Family Health History: What You Should Know

Family health history is a record of the health conditions that have affected your close relatives, such as your parents, siblings, and children. It can provide important information about your own risk of developing certain diseases and conditions.

Here are some of the reasons why it's important to know your family health history:

* It can help you identify your risk of developing certain diseases. For example, if you have a family history of heart disease, you may be at an increased risk of developing heart disease yourself.

* It can help you make informed decisions about your health care. Knowing your family health history can help you and your doctor make decisions about the best screening tests and preventive measures for you.

* It can help you support your loved ones. Knowing your family health history can help you provide support to your loved ones who may be at risk of developing certain diseases or conditions.

How to gather your family health history:

The best way to gather your family health history is to talk to your relatives. Ask them about the following:

* What health conditions have they been diagnosed with?

* What age were they when they were diagnosed?

* What are their current health conditions?

* What causes of death do they know of in the family?

You can also find information about your family health history by looking at old medical records or death certificates.

Once you have gathered your family health history, it's important to share it with your doctor. Your doctor can help you interpret the information and make recommendations about your health care.

Knowing your family health history is an important part of taking control of your health. By being aware of your risks, you can make informed decisions about your health care and take steps to reduce your risk of developing certain diseases and conditions.