The Future of Medicine – Precision Medicine

Have you ever been frustrated that your doctor prescribed the same medication to you, even though you never felt relief? Have you ever wished for a diagnosis or treatment tailored specifically to your own unique body and lifestyle? Precision Medicine could be the solution! It is an emerging approach for disease prevention and treatment that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person. This week on the blog we will explore the possibilities of precision medicine and what it could mean for our health.

BACKGROUND ON PRECISION MEDICINE

The healthcare community has come to a consensus that a one-size-fits-all approach to medicine is no longer effective in treating the vast complexities of modern diseases. It simply cannot take into account all of the factors that contribute to an individuals’ health, from genetics and lifestyle to environment and nutrition. As such, precision medicine has emerged as an innovative approach to health care tailored specifically for each individual patient. Precision Medicine focuses on identifying biomarkers, which are defined as biological characteristics or features that can be used to identify a disease state, diagnose a condition or predict an outcome. These biomarkers are being studied in detail to identify genetic factors that may influence responses to drugs, treatments, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This type of individualized medicine is seen as the future of healthcare, as it promises to be more effective in preventing and treating diseases than traditional methods.

PROBLEMS WITH ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL MEDICINE

One of the major problems with traditional medicine is that it overlooks individual differences in genetic makeup and lifestyle. This has led to many ineffective treatments and even misdiagnoses, as doctors are unable to take into account each patient’s unique biology when it comes to prescribing medications or diagnosing diseases. Furthermore, there is evidence that certain medications may have different effects in different populations, due to a variety of genetic and lifestyle factors. In addition, many traditional treatments are often expensive and can have serious side effects that may not be immediately apparent until long after the treatment has begun.

DOES PRECISION MEDICINE NEGLECT “EVIDENCE-BASED” TREATMENTS?

No! Precision medicine does not negate the importance of evidence-based treatments, but rather seeks to reconcile them with personalized approaches. It is important to use evidence-based treatments whenever possible, however precision medicine may be able to identify which treatments will be most effective for a given patient.By taking into account an individual’s genetic makeup and lifestyle, precision medicine can provide more precise and effective treatments for that patient, without sacrificing safety or efficacy.

This approach also seeks to reduce costs associated with treatments, as doctors are able to make more informed decisions with regards to which treatments will be most effective for a particular patient.

HOW PRECISION MEDICINE WORKS

Precision Medicine works by using a combination of advanced medical technology and analytics tools to analyze a patient’s data. First, doctors collect an individual’s medical history, symptoms and lifestyle. This information is then combined with genetic data from a patient’s DNA to create a unique “map” of the person’s health. From this map, doctors can better understand what treatments may be most effective for that particular patient. Precision Medicine also looks at environmental factors such as air quality or stress levels, which can influence a person’s health. By taking into account all of these variables, doctors are able to create more customized treatment plans for each individual patient.

TIME, DOSAGE, AND INDIVIDUALITY

Just like there are 24 hours in a clock and 365 days in a year, each person is different when it comes to their body’s response to medications. That is why precision medicine takes into account the specific time that a drug needs to be taken as well as the dosage needed for an individual patient. By using biomarkers and genetic information, doctors can more accurately predict a patient’s response to certain medicines and tailor it to their specific needs.

PREVENTION IS KEY

Precision Medicine is not only being used to treat diseases, but also to understand the root cause of them and prevent them from occurring in the first place. It can be used to identify people who are at higher risk for certain conditions so that preventive measures can be taken before it’s too late. For example, precision medicine may be able to pinpoint genetic markers that put people at greater risk for certain types of cancer. This would allow doctors to customize early screening tests and treatments for those patients, potentially preventing the disease before it even starts.

FUTURE OF MEDICINE

The possibilities of precision medicine are still being explored, but one thing is certain: this new approach to health care promises to revolutionize the way diseases are diagnosed and treated.

INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN OPTIMIZATION – OUR APPROACH

At the Institute for Human Optimization, we use our signature Precision & Longevity Medicine approach to help you achieve optimal health. Our individualized multi-omic approach focuses on prevention and utilizes advanced technology to increase healthspan and lifespan. It takes into account the unique genetic makeup of every patient, as well as their lifestyle, environmental factors and medical history. Our integrated approach allows us to develop personalized plans for each individual patient that takes into account all factors affecting their health.

By leveraging the latest state-of-the art technology in genomics, testing, biomarkers, and imaging in conjunction with advanced therapies , we strive to help each patient achieve their health and wellness goals. Founded by Anil Bajnath, MD, you can be sure that you are getting the most effective, personalized care possible. Contact us today to learn more about how our approach to Precision & Longevity Medicine can help you reach your optimal health and longevity. 

References

  1. FDA Precision Medicine
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/about/precision_med.htm
  3. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/precision-medicine
  4. https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-turning-discovery-into-health/promise-precision-medicine
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Exploring the Intersection between “Purpose” and Longevity Medicine | Institute for Human Optimization

Do you find joy and fulfillment in the day-to-day activities of your life? Studies show that discovering your purpose can lead to a longer, healthier life. This week on the blog we explore the intersection of purpose and longevity medicine.

Longevity Medicine is an emerging field that focuses on increasing the length and quality of life by focusing on preventative measures and proactive interventions. This new field has spawned a multi-disciplinary approach in which nutrition, exercise, mental health, genetics, lifestyle factors, robotics and artificial intelligence all come together to help individuals reach optimal health. By understanding certain aspects of our health and lifestyle, we can increase our chances for a long life.

DEFINING PURPOSE

Recently on the blog, we discussed Blue Zones – places in the world where people live much longer and healthier than any other place in the world. It has been discovered that each of these Blue Zones have something in common – they all have a strong sense of purpose. People who find meaning and satisfaction in their daily lives tend to live longer. The sense of purpose provides them with motivation, drive and focus to take care of themselves.

So what is purpose, and how does it relate to longevity medicine? Okinawians , one of the world’s healthiest populations, believe that “ikigai” — a concept which loosely translates to “reason for being”— is their key to living 105 years. In Costa Rica, the residents of Nicoya Peninsula are keenly aware of “plan de vida” — a life plan that drives their behavior and decisions.

Purpose is a sense of meaning in life. It can be derived from activities or experiences that bring joy and fulfillment. Purpose can be found in many places and is unique to each individual. The key is to find something you are passionate about, something that will give your life meaning. It can be anything from spending time with family, volunteering for charity work or taking up a hobby like gardening. Whatever it may be, connecting with a purpose can help you live a longer and healthier life.

Purpose is a powerful motivator. It can help you stay focused on what matters most in life – health and wellness. When you find something that gives your life meaning, it helps to give you clarity and direction. Knowing why you are doing something will help to keep you motivated and driven to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

STUDIES

Dr. Robert Butler, the first director of the National Institute on Aging, found that purpose is essential for a longer life. His research on longevity medicine revealed that people who find meaning in their lives tend to live 6-10 years more than those who do not. The Journal of American Medical Association in a cohort study of 6985 adults showed that life purpose was significantly associated with all-cause mortality.

The intersection between purpose and longevity medicine is clear. By finding a sense of purpose in our lives, we can foster better health habits that lead to a longer life. Keeping an eye on our diet and physical activity will help keep us healthy. Connecting with family, friends, and your community can also help give you a sense of purpose which can lead to improved mental health.

At the end of the day, longevity medicine is about finding ways to increase quality of life. And it turns out that purpose can be a powerful tool in this pursuit. When we find something that brings us joy and fulfillment, it helps to give us motivation and drive to maintain healthy habits. So, take some time today to find your purpose and start living a longer and healthier life.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN OPTIMIZATION

At the Institute for Human Optimization, we are a Maryland based Functional Medicine & Longevity Medicine practice that partners with you to become your health intelligence partner with the goal of optimizing your health. We accomplish this with our signature precision medicine approach. Our providers use a combination of therapies that are tailored to your specific needs with a health optimization goal. We believe that our Medical Team should make use of the latest scientific research to offer our patients personalized medicine, based on real data. We call this precision health and it is the future of healthcare.

