Family Health Tree

Health conditions are caused by a variety of factors. Environment, lifestyle and genetics all play a role in the development of disease. Knowing your family history will allow you a greater opportunity to make lifestyle changes that can help prevent disease. Use this family history "road map" to get started.

Start the conversation. First make time to talk with your closest relatives — that means your parents, brothers, sisters and children. If your family keeps a traditional family tree, use that as a starting point. Reach out to other relatives, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

What to ask. Determine the cause of death of family members, but also ask about chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer or stroke. There might also be potential chromosomal abnormalities you might need to know about for the sake of your future children or grandchildren.

Keep a record. Write down your family's health history, including relevant dates, health concerns and relationship to you. This might also include lifestyle choices and addictions. While lifestyle is not always genetic, we learn our habits from those around us. Share it with your family members and discuss it with your doctor.

Update information as necessary. Keep track of changes in your family's health record, including diseases or medical conditions, births or deaths. The Surgeon General has created a tool called My Family Health Portrait to help you collect family names, sex, birth date, ethnicity, medical conditions, mental health disorders, pregnancy complications, lifestyle, the onset of disease/age of diagnosis and their cause of death.

Health knowledge is power. Start charting your history today to ensure a healthier future for yourself and your family.

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