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Let’s Make 2022 Paw-sitive!

Let’s Make 2022 Paw-sitive!

Happy New Year everyone! We’re sure you’re all busy committing to your 2022 New Years’ resolutions and getting organised this January. If you’re still struggling with a resolution, or if you’re open to more, we have one for you to consider: prioritise your pet’s health! Our pets provide us with many health benefits that we probably don’t even realise (or thank them for)! Having a furry, scaley, or feathery companion decreases an owner’s blood pressure, cholesterol levels, mental health symptoms, and increases opportunities for exercise and socialisation (CDC, 2021). Our pets are truly amazing!

When considering dogs, specifically, there are many health problems that can arise for puppies, adult dogs, and elderly dogs. Common health conditions your dog may experience include:

  • Addison’s disease
  • Allergies
  • Anal sac disease
  • Breeding problems (complications with pregnancy, whelping, lactation, or rearing)
  • Cataracts
  • Cushings disease
  • Degenerative diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Heart congestion and disease
  • Kennel cough
  • Kidney disease
  • Pancreatitis
  • Seizures
  • And many others
Let’s Make 2022 Paw-sitive!
Let’s Make 2022 Paw-sitive!

Many of these illnesses look intimidating, but they are actually very common in dogs of any age (McDowall Veterinary Practice, 2022). It is especially important to note that even if your dog does not present symptoms of a disease or illness, they may be a carrier for the disease, which can be passed onto puppies or create complications later in the dog’s life. For example, a dog can develop an allergy at any stage during their life (just like humans can), even if they have previously tolerated the irritant that is suddenly making them sick.

EasyDNA Australia is proud to present our exclusive dog breed and health test: PetGen. PetGen is exclusive to EasyDNA and the most comprehensive all-in-one canine test you could want! We use your pet’s DNA to provide information about their breed (including a personalised breed certificate), predicted size and life expectancy, hair/coat trait, behaviour trait, and genetic disease profile (both single-gene and complex disease detection). You can even view our sample report to see what this breakdown looks like. The information contained in this document enables you to take charge of your pup’s health and well-being.

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Whether you are a professional breeder or a dog parent, your pet’s health is important to us, and we are here to help you care for them this 2022. There’s no time like the present to put your family first, including your pets!

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The Most Beard-iful Time of the Year

It’s the time of year that we all look forward to, school’s coming to an end, holidays are looming, and we all start thinking of winding down, catching up with family and friends, and of course, Christmas. The month of December is always a busy time, and we often forget to just stand back and take some time to chill after a hectic year. It’s the perfect time to let it all hang out, and by that, we mean your hair!

As the famous song from Disney’s Frozen goes, “Let it Go, Let it Go!” This December, Australians are being encouraged to ‘Let it Grow’, all in the name of raising awareness and funds for research into Bowel cancer. The ‘Beardcember’ initiative, championed by Bowel Cancer Australia is an initiative in which everyone can participate, whether you’re hairy or not! Sign up to grow, dye, decorate, trim, wax or shave your hair (anywhere)!

You can create an individual or team fundraising page in just minutes and invite everyone you know to make an online donation to your hairy fundraiser in support of Bowel Cancer Australia. Create your profile on the Decembeard website, set your target, add a picture and a bit about why you’re getting involved and you’re good to go!

Astonishingly, bowel cancer is estimated to have been diagnosed in more than 15,500 Australians this year alone, and sadly, more than 5200 deaths have occurred. Bowel cancer doesn’t discriminate, and effects men and women, old and young.

There are a number of signs to look out for if you have concerns about bowel cancer, and the signs and symptoms can include:

  • A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks.
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
  • A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

The risk of bowel cancer is largely determined by the lifestyle choices we make, but did you know that your risk is much higher if you have a family history of bowel cancer, or if you have a hereditary condition? Did you know that you can be proactive by testing for your genetic predisposition to bowel cancer? EasyDNA Australia offers the Genetic Predisposition test, which analyses your unique DNA for a genetic predisposition to bowel cancer, as well as 33 other genetic conditions.

The test reveals your risk of developing the disease, and also provides a risk assessment (high, medium, or low) of your developing colorectal cancer during your lifetime, comparing it to the rest of the population. This test is beneficial to people wanting an insight into their potential health future, and may help to alleviate worries associated with having a strong family history of diseases like bowel cancer. Your personalised results can prompt you to take preventative action so that you minimise your risk of getting a genetically inherited disease.

This December, pledge your support to your loved ones, by embarking on a hair-growing or hair shaving journey. Embrace your inner hipster, become a hairy Hagrid, or go for a smooth shaved look to get in the spirit of Decembeard. EasyDNA Australia will be getting hairy throughout December, and we hope that you can ‘Let it Grow’ to help raise vital funds for bowel cancer through this fun initiative.

Multiple Sclerosis ribbon

I Connect, We Connect: World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2021

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Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, is an immune disease that affects the nervous system. A person is affected when their immune system attacks the protective layer around the sensitive nerve fibres, resulting in inflammation and scar tissue. This damage to the nerves makes it difficult for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. From this, MS affects movement, balance, memory, and speech.

In Australia, MS affects more than 25,000 people, with more than 10 people each week receiving a diagnosis. Almost three quarters of people with MS are women, and it is the leading cause of disability amongst young adults.

Three of the most commonly seen early symptoms of MS are:

  • Numbness and tingling that affects the arms, legs, or one side of your face, similar to the pins-and-needles feeling you get when your foot falls asleep. However, they occur for no apparent reason.
  • Uneven balance and weak legs, including tripping easily while walking or doing some other type of physical activity.
  • Double vision, blurry vision in one eye, or partial vision loss. These can be an early indicator of MS. You may also have some eye pain.
Risk factors for multiple sclerosis

It should be noted that these symptoms do not mean you have MS. They symptoms may appear once then not flare up again for a number of months or even years.

World Multiple Sclerosis Day is on May 30, and the universal theme for 2020-2022 is ‘Connections.’ There are many anecdotes of people with MS feeling a distinct disconnect with their families, friends and communities, as it can be such an isolating disease. World Multiple Sclerosis Day facilitates awareness and starts conversations between people with MS and the wider community. Opening up the dialogue about what it’s like to have MS, and how it makes a person feel within their community is an important part in helping non-sufferers understand this complex and often misunderstood disease.

Man in wheelchair posing with others for a selfie photograph

The ambition of the ‘Connections’ campaign is to foster a great connection between people with MS and their local community, connect to the best quality care so that they can live a fulfilling and meaningful life, and most importantly, to self-connect, and create an understanding of what a person with MS can do, as opposed to their limitations.

MS isn’t a genetic condition, however people who are related to someone with the condition are more likely to develop it during their lifetime. Our genes make up half of the risk of developing MS, with lifetime exposure to environmental factors making up the other half.

One way to discover your predisposition is to undertake EasyDNA Australia’s Genetic Predisposition Test, to discover whether or not you have a genetic tendency to developing MS.

The test is as simple as getting a blood draw, from which your unique DNA is extracted and analysed. When you receive your results, they will reveal your genetic predisposition to a number of conditions. The test screens for a predisposition to MS, as well as 33 other conditions, including hereditary cancers, age associated conditions, immune disorders, cardiovascular issues and a number of cancer varieties.

If you know someone whose life is affected by MS, be open and available to them.
MS Australia is asking people to “reach out to someone you know living with MS. Tell those you love that you are there for them. Invite them out for a coffee and check in on how they are going.”
Even the smallest of gestures could mean the world.

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Reveal your child’s genetic future

We’ve all heard of genetic disorders. Some of us might know someone who has one, or we might even have one ourselves. Did you know, that worldwide, there are more than 6000 genetic disorders? This makes them probably more common than you think. So, what exactly is a genetic disorder? A genetic disorder is a health condition that comes about because of a problem with a gene or with a chromosome. A genetic disorder can affect anyone at any time. When something goes wrong with our genetic code, it either happens from birth, or develops later in life. Often, a single gene within a person can suffer a mutation, which often won’t cause any noticeable health issues. Conversely, if a person has a mutation within a chromosome (many genes make up a chromosome), then this usually has more obvious symptoms and indicators.

