Research constantly uncovers new links between epigenetics and disease. Recently a Harvard PhD, Dr. Liming Liang released findings linking about 30 different methylated genes to asthma risk. Medicine has long recognized a link between a type of immune cell called an eosinophil with asthma and other allergic diseases. Some very expensive drugs were developed, hoping…
(This 2 part post was written by a good friend who worked in a missionary agency, helping missionaries make decision about their health insurance coverage. While some details apply primarily to missionaries, most of the principles can be applied to our lives regardless of location. In a sense, we are all missionaries and should consider…
The great battle between nature and nurture continues. Social scientists, biologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, even theologians have debated for centuries what determines a person’s unique humanness. The field of genetics fired a seemingly victorious salvo against nurture as science discovered sections of DNA called “genes” which decided hair color, eye color, height, and even the presence…
(This 2 part post was written by a good friend who worked in a missionary agency, helping missionaries make decision about their health insurance coverage. While some details apply primarily to missionaries, most of the principles can be applied to our lives regardless of location. In a sense, we are all missionaries and should consider…
Science has a habit of explaining what common sense has already revealed. One might wonder why we do the science if common sense can tell us so much for a much lower cost. Well, understanding how things are biologically connected does help us to work towards therapies and healing at times. Science provides some tentative ground on…
While I appreciate those taking the time and effort to improve the health of our children, there is a bigger picture that is being missed. Yes, the amount of sugar that we and our children are eating daily is damaging to current and future health. Salt is important as well, but some argue how much…
The vaccine debate is heating up thanks to the recent measles outbreak. Many are throwing out their opinions (regardless of whether they know enough to talk on the subject), including Dr. Ben Carson. I expected better of him, but nothing surprises me anymore about politicians. An article about his statement can be found HERE. My…
The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently published the results of a study in post-menopausal women with early hypertension. The study provided daily blueberry powder to half the women and after 8 weeks, those receiving the blueberry powder had a statistically significant decrease in blood pressure. For systolic pressure (the top number) it was…
The Health Co-Op works with Samaritan’s Ministries to offer a conscience friendly alternative to health insurance. As mandates and regulations increase the chance that your health insurance premium dollars go to procedures which you find objectionable, you should be aware of alternatives. This LINK takes you to a recent newsletter from Health Co-Op describing how…
A recent study led by Carole Ober, PhD, Blum-Riese professor and chair of the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Chicago, found few clear links between gene mutations and asthma risk. However, MTHFR was one of the three links that was discovered. The International Business Times discusses the study HERE. My comments are…