Biological Embedding
T or F: Increased exposure to pollution and allergens can cause DNA methylation and histone modification that leads to altered gene expression
TRUE
T or F: Addressing asthma in cities is only about providing better medication
False!
It’s also about tackling the social causes — improving housing, reducing pollution, and promoting equity.
T or F: Asthma is a curable condition that can be completely eliminated with medication.
False!
asthma is chronic and incurable, though it can be managed.
What factors over activate the HPA axis and the SAM system?
the psychosocial stress that is caused by urban living AND chemical exposure and pollution.
they both induce a stress response in the body.
What is one major social factor that increases asthma rates in urban populations?
Socioeconomic inequality
Poverty
Structural racism and residential segregation
education and health care access
T or F: Rural areas have a population density above 400 people per square kilometre.
False!
rural areas are below 400 people per km².
Environmental factors can shape and alter human microbiome. What do rural areas have that urban areas have less of that influence's human microbiome and asthma rates?
There is more biodiversity in rural areas (more nature, live stalk)
Rural environment is more rich in environmental and animal microbes that helps increase diversity of human microbiomes and keeps balance of microbes.
What is overcrowding?
This housing condition, often resulting from poverty, traps dust and humidity indoors, worsening air quality and creating ideal environments for pests and mold that trigger asthma.
Generally speaking, there are higher rates of asthma in ___ areas than ___ areas
there are higher rates of asthma in urban areas than rural areas