CircleDNA

🌙 The Key to Boosting Job Performance? A Good Night's Sleep! 🌙 It’s a no-brainer that sleep can influence one’s work performance during the day. From experiencing improved cognitive function and increased productivity to better creativity, there’s so much more one can achieve with quality sleep. This article by the Sleep Foundation even briefly touches upon the economic impact of a fatigued workforce: https://lnkd.in/e4qGVPw. But how exactly can we improve our sleep? Here are some tips from Sleep is the Foundation: 🤔 Assess Priorities: Reconsider activities that keep you up late; decide if they're worth the impact on your sleep. 👥 Seek Support: Discuss sleep issues with your supervisor or HR to boost productivity. ⏰ Be Realistic: Adapt your routine to stay alert if changing your work schedule isn't possible. 😴 Improve Sleep Hygiene: Develop habits for better sleep, like optimising your bedroom and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. 👨⚕️ Consult a Doctor: Get advice from doctors or sleep specialists for better sleep and managing fatigue. ✨ Here’s a pro tip: you can check your natural predisposition towards different sleep parameters with DNA testing to understand how you can optimise your sleep habits. Invest in your sleep, and you'll see the benefits in your career. If you’re an employer or HR team looking for ways to enhance your team’s well-being, contact us at business@circledna.com. Let's prioritise our well-being to achieve greater success together! 🌟 #CircleDNA #SleepHealth #Productivity #EmployeeWellbeing

🌍 Yesterday, June 19th, was #WorldSickleCell Day. This day is dedicated to raising global awareness about sickle cell disease and the challenges patients and caregivers face. This year’s theme, "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally," calls for a concerted effort to increase awareness, eliminate stigma, and drive meaningful change. 🩸 What exactly is sickle cell disease? This genetic disorder causes red blood cells to become rigid and sticky, forming a crescent or sickle shape. These abnormal cells can obstruct blood flow, leading to severe pain, tissue damage, and complications such as stroke, organ failure, and increased susceptibility to infections. While there is no cure, there are treatment options available for patients to explore with their medical team to help manage their condition. 🔍 Since sickle cell disease is hereditary, children of parents who both carry the sickle cell gene are at risk of inheriting the condition. Early screening for genetic mutations and counselling can be beneficial in managing the disease from an early stage, helping to prevent further complications. By promoting early detection, supporting research, and fostering a compassionate community, we can hopefully make a tangible difference. For an interactive approach to deep dive into the condition, check out https://lnkd.in/gZ9Ph9uN #WorldSickleCellDay #SickleCellAwareness #GlobalHealth #GeneticDisorders #EarlyScreening

[Meet Our Colleagues Series] Please meet Mag Chan 👋! Meet our colleague, Mag Chan, who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce (B.Com.) from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. She is also a Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ) member and The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). With over a decade of experience, Mag began her career as an auditor, honing her financial analysis and compliance skills. She later transitioned into finance roles within the healthcare industry. Over the years, Mag expanded her expertise across sectors and regions, including London, Switzerland, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Her global leadership roles, particularly in R&D budgeting, showcased her ability to manage complex financial portfolios across borders. She also guided strategic initiatives such as ERP implementations and Nasdaq listings, consistently leveraging technology and strategic acumen to drive success in healthcare finance worldwide. Although her experience is in finance, Mag deeply values healthcare work and appreciates how scientific advancements can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. This belief drove her to join Prenetics, whose innovative approach to personalised healthcare through genetic testing aligns with her passion for impactful work and cutting-edge technology. The company's dynamic, fast-paced environment and global presence also offer opportunities for growth and diverse experiences. As for her free time, Mag enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. #CircleDNA #Genetics #Prenetics #PreventiveHealth

Ever wondered why medications affect people differently? It's not just about the pill – it's about genetics, interactions, and inflammation. 🧬💊 Genetic variations in enzyme metabolism can change how meds work, while drug interactions can alter their effectiveness. Even inflammation from conditions like arthritis can throw a wrench in the mix. It's crucial for patients to keep open communication with their doctors about all meds, including supplements. Understanding these factors can lead to more personalised treatment plans and better health outcomes. Genetic testing can further enhance this understanding, tailoring treatments to individual needs. For more information, check out https://lnkd.in/ggrc-E7A or reach out at business@circledna.com #CircleDNA #PreventiveHealth #GeneticTesting #Precisionmedicine 

🍫 Did you know that your sweet tooth could be more than just a preference? It might be linked to your genes! 🤔 To understand this, let’s delve into how humans perceive sweetness through a fascinating process involving taste buds and brain signals. Here is how it works: 👅 When food touches our tongues, taste buds send signals to the brain to detect taste. Each taste bud contains taste receptor cells that can detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami tastes. Specifically for sweetness, the number and sensitivity of these sweet taste receptors are influenced by certain genes, such as TAS1R2, which affect sweetness perception. 🍭 Higher Preference: Genetic variations in sweet taste receptors can lead to differences in sweetness perception. Some individuals might require more sugar to experience the same level of sweetness as others, which can result in a higher preference for sugary foods. It is advised to monitor and limit sugar intake to maintain a healthy diet. 🍬 Normal Preference: If your sweet taste receptors function typically, you may have a balanced preference for sugar and might naturally prefer less sugary foods. Nonetheless, it is important to avoid over-consuming sweets to prevent health issues. While genetic factors can contribute to an increased craving for sugar, there are strategies to manage it. Opting for healthier sources of sugar, such as fruits instead of sweets, and including protein with every meal can help curb your appetite for sugar. If you have concerns, seeking professional advice from a qualified #dietitian could be beneficial. If you are a qualified professional aiming to assist clients with heightened sweet preferences, consider using genetic testing as a tool to better guide them. Remember, their genes might be influencing their cravings the next time they indulge in a sweet treat! #CircleDNA #Preventivehealth #Genetictesting #Nutrition #Wellness

