You Are Unique: 9 Key Factors Contributing to the Uniqueness of an Individual's Health

Each person's health is unique due to a combination of various factors that interact in complex ways.

A person’s health is complex and nuanced with characteristics that have their own unique identity and operation at the molecular and physiological level, based on a number of factors that help to develop the ten systems of the human body: Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive, and Immune which make up billions of smaller structures and microscopic parts that command their own identity and work together in an organized manner to deliver an individual’s most optimal health. 

Let’s explore the 9  key factors contributing to the uniqueness of an individual's health: 

One: Genetic Makeup- Genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases, their response to treatments, and overall health conditions.

According to the CDC:  “Thousands of inherited genetic disorders affect millions of people in the United States and lead to increased risks for many health conditions across the lifespan.”  

Two: Lifestyle Choices- Personal choices such as diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, stress management, and substance use can have a profound impact on health. These lifestyle factors vary widely among individuals.

According to the CDC: Four personal behaviors that can affect chronic diseases are: lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol use.

Three: Environment Dwelling- The environment in which a person lives, including exposure to pollutants, climate, and geographical location, can influence health outcomes. Environmental factors can affect respiratory health, allergies, and the risk of certain diseases.

According to the CDC: “The built environment influences a person’s level of physical activity. For example, inaccessible or nonexistent sidewalks and bicycle or walking paths contribute to sedentary habits. These habits lead to poor health outcomes such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.”

Four: Medical History: Personal and Family- Each person has a unique medical history that includes past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and other health events. This history can influence current health status and future susceptibility to certain conditions.

According to the CDC: “Most people have a family health history of at least one chronic disease, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to develop that disease yourself, especially if more than one close relative has (or had) the disease or a family member got the disease at a younger age than usual.”

Five: Social and Economic Factors- Socioeconomic status, education, access to healthcare, and social support systems all play roles in shaping an individual's health. Disparities in these factors can lead to variations in health outcomes.

According to the CDC: “Low socioeconomic status is associated with higher risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD)... Socioeconomic factors can affect health status directly at the individual level and can also influence broader household, neighborhood, or community-level characteristics, which can then affect health.”

Six: Cultural and Personal Beliefs- Cultural background and personal beliefs about health, wellness, and healthcare practices can impact an individual's approach to maintaining and improving their health.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “At the healthcare level, there is underrepresentation of cultural, gender, and ethnic diversity during training and in leadership. To serve the needs of a diverse population, it is imperative that the healthcare system take measures to improve cultural competence, as well as racial and ethnic diversity.”

Seven: Psychological Factors- Mental health, emotional well-being, and coping mechanisms are unique to each person and can significantly influence overall health.

According to the CDC: “Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health.  For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.”

Eight: Microbiome- The collection of microorganisms living in and on the human body, known as the microbiome, varies between individuals and can affect digestion, immune function, and overall health.

According to the CDC: “The microbes within microbiomes are reflective of physiology, environmental exposures, diets, immune system changes, antibiotic exposure and more.”

Nine: Age and Life Stage- Different life stages, from infancy to old age, bring about unique health challenges and requirements. Age-related factors, such as hormonal changes, can influence health outcomes.

According to the CDC: “Adolescence is a critical stage of development during which physical, intellectual, emotional, and psychological changes occur.  While adolescence is a relatively healthy period of life, adolescents begin to make lifestyle choices and establish behaviors that affect both their current and future health.”

In summary, the uniqueness of each person's health arises from the interplay of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, social, and psychological factors. Recognizing and understanding this individuality is crucial for providing personalized and effective healthcare. Advances in medical research and technology have paved the way for personalized medicine, which tailors healthcare interventions to an individual's specific genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. 

About the author: 

Tammy McMiller is the CEO of Plan Heal, a Microsoft for Startups digital health company and featured Microsoft Buildfor2030 campaign partner. She is also an advocate for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals- Numbers: 3-Good Health and Well Being, 5-Gender Equality, 10-Reduced Inequalities.