Pre-emptive Medicine: Public Health Aspects of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

Book excerpt: This book reviews public health activities such as awareness campaigns, health education, and strategies for health policy based on recent epidemiological studies that provide insights into epigenetic processes caused by environmental factors and developmental plasticity. It provides the latest concepts and findings on the public health aspects of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) research regarding early prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Attention is especially paid to key issues, including strategies for the effective prevention of NCDs in developmental stages of life and younger generations rather than in adults and the elderly. Public Health Aspects in Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) is structured in two parts; the first focuses on general remarks reviewing specific recommendations, practical methods and protocols, and future goals regarding public health aspects, while the second presents brief profiles of individual cohorts and consortia studies. This collection will benefit both new and established researchers, as well as students in the fields of epidemiology, clinical medicine, nutrition, education, and public health who are seeking comprehensive information on DOHaD and preemptive medicine.