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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.

child-with-heterochromia

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.

EasyDNA Philippines has been awarded Q Asia Seal of Product & Quality Service.

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KENT, United Kingdom – (29/04/2016) EasyDNA Philippines has been awarded Q Asia Seal of Product & Quality Service as the Best Trusted DNA Testing Company in the Philippines as recognized in the recent National Product Quality Excellence Awards.

“We are honored to receive this award which is a certification of the high levels of customer service offered to easyDNA Philippines”, stated Charles Harris, President. “We look forward to continuing expanding our services and portfolio of tests to continue being a leader of DNA testing services in Philippines”.

The certificate received can be viewed by clicking here.

easyDNA is a pioneer in offering DNA testing in the Philippines.  They offer a number of tests such as such as Paternity Testing, Prenatal Paternity Test, Legal DNA Test, Relationship Testing, DNA Profiles, and Genetic Predisposition Test, just to mention a few. Through the years, the company has improved its processes and increased its collection centers nationwide (Angeles City, Baguio City, Calbayog Samar, Cebu City, Davao City, La Union, Malolos Bulacan, Metro Manila, Olongapo City, Sta Maria Bulacan and Cagayan De Oro) where samples are taken by trained medical professionals at no cost to the client.

easyDNA Philippines is part of a network of internationally-based DNA testing company which specializes in reliable, accurate and confidential DNA testing. Its accredited laboratory has conducted more than 300,000 DNA tests and offers results at an accuracy rate of up to 99.999%.

The National Product Quality Excellence Awards was launched last 2005 to recognize companies, products and services that demonstrate quality excellence and have met the standards that deserves the praise and commendation of the consumers and the public in general. The Awards are conferred upon products and services that meet the standards of product and service quality excellence. Products and services that receive the Awards are also conferred with the SEAL OF PRODUCT QUALITY / SEAL OF QUALITY SERVICE which serves as a symbol to consumers that a product or services has met rigorous standards of product quality and will meet expectations for customer satisfaction.

EasyDNA features in Malaysia’ Selamat Pagi Malaysia for its Diet and Nutrition DNA test

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CHATSWOOD, Australia – (06/05/2016) – EasyDNA’s Diet DNA Test is featured on Selamat Pagi Malaysia (Good Morning Malaysia), a popular morning talk show aired on major, state-owned free-to-air television network channel, TV1 (RTM). The show aired on Saturday 27th February.Mr. Sharifah Khairiyah Syed-Mohamad, the company’s local representative in Malaysia, provides significant insights into the latest, cutting-edge Diet and Nutrition DNA test – a test that is aimed at assessing the impact of an individual’s genes on weight loss, reveal how likely they are to respond to specific diets and how your body processes, stores and loses fat.The progamme Selamat Pagi Malaysia usually highlights a wide variety of issues that may be of interest and are often educational to the public. Talking about the company’s interview on this widely-viewed chat show Mr. Syed-Mohamad states that “we have been constantly working at enhancing and diffusing the company’s brand image through reputable TV shows, interviews and articles whilst simultaneously working towards attracting new customers”. EasyDNA’s feature on the TV show can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/67R4_SdZayYThe Diet and Nutrition test is one of three tests in the company’s growing portfolio of health testing services. Currently, the portfolio also includes the Wellness and Lifestyle test, which complements the Diet and Nutrition Test, but is more focused on analysing one’s predisposition towards certain behaviours such as habit forming, risk taking and lifespan potential and the Children’s DNA Discovery test, a test which ideal for parents who want to understand their children better by understanding how their genes influence different aspects of their life, such as their endurance and athletic potential, their ability to avoid errors, memory performance and many more.EasyDNA already offers the test in most of its other markets in Europe and Australia. 2016 has seen the introduction of the tests in the company’s Asian markets including Singapore and Malaysia as part of its ongoing product expansion strategy, penetrate new markets and find new opportunities.In relation to the company’s interview, Mr. Syed-Mohamad states “We are indeed glad to have been invited to the talk show to discuss this latest DNA test. People are today much more conscious of their health, weight and diet – they want to take full control of all these aspects.  While the food you eat and the exercise you undertake will have a huge impact on your weight, we now know that genes also play a significant role. This DNA test is an additional step towards really improving their diet, tailoring it to their individual genetic response by helping individuals find out if, for example, they are predisposed to being overweight or whether they are unable to breakdown a certain type of food. They can understand what will word well and what diet will work against their weight loss goals”. The samples for this test are collected by means of a simple mouth swab which the client needs to then send back for testing.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 operates in Asia through its offices in Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, offering a diverse portfolio of DNA testing services including parental, relationship, health and clinical testing.
Contact:

Email: info@easydna.com.au

Website: www.easydna.com.au

Tel: +61 1300 482 165

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