Good Health Is More Than Good Luck
The Four-Leaf Clover of Family Health History
Knowing your family health history and understanding how it impacts you is an important part of maintaining overall wellness. It also helps you be aware of specific symptoms associated with health conditions that run in your family. This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re sharing the four-leaf clover of important health history information!
Irish I Knew My Family Health History
Family health history is a record of diseases, health conditions and behaviors in your family. All these factors can impact your health.
How can I collect my family health history?
Give the green light to talk about health history at family gatherings. Family gatherings are a great place to speak with family members about their health and other closely-related family members. Collecting information from family medical records and death certificates is also helpful.
Why is it important to know my family health history?
Even if you strike gold with having good health, most people have at least one chronic disease present in their family health history. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, you may be more likely to develop that condition too.
How can I use family health history to improve my health?
While you can’t change your genes, you can change unhealthy habits. Stopping tobacco use, exercising regularly, and eating a rainbow of colorful foods can improve overall health. Scheduling regular screenings and tests can also help increase your chance of preventing or delaying diseases.
To discuss your family health history with a medical professional, find a Harbin Clinic provider nearest you by clicking here.
