The Importance of Your Family Health History
The LGBT Health Families Initiative is aware that even though LGBT families are not always completely biologically related, the way that we live and the health choices we make as well as our genetic makeup affect our future health and the future of our families.
Do different members of your family have the same kinds of health problems?
- Your family's health history describes what kind of problems run in your family. Together, all of your family's stories about good and bad health are called your family health history.
- Many of your physical traits-eye color ,hair color, and height are inherited, or passed down in the family.
- You could also inherit the potential to develop certain illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.
- Your family history is one of the most important things in determining your potential for future health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
- But, by understanding your family history, you can reduce your risk by making changes to your lifestyle. Knowing your risk can change your behavior and save your life!
Creating a Family Health History can be a useful tool for you and your medical care provider in interpreting patterns of health, illness, and traits for you and your descendents.