Health Determinants - Epigenetics and an Integrative Model for Public Health

This introductory presentation will give a brief overview of the topic and show the emerging importance of epigenetics and its possible role in an integrative model for Public Health.

Environmental factors, socio-cultural context, geography, hereditary factors and individual lifestyle are interrelated in the prospect and determination of health outcomes as well as in possible prevention and intervention strategies.

Often these areas are treated in isolation and viewed as independent health determinants. A thorough and deep knowledge of a particular discipline and area is fundamental and at the base of any discussion. However, a multidisciplinary view is of importance to come to better solutions and a deeper understanding in Public Health research, practice and policy.

This year's conference stands under the motto “Think global. Act local. Best practices around the world.” In line with this motto this presentation will focus on two aspects. Firstly, it will briefly describe a global and integrative view of health determinants and their interactions and how an integrative approach may help to provide with greater scrutiny the necessary tools to target the present needs in Public Health. Secondly, it will focus on epigenetics as a possible link between environmental and individual factors and its role in an integrative model of Public Health.