The following are all genetic traits inherited from your parents. Compare with your friends, people in your family, or people in your neighborhood. Are you the same or different? You may be very similar to friends who look nothing like you and very different from your own family members. This is because of genetics!
Gene #1
Freckles or no freckles?
Gene #2
Curly or straight hair?
Gene #3
Dimples or no dimples?
GOAL: Learn how to identify different genetic traits among your family and friends.
Key Point #3
Genes and our lifestyles work together to determine whether or not we will develop diabetes. The good news it that even if you have genes for diabetes, if you eat right and exercise, you may never get diabetes.
Key Point #2
Every day we make decisions about the food we eat and the activities we do. These choices can also affect our risk for getting diabetes just like genes do.
Key Point #1
Our genes affect many things about us. Some genes determine the color of our hair, our height, and some make us more likely to get diabetes.
Genes and the environment both influence health. Genes are passed along from parents to their children. Some genes are for hair color, while others can make us more likely to get certain diseases like diabetes. The good news is that your environment, including diet and exercise, can keep you healthy. Ultimately YOU are in charge of your health!
Food, physical activity and mindfullness
L3: How can you control your health?
Lesson 3: How does Monique's family affect her diabetes?
Which genes are inherited from your parents?
Food, physical activity and mindfullness
L3 Explore More: Looking at Genetics
What are some examples of genetic traits?
Eat right
Look for a new recipe that only uses ingredients that are whole grains (like brown rice and wheat bread), fruits, vegetables, and proteins (like chicken or beans).
Get active
There are many ways to get active! This can mean the gym but it can also mean just be going for a walk with a friend or playing your favorite sport.
Be mindful
Come up with small changes you can make to improve your health such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.