Lifestyle changes your Genes...kind of

I have seen a few articles recently about epigenetics that have interesting implications. Epigenetics describes how environmental and lifestyle factors can change gene expression, and these changes can be passed to offspring. Prior theories held that individual genetic code told the entire story, while newer theories suggest "plasticity" in genetic expression. So, as it turns out, the choices you make in your day to day life can have effects on your unborn offspring. Using a computer as an analogy, your genome is like the hardware while the epigenome is like the operating system and software. The hardware does nothing without the operating system. In the body, the epigenome exerts influence over gene expression. This article explains more.

I have seen previous articles where they used several pairs of identical twins to explain how supposedly heritable diseases were not always manifested in both twins. In fact, the research showed that the epigenome was identical when the twins were infants, but by the time they were adults, the epigenome was completely different.

I expect that we'll continue to see more about this topic in the future now that the human genome has been mapped for quite some time, and researchers search for more answers about genetics.

Labels: epigenome, genetics

posted by Seth at Wednesday, February 11, 2009 | 0 Comments

Athleticism - do you have it?

Many people today are "fit" but still lead a largely sedentary lifestyle. People go get their workout in, but other than that they are sitting in front of a computer or doing some other repetitive work that does not present variety to the body. From a clinical perspective, many of the people that come in for treatment here fit into this category: fit but sedentary. What is lacking from their routine? Why are these "fit" people getting injured? I came across an article written by Vern Gambetta, a well-known person in the strength and conditioning world, that outlines some principles that I believe are core to this problem. I have seen Vern at lectures and hands-on seminars many times, and has insights into training and conditioning that we could all benefit from. This links to an article that he wrote about athleticism.

At Health & Performance Chiropractic, we specialize in a total-body approach to treating sports injuries and facilitation of a holistic conditioning process. If you have an injury or conditioning problem you would like help with, call or schedule an appointment online.

posted by Seth at Tuesday, February 03, 2009 | 0 Comments

Spring. Its what we need.

Well, would you look at that:

















I am not sure if they are tulips or daffodils or what, but they can only mean one thing: Spring!!! Now, its not like our winters here in Portland are all that bad, but that doesn't mean that we can't miss the warmer days. And, as these tender sprouts in my front yard indicate, spring is right around the corner. Woo hoo!!!!

posted by Seth at Sunday, February 01, 2009 | 0 Comments