Chromosomes are made of a chemical compound called Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid, or more commonly, DNA. A gene is a small section of that DNA. We all have more than 20,000 genes in our bodies, making us the unique people that we are!

Did you know that there are some genetic disorders that are so rare, they don’t have an official name? March 18 marked the annual Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN) Day, which aims to raise research funding and awareness of genetic disorders that are incredibly rare. Worldwide, there are thousands of rare genetic conditions, and many more that can be left undiagnosed for up to five years, due to extensive testing measures. This often leave parents and carers at a loss as to how to treat and care for a child suffering from a rare, undiagnosed condition.

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SWAN Australia aims to support and advocate for children who have a rare or undiagnosed condition, and their families. By collaborating with medical specialists, geneticists, schools, and governments, SWAN provides support, understanding, funding and a distinctive community that bands together in solidarity.

The genetic testing process is often a drawn out process, but there are a number of screening tests available from Easy DNA Australia that can reveal your genetic predisposition to a number of conditions. Expectant parents can seek peace of mind with the Prenatal Peace test, which screens for more than 17 genetic conditions. This non-invasive test uses a maternal blood sample, and is 100% safe.

The Inherited Diseases Panel tests for over 300 genes with more than 700 inherited diseases, including Down syndrome, hemochromatosis, sickle cell anaemia, and muscular dystrophy.

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The Genetic Predisposition test analyses your unique genetic profile to determine your chance of developing any of 34 genetic conditions. These include a range of immune disorders, cardiovascular conditions and age related diseases. 

All tests from EasyDNA Australia are analysed promptly by our scientists in safe, secure conditions, and results are returned in a timely and discreet manner.

Prepare for your child’s future, and discover their risk of developing a myriad of genetic conditions.

EasyDNA expands its range of Clinical testing services with the new Celiac Disease Genetic test

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SYDNEY, Australia – (05/10/2017) International DNA testing company EasyDNA continues to expand its product portfolio by introducing its new Celiac Disease Genetic test which screens an individual’s genes to confirm whether they carry the genes implicated in celiac disease.

EasyDNA’s initiative to launch its new Celiac Disease Genetic test stems from the increase in celiac disease awareness over the past few years. Commenting on this development, the company’s Product Manager stated that “celiac disease has moved from being an unknown and rare disorder to a common disease affecting a more than expected amount of people across the globe. This occurrence has encouraged EasyDNA to start offering its customers an easy and reliable genetic testing service which confirms whether the individual being tested is at risk of developing the disease.”

The company recommends that the client consults with a medical specialist when doing this test. The individual’s DNA will be tested by an accredited laboratory for two specific genes, HLA DQ2 and DQ8, which are commonly found in people with celiac disease. Not having these genes will likely mean you will not develop the disease. It is important to note that our genetic makeup never changes meaning that the Celiac Disease Genetic test is a one-time test.

EasyDNA Product’s Manager final comments were “our product vision for this test is to provide our customers with a helpful result, indicating an early warning about the possibility of developing the disease or giving them peace of mind they are not at a higher risk than the population in general.”

About EasyDNA

EasyDNA is an international DNA testing company established in 2006 with operations in over 25 countries across the globe. EasyDNA offers a wide product portfolio of DNA testing services which include Paternity testing, Relationship testing (through siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents), Prenatal DNA testing, Clinical DNA testing, Health testing as well as Ancestry testing services. Over the last decade, the company has carried out over 300,000 DNA tests through an internationally accredited laboratory holding ISO 17025 and NATA accreditations amongst others.

