All I remember from high school biology is that two somethings of hydrogen and one something of oxygen make up water. Or maybe it’s the other way around. I really couldn’t tell you. Truth be told – I barely passed any of my high school or college science classes (or math for that matter, as long as we’re being honest). My brain always seemed to reject retaining the intricacies of photosynthesis over more useful knowledge, like the difference between ready-to-wear and couture.
However, in the last few years, I have begun to pay much closer attention to what is actually going on inside my body and how can I make sure it’s working at its highest potential. I’m doing all the obvious: drinking more water, eating more fruits and veggies and being more active. I know that slathering on sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, but what if there were a way to predetermine if you are at risk for certain conditions or serious diseases? Thanks to Dr. Brandon Colby and his Extensive Genetics testing, we now have that ability.
Need help drinking more water? Follow these 5 tips!
Inspired by his own childhood experiences with a rare genetic disease, Dr. Colby chose to make a career out of helping others avoid what his genes had predetermined for him. Early on, Dr. Colby realized that his frustration was universal: everyone has genes that are putting them at risk for certain conditions and his goal was to find a way to use that genetic information to allow people not only to predict, but also to prevent those risks.
After years of heavy-duty research (you know – Mount Sinai Medical School, Stanford business school – the usual), Dr. Colby developed the Nexus genechip (exclusively available from Existence Genetics), which is an extremely accurate, time-efficient and cost-effective method of genetic testing that can screen for over 700 rare and common diseases, determine whether certain medications will be effective in combating diseases and provide personalized preventative measures (including diet and/or exercise). All this from a single, non-invasive and completely confidential test.
My genetic journey began by sending a test tube filled with my saliva to Dr. Colby’s lab in sunny Los Angeles. (At least a part of me got to live a bi-costal life for a bit.) From just a tiny vile of spit placed on a Nexus genechip, Dr. Colby put together a “next-generation genetic report”: 2 neat little spiral-bound books with all had found during my test (1 for me to keep, the other for my personal physician).
Don’t worry, they’re explained in a simple way that even my barely-passed-bio-self could understand.
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While the test itself is confidential, I can reveal that I’m not at risk for male pattern baldness (phew!). To say it was an eye-opening experience may be the biggest understatement of the year.
Of course there are those who prefer to not know what his genes have in store for his future heath. But I figure if there’s a way to find out now if I’m at risk for some condition or disease, I’d rather know now so I can take preventative measures. But, as with everything, this is a personal choice.
Existence Genetics is licensed by the state of California, so all the in-person action happens there. Don’t live in Cali? Don’t fret! You can order the test directly from Existence Genetics to your primary care physician and Dr. Colby will send your doctor the testing information and, after processing, the next-generation genetic report to review with you. It’s not quite as awesome as having Dr. Colby there to explain in person; but, then again, it’s a good excuse to take that long overdue trip to LA. Trust us – your genes will thank you.
Travel tips if you decide to go to LA!
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