Perspectives on HealthSC.912.L.14.6

What factors affect individual and public health?

Essential Question

Genetic FactorsD

ete

rmin

ed

by G

en

es • Cystic Fibrosis

• Colorblindness

• Down Syndrome

• Sickle Cell Anemia

Influ

en

ced

by G

en

es • Cancers

• Alzheimer’s• Diabetes• Hypertension• Asthma• Epilepsy

Although your genes only affect you. The mixture of genes within a population can determine its overall health.

Genetic Factors

Health issues are sometimes caused by environmental factors which can include pathogens. These can affect individuals or entire populations.◦ Air quality

Asbestos, Smog, Mold, Lead, Allergens◦ Water quality

Chemical waste, Feces, Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites◦ Food Quality

Malnutrition due to drought and/or poverty Contaminated Foods

Environmental Factors and Pathogens

Public Health also includes issues like violence, and poverty. Make a concept map showing how community violence, family violence or poverty can increase the effects of genetic, environmental, and or pathogenic causes of illness.

Day 2

Make a list of health concerns among your friends and family. Then classify the concerns as Genetic, Environmental, Pathogenic.

Day 3

Reading in the content area.

Day 4