Family Medical History - Healthwise

Family Medical History, as provided by Healthwise, is a detailed record of health-related information about an individual and their close family members. This record includes information about diseases and conditions, lifestyle habits like diet and exercise, and even ethnic background; all of which can help determine the risk of developing specific health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.

Healthcare providers often use the Family Medical History as a preventive tool. By understanding the health trends in your family history, they can recommend specific steps to maintain health and prevent diseases. It can also aid in diagnosing conditions that could be hereditary or genetically transferred.

Having this document is like having a personalized guide about your health, helping both you and your doctor make better and informed health decisions.

The Family Medical History is typically compiled and filed by individuals themselves. It is encouraged that each person document their family medical history as it is an important part of understanding their own health risks. This includes gathering detailed information about their immediate family's health conditions, such as parents, siblings, and children, as well as the health history of extended family members when possible. A healthcare provider or a genetic counselor can help guide this process. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to keep this information updated and provide it to their healthcare providers for relevant medical consultations and treatments. It is usually kept as a part of a patient's personal medical records.

FAQ

Q: What is a family medical history?A: A family medical history is a record of the health conditions and treatments that a person's close family members have had. It's usually used as a method to understand the genetic risks a person might have towards certain diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

Q: Why is family medical history important?A: Family medical history is important because it can help provide a picture of the potential health problems you may face. Many health problems tend to be genetic in nature, so knowing your family health history can provide important information for prevention and treatment strategies.

Q: How can I collect my family medical history?A: You can collect your family medical history by talking to your relatives, obtaining records from family members or health care providers, and even using genetic testing services. The more detailed your records, the more beneficial they could be in terms of prevention and early detection of diseases.

Q: What kind of information is included in a family medical history?A: A family medical history includes information about chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes, as well as details about cancers, mental health conditions, and even lifestyle habits like tobacco and alcohol use.

Q: What if my family is unwilling or unable to provide me with medical history?A: If for some reason you can't obtain a complete family medical history, don't worry. Focus on the information you can access. You can also undergo a medical check-up to identify any personal risk factors for common diseases.

Q: Can lifestyle changes help if I have a family medical history of certain diseases?A: Yes, lifestyle changes can often help reduce your risk of diseases, even if you have a family history of them. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, regular health screenings, quitting smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol are often recommended.

Q: How often should I update my family medical history?A: Your family medical history should be updated regularly, especially when major health events occur in your family. This may include new diagnoses of chronic illnesses, cancers, or other major diseases.