[Meet Our Colleagues Series] Please meet Christopher Preusch 👋! Meet our colleague, Christopher P., Senior Bioinformatics Scientist! Christopher holds an M.Phil. in Life Science and a B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, having studied at Cornell University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Prior to joining Prenetics, Christopher was a lead bioinformatician at a university research lab, where he conducted bioinformatics analyses of multiomics data to study muscle stem cell differentiation, vasculature development, and Alzheimer's disease. Before his transition into bioinformatics, Christopher had also gained valuable experience in software development and data analysis, building data analytics and visualisation systems with teams at Yale University. Although his roots are in computer science, Christopher found his true passion in bioinformatics. This field captivated him from the moment he discovered it, allowing him to combine his love for programming with his fascination for the intricate workings of life. Exploring the vast realms of computational techniques applied to biological data and systems ignited a fire within him that continues to burn brightly. When not immersed in the world of bioinformatics, Christopher is likely on the football pitch, where he channels his competitive spirit and teamwork skills. On lazy weekends, nothing beats walking his adorable toy poodle or firing up the barbecue with friends and family.   #CircleDNA #Genetics #Prenetics #PreventiveHealth

🔍 Understanding World Hypertension Day — Let’s take a look at a Silent Killer 💔 Tomorrow marks #WorldHypertensionDay, which is aimed at drawing attention to the critical need for better hypertension control. If you're not familiar, hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when blood is pumped with a higher-than-normal force against the walls of blood vessels, potentially leading to severe complications such as heart attack or stroke. Understanding the multitude of factors contributing to hypertension is crucial, as even with an ideal lifestyle — including regular gym sessions and reduced salt intake — high blood pressure may persist, possibly due to genetic predisposition. In fact, a family history of hypertension significantly increases the risk of developing the condition. Opting for genetic testing can proactively reveal whether you've inherited this predisposition, guiding personalised preventive measures. What's more vital to grasp is that despite being dubbed the "silent killer”, due to the lack of symptoms until significant damage occurs, high blood pressure poses serious risks. Taking proactive steps to manage this condition is important. The good news? Effective management options are available, empowering individuals to safeguard their health If you wish to further learn about the causes and management of hypertension, read more here https://lnkd.in/dc3smiXH Let's join forces to raise awareness and prioritise proactive measures for better heart health! ❤️ #CircleDNA #GeneticTesting #PreventiveHealth #WorldHypertensionDay 

This weekend marks the celebration of Mother's Day, a moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who shape our lives. 💓 From cherished colleagues to beloved family members and friends, finding the perfect token of appreciation for moms is a heartfelt endeavour. In the workplace, why not elevate the celebration by organising a memorable luncheon or crafting personalised notes of gratitude? If you are looking for a unique thoughtful gift, you can also consider gifting the knowledge of personalised insights on health and wellness from a DNA test like CircleDNA’s. Let's seize this opportunity to express our boundless gratitude and celebrate the extraordinary mothers who enrich our world. If you’re interested in exploring, get in touch with us at business@circledna.com #CircleDNA #Preventivehealth #GeneticTesting #MothersDay #Appreciation

🧬 What are Autoimmune Diseases? 🤔 In recent posts, we've shared the role of certain genes in the development of autoimmune diseases. But what exactly are autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases disrupt the body's defence system, the immune system, designed to protect against infections and threats. In these conditions, the immune system malfunctions, mistaking healthy cells for invaders and launching attacks against them. This abnormal response can lead to various conditions, affecting multiple organs and systems in the body. In fact, some of the more common autoimmune diseases shared below such as psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis affect different parts of the body. More pressingly, however, is the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases around the globe, with diagnoses increasing globally by 3 to 12 per cent annually. This makes understanding these conditions crucial not only for planning effective treatments but also for improving patients' well-being. Fortunately, advancements in genetic testing now allow for screening for predisposition to specific autoimmune diseases, enabling a proactive approach to managing health risks. If you're interested, consider reaching out at business@circledna.com to learn how CircleDNA can support you. #CircleDNA #PreventiveHealth #GeneticTesting #Autoimmune

Have you heard of Crohn’s Disease? 🤔 Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the gut, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fatigue. It happens when your immune system tries to fight against infection, an atypical response causes it to attack the digestive system as well. Smoking or certain medications can trigger these flare-ups. Although a cure for Crohn’s Disease has yet to be discovered, various treatment options are available to manage the condition, including medication and surgery. While the exact cause of Crohn’s Disease can vary among individuals, genetics does play a role. It’s noteworthy that up to 1 in 5 people with Crohn’s Disease have a family member who also has the condition. One of the most commonly implicated genes in Crohn’s Disease susceptibility is NOD2, where changes in the NOD2 gene can interfere with the gut’s ability to protect the body against infection, potentially playing a role in conditions like Crohn’s Disease. That said, other genes and various factors can also contribute to the development of Crohn’s Disease. To discover if you carry gene variations that might increase your risk of Crohn’s Disease, consider a DNA test like CircleDNA’s. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to email us at business@circledna.com. #CircleDNA #GeneticTesting #PreventiveHealth #Crohnsdisease