What are the public health implications of epigenetics scientific findings? Content

The main determinants of health (Dahlgren and Whitehead, 1991)

We & our genes are more flexible than we ever thought before General socioeconomic conditions The environment Individual life style factors Genomics We & our genes are more flexible than we ever thought before

Health of adolescents & young people, who are the future parents, is very important for the health outcome of their future pregnancies & children. Health of mothers during pregnancy is hugely important, not only for her own future health & the health of her foetus & his future health as a child & as an adult but also for the future health of her grandchildren (reproductive cells) (3 generations) The health of growing children especially in mid childhood & pre-puberty is of paramount importance for the child & as he/she become an adult & for his/her children.

Early embryonic development & mid childhood are the epigenetics plasticity period when the body is very susceptible to outside environmental factors There is a total scientific agreement that support the above 4 statements.

Continuous Favourable Environment The Health economic argument is strong First Intervention Continuous Favourable Environment Health outcome ?effect of same 1st intervention or continuous common environment or both

Epigenetics science shows for the first time how important public health actions are in reversing the wider environmental damage at any age during the life course & to also tailor made public health initiatives Epigenetics should be increasing the value of public health contributions to the health of the nation. Although we cannot change our genes, we can change our epigenome through life style changes

Transgenerational research findings in animals & humans suggest that the impact is more than just 3 generations There are disagreements on this among scientists As to how often it does happen & for some, if at all Whether epigenetics is the basis or another genetic mechanism.

Environmental, social & economic factors not only influence the health of the present generation but if adverse they can blight future generations A downward spiral may continue through genome alterations, perpetuating the ill health cycle This gives inequalities in health a new challenge, a new dimension & an added urgency to change our policy It emphasises the need for a public health policy that prioritises early life from before pregnancy up to puberty. This should cover ALL children & ALL aspects of their lives (physical, emotional, material, social & cultural)