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Genomics and Chronic Diseases
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"Genomics will be to the 21st century what infectious disease was to the 20th century.... Genomics should be considered in every facet of public health: infectious disease, chronic disease, occupational health, environmental health, in addition to maternal and child health." [Gerard et al. On the edge of tomorrow: fitting genomics into public health policy. J Law Med Ethics. 2002 Fall;30(3 Suppl):173-6.]
What is Genomics?
"Genomics is the study of the functions and interactions of all the genes in the genome, including their interactions with environmental factors."[Guttmacher et al. Genomic medicine--a primer. N Engl J Med. 2002 Nov 7;347(19):1512-20.]
What is Public Health Genomics?
Traditionally, the focus of public health activities has been on environmental, infectious, cultural, and behavioral factors of disease causation and prevention.
Since the successful sequencing of the human genome in 2003 and the widespread application of genetic information and tools in understanding human biology, genetics is increasingly being recognized as a relevant factor in many areas of public health practice. Nine out of ten of the leading causes of death have a genetic component.
From a public health perspective, genomics is a powerful tool for understanding the totality of the factors that contribute to health and disease, i.e., genetic and environmental interactions. Genomics isn’t a project or area of study that can stand apart from other public health programs. Genomics needs to become an integral part of other public health activities.
Therefore, we can define public health genomics as the inclusion and application of genomic information and tools in public health planning, policy and programs.
For more information on genomics go to The Minnesota Gene Pool (Non-MDH site)
Contact:
Minnesota Department of Health
85 East 7th Place
P. O. Box 64882
St. Paul, MN 55164-0882
Phone: 651-201-3600
Fax: 651-201-3603
Email: health.hpcd@state.mn.us
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