Family Health History

Are you planning a family vacation or reunion this summer? Take advantage of the time together to talk about your family health history. Knowing and acting on that information is an important way to protect your health. Learn how to get the conversation started from our Family History page.

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

Creating a family health history

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Summary

Your family history includes health information about you and your close relatives. Families have many factors in common, including their genes, environment, and lifestyle. Looking at these factors can help you figure out whether you have a higher risk for certain health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Having a family member with a disease raises your risk, but it does not mean that you will definitely get it. Knowing that you are at risk gives you a chance to reduce that risk by following a healthier lifestyle and getting tested as needed.

You can get started by talking to your relatives about their health. Draw a family tree and add the health information. Having copies of medical records and death certificates is also helpful.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention