Health Determinants: Genetic, Biological & Personal Influences

Genetic Factors Influencing Health

Many characteristics of human genes are determined by what is transmitted from parents to children.

Genetic Diseases: Causes & Impact

Genetic diseases can develop at birth or years later and are caused by mutations affecting specific genes. Some diseases, like cystic fibrosis, follow the laws of biological inheritance. Genetic diseases can affect body structure, as in Down syndrome, or metabolism.

Congenital Malformations Explained

Congenital malformations are present at birth in an individual. They can have both genetic and environmental origins. Among other environmental factors are drug and alcohol abuse.

Genetic Predisposition to Illness

Most diseases a person develops after birth are significantly influenced by genetics. Some health risk factors also exhibit a genetic predisposition, such as arterial hypertension.

Biological Factors & Health

Biological factors can significantly impact health, including sex and aging.

Sex Differences in Health

Sex is a trait inherited via a pair of chromosomes, which differ between women and men. These differences between men and women impact health (e.g., menopause in women and prostate issues in men).

The Aging Process & Health

Aging is a natural process leading to natural death. The causes of aging are multiple errors in the replication process, DNA transcription, and cell death, leading to a loss of cells in organs. These processes are linked to the formation of free radicals. Consequences of aging include:

• Decreased cardiac, muscular, and mental performance.
• Immune deficiency, which favors the appearance of tumors.

Personal Factors & Lifestyle Choices

Personal factors depend on the individual and their lifestyle, influencing attitudes, behaviors, and social skills.

Socioeconomic & Social Influences

• Socioeconomic status significantly influences health conditions.
• A person's culture can affect their health behaviors.
• Family and social life, including belonging to a social group, are also factors influencing health.

Attitude & Behavior: Health Habits

Among the habits that impact health are the following:

• Eating habits are an important personal choice to maintain a healthy state.
• Regular exercise is a healthy habit (though excessive exercise can be detrimental to health).
• Alcohol, tobacco, and drug addiction can be caused by early adoption of harmful habits (often linked to marginalization).
• Hygiene and personal care are crucial to prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases.