1. Are these tests you want to take?
While many are doing it every day, home DNA testing isn't recommended. The lay person doesn't know how to interpret the results. You may just get yourself upset over nothing or miss a result that has clinical value (it's important). Contact a genomics or genetics clinic at a local university or genetics lab to evaluate your chances of getting a comprehensive genetic profile to determine your risk of becoming symptomatic with a disease.
You'll likely need to get a referral from your doctor who will determine if there is a medically necessary reason for getting the assessment. For example, if a family member has Parkinson's or another kind of disorder or disease that has a genetic component, your doctor will be more inclined to make the referral.
On another note, what about taking a urine sample to see how old you are biologically instead of chronologically? The free radical theory of aging is thought to be the most accurate representation of our true age. It measures the oxygen byproducts that are produced during normal metabolic action. Oxidative damage reflects aging and can be determined by a new test of urine. The test is not yet available for personal use.
A test that is available for personal use is a DNA test to determine IQ. Again, I can't recommend it because there are so many more aspects to a person's success, academically or in life, other than an IQ test, which is basically a test of your educational success, that have great impact on doing well later on. At this point, the predictions from the test are not "highly accurate.
Read about the test and how to get it in this article. Remember, if you plan your child's future on the outcome of this DNA IQ test, you are likely to be very, very wrong. Don't put limits on your kid's future from the information you get from a cheek swab.
While many are doing it every day, home DNA testing isn't recommended. The lay person doesn't know how to interpret the results. You may just get yourself upset over nothing or miss a result that has clinical value (it's important). Contact a genomics or genetics clinic at a local university or genetics lab to evaluate your chances of getting a comprehensive genetic profile to determine your risk of becoming symptomatic with a disease.
You'll likely need to get a referral from your doctor who will determine if there is a medically necessary reason for getting the assessment. For example, if a family member has Parkinson's or another kind of disorder or disease that has a genetic component, your doctor will be more inclined to make the referral.
On another note, what about taking a urine sample to see how old you are biologically instead of chronologically? The free radical theory of aging is thought to be the most accurate representation of our true age. It measures the oxygen byproducts that are produced during normal metabolic action. Oxidative damage reflects aging and can be determined by a new test of urine. The test is not yet available for personal use.
A test that is available for personal use is a DNA test to determine IQ. Again, I can't recommend it because there are so many more aspects to a person's success, academically or in life, other than an IQ test, which is basically a test of your educational success, that have great impact on doing well later on. At this point, the predictions from the test are not "highly accurate.
Read about the test and how to get it in this article. Remember, if you plan your child's future on the outcome of this DNA IQ test, you are likely to be very, very wrong. Don't put limits on your kid's future from the information you get from a cheek swab.
2. The "Weekend Effect" is a research-proven phenomenon based on a study of 1.4 million patients. Read about it here. It's important.
3. Here are two resources for learning more about The Golden State Killer and Michelle McNamara's possible role in catching him "from her grave".
4. Bob called in about his girlfriend of a year who seems to be unable to make even basic decisions. She also holds onto her criticisms of him until she explodes. He wasn't sure about the future of the relationship.
We discussed ways to teach her about the dynamics of a healthy adult relationship which she still has not learned, apparently, in her 37 years. I also asked him to look at the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder to see if anything "clicked".
Borderline Personality Disorder is a difficult condition to treat, but medically, the depression that is typically part of the disorder is treated and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which has a social skills component, can be effective.
However, Bob needs to determine if he wants to stay in the relationship before taking on therapy with her. It's a rigorous and long-term course of treatment. Both Bob and his girlfriend need to be committed to the full ride.
Thanks for joining us! See you next week on the radio!
Claudia
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