Part 1: Set a timer for 3 minutes, and make a list of as many human non-infectious diseases that you can think of that are influenced by microorganisms.
-depression
-anxiety
-vaginal bacteriosis
-inflammatory bowel disease
-crohn’s disease
-most gastrointestinal diseases
-asthma/ allergies (this is something that needs to be studied more)
-celiac disease
-cardiovascular disease
-cancer
Part 2: Refer back to your Writing Exercise #1 that you completed the first week of class. Reflect and discuss how your responses have changed from week 1 to week 10, and what the most important topics you will take away with you once you have completed the course.
I could think of a great deal more examples in this writing exercise compared to Writing Exercise #1. I mostly guessed because I had very little understanding of how microbes affect our health. In this exercise, I was able to recall each week of class and what we discussed. The most important topic I will take away from this class is the vaginal microbiome. I did not realize how little research has been done on this topic, especially in regards to what constitutes as a “healthy” vaginal microbiota. I also did not realize how much bacteria affects mental health, and that by taking care of our gut, we can improve our mental health.