Executive health exams, done by a functional medicine doctor, offer patients more than the typical yearly physical done by a general physician. They provide a deeper and more comprehensive insight into health and wellness. Executive health exams can help patients understand how their body is performing. Not only physically but mentally, hormonally, nutritionally, and metabolically as well. One key cog in grasping the full picture of a patient’s health is understanding their genetics. Much of our health triumphs and troubles are determined just as much by our genetics as by environmental factors. For this reason, genetic panel testing is an important component in any executive health exam.

What is Genetic Panel Testing?

Rather than running individual tests for certain diseases after possible symptoms have already presented themselves. Genetic panel testing provides a total and comprehensive look at a patient’s genes. The genes we inherit from our parents help determine our physical attributes and makeup. Although, they also contribute greatly to the types of diseases we’re susceptible to. Certain health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune disease, as well as many forms of cancer run in families. Many of them have signs or symptoms that possess certain identifiable genetic markers.

Most genes are like light switches, that is you have the potential to produce what the gene is programmed to do, however, they can be turned on or off with diet, supplements, avoiding toxins and other lifestyle factors. They are modifiable however you have to know what genes you have and how to turn on those that enhance health and turn off those that may cause illness.

What’s the Benefit?

A functional medicine doctor can analyze your gene panel to determine what types of health issues you may be susceptible to. Together, they will work with you to develop a course of preventative treatment. This may include altering your nutrition, exercise plan, or adding certain vitamins or supplements to your diet.

Armed with the knowledge a gene panel offers, a functional medicine doctor can help you avoid succumbing to diseases or illnesses to which you’re genetically vulnerable. For example, someone whose gene panel shows a susceptibility towards diabetes can work with their doctor to alter their lifestyle and nutrition before ever actually becoming diabetic. Knowing what to steer clear of ahead of time gives you a certain measure of control over your health and your body.

If you think of the human body as a jigsaw puzzle, your physical health only makes up one small section. Treating the problems that arise with physical health, e.g. obtaining antibiotics to treat acute ear infections, are certainly very helpful. However, without considering the possible environmental, nutritional, or genetic factors that are causing the chronic infections, the treatment can only be so effective for so long. That’s why executive health exams are so beneficial to whole body health. They consider the puzzle in its entirety, rather than just one aspect.

Executive Health Exams by a Functional Medicine Doctor

Now is the time to consider getting an executive health exam by a functional medicine doctor. Especially if you’ve never received one before. It’s never too late to get a truly comprehensive look at your health and wellness. Everyone’s body and genetic makeup are different, which means one-size-fits-all treatment isn’t realistic. Receiving a gene panel test is just one of the many things a functional medicine doctor can provide to individualize your care. Therefore, make you the healthiest version of yourself.

Lorraine Maita, MD is an award winning physician, speaker, and author of “Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.” She can make you slim, sharp, sexy and supercharged. She is an expert in anti-aging medicine, bioidentical hormone replacement, weight loss, medical nutrition, supplements, and executive health exams. Dr. Maita was the medical director for 3 Fortune 100 companies. Furthermore, has a private practice specializing in Functional, Integrative, Personalized and Anti-Aging Medicine in Summit and Basking Ridge, NJ. She educates virtually at www.vibranceforlife.com. She is also an advisory team member for Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life on WOR radio, the #1 talk radio station in the NY Metropolitan area. Contact the office today to schedule your executive health exam!