We're All Part of One Great Melting Pot

We're All Part of One Great Melting Pot
Regardless of our ethnic background, we can all build on our genetic strengths
- Dr. Brazos Minshew

I recently attended a conference on tribal health among North America's indigenous population. As a Native American myself, I have great interest in the recent discoveries concerning health differences in ethnic groups.

It makes sense that adults and children cannot receive the same medical treatment for disease. The line is a little more blurry between the treatment differences of women and men. And there is often a major alarm sounded among physicians when you bring up the possible differences in treatment between people of different races with the same diseases.

What do you think? Are we really that different? Or does one-size really fit us all when it comes to medical care?

In many ways the differences between people with diverse ethnic origins is only skin-deep. We all require the same things for health and happiness. Certainly, the "10 Essentials for Health and Wellness" (found on page 2) are universal. These cherished guidelines apply to men and women everywhere in the world. However, everyone that has cultivated roses or raised race horses knows that strengths and weaknesses are bred into (and out of) gene pools with each generation.

The same is true for humans. If we stay within a community, as the Native Americans have for centuries, we begin to resemble each other in physical features. We also concentrate common strengths and weaknesses in physical health. Genetically speaking, it takes about 10 generations for a health trait to become dominant when it is concentrated within a community. Our genes really only account for about 8% of our current health experience

Our environment (the natural and acquired toxic load) accounts for up to 40% of our current state. However, 50% or more of our current health is as a direct result of our lifestyle. Remember, it takes about 10 generations to adapt or adjust to a changed environment. So, if our family is immersed into a new environment, the genetic strengths cultivated over hundreds of years may actually prove to be weaknesses in the new environment. For Native Americans, the access to refined carbohydrates and simple sugars, the use of conveniences that do not require physical activity and the exposure to new toxins creates extreme health challenges.

Every ethnic group should be aware of these common conditions and illnesses

For instance, Native Americans have the highest rate of Type 2 Diabetes in North America. Natives of the exact same genetic stock still living in undeveloped areas have among the lowest incidences for this horrible disease.

The same is true for other ethnic groups. People of African descent are genetically unaccustomed to the high salt diet and paucity of sunshine we experience in our current culture. So, African Americans have the highest rate of Malignant Hypertension (high blood pressure) and Prostate Cancer in North America.

People of Scandinavian descent seem to be fine without lack of sunshine. However, they have a high genetic need for Omega-3 essential fatty acids and B-vitamins. With our deficient Western diet, Scandinavians develop high homocysteine and heart disease much more frequently than do others.

People of Asian descent enjoy a very low incidence of Osteoporosis and estrogen-related symptoms in their native lands. For instance, there was no word or phrase to describe the "hot flashes" of menopause until Asians began adopting the bad habits of the Western culture.

Now, Asians not only have hot flashes, but they are one of the highest risk groups for Osteoporosis, a disease that kills more women every year than breast cancer does.

Make your genetic strengths work for you
Ethnic medicine is now a reality. Research has shown us what we already know: One size does not fit all! As we mature in this great melting pot, we will undoubtedly learn what the stresses of our lifestyle and environment are doing to our genes. And, hopefully, we will either change the negative aspects of our culture or adapt to meet these new circumstances.

Of course, that won't happen for several more generations. Until we adapt, we can all benefit from the vigorous application of the 10 Essentials. These rules for building health are the very essence of a standard of living that will give us the opportunity to take advantage of our genetic strengths as we work to improve our lifestyle and culture.

Thanks
 
French Montreville
fmontreville@yahoo.com
1-617-487-4340
http://www.myempoweringteam.ws/
Independent TriVita Business Affiliate, Trivita ID# 13011183