Non-communicable diseases cannot be spread from person to person and some are chronic, meaning they are present continuously or intermittently over a long period. Multiple sclerosis is an example of a degenerative disease that causes breakdown in body cells, tissues, and organs as it progresses. Some congenital diseases are caused by heredity while others are caused by a mother's lifestyle choices during pregnancy. Heredity passes traits from parents to children like eye color or sickle cell anemia. Factors you cannot control include heredity, age, gender, and ethnicity while factors you can control involve diet, exercise, weight, sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Environmental factors and substances can

2. A non-communicable disease are diseases that cannot be spread from person to person. Some non-communicable diseases are chronic. Chronic means that it is present either continuously or on and off over a long period.

3. Multiple Sclerosis is an example of a degenerative disease. Degenerative disease is a disease that causes breakdown in body cells, tissues, and organs as it progresses

4. Some congenital diseases are caused by heredity, while others are caused by a mother’s choice of lifestyle while pregnant. Congenital Disorders are all disorders that are present when the baby is born

5. Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to their children. Examples of traits that can be passed from parents to their children are: eye color, sickle cell anemia, etc.

6. Factors that You Cannot Control: a) Heredity b) Age c) Gender d) Ethnic Group

7. Factors that you Can Control: i. Eat healthy food ii. Stay physically active iii. Maintain a healthy weight iv. Get enough sleep v. Manage stress vi. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other drugs

8. Many substances in the environment can cause serious health problems (ex. lead in fish)

9. Carbon Monoxide in high levels can cause illness and death

10. Smog can cause respiratory / breathing problems in some people

11. Cancer Heart Disease (High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Heart Attack, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis)

12. Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Arthritis Allergies