STEP 1: Begin by purchasing an empty 3-ring binder or a blank writing journal. Look for something that either has removable pages or lies flat when open to make writing easier.

STEP 2 : Create a list of questions.

Be sure to include questions which cover each phase of the individual's life - childhood, school, college, job, marriage, birth, raising children, etc. Be sure to ask questions about their general health over the years.

STEP 3: Gather together family photos that include your relative or her family. Have them professionally scanned into digital format or do it yourself. A memory book offers an excellent opportunity to have relatives identify individuals and recall stories in unidentified photos. Include one or two unidentified photos per page, with sections for your relative to identify the people and place, plus any stories or memories which the photo may prompt them to recall.

STEP 4: Create your pages. If you're using a hard-backed journal you can print and paste in your questions or, if you have nice handwriting, pen them in by hand. If you're using a 3-ring binder, use a software program to create and arrange your pages before printing them out. Include only one or two questions per page, leaving plenty of room for writing. Add photos, quotes or other little memory triggers to accent the pages and provide further inspiration.

STEP 5: Assemble your book and decorate the cover with personalized sayings, photos, birth certificates, or other family memories. If you want to get really creative, use archival-safe stickers, die cuts, patterned papers and other decorations can help you add a personal touch.

Once your scrapbook is complete send it off to your relative with a pack of good writing pens and a personal letter explaining how important health history is on the present and future generations. Once they have completed their scrapbook, you may want to send new pages with questions to add to the book. Once they return the completed scrapbook to you, be sure to have photocopies made to share with family members and protect against possible loss.