Now, if someone in your family
has had an illness or disease,
do you ever worry that you could get it, too?
Well, now there's a way to find out
if, in fact, you are at risk
for developing certain conditions based on your genetics.
And that is so important, in my opinion.
So joining me to explain is Jessica Greenwood.
Now, she is a genetics consultant with MyHeritage.
So, welcome.
I really appreciate you being here.
(audience applauds)
I find this really intriguing,
and I understand that MyHeritage has a new at-home test
that gives you health reports based on your DNA.
So tell us about that, 'cause I think this is critical.
Dr. Phil, I'm really excited about this development.
It's the MyHeritage DNA Health+ Ancestry Kit.
So, MyHeritage can now test not only your ethnic origins,
like we did for you last year.
Right.
But also, your genetic risk
to develop certain health conditions.
So how does it work?
So the MyHeritage DNA Health Kit
is really simple and easy to use.
You just swab your cheek, send in your sample,
the results are analyzed in a lab,
and then sent to you directly via email
within a few weeks.
Right.
And I really wanted to find out about my health risks,
so I'm really excited to see what you did find out,
because I did this.
(laughs)
So, tell me what you found out.
And it's okay, no secrets, it's okay to say whatever.
Well, Dr. Phil, your DNA shows us
that you are quite healthy for a 69-year-old man.
(laughs)
(audience cheers)
Yeah, all right.
So it looks like you're stuck with me for a while.
(audience laughs)
Okay, but what are my health risks based on my DNA?
So your reports are based on your level of risk.
So let's start with some of the 11 conditions
for which you are at average risk.
Okay.
Like what?
Like Crohn's Disease and Heart Disease.
Okay.
Late-onset Alzheimer's Disease,
Late-onset Parkinson's Disease.
Okay.
And Age-related Macular Degeneration,
which is an eye disorder.
And here are some of the other conditions, as well.
These look a bit complicated,
but you can break them down, right?
Of course.
So, the Hereditary BRCA Cancer report
looks at three main cancers associated
with the BRCA, or BRCA gene.
Right.
And so for men, that's male breast cancer,
prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Right.
Hereditary Thrombophilia is an inherited clotting disorder
that increases the risk for an abnormal blood clot.
And then finally, MUTYH-Associated Colorectal Cancer
is a genetic syndrome that can lead to cancers
of the large intestine, the rectum, or the colon.
Right.
Again, you were only at average risk
of developing these conditions,
which means that your genetic risk
is the same as that of the general population.
Okay, all right.
So what else did you find?
You were at significantly decreased risk
of developing Celiac Disease.
Okay.
That's an autoimmune disorder
that can cause a sensitivity to gluten,
which is found in things like wheat or rye or barley.
Okay.
People like you who do not have a specific genetic variant
have an almost 0% chance of developing the condition.
Now, is there anything else that I need to know?
Yes, the final report is for Type 2 Diabetes.
Okay.
This report shows that you're at slightly decreased risk
of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Okay.
And why would that show even a slightly decreased risk
when I have Type 2 Diabetes?
Well, it's a really important example
for people to pay attention to.
These reports are based on your genetic risk,
but there are other factors that can cause you
to develop specific conditions,
even if you're not at increased risk for them.
So in the example of your Diabetes,
it could've been brought on based on other lifestyle factors
like your diet or your BMI, your Body Mass Index.
Yeah.
So what can people do if the report shows an increased risk
for one of these areas?
In the United States, the increased risk reports
are reviewed by one of our partner physicians
to determine if a genetic consultation is recommended.
And if so, a consultation with a genetic counselor,
either by phone or by video, is included
at no additional cost.
So that ensures that our users have the support they need
to interpret their reports appropriately.
You know, I think knowledge is power,
and I think everybody should learn
about their own genetic health risk.
While it certainly doesn't replace
regular medical check-ups,
it can definitely give you specifics
that you can discuss with your doctor.
And if you'd like to learn about your genetic health risk,
just go to myheritage.com/health
and order your kit today.
And I did it, so I can tell you, it's really interesting
and it's so easy to do.
And just for my viewers right now,
I arranged for everybody to get 50% off
for your MyHeritage DNA Kit.
(audience applauds)
All you have to do is type in the code DrPhil.
I wanna really encourage everybody to do that.
So, I wanna thank all of my guests today,
and a special thanks to dating expert Matthew Hussey.
And also, a special thanks to Jessica Greenwood
and MyHeritage.