1. Misconceptions Relating to structures of the body and nutrition

2. Young people can’t get heart attacks While the risk of heart attack rises with age, teens and young adults can have heart attacks. Risk factors that are controlled early in life make it less likely to persist later in life The lesson is that just because someone is not “old” that does not mean that symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath are not signs of a heart attack.

3. If one of my organs fail I can just get a transplant. The waiting lists to receive transplants are very long. Depending on your age and overall health you may not receive one. The best organs are the ones you already have.

4. You can only get diabetes if you eat too much sugar Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. Eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

5. 0g of fat means that the food/drink is healthy Not necessarily. A nutrition label may have 0g of fat on it but have an excess amount of calories. If you consume an excess amount of calories it will turn into fat.

6. Connections to other chapters Other Chapters Genetic processes – understanding inheritance Introducing evolution- artificial selection and food crops Genetic Processes- importance of meiosis and genetic disorders Animals: Structure and Function The digestive system- disorders of the accessory organs and diabetes The digestive system- chemical digestion and absorption The digestive system and cardiovascular system and their disorders.