Public health genomics

Public health genomics is when doctors and scientists use information about our genes, which are like instructions in our bodies, to try and make our communities healthier. Think of our genes like a big puzzle. Scientists study the puzzle to try and figure out what pieces fit together and how they work. They look at the way our genes affect our health and try to find ways to prevent certain diseases from happening.

One way they do this is by studying family history. You know how your mom and dad both have curly hair, and you also have curly hair? That's because you inherited that trait from them. Scientists can look at family histories to see if certain diseases or conditions, like cancer or diabetes, run in families. They can then use that information to help prevent those diseases from happening to other people in the same family.

Another way they use public health genomics is by testing people's DNA. DNA is like a code that tells our bodies how to grow and work. Scientists can test our DNA to see if we have certain genes that might make us more likely to get certain diseases. If they find these genes, they can work with doctors to create a plan for how to prevent those diseases, like getting more exercise or eating certain foods.

Overall, public health genomics is about figuring out how our genes affect our health, and using that information to make us healthier.