Category: Wellness

What are seasonal allergies? Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, occur when the immune system overreacts to small airborne particles called allergens, including mold or pollens from trees, grasses, or weeds. Seasonal allergies occur at certain times of the year, which can vary depending on what a person is allergic to… Continue reading Seasonal Allergies

Do genetic factors influence your weight? Yes! The fit of your jeans is affected at least in part by your genes. Lots of research has shown that genetics not only impacts how much we weigh but also how much diet and exercise may make a difference. Our weight is the product of genetics, lifestyle, and… Continue reading Genetics and Weight

What is cat allergy? Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance, called an allergen, for a harmful one. When the immune system detects an allergen, it triggers an immune reaction in an attempt to protect the body. In the case of cat allergy, the immune system reacts to certain proteins found… Continue reading Cat Allergy

How can dietary fat impact our health? Fats are an important part of a healthy diet: they give you energy, help build your cells, and help you absorb certain vitamins. There are three main types of fats, but not all types are equally healthy.  Saturated fats are found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy… Continue reading Saturated Fat and Weight

What is dog allergy? Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance, called an allergen, for a harmful one. When the immune system detects an allergen, it triggers an immune reaction in an attempt to protect the body. In the case of dog allergy, the immune system reacts to certain proteins found… Continue reading Dog Allergy

What is nearsightedness? Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is a common eye condition that affects distance vision. Most cases of nearsightedness develop in childhood and stabilize in severity by early adulthood. People with nearsightedness tend to see nearby objects clearly, but objects farther away are blurry or unfocused. This occurs when the shape of the eye… Continue reading Nearsightedness

How it works Deep sleep is the phase of sleep when it’s hardest to wake up. It occurs right before the REM stage of sleep and may play a role in transferring the day’s events into longer-term memories. In deep sleep, your brain cells produce slow moving waves of electrical activity called delta waves. The… Continue reading Deep Sleep & Genetics

The science of sleep movement Did you know that many people twitch multiple times throughout the night while they’re asleep? These involuntary twitches are called periodic limb movements, or PLMs. During sleep studies, researchers measure PLMs by placing electrodes on the arms and legs of a sleeping person. The genetic link Scientists have identified a… Continue reading Sleep Movement & Genetics

How it works Our muscles are made of two main types of fibers: slow-twitch and fast-twitch. We move our bodies by contracting and releasing our muscles, and fiber types play a role how a muscle contracts. While slow-twitch fibers contract slowly, they tire less easily. Fast twitch fibers contract quickly, offering short bursts of powerful… Continue reading Muscle Composition & Genetics

How it works Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products. Most babies are born with the ability to digest lactose, which helps them process their mother’s breast milk. But as children grow older and begin to eat different foods, their bodies can stop producing lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose. In most… Continue reading Lactose Intolerance & Genetics