Cutting-Edge, Non Invasive Prenatal Test for Chromosomal Abnormalities launched by EasyDNA

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SYDNEY, Australia – (28/08/2017) International DNA testing company EasyDNA launches a new, non-invasive 99% accurate prenatal screening test for Down’s syndrome as well as fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

The NIPT test is a scientific advancement in the field of screening tests that allows far higher levels of accuracy than more conventional screening tests and is carried out using just a medical blood draw.  In relation to the launch, a company representative states that “This cutting-edge test is 100% risk free and requires only a blood draw. The results of this 99% accurate test will indicate whether the fetus carries trisomies 13, 18 and 21 as well as looking for other conditions caused by missing and extra copies of other types of chromosomes, called sex chromosomes (X and Y).”

In relation to the test’s accuracy, EasyDNA notes that NIPT testing has been widely endorsed by medical specialists over the recent years and is quickly becoming an important tool in the prenatal field. Further to this, the company also highlights that “this test will form the basis for further diagnostic testing using tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling should NIPT results indicate any anomalies”.  The company also highlights a number of other benefits of this test, importantly the fact that the test can be done as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy starting from the first day of the last menstrual period, well within the first trimester.

Further commenting on this joined venture, EasyDNA operation’s manager confirmed that, “The testing process follows the standard industry guidelines and can only be performed via a client’s chosen medical professional.”

The Launch of the NIPT test is in line with the company’s on-going strategy of increasing its portfolio of prenatal tests – a market expanding at an exponential rate and is predicted to touch US$2.38 bn by 2022. A new range of tests are expected to be launched in the near future. EasyDNA is also currently working directly with some prenatal clinics, gynecologists and obstetricians in order to try and create a greater awareness of this test.

About EasyDNA

EasyDNA is an international organization at the forefront of DNA testing companies offering the widest range of DNA tests currently available.  EasyDNA now operates through an international network of offices in over twenty countries, offering clinical testing, parental testing, relationship testing and many other tests.

EasyDNA breaks the Taboo behind Paternity Testing on leading Parenting Website, Kidspot

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SIDNEY, Australia– (23/02/2017) Leading, e-commerce DNA testing company EasyDNA provides key information about the most salient aspects of paternity testing in Angela Saurine’s article,” I had no doubts that he was the father – but he did” (published on Kidspot, December 2016). Angela Saurine, a freelance writer, copywriter and editor based in Sydney, sets out to investigate some of the taboos behind this DNA test within the context of an actual paternity test scenario.

Saurine’s article draws upon much of the information and experience provided by EasyDNA’s General Manager for Asia and Australia Mandy Hughes. In relation to EasyDNA’s feature, which centers on the story of a real individual, a Ms. Hughes notes that “Twenty-five-year-old Perth mum Stacey Davies‘ paternity testing dilemma is one of the most common place scenarios we see – a father doubting whether he actually fathered a child and both parents having to go through the emotional turmoil that DNA testing brings. Luckily, despite the stress and anxiety brought about in such scenarios, a paternity test provides the conclusive answers people need, with a painless sample collection procedure and in just a few days”

Commenting on the feature and EasyDNA’s collaboration with Saurine, Ms. Hughes’ highlights the following: “Kidspot is reputable website with a strong online presence. The website is a point of reference for many parents and in fact describes itself as “the biggest and best parenting website in Australia”. We were delighted to work with Saurine on this feature as EasyDNA realises that some paternity testing misconceptions and myths still linger and need to be cleared – working with a seasoned journalist has helped us achieve one of our on-going aim – to create awareness of what paternity testing is about and the different types of tests available”. Besides such articles helping to create awareness and shed light on such complex issues, the article clearly underscores the fact that the ultimately the rise in demand in paternity tests is itself one of the main factors that helps shatter the taboo behind these tests. Angela Saurine’s full article can be viewed by clicking here.

Over the years, EasyDNA has often been approached by magazines, radios, TV stations and journalists. The company has Featured in Australia Romantic Comedy, Wonderland we well as Home and Away, were EasyDNA was the company chosen to carry out the paternity test on one of the characters in the romantic comedy drama as well as providing DNA testing consultancy to Channel 10’s The Project, a TV talk show and news/current affairs television programme.

