The greatest history book ever written is the one hidden in our DNA.

Spencer Wells

November is the season of Thanksgiving, a time to express gratitude for the blessings of life, health, and family. Traditionally, during Thanksgiving, families gather around a delicious table spread with turkey, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and an array of mouth-watering desserts. It is the perfect opportunity for proud cooks in the family to showcase their culinary skills. However, novice cooks who insist on adding raisins to every dish are not welcome!

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the importance of being healthy and alive, which is true wealth, especially during this season. Our eating habits play a crucial role in either fueling or depleting our bodies. Every day, we make a conscious choice to nourish our bodies with either life or death through our food choices. This is a heavy statement but emphasizes the significance of maintaining a healthy diet. Although I strive to be health-conscious, my Southern upbringing around comfort foods is sometimes hard to resist.

National Health Awareness Month is observed in November to raise awareness of specific illnesses such as diabetes, lung cancer, COPD, Alzheimer’s, and others. One particular disease hits home for me and my family. I lost my grandfather to lung cancer thirty years ago. I remember receiving the word that he had been moved to hospice. Whenever I hear the word hospice, it’s just a nice way of doctors telling you there is nothing more they can do. My father went to the hospice center to see my grandfather before he transitioned, and he witnessed something that totally changed his lifestyle choices. During his visits, my grandfather would occasionally regurgitate particles from his lungs. When my father shared this story with me, he quit smoking that day. This experience was a wake-up call for him and motivated him to change his way of living.

My grandfather was a chain cigar smoker. As a child, whenever I went to see my grandfather, he was always smoking. I was too young to know the damaging effects of smoking. Surprisingly, I loved the smell of his cigars. It was this scent that let me know my grandfather was nearby. In my innocence, I had gotten used to the smell, not knowing that its carcinogens were slowly taking my grandfather’s life.

My grandfather’s passing was a devastating blow to us, especially my father. After my grandfather passed, his sisters began to pass from the same dreadful disease but in a different form. My father took note of this and often talked about the Big C running on his side of the family. He took measures to keep it at bay. My father stopped smoking and eliminated red meats from his diet. He only ate salads, fish, chicken, and other things he felt would keep carcinogens out of his body. My grandfather’s death made him more health conscious, but that still didn’t prevent him from making his famous German Chocolate cake!

As I reflect on my conversations with my dad from childhood to adulthood, I can’t help but wonder if family illnesses are genetically inherited. Being a genealogy enthusiast, I find it exciting to discover new things about my ancestors. However, I never considered the relevance of my family’s DNA history of illnesses until recently. I came across a woman’s inspiring story of how genetic testing helped her prevent breast cancer, which had affected most of the women in her family. Her story made me realize the importance of taking proactive measures for our health and wellbeing.

Today, with genetic testing available, we have an incredible opportunity to learn about our potential health risks and take preventative action. If a particular disease runs in our family, we should take every measure to safeguard our health and make positive lifestyle choices. While genes have an impact on our health, we can still control our lifestyle choices. The beauty of life lies in the power of our choices. Let’s cherish this gift to the fullest.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s prioritize our health by scheduling an appointment with our doctor and inquiring about our family’s genetic history of illnesses. We have the power to take control of our health, make informed decisions, and pave the way toward a purposeful life.

For more information, visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/genetic-testing/about/pac-20384827