Chronic Disease and Microbial Pathogenesis (4/21/09)

Homer Boushey, Chief, Division of Allergy & Immunology, UCSF

Why have we seen an explosion in chronic diseases, like asthma, since 1950? Could changes in microbial exposure during infancy in the modern environment alter the development of immune functions, predisposing us to disease? Boushey will discuss our understanding of asthma, how it has evolved, and how its study may lead to insights into other chronic diseases. He will highlight what baby boomers can do to reduce the likelihood of their grandchildren developing asthma or other chronic illness. He will also discuss how study of our microbial environment may suggest new strategies for primary prevention of many chronic illnesses that burden our health-care systems.

This program was recorded in front of a live audience at the Commonwealth Club of California on April 21, 2009.

Commonwealth Club World Affairs

The leading national forum open to all for the impartial discussion of public issues important to the membership, community and nation. The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Each year, we bring nearly 500 events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy to our members and the public, both in-person and via extensive online and on-air listenership and viewership.

The views of Club speakers are their own and their participation does not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Commonwealth Club World Affairs.

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