Why is medication management important?

Genetic testing is a great option if you're looking for a way to find your relatives. With genetic testing, you can identify your ancestors and learn more about your family history. Genetic testing can also help you understand your risk for certain diseases and conditions. Here's a look at some benefits of using genetic testing to find your relatives.

You can find out more about your family history and where you come from

Adding family history to your story is an exciting journey that can bring you closer to your ancestors and place you in the bigger picture. Knowing more about your background can paint a vivid story of who you are and where you come from, giving more context to your identity. Through searching public records, reviewing documents from families, or through DNA genealogy testing tools, exploring your family tree provides a critical link to connecting with generations past. Not only are old relatives made new, but uncovering unique pieces of history and attributing them to one's own identity creates a sense of belonging that no other discovery can provide.

You can learn about any potential health risks that may be passed down from your ancestors

When it comes to your health, you can't be too careful. One of the best ways to gather important information about potential risks that may have been passed down through your ancestors is by learning more about your family's medical history. Not only will this help you get a complete picture of any potential diseases or conditions that might develop in the future, but it's also extremely useful knowledge regarding preventive measures you can take right now. Of course, no one can predict the future, but having as much insight into past health issues as possible will give you a better understanding of what you may need to look out for in terms of your own longterm health and well-being.

You can connect with long-lost relatives who share your DNA

The internet has made it much easier to connect with long-lost relatives. With the advances in DNA testing, you can learn more about who you are and where you come from. If you take a simple saliva sample or a few drops of blood, your results can provide scientists with information that could help you identify possible relatives who also share your genes. No matter how big or small the connection may be, learning more about your heritage through genetic analysis can make for a fascinating journey of discovery. It can bring comfort knowing that there are others connected to you in ways previously never considered before.

The tests are relatively inexpensive and easy to take

Taking tests as a way of assessing knowledge can be an intimidating prospect, but fortunately, there are tests that are relatively inexpensive and easy to take. Thanks to technological advances, technological literacy is needed less and less to understand how to complete the tests. They may be multi-choice or written - whatever their format, they provide students with a tool that measures what they have learned. While it's important to remember not everyone will pass the tests or obtain the desired results, those taking them can at least take comfort in knowing they won't be breaking the bank while doing so

The results of the tests are private and confidential.

Keeping the results of tests private and confidential is a practice that carries a great deal of importance. Without this promise, individuals would not be able to get accurate, unbiased results of their tests that would be applicable to the health services or procedures they are undergoing. Test results should not be shared with any third party without explicit written consent from the person in question. Not having their results remain private could have dire consequences for the person, both medically and personally. Confidentiality ensures that only certain individuals involved in each individual's test will receive access to the results, allowing them to make necessary modifications if needed. To uphold privacy regulations, organizations must hold themselves accountable and employ effective security systems in order to protect the sensitive information they obtain.

If you're interested in learning more about your family history, there are a number of reasons to consider getting a DNA test. These tests can provide valuable information about your ancestry, potential health risks and even long-lost relatives. And with advances in technology, they are becoming increasingly accessible and affordable. At AncestryDNA, we offer a simple, easy-touse test that can help you learn more about your unique family story. Plus, our results are private and confidential so you can be sure that your information is safe with us. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you connect with your past.

Resources

Genetic testing can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty and help people make informed decisions about managing their health care[1]. It can also provide information about health risks, such as the risk of developing a genetic condition or disease[2], and can be used to identify relatives through examination of DNA variations[3]. Additionally, it can guide medical care by providing a clearer portrait of risk which may lead to additional diagnostic testing or monitoring, healthful lifestyle shifts or other treatments[4].

1. What are the benefits of genetic testing? -
   MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/testing/benefits 
   Genetic testing has potential benefits whether the results are positive or negative for a gene mutation. Test results can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty and help people make informed decisions about managing their health care. For example, a negative result can eliminate the need for unnecessary checkups and screening tests in some ...
2. Genetic Testing | CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
   https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/gtesting/genetic_testing.htm 
   Genetic testing looks for changes, sometimes called mutations or variants, in your DNA. Genetic testing is useful in many areas of medicine and can change the medical care you or your family member receives. For example, genetic testing can provide a diagnosis for a genetic condition such as Fragile X or information about your risk to develop ...
3. What is genetic ancestry testing?: MedlinePlus Genetics
   https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/dtcgenetictesting/ancestrytesting 
   What is genetic ancestry testing? Genetic ancestry testing, or genetic genealogy, is a way for people interested in family history (genealogy) to go beyond what they can learn from relatives or from historical documentation. Examination of DNA variations can provide clues about where a person's ancestors might have come from and about ...
4. What are the pros and cons of genetic testing - U of M Health
   https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/health-management/pros-and-cons-of-genetic-testing-what-toknow-before-you-go 
   You can take action: A clearer portrait of risk can guide medical care. "Certain genes are associated with more severe diseases," Aatre says. "Some genes respond to certain medications and treatments better.". That, depending on circumstance, might lead to additional diagnostic testing or monitoring, healthful lifestyle shifts or ...