Weight & Genes - The Echo Effect

It was a bright sunny day as the sun snaked through the trees. Dan was resting in the shade and felt very comfortable. Meanwhile, Bill felt warm as he stood watering in the bright sunshine. Neighbor Ann was weeding her flower garden in the bright sunshine and felt extremely hot. On the other side of the street, Jan was doing the same but was wearing a big straw hat and sunshades and wasn't quite as hot.

There is a common bond these four neighbors share. Because some were under trees, or were wearing hats and glasses, they were shielded from the sun's powerful rays. Because Bill and Ann were not shielded, their situation posed a higher risk in being damaged by the harmful rays of the sun. HOWEVER, just because Dan and Jan were shielded from the sun, they were still not protected from the power of the sun. The rays of the sun are so powerful that not even shade and special clothing can completely protect an individual.

This situation is much like our gene pool. Although our gene pool may put us at risk for certain diseases and health issues, we can cut our risks by shielding ourselves via a healthy daily diet, aerobic activity, regular doctor visits - and so forth. Sometimes, even when we do all that we can to cut our risks, we fall prey to our Gene Pool. However, cutting risks and installing shields may prevent us from getting a disease from heredity sooner, or it may shield us from getting it at all.

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