Knowing your family health history can help you prepare for and possibly prevent certain health conditions. Sharing family medical information with your physician may help with your medical care, and can help determine whether any lifestyle changes may be necessary.

You should start by creating a family health tree. There are a wide variety of resources available to help you – many companies and Web sites offer such services. In addition, your family doctor may be able to offer guidance in creating the record.

Be sure to record the health histories of your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. You may also want to include your spouse and your children. Keep in mind that you are recording the health conditions of blood relatives only. For example, you would include your father’s sister (your aunt by blood) but not her husband (your uncle through marriage).  

Once you do this, provide a copy for your doctor and discuss any concerns you may have. Copies should also be given to your child’s pediatrician. When children are older, you can pass the family health tree along to them.

Learn more about the latest in health on the Hot Topics in Health message board.