EasyDNA’s Genetic Health Test Receives Positive Ratings on Ici Radio-Canada

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SPRINGWOOD, Australia – (11/10/2016) Leading e-commerce DNA testing company has its genetic predisposition test featured on Ici Radio-Canada, receiving overall positive ratings.

Ici Radio-Canada’s Science and Health Journalist Alain Labelle investigates 3 DNA testing companies that offer genetic health testing in Canada, providing an unbiased view of the companies’ service. This test highlights an individual’s genetic susceptibility to various cancers, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular conditions as well as diseases of old age. The 3 companies, AccuMetrics/Viaguard, EasyDNA et 23andMe, were mystery shopped and rated in the following main areas: result turnaround time, the number of diseases tested and the results. Commenting on the article, an EasyDNA representative states that “EasyDNA faired particularly well. We test for a comprehensive number of diseases which is much higher than some our competitors and provide a better customer experience.”

Labelle’s featured article hones into the accuracy of such tests, the potential implications of these home test results and whether people carrying out such tests can derive anything meaningful from them. Genetic health tests have drawn criticism from some proponents who claim these tests need more research and should not be sold directly to consumers who do not understand the significance of their results. On this point, EasyDNA notes that “the test does have its limitations but is well received by our clients. It has been instrumental in helping people discover they had diseases in their family that they had no awareness of and take better control over certain aspects of their genetic health. Moreover, we insist our clients seek the supervision of a genetic councilor when doing taking our test.”

Asked to comment on the only negative score the company received, which was in relation to its very long turnaround time for the test results, the company note “Ici-Radio Canada happened to mystery shop our test during a period when we were upgrading it to include more diseases and streamlining our administrative procedure for genetic health testing. This caused a delay in the results. Now, our test results take no longer than 3-4 weeks.”

Labelle’s article entitled Les tests génétiques en vente libre sont-ils fiables? can be viewed by clicking here.

EasyDNA’s Twins DNA Test Demand Rockets

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CHATSWOOD, Australia – (06/09/2016) Leading, ecommerce DNA testing company EasyDNA registers a sharp increase in the demand for its DNA twin testing services for 2016. The test is a highly accurate DNA test used to establish whether twins are identical or fraternal.

EasyDNA is an international company offering a range of relationship DNA testing services which includes sibling testing as well twin zygosity testing. Commenting on the increase in sales, a company representative states that “this test has proved an invaluable tool for parents of twins and twins themselves to establish whether they are identical or fraternal. Whilst individuals often rely on appearance alone, countless clients of ours have learned that appearances are indeed misleading and only DNA can provide the true answer”.

The twin DNA test offered by the company provides 99% accurate results and is done using a simple home sample collection kit. Once samples are received, the laboratory proceeds to extract the DNA profiles from each individual twin and compare the profiles side by side. EasyDNA explains the simple science behind twins DNA testing: “identical twins medically referred to as monozygotic twins, have identical DNA profiles because they are born from a single fertilized egg splitting into two. Fraternal twins medically referred to as dizygotic twin, have different DNA profiles because they are born when 2 eggs are fertilized by 2 sperm cells. Comparing the profiles enables us to know whether the twins are identical or fraternal; if their DNA is a carbon copy of each other they are identical whilst if it is different, they are fraternal”.

The twin test has recently generated an increased interest due to an increased awareness as well as the company undertaking a new, promotional marketing strategy for the test, exploring new avenues and collaborations, including The Australia Twin Registry.

The below comments from EasyDNA clients exemplify just how important, revealing and useful twin DNA testing has become:

“I finally know I’m not crazy and my supposedly fraternal twins are in fact identical, thank you! I have already recommended you to other twin parents who would like to get their twins zygocity tested.” (Client, Australia)

“Everyone always asked whether my girls were identical. I always said no, and used to get the reply back, “are you sure”. Now I have my answer.” (Client, UK)

More comments left by clients with pictures of their twin children can be found be visiting the below page:

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EasyDNA is an international DNA testing company that specialises in offering reliable, accurate and confidential testing services to both the private and public sector all over the world. EasyDNA now operates through an international network of offices in over twenty countries, offering a diverse portfolio of DNA testing services.

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