You’ve probably noticed that when you visit a physician, it’s not uncommon for him or her to ask whether a certain condition or disease runs in your family. Doctors, researchers and other health care experts have known for decades that illnesses like certain types of cancer, heart disease and diabetes might run in families. But medical experts have more recently found links between genetics and other health issues.
However, just because a family member has an illness that commonly has a genetic component, this does not mean you are bound to get the illness. Still, if you haven’t already, it’s a great idea to compose a family health history.
Importance of a family health history
This can help you and other family members map out illnesses that might run in the family in order to help yourself or other relatives take precautions or get tested. Though we are unable to change our genetic makeup, we can make lifestyle changes to delay or protect against certain illnesses. A family history might compel us to:
- Get particular medical testing done
- Eat healthier
- Exercise more
- Avoid certain substances
While most people know information about several family members’ health, it’s important to have this information written down so you can pass it on to you siblings, children and grandchildren and everyone can share it with their doctors to help them live healthier.
Talk to your relatives
Begin by making a list of relatives you want to get in touch with. Some relatives might have family trees and charts that will offer some useful information. Here are some questions to ask your blood relatives:
- What is your age and date of birth?
- Have you or your partner had fertility or childbirth issues?
- Do you have any chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease or high blood pressure?
- Have you had any serious illnesses like cancer or stroke?
- How old were you when you developed these conditions or illnesses?
- What illnesses did our late family members have? What caused their deaths and how old were they?
- Does anyone in the family have Down’s syndrome, birth defects, learning problems or other developmental issues?
- What countries did our families emigrate from? This is helpful because illnesses or conditions are particular to people from certain geographical areas and genetic pools.
Issues that may arise
Family members may be uncomfortable with your questions or may be hesitant to share health information. Let your family members know that you’re creating a health history that will help younger generations by providing them with valuable information that will allow them to take steps to maintain or improve their health. Offer to share your health history with family members when it is completed, and make sure to share your own information. Just be sensitive and find the right time to ask your questions.
Make sure to keep the health history up to date, and don’t be too worried about gaps in the information. Know that you’re doing your best for yourself and others to stay healthy.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers an online tool – My Family Health Portrait – to record and organize your family’s health records.
