Your Body, Your Future:
A Guide to Women's Health in
the Age of Genetics and Technology
Information for Health Professionals
The Your Body, Your Future Professionals Guide was printed in August 2004, and distributed to all those who attended the Center's Your Body, Your Future Kick-Off Event. It was created by the staff of the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders.
For the complete 2004 Professionals Guide in PDF format click here
Every individual carries six to eight mutated genes and every ethnic population transmits certain genetic disorders at a higher frequency than the general population. Disorders such as Tay-Sachs Disease, Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia and many others are autosomal recessive, which means that if both parents are carriers of the same mutated gene, there is a 25 percent chance of having an affected child with each pregnancy.
Knowledge is the key to prevention of genetic disorders and preventable birth defects. Prenatal testing is available for the majority of genetic disorders, and early detection of carrier status allows couples to exercise a wide range of reproductive options. Recent medical advances and research findings have opened new doors for couples at reproductive risk.
Why Target College Students?
Unfortunately, very few individuals of reproductive age are aware of the risks they face. 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, exercise and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Without this information, these women lack the tools to avoid preventable birth defects and/or debilitating genetic disorders from affecting their own children. This is especially true among college-age students.
The advances in modern medical technology bring with them new questions and situations which lead to confusion and misinformation. With research constantly improving and the Internet and other media providing an abundance of medical advice and opinion, it is increasingly difficult for patients and health care professionals alike to sort through their medical options. At a time when health care is rapidly evolving, finding answers to seemingly simple questions can be a daunting task. Your Body, Your Future represents a crucial step in the endeavor to help young women understand the new frontiers of women's health, and to make positive health care choices for themselves and their families.
What Are The Goals Of Your Body, Your Future?
A new pamphlet and an expanded website provides information and enhanced education to the young women on your campus. Topics include the importance of folic acid, multi-vitamins, basic nutrition and exercise as they relate to reproductive health, the relationship between birth defects and alcohol/drug use during pregnancy, genetic disorders, the importance of genetic screening, the value of the genetic counseling process, and the availability of genetic counselors in the metropolitan Chicago area. Furthermore, the easy accessibility of this information empowers young women to seek out additional information through the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders website. These young women can then help to educate family and friends widening the circle of knowledge in the community.
How can I make Your Body, Your Future successful?
The underlying concept of Your Body, Your Future is outreach, and so the easiest, most effective way for you to help is to reach out to the young women who walk through your front doors.
The most effective way to communicate the information in the brochure is to be familiar with it yourself. Once you have a good grasp of the basics, and you probably do already, you’re in a position to better explain the brochure's contents. It also makes it easier for you to engage your patients, as well as your colleagues, in dialogue about genetic disorders and preventable birth defects. Remember, you’re the best, most valuable advocate for Your Body, Your Future.
Use the following checklist to be sure that you’re taking all the necessary steps to communicate with your colleagues and students about the Your Body, Your Future program:
- Explain Your Body, Your Future and distribute the Professionals Guide to colleagues unable to attend the Kick-off event
- Put brochures in waiting and exam rooms
- Take brochures to health fairs and appropriate school events
- Offer brochures directly to all female students being seen for reproductive issues
- Keep track of statistics as specified in the Your Body, Your Future Program Evaluation form
What Should I Know?
Birth Defects
Genetic Disorders
Indications for Referral to a Genetic Counselor
Online Resources and Family Support Services
Focus on Family History
This page was updated on 09/22/04
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