Chicago Center for Jewish Genetics Disorders - Resources for Individuals and Families

Your Body, Your Future:
A Guide to Women’s Health in
the Age of Genetics and Technology

Knowledge is the key to prevention of genetic disorders and preventable birth defects. Unfortunately, very few individuals of reproductive age are aware of the risks they face - both genetic and environmental. This page will provide you with an overview of information from a program geared towards undergraduate students, Your Body, Your Future. This program is an initiative of the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders and is funded through a grant from the March of Dimes. More detailed information can be found by clicking the appropriate link at the bottom of this page.

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, within the distinct subpopulations were individuals or founders who carried particular genetic mutations and passed them on to their children. If people married randomly, any mutation would likely disappear from the population in a few generations. But people do not marry randomly. They usually marry 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.

What about nutrition?

Good health practices as a young adult can provide both short and long-term benefits. Alternatively, 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, illicit drugs, smoking, alcohol, and environmental exposures.

Due to a severe lack of public awareness, most individuals are not screened for carrier status, and unknowingly pass mutated genes to their children. Likewise, many women are unaware of the crucial importance of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. Without this information, these women lack the tools to prevent severe birth defects or debilitating genetic disorders from striking their children. This lack of awareness is especially prevalent among college-age students.

Knowing your family history can provide keys to your personal and reproductive health. The National Society of Genetic Counselors has developed a tool to assist you in learning about your family history.

Information for Students
Information for Health Professionals
Illinois Student Health Service Centers

This page was updated on 09/22/04

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Your Body, Your Future:A Guide to Women’s Health in the Age of Genetics and Technology

Your Body, Your Future:
A Guide to Women’s Health in
the Age of Genetics and Technology