Have you ever wondered what are in your genes? On Oct. 30, NSU will be hosting an event that allows students to participate in genetic screening in the Rick Case Arena at the Don Taft University Center from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is hosted by JScreen, a genetic screening program in association with Emory University.
The genetic screening will screen for 226 different diseases through saliva tests collected the day of the event. Within a few weeks, the genetic counselors at JScreen will get in touch with those tested to explain the results and answer any questions they may have. The screening does not diagnose any of the diseases, but rather it tells whether one is a carrier of said diseases.
“It’s for later in life, for when these students are ready to have children. It is important to know what you’re a carrier of so we can help prevent these diseases in our future kids,” said Hillary Kenner, director of national outreach for JScreen.
While the screening may be aimed more at those with jewish ancestry and the diseases that follow with that particular background, the screening tests for diseases that anyone may have, as well as diseases that are more common in other ancestaries.
“We screen for all sorts of things. About half the diseases are more common in people with jewish ancestry, but the other half are just seen in the general population. It’s important for everyone to get tested,” explained Kenner.
Although college students at this point may not be thinking about children or reproduction, the purpose behind the screening is awareness. Students who are carriers now will be carriers in the future when they are thinking about family planning. Kenner states “People are just really grateful because not only are we creating access to testing, but we’re putting this on people’s radar.”
The Hillel organization on campus has been involved with putting the Genetic Screening event together. With the screening of diseases high for those of Jewish ancestry, Hillel has been getting the word out about the event. Lauren Oback, Director of Jewish Student Life for Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, said, “Not only is this something interesting and relative, but this is also something that is very important as far as our health goals.”
The event does require prior registration, which you can do by going to Jscreen.org and filling out the information. JScreen also asks that you do not eat, drink or smoke 30 minutes prior to the screening. The screening is free for the first 50 students with insurance with the code Nova2019. Find out what is in your genes!
Sourced: O. Chea
