A Guide to Women’s Health in the Age of Genetics and Technology
Knowledge is the key to preventing avoidable genetic disorders and birth defects. Unfortunately, very few individuals of reproductive age are aware of the risks they face, both genetic and environmental. Your Body, Your Future provides an overview of information that can help you address these issues before they affect your children. This program is an initiative of the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders and is funded through a grant from the March of Dimes. Download our newly updated brochure to learn more about Your Body, Your Future.
The basics
Every individual is a carrier of six to eight mutated genes, and every population has a higher frequency for certain genetic disorders than the general population. Disorders such as Tay-Sachs disease, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia are inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion; if both parents are carriers of the same mutated gene, there is a 25 percent chance of having an affected child with each pregnancy.
Where did these mutations come from?
Centuries ago, individuals within distinct subpopulations who carried particular genetic mutations, or founders, passed these changes in their DNA to their children. If people married and reproduced randomly, any mutation would likely disappear from the population in a few generations. But people do not have offspring randomly. They usually get together with others from their own country and more often from their own community, culture and religion. Therefore migration and isolation of the subgroup resulted in a smaller pool of reproductive partners, and social customs resulted in monogamous mating. These factors led to an increased frequency of these particular mutations and therefore, more carriers and children with these devastating disorders.
Knowing where your family comes from can teach you a lot about who you are. It can also help you lead a healthier, longer life, by guiding you to make smart choices. The following links will help you learn more about genetics, DNA, family inheritance and some common genetic disorders, and how they might be important in your own life.
Find out more about why family health histories are so vital:
- Learn about Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs disease, Canavan disease and familial dysautonomia.
- Read about hereditary cancers, particularly those related to mutations on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- See how genetic counselors can help you know your options.
The National Society of Genetic Counselors has developed an easy-to-use tool to help you organize your family history.
What about birth defects?
Pregnancy probably isn’t something you’re thinking about yet. After all, you’re young and have plenty of time to start planning a family. But did you know that about half of pregnancies are unplanned? So even if you’re not ready to start thinking about having a family, it’s good to know what’s safe to take before and during a pregnancy and what might be harmful... Just in case.
Exposure to agents called teratogens, such as drugs, chemicals and infections, while you’re pregnant can cause birth defects. Some medications are also teratogens and may be harmful if taken at particular times during pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant and don’t know it yet, by drinking alcohol or taking drugs or medication like Accutane, you might accidentally expose your baby to a higher risk for birth defects.
Learn more about birth defects and how you can help prevent them from occuring in your family:
How else can I prevent birth defects and genetic disorders?
Good health practices as a young adult can provide both short and long-term benefits. Still, many women are unaware of the harmful effects of certain health practices. Many chemicals, called teratogens, are known to cause or increase the risk of birth defects during pregnancy. Teratogens include medications, illegal drug use, smoking, alcohol and environmental exposures.
Get screened before you start having children. Lack of public awareness means that most individuals who should be are not screened for carrier status, and unknowingly pass mutated genes to their children. Many women are also unaware of the crucial importance of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. This information prevents children from suffering severe birth defects or debilitating genetic disorders from striking their children. College-age students in particular need to know the facts. Visit the Center's Screening & Counseling section to learn more about types of testing, what genetic counselors do and where you can go to get testing and counseling.
Health and wellness
College life can be demanding. You’re juggling classes, clubs and activities, your social life and maybe even a job... all at the same time. Sometimes it feels as though there just aren’t enough hours in the day for any of it, let alone getting eight hours of sleep and eating balanced meals. How you work and even how you play can have an impact on your health. While pulling an all-nighter every now and then may not seem like a big deal, it’s important to treat your body right, now and for the future.
Download Your Body, Your Future today
Find out more about good health, real-life genetics and tips for planning ahead in this free brochure.
If you'd like to order print copies of Your Body, Your Future or any other Center resources, contact the Center's community outreach coordinator at TarynBrickman@juf.org or call (312) 357-4946.
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