Why your Family Health History Matters

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CLEVELAND - This Thursday is Family Health History Day.

It’s also Thanksgiving, so if you’re planning to celebrate the holiday with relatives, it could be a good time to discuss the topic.

“Knowing your family history is really important because it can actually help you understand your own health and that in turn will allow you to make better health choices,” explained Neha Vyas, MD, family medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic. “It will also give more information to your doctor who can help you determine the best course of action going forward for your health.”

Dr. Vyas said when it comes to family health history, you should collect information from anyone who is related by blood, which includes parents, grandparents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She recommends asking them about any known cancers, chronic diseases or conditions, like hypertension, stroke and diabetes.

Dr. Vyas said you should also find out when they developed these medical issues and what medications have been most effective.

“Things such as depression or anxiety have certain medications which tend to work better in certain families than others,” she said. “So, it's helpful to know if your mom, dad, brother, sister was on a particular medication. If you have that same condition, chances are that medicine might work for you as well.”

Dr. Vyas said if you do plan to discuss family health history this Thanksgiving, consider talking with each person in private.

Not everyone may be comfortable sharing in front of others.

And if you're unable to gather information for whatever reason, she said there are tests available to learn more about your genetics.