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Genetics to Genomics: The Future and Beyond!
June 22, 2013: Dallas at the Westin Galleria
June 29, 2013: Austin at the AT&T Conference Center
July 13, 2013: San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt
Tens of thousands of Texas babies are born each year with genetic disorders. Attend the Free Genetics Conference 2013 to learn about advances in genetics and genomics, including clinical implications of whole exome and genome sequencing. Topics will include when to test, the impact on patients, ethical dilemmas and more.
This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM.
Visit the Conference website for information on continuing education for nurses and physicians, conference agenda and speakers.
Register or Questions? or call Amanda Martinez 512-474-2166.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, genomics is a term that describes the study of all the genes in a person, as well as interactions of those genes with each other and with that person’s environment. Why is it important to know this? Full genome sequencing is becoming more and more common as testing costs go down. Clinicians need to know why and when to order these tests, and what the tests can and cannot do for their patients. Clinicians need to be prepared for test results that raise ethical dilemmas. Attend the conference to explore these issues.
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Your family history holds key information about your past that can unlock clues about you or your children’s future health. Genetics is the branch of medicine that looks at how hereditary and genetic factors play a role in causing a disease, birth defect, or inherited susceptibility to a health problem such as cancer or heart disease. Almost all disease is a result of the interaction between our genes and the environment. Genetic specialists provide individuals and families with information about inherited diseases, how they are passed down in their family, and the implications to their health. Genetic services can include physical exams, health histories, diagnostic and laboratory tests, and genetic counseling. Genetics may be complicated, but we can help make it clearer. Genetic counselors and medical geneticists are specialists that are available to provide in-depth counseling about heritable disorders and determine if you could be at risk.Genetics can have an influence at any point in our lives.
Genetics can have an influence at any point in our lives.
Texans seek genetic services before and while pregnant to determine if the baby is at increased risk for birth defects and genetic conditions or if a medication or drug could affect the development of their baby. Birth defects are related to both genetic and environmental factors. A genetics professional can help if a birth defect is detected during a pregnancy. In addition, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) operates a Teratogen Information Service to assist Texans in determining if a drug or environmental exposure could affect their pregnancy. A teratogen is defined as any medication, chemical, infectious disease or environmental exposure that could affect the development of a fetus.
Genetic services are also important for newborns. All newborns in Texas are tested at birth for 29 genetic diseases. Newborn screening is a powerful tool for the early identification and treatment of certain disorders. In the United States it is estimated that 3-5% of all babies are born with a genetic condition, birth defect or mental retardation. Five to ten percent of all children have learning disabilities or mental retardation. Genetic factors play a role in many forms of mental retardation. If the exact cause of the mental retardation can be determined it could alter the medical management of the child.
Genetic services have now evolved into testing adults for a genetic predisposition for such disorders as cancer and heart disease. Understanding the genetic causes of disease can help to develop better prevention and treatment strategies. Knowing your genetic health history can allow your physician to see the bigger picture.
For all Texans it is important to know their family medical history. Many health problems run in families because families live in the same environment, share the same habits, lifestyles and genes.
The US Surgeon General encourages all families to learn more about their health history. A computer tool, called “My Family Health Portrait” has been developed to help families record their family tree and medical history.
Do you know someone with a genetic disorder?
- 3% of all babies are born with a birth defect.
- 1 in 9 children admitted to the hospital has a genetic disorder.
- 1 in 12 adults admitted to the hospital has a genetic disorder.
- 1 in 22 people in the United States has a genetic disorder.
- 20-30% of all infant deaths are due to genetic disorders.
Department of State Health Services
Genetic Services
Newborn Screening Unit
Mail Code 1918
PO Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3199
1-800-252-8023
Fax: 512-776-7593
Email
External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may also not be accessible to people with disabilities.