HEALTH DISORDERS RESEARCH PAPER

Advanced Preparation

You will need to do a preliminary research of locations for students to obtain the required information they will need. The school and local libraries will serve as

possible sources.

Introduction

Students will be assigned to select a genetic disease and establish the economic impact of living with this disease. The cost includes actual monetary expenditures for drugs, treatment, hospitalization and therapy. The cost also includes the effects these diseases have on the individual, their children and the family. Students may choose from among the following diseases:

Acardia Hydrocephalus

Amelia Polydactyly

Anencephaly Spina Bifida Cystica and Occulta

Cri du Chat Syndrome Tay-Sachs

Club Foot Testicular Feminization

Down's Syndrome Tetraploidy

Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy Triploidy

Encephalocele Trisomy 13

Hemophilia Trisomy 18

Huntington's Disease

Hydatidiform Mole

Note: Students should call pharmacies, hospitals, doctors' offices, and insurance

companies for costs and coverages.

Student Objectives

* Students will acquire skills in the development of a research paper.

* Students will develop an understanding of genetic diseases.

* Students will learn about health care costs.

* Students will learn how personal choices affect their lives.

Class Time Needed

Five class periods are needed for the students to complete this activity.

Procedure

1. Students select a genetic disease to research from the list above.

2. Students write a two or three page paper including the following

information:

* Definition of the disease.

* Development of the disease.

* Approximate cost of the disorder.

* Effects of this disease on individuals, their children and their family. 3. Students submit research paper for evaluation.