Exploring Our DNA With 23andMe

*Photos: Terry Gates
 
We always felt fortunate to be twins and not just twins but identical twins. Twins are either born dizygotic (fraternal); 2 separate fertilized eggs or monozygotic (identical); 1 fertilized egg divided into 2. There is a very special bond we share and so special it is sometimes difficult to elucidate with words. Often we think just how lucky we are that decades ago a fertilized egg naturally selected by chance to split into two.
 

 
The formation of two embryos from one is not hereditary. In fact the explanation of why one embryo splits into two is still a mystery which led us to many unanswered questions. As close as our bond is with each other, the road to our ancestral roots and our family history was similar to one embryo splitting into two…a mystery. So we teamed up with 23andMe to discover more.
 
23andMe exists to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. The name, ‘23andMe’ comes from the fact that human DNA is organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes. This was our first DNA testing together, and we were excited to find out just how alike our DNA was and the origins of those chromosomes.
 
Unlike other DNA services that offer only Ancestral findings, 23andMe not only offers Ancestry Service, but their “Health + Ancestry Service” examines your genes to tell you about your ancestry, health, traits and more. 23andMe has helped more than five million customers worldwide to analyze, compile and distill the information extracted from DNA through a saliva collection kit. Their genetic analysis service helps you better understand who you are, where your ancestors came from, and what your family story might be. You’ll also gain health and genetic traits insights.
 
23andMe’s “Personal Genetic Service​®”​ , was created to help people understand their DNA. You’ll be able to see which regions around the world your ancestors come from and learn how your DNA can influence your facial features, hair, taste preferences, sleep quality and much more.
 
23andMe allows you to experience your DNA in a whole new way. You’ll learn about your ancestry, traits and health through genetic analysis. See how your DNA breaks down globally, discover how much Neanderthal DNA you inherited, explore genetic similarities with your relatives, and connect with people who share DNA with you.
 
Learn more about our results below and our experience with 23andMe as we discovered parts of ourselves we were unaware of even as identical twins.
 
DNA KIT
 

 
For such a detailed ancestry report you might think the 23andMe DNA kit involves extensive instructions. Quite the opposite! We didn’t know what to expect before receiving the DNA kit; however, the moment we opened the box we could instantly see the process would be easy!
 

 
All you need to do is to provide a sample of your saliva. A tube is included in the kit. Simply use the tube to place your saliva in, register your kits online and voila you’re done!
 

 
What is next? Seriously voila you are done! Except for sealing up the package (no postage required and kit is included in the very same box you will use when ready to ship) and walking to your mailbox. The entire process is quick even when you factor in the time it takes you to walk to your mailbox…depending on how far but you get our drift.
 
Now the waiting game begins…
 
RESULTS
 

 
So the results are in! We are identical twins. Ok all jokes aside results are in and results include not only your ancestry breakdown but traits, (explores the genetics behind your appearance and senses) how wellness (find out how your DNA may affect your body’s response to diet, exercise and sleep) and much more. As identical twins it wasn’t surprising to see our ancestry reports are nearly an exact facsimile of each other. It was surprising to see that, albeit nearly identical, they did slightly differ.
 
ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN
 
*Cipriana

 




 
*TK
 

 




 
So yes very, very, very similar but slightly different!
 
WELLNESS
 

 



 

 



 
Particularly interesting is our genetic muscle composition which is common in elite power athletes. Watch out Serena and Usain…yes, go ahead and laugh. They blatantly have nothing to worry about; however, all jokes aside muscle composition is something we never would have pondered until viewing our results.
 
CONNECT WITH RELATIVES
 
You can also opt to connect with relatives that share the same DNA as you.
 
A FEW HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW
 
23andMe takes your privacy very seriously and gives you control over your
genetic information. They let you decide how your information is used and with whom it is shared.
 
23andMe also enables you to opt-in to genetic research and link your data to study topics from ancestry to traits to certain diseases. Your contribution helps drive scientific discoveries — more than 80% of customers opt-in to answer research surveys. On average each person’s survey answers help with over 200 research studies.
 
The 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service contains reports that meet FDA standards.
To date, 23andMe has published more than 45 peer-reviewed studies in scientific journals.
 
OVERVIEW
 
We have to admit this was a rewarding experience receiving our 23andMe ancestry reports and viewing how we differ slightly in our ancestry breakdown. Anyone who is curious about their genetics should definitely give this a try as you may be surprised. (or may just confirm what you already know) However, even if you already know, you can view your genetics broken down in percentages and which are higher or lower than you may have expected. Either way you could be pleasantly surprised!
 
Want to try and discover your own story? Order your own 23andMe kit HERE
 
*Special thanks to 23andMe for sponsoring this post.
 

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How to Make Your Paper Sheet Mask Perform Like a Fancy Hydrogel

Cold, dry weather will be here before we know it.  If you're like me, you're already planning to tackle dry skin with the help of a hydrating sheet mask.  Have you noticed that sheet masks have been evolving lately? It appears that the paper-based masks are being replaced for ones made of gel.

These newer masks are often referred to as hydrogel.  At first glance, you can easily spot the difference between these and their paper-based counterparts.  I made the correct assumption that gel masks would probably run a bit steeper than your run of the mill sheet mask.  After contemplating whether I should invest in a few gel masks, I realized that I already discovered a sheet mask hack that could work even better.
I've mentioned this product in the past, but that was before hydrogel masks become so prevalent.  Before you run out and invest your well-earned dollars in these higher priced masks, I want to let you know that you can create your own.