Our focus is not only looking at the root cause, but also to measure, quantify and optimize the patient’s personal health. We take a preventative approach, personalized, and precise approach in helping our patients control their risk factors early on in order to avoid chronic illness down the road. Our team of medical providers use a comprehensive approach with every patient that comes into our office, looking at all aspects of health including lifestyle, environment and genetics. There are no generic one size fit all protocols. No two patients receive the same treatment plan since we work with each individual to create a personalized plan. We empower our patients with the right tools and information, so they can take control of their own health. This is the future of longevity!

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Unlocking Hearth Health & Longevity with Precision Medicine | Institute for Human Optimization

According to the CDC, One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular Disease (also known as Heart Disease) is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death, but it doesn’t have to be. Precision medicine is an integrative approach to cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment that considers an individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and exposures as determinants of their cardiovascular health and disease phenotypes.

WHAT IS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE?

Cardiovascular disease (also known as heart disease) is a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. It includes:

  • Coronary Artery Disease also known as Athrosclerosis which is build up of plaque in the arteries leading to a heart attack;
  • Cerebrovascular Disease: blockages in blood vessels that lead to stroke;
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease (narrowing of the arteries outside of the heart);
  • Hypertension: high blood pressure;
  • Congenital Heart Disease: malformations of the heart and major vessels;
  • Heart Attack;
  • Stroke;
  • And many other conditions

RISK FACTORS

There are many factors that can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as:

  • Age;
  • Family History;
  • High Blood Pressure;
  • Diabetes Mellitus;
  • Smoking and Tobacco Use;
  • High Cholesterol Levels;
  • Being Overweight or Obese;
  • Physical Inactivity;
  • And more!

Assessing Genetics

We have resources and tools to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease based on an individual’s genetic profile. For example, at the [Institute] we can order a Genetic Profile specifically for Cardiovascular Health. This test that we use can detect genetic polymorphisms (or variants) of genes that may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, atrial fibrillation, stroke and dyslipidemia. We use this this test with the aim to reduce the prevalence of heart disease and associated conditions by early risk detection to then focus on personalized primary prevention.

Advanced Diagnostics

In addition to genetic testing, at the Institute we can also leverage advanced Diagnostic Tests. These tests include advanced blood panels, Cardiac CT, Cleerly Heart Scans, and more to get a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s cardiovascular health.

Managing Heart Disease Risk

The key to managing cardiovascular disease risk is making lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet, being physically active, not smoking, and reducing stress are all important strategies for improving heart health. Additionally, regular visits with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other markers of heart health can help identify any issues early on.

LONGEVITY & PRECISION MEDICINE

With heart disease being the leading cause of death for both men and women, it is important to take steps in maintaining a healthy heart. Heart Disease is serious issue that affects millions of people in the United States every year. It is our greatest threat to longevity. On that same note, we have the power to reduce our risk of developing cardiovascular disease. By taking a longevity approach to heart health; combining lifestyle changes with precision medicine, we can reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and extend our healthspan.

We have the greatest opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the fight against heart disease through precision medicine. Precision medicine is an integrative approach to cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment that considers an individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and exposures as determinants of their cardiovascular health and disease phenotypes. This personalized approach often includes tailored medications for each patient, such as more targeted statins or antihypertensive drugs. Precision medicine can also incorporate the use of advanced technologies and data analytics to help better understand an individual’s risk and guide decisions about their care.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN OPTIMIZATIO

At the Institute for Human Optimization, we believe that with access to the right prevention strategies and treatments, everyone has the power to lead a healthy life and reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. We are committed to providing our patients with personalized care and helping them make informed decisions about their health.

Schedule a Discovery Call to get started with us today!

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