and in genetics in particular. According to Vorontsova, historically, women are involved in health issues in the family, so their involvement and interest in medicine is very important. "There are a lot of women scientists, women doctors, women geneticists now, I think there is no shortage of women specialists. I can say that the doors are open, and, probably, young girls and girls should not hesitate, there are all opportunities. - both in education and in career ", - the scientist noted.
The third Eurasian Women's Forum, dedicated to the global mission of women in a new reality, began work in St. Petersburg on October 13 and will last three days. The event is organized by the Federation Council and the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The operator of the forum is the Roscongress Foundation.
"Genetics is neither a panacea, nor a universal evil. We strongly influence the realization of our genes, their expression. Genetics as a powerful tool can give us the opportunity to more consciously approach our health, as well as the health of our future children and, in principle, society ", - she said.
She noted that the study of one's own genetics is at the heart of personalized medicine, in the essence of which is an individual approach to the patient. The study of genes allows the doctor to take into account the characteristics of the patient and select the necessary treatment. "I think that today it is not entirely possible to implement it everywhere, but behind this, I am sure, the future. In everyday life, this gives a more conscious approach to personal health," said Vorontsova.
During the session, experts discussed the prospects for introducing genetic screening of citizens to detect genetic diseases in a recessive form. This would allow people to realize and prevent the possibility of giving birth to a child with severe pathology. Vorontsova noted that people have the right to refuse such examinations, and informed consent of the patient is one of the foundations of a conscious approach to their own health.
For future generations
Perinatal research is one of the most important areas of genetics. As noted by the candidate of medical sciences Evgenia Baranova, it is useful to study at the stage of pregnancy planning, where experts can calculate the likelihood of rare pathologies, even those that are poorly understood. "Genetics follows all the trends of modern medicine, such as preventive medicine, and it is much more effective to detect pathology before it develops than to treat it," she said.
Food and genes
One of the topics of discussion was the microbiome - the totality of microbes that inhabit the body. A personalized approach is essential for health and nutrition, as developing the right special approach to food contributes to the development of microorganisms necessary for life. "There is a whole set of methods for managing our own bacteria through food and lifestyle, which now fall into the hands of doctors and us. Bacteria are our neighbors, and we need to develop our neighborhood," said Sergei Musienko, a bioinformatist of the Atlas company.
Gender issue
The session speakers also paid attention to the issue of female realization in science in general and in genetics in particular. According to Vorontsova, historically, women are involved in health issues in the family, so their involvement and interest in medicine is very important. "There are a lot of women scientists, women doctors, women geneticists now, I think there is no shortage of women specialists. I can say that the doors are open, and, probably, young girls and girls should not hesitate, there are all opportunities. - both in education and in career ", - the scientist noted.
The third Eurasian Women's Forum, dedicated to the global mission of women in a new reality, began work in St. Petersburg on October 13 and will last three days. The event is organized by the Federation Council and the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The operator of the forum is the Roscongress Foundation.
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