I recently wrote an article for The Huffington Post, titled “Accepting Your Genetic Destiny” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/accepting-your-genetic-de_b_733881.html
The premise of the article is that certain physical traits, good and bad, are passed on from generation to generation, affecting one’s physical appearance, or beauty. In the hereditary card game of life, each of us is dealt a genetic hand, and only YOU have YOUR combination of looks, personality and behavior. At the same time, you share those traits with some people on earth. You may look like your father but possess your mother’s charm and wit.
It is far healthier to accept your genetic destiny, than to yearn for a pretty nose like your girlfriend or perfect hair like your co-worker. The article urged readers to recognize the many wonderful qualities, both physical and emotional, that they have inherited from their parents.
The article received several comments from readers lambasting me for trivializing the problem of genetic diseases being passed on unintentionally from parent to child.
I had no intention of doing such a thing, as the purpose of the article was to address genetics and DNA, and their affects on beauty only. If I offended anyone, I apologize! I have a dear friend who has a genetic disease, and it breaks my heart to see how it affects her every day life. Yet her courage and tenacity also amazes and inspires me.
We must continue to seek out the cure to these awful diseases and in the meantime, embrace genetic testing.
