1. I agree with Dr.

Liebermans argument for the concept of mismatch diseases because it is

possible for humans to develop a disease in an environment in which we are not well adapted. If

we were well adapted to the environment, then there would be no reason for a disease to be

present unless it is genetic. Hunter-gatherers needed a high amount of energy from sugar (i.e. in

fruits), but modern people access it from fatty foods or foods in which they are poorly adapted to,

making type two diabetes, for example, more common. People in modern times have constant

availability to sugar in large amounts, and people have items or hobbies that lead them to be very

physically inactive, such as playing video games, watching television, and browsing the internet

and social media. The availability of sugar-rich food and these activities were not available in the

time of hunter-gatherers; so, I agree that these diseases are modern, more prevalent, and/or more

severe because peoples bodies are not adapted to live in the manner that they do. Europeans

have already begun developing genes and evolving to better cope with sugar-rich foods, so when

will Americans? They should not just rely on the genes or the environment to change, though,

because they have agency; and, their life choices will inform their trajectory. If they continue to

indulge in or avoid the modern environment, then they may or may not be at risk for disease.

2. Knowing the genetic research demonstrating that European populations are better equipped to

process high glycemic foods than Indian and Chinese populations, I certainly think that doctors,

nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals should factor in genetic ancestry in their diet

recommendations to their patients. This cultural variability is just as significant as any other factor

unique to an individual such as their ecological systems, allergies, accessibility, age, sex, and

disorders. Perhaps a doctor would not need to advise a European to cut back on his or her sugar

intake but would need to advise an Indian to do so. My German ancestry could possibly give a

professional insight on how much sugar I can consume and on what food group or particular diet

I should focus on. One diet is not universal as Dr. Lieberman stated about the Paleo diet, so

offering an individualized diet based on overall history would be beneficial.

3. Colleges/universities and employers could help individuals deal with chronic stress. Schools

could implement monthly conferences or talk sessions to discuss the different types of coping

behaviors such as proactive coping, anticipatory coping, problem-focused coping, and emotion-

focused coping. The advantages and disadvantages of social support can also be discussed,

especially considering younger people have larger social networks, less experience than older

adults, and are learning to deal with many role transitions. Lastly, stress-related diseases should

be discussed because there are several that could impact a person if the stress is chronic (i.e.

diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease). Schools could also hold judgement-free festivals that

are all-inclusive to help alleviate chronic stressors, such as racial discrimination.

Racism/perceived racism can lead to higher blood pressure and stroke, so the festival can be

used to socialize, integrate races, and cooperate in hopes of being welcomed by everyone.

Employers could implement similar talk sessions and activity days with their employees to ensure

a welcoming environment and to lessen stress. A counselor should also be available and assist

employees with their stress and coping habits to avoid diseases.

4. Two comforts that I use regularly that may be maladaptive to my health are my bed and

chocolate. Due to attending school and dance rehearsals for nearly twelve hours a day, I am

relieved to lay down on my blanket-filled and cat-accompanied bed when I arrive home. I become

so exhausted that I will lay there for majority of the day when I have a day off. This could impact

my health because I am not engaging my muscles or being active and I am constantly thinking. I

could be exposing myself to muscle loss or pain and enhancing my anxiety. Additionally, I

anthropomorphize with my cats, putting me at risk for depression. Any vegan chocolate item is

my other comfort. When I am stressed, procrastinating, or bored, I turn to this sweet. I rationalize

with myself and think that it is okay because I am very active throughout the typical day and the

chocolate is vegan, although that does not mean healthy. This could impact my health because I

could be eating too much fat and sugar, exposing me to weight gain or diseases like diabetes.