Collect Family History

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 John, 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