Knowing your family health history is important for your health.

Tracing the illnesses suffered by your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your doctor predict the disorders to which you may be at risk.  Working with your doctor, you can then take action to keep you and your family healthy.

Whenever your family gets together, talk about and write down the health problems that seem to run in your family. Examples of illnesses that can run in families include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and even rare diseases like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia.  Examples of health risk conditions that can run in families include high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

For free software to download and use to record your family health history, see website.  To get a free, printed version of “My Family Health Portrait,” see website or call the HRSA Information Center toll free at 1-888-275-4772 and request a copy.

Learning about your family's health history may help ensure a longer future together.

Source:  U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Surgeon General’s Family Health History Initiative, www.hhs.gov/familyhistory/