Q: (Initially posted on 8/19) FROM MENTEE BRYNN S. IN KS
Hi, I was wondering if there were any jobs out there that related genetics to nutrition, or had a combination of the two. Because I am very interested in going into some form of genetics, but I am also interested in nutrition and exercise. I'm at the point now where I need to start figuring out a major and college, so if you know of any that would be of great help! Thanks!

August 21, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK. FOR BIO. CLICK HERE.
searching on "genetics" and "nutruition" turns up a number of sites,
but none that inspired a great deal of confidence. I think you're
interested in an area where a lot of work will be done in the future,
and learning about genetics and about nutrition will prepare you to
ask the right questions. Look for colleges with strong biology
programs and with programs in nutrition.

A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON. TO READ BIO. CLICK HERE.
Brynn,

Nutrition and genetics are often grouped together for many medical professions.
I'm sure you've heard that high cholesterol affects one's heart. It's also true
that you can inherit heart problems. People with a history of heart disease in
the family need to watch their cholesterol. Exercise and diet can help reduce
high cholesterol.

Breast Cancer is another disease that can be inherited. If your mother, sisters
or aunts have had this, it is something you should watch. Here, diet and
exercise is also thought to affect your health. Also, smokers happen to be more
at risk for Breast Cancer.

There are other connections between diet, exercise and genetics, as well. If
you do a search on genetics and nutrition on a search engine like www.yahoo.com
and www.google.com, you will find many sites on research of these topics.

My brother and sister-in-law have a daughter with Down Syndrome. In their case,
neither parent was a carrier of Down Syndrome. But, my sister-in-law researched
and found that many people believe that certain vitamins, herbs etc early on in
the child's development, can help how he/she develops. So, they tried to follow
(within reason and also while informing their doctors) some regiments. Korryn's
teachers tell my brother and sister-in-law that she is very well developed for a
child with down syndrome at her age. My sister-in-law attributes it to her
diet. Medicine does not back this yet. Research is on-going.

You should be able to find ways to research connections between genetics and
nutrition. You will probably need an advanced degree in medicine.

Kristin