Family Health History Helps Identify Risks

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The holidays are prime time for catching up with relatives — and a good opportunity to compile a family health history.

A family health history can identify potential health risks. The information is valuable in taking steps to reduce the risk of illness or to detect conditions early. A physician can review the history to identify patterns and potential concerns.

But family history doesn't equal destiny. Other risk factors — such as diet, exercise and smoking — play a role in the development of many hereditary diseases. A healthy lifestyle and minimal exposure to harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco can greatly improve the chances of staying disease free.

A family health history should go back three to four generations and include grandparents, parents, sisters and brothers, children and grandchildren, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins.

The December issue of Mayo Clinic Women'sHealthSource lists what to include in a family medical record:

• Date of birth. If the relative has died, list age and cause of death.
• Major medical conditions and illnesses. Diseases or problems that occur earlier than what is typical can indicate a heightened risk for other family members.
• Mental health disorders. Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, chemical dependency and schizophrenia are thought to be linked to heredity.
• Other health problems that affect overall health, such as allergies, asthma or migraines.
• Significant lifestyle factors that can influence health, such as smoking, excessive drinking or alcoholism, or obesity.
• Vision or hearing loss, and the age of onset. A family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma could increase the risk of these conditions.
• Racial or ethnic background. Some diseases or conditions are more common or more severe among certain ethnicities.
• Infertility or miscarriages.
• Birth defects, learning disabilities or mental retardation.

The U.S. surgeon general's office offers a free online tool to organize family health information at http://www.familyhistory.hhs.gov.

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