SUBJECT: Learn your family’s health history BODY:
Most people have a family history of at least one chronic disease. By knowing your family’s health history, which is a record of diseases and health conditions in your family, you can get help early and take steps to reduce your risk. Consider connecting with family at upcoming get-togethers this year to learn more about your family’s health history. It’s not necessarily an entirely uplifting topic, but it can be hugely important in your own health planning and for preventive care throughout the year. Below you’ll find some points of high priority, along with ways to bring them up in conversation with your family. Consider asking the following questions:
I’m really interested in learning more about our family. What is our family ancestry or ethnic background? I plan to focus on preventive care this year. Has anyone in our family had any chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, that I could be more at-risk for? Some of these things run in families. Has anyone had any health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or asthma? What about more serious health issues, such as cancer, stroke, or Alzheimer’s disease? I want to make a care plan for myself and my family. At what ages did these conditions get diagnosed?
Remember to ask about the cause and age of death for relatives who have died. It’s important to record your family health history and continually share updates with family members. If you have health concerns, talk with your doctor.