How Nature and Nurture Work Together: Genetics and the Idaho Lifestyle

If you live in Idaho, you probably enjoy the outdoors. Maybe it is hiking in the Sawtooths, skiing in Sun Valley, or fishing along the Snake River. That adventurous spirit is part of who we are. Your health is shaped in a similar way. It comes from both your nature (genes) and your nurture (environment and lifestyle).

Nature: Your Genetics

Your genes are like an instruction manual you inherit from your parents. They influence traits such as eye color, how your body breaks down food, and even how you respond to certain medicines. Some genes can also raise the chance of developing conditions like cancer or heart disease.

Nurture: Your Lifestyle and Environment

Nurture is everything outside of your genes. It includes what you eat, how much you move, your stress levels, and even the air you breathe. In Idaho, we are fortunate to have open spaces, fresh air, and countless ways to stay active. These lifestyle choices can lower risks, even if your genes suggest otherwise.

How They Work Together

Nature and nurture work hand in hand. For example:

• A gene may raise your risk for heart disease, but healthy food and regular activity can help keep that risk lower

• A family history of breast cancer may sound overwhelming, but early screening and genetic counseling can help with early detection and interventions

• Pharmacogenomics, which studies how our genes affect how we metabolize medicine, helps doctors match prescriptions to your biology and lifestyle

  
  

Genetic counseling connects these two worlds. You learn what is in your genes and how lifestyle choices can make a difference.

Why This Matters in Idaho

We take pride in being self-reliant. Genetic counseling gives you the same independence in your healthcare. It offers knowledge about your genetic “map” so you can choose the path that is best for you.

Different consult options can help depending on your needs. If cancer runs in your family, a Hereditary Cancer Consult may be helpful. If you are planning a family, a Preconception Genetics Consult can give insight into healthy next steps. If you simply want to be proactive about your future health, a Proactive Wellness Consult may be right for you.

The Takeaway

Think of genetics as the terrain on a trail map and your lifestyle as the path you carve through it. Together, they shape your journey.

Your genes do not decide your future. They give you information you can use alongside your lifestyle to live well. If you are curious what your genes may mean for your health, a genetic counselor can help you explore your options.

Resources

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genomics and Your Health. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics-and-health/about/index.html

American Heart Association. Is heart disease genetic? Here's what you need to know! https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/house-calls/is-heart-disease-genetic

National Institute on Aging. Healthy Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging