Release date: 2016-03-02
With the gradual penetration of genetic concepts and related genetic testing products into the general public, some companies abroad have begun to provide free genetic testing for employees, which are often associated with metabolism, weight gain and overeating. Other companies, such as Visa, software developer Slack Technologies, and grocery distribution company Instacart, provide breast cancer and ovarian cancer-related gene mutation testing to their employees as one of the company's employee benefits. These new types of benefits can provide advice and guidance to employees' health on a large scale, prevent them early and avoid health problems.
Genetic testing, making employees lose weight more effectively
Because most office workers have high work pressures, irregular diets, and lack of exercise, obesity is becoming more prominent, and genetic markers screening related to obesity is very popular. According to a recent survey by Towers Watson and the National Business Health Group, the cost of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes accounts for a large portion of overall medical costs, and an employee is estimated to spend more than $12,000. Through genetic testing, employees can be encouraged to lose weight more actively, helping to reduce these costs and make employees healthier.
In collaboration with Newtopia, a personalized healthcare company, Jackson Labs will provide a genetically-based health program for 110 people at high risk of metabolic syndrome to avoid heart disease, diabetes and stroke caused by the syndrome. Currently, 29 Jackson laboratory staff have collected saliva to detect three genes: DRD2 ("diet behavior" gene); MC4R, ("appetite" gene) and FTO ("body fat" gene). Newtopia will provide guidance based on the test results. For example, if a person's "body fat" gene shows that they are prone to getting fat, the company will advise them to do more intense exercise.
The cost of this project is about $500 per employee per year, and of course, those without genetic variation can participate. In contrast, a survey by Fidelity Investments and the National Business Health Group showed that the company spent an average of $693 on health incentives per employee this year.
So far, Aetna has signed an agreement with six companies to provide Newtopia's genetic testing genetic health program. Aetna Insurance first provided the project to 445 employees of their company who had a high risk of metabolic syndrome. According to Aetna Insurance, more than three-quarters of the participants lost an average of ten pounds during the pilot program, helping the company save $600,000 (about $1,464 per employee). Gregory Steinberg, director of clinical innovation at Aetna Insurance, said that with this genetic information, the weight loss process is no longer mysterious, especially for employees who are ineffective with traditional dieting programs.
Holly Savage, a biomedical technician at Jackson Labs, thinks he is the kind of person who gets fat when he drinks. Newtopia's tests show that she carries two genetic variants that make it easier for her to maintain her weight. She also carries the variation of the "appetite" gene MC4R, which is difficult to produce satiety. Newtopia suggested that she reduce the consumption of sugar-like addictive foods and start running because genetic testing suggests that she needs more strenuous exercise to lose weight. In the process she lost 42 pounds.
Employee genetic privacy should be taken seriously
Although the company provides genetic testing as an employee's welfare, some people worry that this will violate the employee's genetic information privacy and lead to illegal discrimination. Employees may worry that their genetic information will eventually fall into the hands of the boss. Jackson Laboratories assures employees that the test is voluntary and that the company will not receive any test results. They also ensure that testing and health guidance are from Newtopia, not Jackson Labs. At the same time, Newtopia said that they will not share the employee's genetic data with the employer, but the company can get information about the employee's weight loss. Last October, the US Fair Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) proposed rules that allowed companies to provide genetic health programs for employees and their spouses. As long as the project is voluntary, companies cannot use genetic data to make employment decisions.
Employees' cancer genetic testing needs to be cautious
Last year, nearly 20 companies, including Slack, Instacart and Visa, announced that they would use Color Genomics products to provide employees with screening for genetic variants associated with ovarian and breast cancer. Anne Toth, deputy director of the Personnel Department at Slack, said she hopes more employees will be tested and alert to possible diseases as soon as possible. Nearly 20% of US employees who met the welfare conditions were tested. This situation is more common in high-tech companies.
Cancer genetic screening is tricky. A report by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that many laboratory self-built tests, including some genetic screenings, may be unreliable. Color Genomics and Newtopia did not appear in this FDA report. George Annas, a professor of bioethics at Boston University, fears that in the future, employees may take excessive behavior to cope with genetic testing results, leading to unnecessary medical procedures. Therefore, it is particularly important to further strengthen the concept of genetic testing to the public.
Source: Sequencing China
Increasing the dietary consumption of fruits and vegetables is a worldwide concern, making it a unique opportunity for food & beverage producers. Enriching products with real fruit and vegetable content makes them healthier and instantly increases their overall appeal. Manufactured from carefully selected raw materials and processed using unique drying technologies, our dehydrated fruits and vegetables are tasty, colorful, safe, and easy to use. Our offer includes 100% fruit and vegetable powders that contain no carriers and comply with both baby food and organic standards.
Vegetable Powder,Fruit Powder,Air Dried Organic Beetroot Powder,Organic Beets
Organicway (xi'an) Food Ingredients Inc. , https://www.organicwayince.com