It's time to change your jeans -- and your genes
We Americans love our jeans -- around 450 million pairs are sold annually! And we like to switch 'em around, wearing some for doing hard work, others for looking Texas glam or cowboy chic. But they're not the only jeans that can be switched to make a very different impact. You can switch your genes around too.
For example, if something in your DNA ups your risk for cardiomyopathy (a disease affecting more than 1 million Americans that weakens the heart muscle, increasing the risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death), getting exercise can lower your susceptibility to heart woes.
A study in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology looked at data on 15,000 folks; 831 had genes that increased their risk for cardiomyopathy. The at-risk folks who got less than the recommended 150-300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly had the greatest likelihood of developing cardiomyopathy-related problems. In contrast, those who worked out regularly were able to tamp down their genetic risk (and avoid developing cardiomyopathy) by stimulating the release of chemicals that promote improved metabolic efficiency, reduce inflammation and make the heart muscle stronger.
This is a vivid example of the fact that genetic predispositions don't lead to an inescapably negative outcome. You can mute genes' impact and take charge of your healthier future. If you want to ease your risk of cardiomyopathy -- and a slew of other genetic predispositions -- "The Great Age Reboot," and join a community of like-minded folks by signing up for my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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