We have learned that what happens to us in life and the choices we make can to a large extent determine our health journey. What’s particularly fascinating is that your life choices can even influence how your genes themselves “behave.” To take one example, a recent study found that smoking altered the activity of certain genes in lung cells that normally form a barrier against environmental toxins. Another recent study suggested that it may actually be possible that fathers who smoke could pass genetic damage on to their children.
Although modern medicine does not know of a way to repair genetic damage, it’s never too late to make choices that can point your health in a better direction. If you smoke, the sooner you quit, the more you can reduce your risk of serious health problems and stop the damage you are doing.