My Family Health Portrait

Posted by Carolyn Martin on November 17th, 2016 Posted in: Health Literacy, Health Observances

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Do you know your family’s health history? Did you know that gathering information about your family health history is an important screening tool to evaluate genetic risks? Knowing your family’s health history can help you become more engaged in your health and the health of your family. It can also be a way for you to increase your knowledge regarding genetics which is starting to enter mainstream healthcare.

Every year since 2004 the Surgeon General has declared National Family Health History Day on Thanksgiving which is November 24th this year. It is a time when many families gather and a perfect chance to review health problems that run in the family and to learn about the family’s health history. This can be difficult for some as it can bring up unexpected or unpleasant topics that are not easy to address. But learning about one’s family health history can allow for some preventive measures as families share genes and often other factors such as the habits and lifestyle. According to an article in Genetic Medicine, “Family health history used as a clinical tool can empower the public with a new understanding of health as it relates to their genetic heritage…”

Of course not all families are genetically related and even the term “family” can have various definitions among various communities and demographic groups. And it isn’t always easy to collect the information as Grandma’s nerves may have been never have been properly diagnosed or Uncle Ed’s unusual behavior was never addressed due to family pride. But, even an incomplete family health history can be beneficial and is still worth doing.

To assist with gathering family health history, the Surgeon General’s office has created an online and printable tool called My Family Health Portrait. It allows for easy use to enter family health information which can be printed to take along to doctor appointments. It can be saved, updated, and shared with other family members. So, this Thanksgiving holiday, take some time to learn more about your family health literacy so you and your families can lead healthier lives! Learn more at http://www.hhs.gov/programs/prevention-and-wellness/family-health-history/index.html