Rhode Island Department of Health Genetics Website

Most people think that genetics is remote from their everyday lives. But the rapid progress that is being made in the field of genetics is changing every aspect of health care. Virtually all human diseases and conditions result from the interaction of genes and the environment. Genetics will play an important role in promoting health or delaying the onset of disease and it is likely that medicine will become more prevention focused.

 The Human Genome Project has improved our knowledge of the role that genes play in health and illness. In the past, genetics dealt primarily with diagnosing birth defects, like Down syndrome. But the "new" genetics focuses not only on the role that genes play in diseases and illnesses that occur in childhood, but also the ones that occur later in life, like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and others. How genes, diet, exercise and environmental exposures interact to trigger disease is the focus of a lot of research.

 This web site has been designed to help people understand what genetics is, and how to find the resources they need to make informed decisions about healthy behaviors and health care choices.