Get Rrc Medical Genetics - Teaching And Assessing Competence In A ... - Uwhealth

Understanding how variations in an individual's DNA may affect disease and health is the focus of genomic medicine. This knowledge can lead to: Innovative ways to diagnose disease. Earlier detection, by identifying genetic predisposition to a particular disease.

Genes help build protein molecules known as enzymes. Enzymes have countless functions, including the breakdown (metabolism) of medications. People who don't respond to medications as expected may have genetic differences that change the amount of enzyme made or how well it works.

Genetics improves personal and public health, contributing to disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment and informing reproductive decisions.

In some cases, your genes are linked to diseases that run in your family. In other cases, your genes influence how your body reacts to health conditions, such as infections; to medicines or other treatments for health conditions; or to certain behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol use.

Risk Reduction and Lifestyle Changes In addition to early disease detection, genetic variations can be used for disease risk assessments. While specific genes may not necessarily cause an illness, many can indicate increased risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Genetics/genomics nursing practice and care focuses on the actual and potential impact of genetic and genomic influences on health. These nurses advise and educate clients and families on such influences that might impact their health, identify and manage physiologic responses.