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Family Health

It’s not Healthy: Having a Family Health History Saves Lives

Family heirlooms pass through generations; certain conditions are inherited, too: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. Yet, according to a recent survey, only about one-third of families have tried to organize their health history. Experts say you should make the effort—it’s a simple project that could help you understand and reduce your risk for disease.

“Knowing your complete medical history is especially important in the case of an emergency, as you might be unconscious or unable to speak for yourself,” says Robert Fine, MD, medical director for the Capital Health System Emergency Department. “That’s why it is so important to make sure medical personnel have access to your medical history, as well as relevant contact information.”

Government Releases Family History Tool

The U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have joined together in offering a free computer program for Windows that helps chart your family history. The tool, My Family Health Portrait, is available at www.hhs.gov/familyhistory/ . Follow the directions on how to download this program. If you don’t have Windows, you also can obtain a paper copy by either downloading a PDF file off the website or by calling 1.888.275.4772.

The computer program allows you to organize information on six common diseases. In addition, you can add conditions not already on the list. When the history is complete, you can print a diagram to share with your doctor.

Begin with Parents, Siblings & Children

What’s the best way to begin collecting your family history? Start by gathering information about your immediate family. Then try to get histories on grandparents, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews, and half siblings.

Talk directly to your relatives whenever you can. Let them know that you are compiling the family’s health history, and ask them to offer any information about health conditions they have had in the past. If appropriate, you might even use family gatherings as a time to collect health data.

For relatives who have passed away, you can find information about them from other relatives or by obtaining copies of medical records or death certificates.

Write down each family member’s name and relationship to you. Then list their ethnic background and health conditions. Try to include the age at which they developed the condition.

Share Your Findings with Your Doctor

Once you have collected your family history, pass it along to your doctor. He or she can use this information to map your own health risks and develop plans to keep yourself healthy. This may include receiving regular screening tests or making lifestyle changes.

You also should share this information with your relatives and your children’s doctors.

It’s important to remember that your family history doesn’t mean you will get a disease. And even if you don’t have a particular health problem in your family, you still could be at risk. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

For more information about Capital Health System or to locate a physician call their free physician referral line at 800.255.3440.