How to Conduct a Family Health History
Why is it Important to Know Your Family Health History?
Your family health history is like a weather forecast for your health. It helps you and your doctor know what to prepare and plan for. Some health conditions can be passed down through families, like how we get our eye color from our parents.
This happens because of small structures in our body called genes. Genes carry information that tells our body how to work. We get half of our genes from each parent before we are born. Some genes can increase our chances of having certain health problems.
How Your Family Health History Helps You:
- Your doctor can decide if you need special tests
- You can get the right health screenings at the right time
- You can make healthy choices to lower your risk
- Your doctor knows what to watch for during checkups
What if I Don’t Know My Family History?
That’s okay! Many people don’t have complete information about their family’s health. Tell your doctor what you do know, even if it’s not everything. You can:
- Start with what you know and add more over time
- Ask older relatives who might remember more
- Talk to family members at gatherings
How Do I Make a Family Health History?
Step 1: Write Down What You Know.
Think about your health. Write down what health challenges you have and when they started.
Step 2: Talk to Your Family
Start with your close family members (parents, siblings, and children). Then, include family from both your mother’s side and your father’s side. Try to include extended family when possible (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins).
Step 3: Organize Your Family Health History
You can write your family’s health history in a notebook, family scrapbook, or on a computer. You can write it down as a list or draw it like a family tree.
Some Things You Should Write Down About Your Family Members:
- Their names and how they are related to you (parent, child, aunt, uncle, etc.).
- Their birthday or age.
- Their habits (like drinking, smoking, or exercising).
- If they have any health challenges (like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer).
- At what age their health challenges began.
- The age and reason of death for family members that have passed away.
Remember
Your family health history is just one piece of your health picture. Having a family history of a condition doesn’t mean you will get it. It just means you and your doctor should pay extra attention to that area of your health.
