Your Health Has a History: Why Knowing Your Family Health History Matters
You probably know where your mom grew up, your dad’s favorite saying or which family member you inherited your personality from. But do you know your family’s health history?
The health conditions that have affected your parents, grandparents, siblings and other close relatives can provide important clues about your own health. While family history doesn’t determine your future, knowing it can help you and your healthcare provider make more informed decisions about your care.
What Is Family Health History?
Family health history is a record of health conditions that have affected members of your family. Because families share genetics, environments and sometimes lifestyle habits, certain health conditions may appear more frequently within a family.
This can include conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and certain cancers.
Knowing that history gives your healthcare provider another piece of the puzzle when looking at your overall health.
What Should You Know?
You don’t need a complete medical record for every person in your family. Start with what you can learn about your closest relatives, including parents, siblings and grandparents.
Helpful information may include:
Major health conditions or chronic illnesses
Certain types of cancer
Heart disease or stroke
Diabetes or high blood pressure
The approximate age a condition was diagnosed
Health conditions that appear in multiple family members
Don’t know everything? That’s okay. Even a little information can be helpful.
Start the Conversation
Sometimes the easiest way to learn more is simply to ask.
The next time you’re together with family, consider asking questions like, “Does heart disease run in our family?” or “Do you remember how old Grandma was when she was diagnosed?”
Write down what you learn and update it as you learn more. You can even keep a note on your phone so the information is easy to find when you need it.
Then, Share What You Know
Your family health history is most useful when you share it with your healthcare provider.
Depending on your history and other individual risk factors, your provider may recommend certain screenings, keep a closer eye on specific health indicators or talk with you about steps you can take to help reduce your risk.
And remember: having a family history of a condition does not mean you will develop it. Your health is influenced by many factors. Family history is simply one tool that can help you better understand your risks and be proactive about your care.
Know Your History. Take Care of Your Future.
We inherit plenty from the people who came before us. Knowing your family’s health history can help you better understand what that inheritance might mean for your health.
Ask the questions. Write down what you learn. And most importantly, share it with your healthcare provider.
A conversation today could help you make more informed decisions about your health for years to come.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Need a provider? Find a Peterson Health provider and take the next step toward understanding your health.
