The Amish Health Paradox – Genetics, Lifestyle and Community

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA, UNITED STATES – The Amish are often described as a community living apart from many of the health challenges of modern society. Their physically active lifestyle, strong family networks and distinctive approach to healthcare have attracted considerable interest from physicians and researchers. Yet the Amish health story is more complicated than the idea that traditional life automatically produces better health. Genetic isolation has contributed to a concentration of rare inherited diseases, while changes in occupation, diet and lifestyle are gradually reshaping some Amish communities.