Health Care Beyond the Symptoms

Dr. Leroy Hood, a contributor to the Human Genome Project and an expert in biological and computational sciences, is calling for a new approach to health care: systems medicine, which looks beyond symptoms and the current state of someone’s wellness. Dr. Hood believes that health is determined by a combination of 30 percent genetics, 60 percent environment/lifestyle and 10 percent health care. By looking at a more comprehensive database of health metrics, from genetic disposition, diet and exercise to sleep, Dr. Hood hopes we can begin to see new connections and gain new insights that will ultimately lengthen our lives.