More accurately, you can convert the sheet masks you already own into one that performs like a gel mask.

How?

Simple. All you need is a silicone sheet mask cover.

Let me explain.

The benefits of hydrogel masks are that they help preserve the hydration longer (because of their gel structure) and they better adhere to the face.  That is exactly what a silicone sheet mask cover does!  You simply place it over your current sheet mask allowing you to wear it for longer periods of time.  You can get a ton of chores done around the house while wearing one of these.  With a silicone cover, your sheet mask will never dry out.

Best of all, your nifty sheet mask cover is completely reusable which makes it a wise investment.  Let's not forget that silicone sheet mask covers are versatile, allowing you to use any of your current favorites.  I may try a hydrogel mask in the future for the experience. But something tells me that I'll be a paper sheet mask wearer for life.  I heard people complain that hydrogels aren't as hydrating yet they cost more.  Why not get a silicone cover that beautifully seals in moisture? Save your money that you'd be throwing away on hydrogels and get yourself something nice.  The only gripe that I have about the mask covers is that I have a big face and they are made for small, cute faces.  Luckily for us, silicone stretches so I make it work.

Cheers to forever hydrated skin!

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10 Ingredients You Should Look For In Your Conditioner

I remember how happy I was to see that there was going to be a new natural hair company launched in Jamaica with all the cool new products I have loved here in the US for the last four years of my hair journey. Nettle and Moss, is a pretty young business but it carries enough […]

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The Beauty Spoon: Get Every Last Drop Of Your Hair Products

So I was co-washing my hair a few weeks ago with my Aussie Moist Conditioner which was running out. Now when one of my products is running out I will usually leave the bottle upside down for a few hours before using it. This makes it easier to get most of the product out of […]

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Three Ways to Walk for Flatter Abs

In an ideal world, I'd be able to get to the gym 3-4 times a week.  But sometimes my schedule doesn't permit. Whether we work out regularly or never make it to the gym, there is on exercise that all of us do every day.  And that is walking.

You may not think of walking as a legit exercise but there are countless testimonials on Youtube that paint a different story.  There are entire weight loss journeys based on the simple premise of getting fit one step at a time.  Today, come to you with additional strategies that transform every day walking into a tummy trimming workout.
Minding Your Posture
Yesterday, I learned of this technique called "abs walking."  To put it simply, abs walking is a method by which we maintain a posture that engages our abdominal muscles while we walk. If you pay attention to your posture, you probably realize that our default stance is slightly slumped forward.  This is probably influenced by hours of sitting in front of the computer. Our shoulders and back are rounded as our entire upper body leans forward. Notice how your belly protrudes when you're in the slumped over position.  Pay attention to what happens to your midsection when you sit straight up and elongate the spine.

With "abs walking" you carry that proper posture with you as you walk.  You back is straight and your shoulders are slightly pulled back.  Here's the kicker, you also lift the head and neck up (no looking down) and pull it slightly back.  Proper posture for abs walking feels slightly awkward because this isn't a natural resting position.  But what it does is slightly activate the abs.  When you're rounded out, the abdominal muscles are caved in. This stance awakens your deep stomach muscles.

Flat Abs Without Crunches
I like to take this abs walking concept to the next level by adding static movement.  By pulling by core inwards, I'm engaging in my transverse muscles as I walk.  As you might recall, transverse muscles lay deep within our inner core muscles. They are activated by an inward pulling motion versus how crunches trigger our outer abs.  When I think of the times when I had a flat tummy, crunches were never involved.  One strategy I took was to pull my tummy in tightly as I walked on the treadmill.  Worked like a dream.

Raise the Intensity
Lastly, I urge all of you flat tummy seekers to step up your ability to burn tummy fat by incorporating interval walking to your routine.  Interval walking is that thing where you alter your walking speed for short bursts.  When you pick up the pace of your steps, for short periods of time, you're engaging in High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).  I'm not a fan of running sprints as a method of high-intensity training.  Luckily for me, I can do a modified version during my walks.  HIIT workouts are amazing because they truly have the ability to target stubborn fat cells that don't respond as well to other forms of exercise.

These three abs toning techniques are great because you can incorporate them all throughout the day.  For example, if I'm going grocery shopping, I walk as quickly as I can from the car to the cart to incorporate a short burst of intense activity.  Interval walking is super easy to do at work, home or pretty much anywhere.  Since learning of "abs walking," I've been paying close attention to my posture as I walk.  This means that I'm activating my core a little more during the day.

 All of that extra activity is guaranteed to pay off. 

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Is Sodium Hydroxide In Your Hair Products Anything To Worry About?

If you are a chemist then sodium hydroxide is affectionately known as NaOH in common conversation. But for me it is just one of the main ingredients found in  hair relaxers and the last time I checked we broke up back in 2008 and sadly the relaxer is no longer a part of my life. […]

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Back To Basics – How To Make A DIY Length Check T-Shirt

Tracking your progress while you grow your hair is pretty obvious to most of us but you would be surprised at how often people think that just glancing in the mirror to see their current length is enough and they will remember where they were for the next time. If you are like the millions […]

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The Staggered Protective Styling Regimen – Grow Your Hair Long The Easy Way

Over the last few weeks we have posted quite a few articles on protective styling techniques complete with tips on how you can use them to retain maximum length in your journey to long hair. I have a confession to make. I rarely retain length myself when I don't protective style. Low manipulation styling is […]

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