Expert Solution Preview

Introduction: In this assignment, we will be discussing the web journey questions related to the videos “Your Genes Are Not Your Fate” and “Genetic Heroes.” The questions will cover topics related to factors that determine our health, the role of lifestyle in combating diseases, and the importance of studying healthy people to prevent and treat diseases.

1. How do you think that these videos relate to the topic of factors that help determine our health? Does one video seem more realistic than the other?

Both videos highlight the importance of factors like genetics and lifestyle choices in determining our health. While Dean Ornish emphasizes the impact of lifestyle changes on gene expression, Stephen Friend talks about the hunt for unexpected genetic heroes who are naturally resistant to diseases. Both videos provide a holistic view of the factors that contribute to our health. However, one video does not seem more realistic than the other as they both present valid and evidence-based points of view.

2. The first video seems to give a simple message about how leading a more stress-free life can vastly improve our health. If it’s that simple, why are so many people stressed and sick?

Although leading a stress-free life is one of the significant contributors to good health, it is not always easy for everyone. There are several factors like work pressure, family responsibilities, financial worries that cause stress in people’s lives. Additionally, a lack of awareness and understanding of the importance of stress management techniques can also contribute to the persistence of stress-related issues.

3. In the first video, Dean Ornish closes by saying, “Well, our genes are not our fate, and if we make these changes, there’s a predisposition. But if we make bigger changes than we might have made otherwise, we can change how our genes are expressed.” Do you agree with this statement after watching both videos? Do you think that the lifestyle may actually be able to change your genetic predisposition to disease and health?

Research has shown that lifestyle changes have the potential to modify gene expression, which can affect our susceptibility to diseases positively. Both videos provide supporting evidence for this statement, and thus it is a valid argument. It is believed that making lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising regularly, and managing stress can lead to positive gene expression changes, which can improve health outcomes.

4. Stephen Friend’s video is titled The Hunt for Unexpected Genetic Heroes. Do you agree with using the term hero to describe these genetic anomalies? Why or why not?

The term “hero” in Stephen Friend’s video refers to people who are naturally resistant to certain diseases and can provide insights leading to finding new treatments. Though the term may be unconventional, it is appropriate in this context as these people are role models for identifying novel ways to fight diseases, thereby heralding as the “heroes” who inspire new research.

5. Both speakers seem to have a goal, a vision for our health and how it relates to genetics, lifestyle, or both. What do you believe to be the end game for both of these speakers? What are they trying to accomplish or change?

Both speakers aim to transform our approach to health by highlighting the role of lifestyle and genetics in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Dean Ornish focuses mainly on the power of lifestyle in controlling diseases. He wants to change the perception that diseases are a matter of fate and to promote the idea that diseases can be prevented or managed by lifestyle choices. On the other hand, Stephen Friend advocates for studying healthy individuals to understand the complex interactions between genetics and the environment and to find new ways to develop effective treatments.

6. Stephen Friend strongly feels that the path to preventing and better treating diseases and health is to study the healthy people more closely rather than studying the people who are already sick. Do you agree with this idea? What may be some issues or drawbacks to his approach?

I agree with Stephen Friend’s idea that studying healthy individuals can provide valuable insights into disease prevention and developing effective treatments. However, some possible drawbacks to this approach may be that it could be time-consuming and may not result in immediately actionable insights or tangible outcomes.

7. If you had a genetic predisposition to a disease that you were aware of, who would you call, Stephen Friend or Dean Ornish? Why?

If I had a genetic predisposition to a disease, I would prefer to call a genetic specialist like Stephen Friend, who can help me understand the complexities of the disease’s genetic makeup and how to manage it accordingly.

8. How are the ideas of the two speakers similar? How are they different? Compare and contrast these two videos with specific examples of how these speakers’ viewpoints are both alike and different.

Both speakers share the view that gene expression can be modified positively to improve health outcomes. They also emphasize the importance of lifestyle in controlling diseases and promoting good health. An example of their difference in approach is evident when Dean Ornish focuses on promoting specific lifestyle choices like exercise, dietary changes, and stress management to improve health outcomes. On the other hand, Stephen Friend highlights studying healthy individuals who are clinically resistant to certain diseases, which can help provide critical genetic insights towards developing new treatments.