April 21, 2015 Thanks to new technology, access to genetic testing for heritable cancers is no longer elusive. Until recently, hereditary cancer genetic testing was limited to patients who sought care in high risk cancer clinics. Testing was expensive and reserved for people already diagnosed with cancer or folks who had an extensive family… Read more »
Posts By: Kayla Sheets
DTC Genetic Testing: 5 questions to consider before you buy!
Five key points to help you decide There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not to proceed with online genetic testing or not. Unlike other health screens such as checking your blood pressure, or bone density, knowing your genetic carrier status can alter your own self-perception. There are many considerations that should… Read more »
When Should You Call a Genetic Counselor? Take This 1-Minute Quiz.
March 26, 2015 How did Angelina Jolie Make Her Recent Health Decisions? This week Angelina Jolie bravely discussed the elective surgeries she pursued to ensure she will not get ovarian cancer. By her taking proactive measures, she can now reassure her children that she can be present for their weddings. But she did not make theses life-changing decisions… Read more »
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Lemon Pound Cake by Bella
March 5, 2015 We made this delicious recipe last weekend, and it was the hit of the party! Here’s the recipe, so now you to enjoy a slice of lemony sunshine at home. Servings: Makes 10 servings. • Prep: 15 mins • Total: 55 mins Ingredients: 4 large eggs2 cups sugar [or 1 C, if less… Read more »
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Pros and Cons
Part 1: What is DTC Genetic Testing? February 26, 2015 Last week a company called 23andMe was awarded approval by the Food and Drug Administration to offer genetic testing to you at home. This is the first time the FDA permits a rare disease gene to be screened without a healthcare professional’s involvement. After reading… Read more »
Tracy’s Famous Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
My dear friend Tracy is one of South Boston’s best kept secrets. She is without a doubt the best GF-baker I know, but whenever someone suggests she open a bakery, she shrugs, saying it’s just a hobby. So since her products aren’t available in Whole Foods near you, I’d like to share with you one of… Read more »
Vibrant Gene Founder Featured in Perspectives Magazine
February 17, 2015 Perspectives Magazine, Q1 2015 The founder of Vibrant Gene helped create the first non-English speaking clinical rotation training site for American genetic counselors. Read about challenges that pioneers in genetic counseling face in Chile. Pictured (left to right): Sonia Margarit, CGC; Maria Luisa Guzman, RN; Kayla Sheets, LCGC; in Santiago, Chile…. Read more »
Three-Parent IVF Babies?: allow us to explain…
(Part 1) February 12, 2015 (updated March 9, 2015) Photo by Erin Lee The UK is the first country in the world to legalize the use of 3-parent IVF techniques. The FDA is currently reviewing the technique for use in the US. How can three parents create one biological baby? Much of this post… Read more »
Vibrant Gene’s Beginnings
One Christmas, I thought it would be fun to try out at-home DNA testing for my then-fiance and for myself. I recall sitting side by side on our overstuffed couch, spitting into plastic test tubes and laughing at the slobbery mess we were making. After about a month of waiting, the results were in. We… Read more »