Did you know that for the past twenty-two years, the U.S. surgeon general has declared Thanksgiving Day National Family Health History Day? Since 2004, families have been encouraged to gather, celebrate Thanksgiving, and share their family health history. Knowing the health conditions your family has experienced can help you know what to look for in future generations.
The Importance of Knowing Your Family Health History
Families often share traits that show up throughout the generations. These can range from hair and eye color to facial features and can also include health conditions. Many common health conditions can run in families, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, stroke, and some cancers. Learning which conditions are in your family history allows you to talk with your medical provider about them. Your provider can provide more information about diseases in your family history and help you know what to watch for. Depending on your family history, your provider may want to start screenings earlier. Knowing your family history can also give you time to make lifestyle changes that can help prevent a condition or disease.
What to Ask Your Family
Start gathering the health histories of your parents, siblings, children, and grandparents. Then work to gather those of your half-siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Ask what major health conditions your relatives have had, such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions. Try to learn how old each person was when a condition started. If a relative has passed away, ask about the cause of death, the age at death, and any major medical conditions during that person’s life.
Record Your Family Health History
It is important to write down your family health history so you can refer to it later rather than rely on memory alone. Future generations of family members may also find it useful. If possible, share the record with family members, since it is their health history, too. Future major family gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to update the record.
Act on Your Family Health History
If a condition runs in your family, lifestyle changes and screenings can be especially helpful. You did not choose the genes you inherited, but you can choose what you eat, how much you move, and whether you show up for medical screenings. In many cases, healthy habits can reduce your risk of disease, and screenings can help find early signs of disease. Often, finding disease early can mean better health in the long run.
If you have questions about conditions in your family health history, bring them to your medical provider. Your provider can help educate you about the diseases and steps you can take to reduce your risk. If you don’t have a current medical provider, Family Healthcare’s providers are ready to help with your medical, behavioral health, dental, optometry, and pharmacy needs.
To schedule a visit or learn more about how to use your family health history to create a healthier lifestyle, call 435-986-2565 or visit familyhc.org.
Mind & Body
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lori serves on a variety of committees across the state and throughout Washington and Iron Counties. She is a member of the St. George Area Chamber Board of Governors and Association of Community Health Centers Board. She also serves on the AUCH Health Center Control Network and is a member of Intermountain Health’s Proactive Care’s Clinically Integrated Committee. Lori has completed a BS in Community/Public Health and holds a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University, Marriott School of Management.