Charting your family's history for medical reasons

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Taking a Family History (for Medical Reasons)

go to the web page to see a sample family tree

Your family history holds key information about your past and clues to your

future health. Many of your physical traits (such as eye color, hair color,

and

height) are inherited. So, too, are risks for certain genetic conditions and

health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. You may

have noticed that some of your relatives are healthier and live longer than

other

relatives. You may also have noticed that some relatives have the same

health

problems.

By collecting your family's health history, you can learn what health

problems you may be at increased risk for in the future and how to reduce

your risks.

For instance, people at increased risk for heart disease may be able to

reduce their risk through not smoking, regular exercise and diet. Finding

out your

family history can benefit both you and your relatives ... and it can be fun

too!

HOW TO COLLECT A FAMILY HISTORY

You can collect your family history by talking to your relatives. Start with

your parents if they are living. Older relatives are often good sources of

information. Some relatives may not want to share their medical histories or

they

may not know their family history. However, whatever information you

discover

will be helpful. Vacations, holidays and family reunions can be good times

to

collect this information. As each generation ages, important information can

be forgotten or lost - so now is the time to start your project! If you are

adopted, you may be able to learn some of your family history through the

parent(s) that adopted you or from adoption agency records.

Additional Sources of Information

Check whether your family has existing family trees, charts, listings of

family members. Information may be recorded in baby books, birthday date

books, or

a family bible. Medical records are helpful but may be harder to obtain.

There are offices in each state that have records of births, marriages and

deaths.

You can call the " County Clerk " office where you live (look in the

" Government " section of the phone book) to find out how to get copies of

these records.

In addition, there are websites that have helpful resources for putting

together family trees that you can find by searching for " genealogy. " It is

important to collect accurate information, so verify the medical history

whenever

possible.

HOW TO RECORD YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

One way to record a family history is by drawing a family tree called a

" pedigree. " We have instructions for drawing a family tree. You can also

create and

keep a written list of this information without drawing a pedigree. Either

way, begin by writing down the medical and health information on:

" Yourself

" Your brothers and sisters

" Your children

" Your parents

Then go back a generation at a time. Include:

" Nieces and nephews

" Aunts and uncles

" Grandparents

" Cousins

For each relative, try to write down as many of these items as possible:

" Age or date of birth (and, for all family members who have passed on,

age

at death and cause of death). When the information is unavailable, write

down

your best guess (for example, " 40s " ).

" Medical problems such as:

Cancer

Heart disease

Diabetes

Asthma

Mental illness

High blood pressure

Stroke

Kidney disease

Alcoholism

Others

Note the ages at which the conditions occurred. Did Uncle Pete have his

heart

attack at age 42 or age 88? Did your mother develop diabetes in childhood or

as an adult?

" Birth defects such as spina bifida, cleft lip, heart defects, others.

" Learning problems, mental retardation.

" Vision loss/hearing loss at a young age (remember to record the age it

began).

" For family members with known medical problems, jot down if they smoked,

their diet and exercise habits, and if they were overweight. (for example,

you

could note that your brother , who had a heart attack at age 40, weighs

300 lbs and smokes 2 packs a day).

After you draw your family tree, above your mother's side of the family tree

write down where her family members came from (for example, England,

Germany,

Africa, ...); then do the same for your father's side of the family. This

information can be helpful because some genetic health problems occur more

often

in specific ethnic groups.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR FAMILY TREE

You should keep your family tree in a safe place and update it every couple

of years (or update it at a regular family gathering, such as Thanksgiving).

You can share a copy with your doctor, who may find it helpful in caring for

your health. If you have concerns about your family history, you may wish to

see

a genetics specialist. To find genetics professionals in your area, contact

the National Society of Genetic Counselors, GeneClinics, or the American

Society

of Human Genetics. You can learn more about the medical conditions present

in

your family and about support groups here at the Genetic Alliance site.

Go to instructions for drawing a family tree.

http://geneticalliance.org/familyhistory/index.html